Missouri

State Senators:

Josh Hawley (R)

Term Start: January 3, 2019

Full Name: Joshua David Hawley
Date of Birth: December 31, 1979
Birthplace: Springdale, Arkansas, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Josh Hawley was born in Springdale, Arkansas, and raised in Lexington, Missouri. He graduated from Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Hawley attended Stanford University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 2002. He then earned a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 2006.

Personal Life: Josh Hawley is married to Erin Morrow Hawley, a law professor, and they have three children. The family resides in Ozark, Missouri. Hawley is known for his conservative values and his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents through his work in the Senate.

Early Career: After law school, Hawley clerked for Judge Michael W. McConnell of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit and later for Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court. He worked as an attorney at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and as a professor at the University of Missouri School of Law. Hawley gained national attention for his role in the Supreme Court case Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, which challenged the Affordable Care Act’s contraceptive mandate

Political Career:

Attorney General of Missouri: In 2016, Hawley was elected Attorney General of Missouri. During his tenure, he focused on issues such as human trafficking, government accountability, and protecting religious liberties. He also led several high-profile lawsuits, including cases against pharmaceutical companies for their role in the opioid crisis and against tech giants for antitrust violations.
U.S. Senate: In 2018, Hawley ran for the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill. He took office on January 3, 2019, becoming the youngest member of the Senate at the time. As a senator, Hawley has focused on issues such as technology regulation, foreign policy, and economic policy. He has been a vocal critic of Big Tech companies and has introduced legislation aimed at increasing accountability and protecting consumer privacy.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Committee on the Judiciary

Legislative Achievements:

Technology and Antitrust: Strong advocate for regulating big tech companies. Introduced legislation to increase scrutiny of tech giants and reduce their market power.
Defense and National Security: Advocates for robust national security policies, including increased defense spending and stronger cybersecurity measures.
Healthcare: Opposes the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and supports market-based healthcare reforms. Advocates for measures to lower prescription drug prices and increase healthcare competition.
Trade and Economy: Supports policies aimed at boosting American manufacturing and protecting jobs from overseas competition. Advocates for fair trade practices and economic policies that prioritize American workers.

Senator Hawley is known for his conservative stance on issues such as technology regulation, national security, healthcare reform, and economic policies that prioritize American workers. His background in law and academia informs his legislative approach, emphasizing constitutional principles and religious liberty.

Committees

Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee plays a critical role in shaping policies related to national security, ensuring effective and efficient government operations, and maintaining oversight of federal agencies and programs.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee plays a crucial role in advocating for the needs of small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an environment conducive to small business success and economic growth.

Judiciary: Committee plays a role in shaping the nation’s legal framework and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Its work impacts a wide range of issues, from the confirmation of judges to the protection of civil liberties and the enforcement of federal laws.

Voting patterns

Senator Hawley has a voting record that emphasizes his conservative stance on various issues, particularly national security, healthcare, and economic policies.

Key Voting Patterns:

National Security and Defense: Hawley has consistently supported measures to bolster national security and defense. He voted for the “Fire Grants and Safety Act” (S.870) to authorize appropriations for the United States Fire Administration and firefighter assistance grant programs. However, he has voted against other defense-related bills such as the “Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act” (H.R.7888).
Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: Hawley has opposed expanding reproductive rights and healthcare services. He voted against the “Right to IVF Act” (S.4445) and the “Right to Contraception Act” (S.4381), which aimed to ensure nationwide access to these healthcare services.
Economic and Fiscal Policies: Hawley supports reducing regulatory burdens on businesses and promoting economic growth. He has voted for resolutions that disapprove of certain rules from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of the Treasury, reflecting his preference for less federal oversight of the financial sector.
Environmental Issues: Hawley has a low score from environmental groups due to his opposition to stringent environmental regulations. He voted in favor of bills that disapprove of certain EPA rules, such as blocking energy conservation standards for consumer furnaces.
Labor and Employment: Hawley has supported legislation limiting the power of labor unions and reducing regulatory burdens on employers. He voted for H.J.Res.98, disapproving a rule by the National Labor Relations Board regarding joint employer status.
Public Health and Safety: Hawley has also focused on public health infrastructure and safety. He supported the “Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act” (H.R.3935) to promote aviation industry growth and safety standards.

Senator Hawley’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues prioritizes economic growth and energy independence.

Full Name: Eric Stephen Schmitt
Date of Birth: June 20, 1975
Birthplace: Bridgeton, Missouri, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Eric Schmitt was born and raised in Bridgeton, Missouri. He attended De Smet Jesuit High School in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Schmitt went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, cum laude, from Truman State University in 1997 and received his Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law in 2000.

Personal Life: Eric Schmitt is married to Jaime Schmitt, and they have three children. The family resides in Glendale, Missouri. Schmitt is known for his dedication to public service and his efforts to represent the interests of Missourians through his work in various public offices.

Early Career: After law school, Schmitt worked as a lawyer in private practice, specializing in business litigation and real estate law. He was also involved in various community organizations and served on the boards of several nonprofits, demonstrating his commitment to public service from an early stage in his career. He also served as an alderman for Glendale, Missouri, from 2005 to 2008.

Eric Schmitt (R)

Term Start: January 3, 2023

Political Career:

Missouri State Senate: In 2008, Schmitt was elected to the Missouri State Senate, representing the 15th district. During his tenure, he sponsored significant legislation, including tax cuts and measures to limit the revenue local governments could collect from fines. He served in the state senate until 2017, during which time he held leadership positions, including Majority Caucus Chair and Chairman of the Jobs, Economic Development, and Local Government Committee.
Missouri State Treasurer: Elected in 2016, served from 2017 to 2019. He launched the MO ABLE program and created the Show-Me Checkbook website to enhance transparency in state spending and help individuals with disabilities save for their future without losing access to federal benefits.
Missouri Attorney General: Appointed in 2019 to replace Josh Hawley, who had been elected to the U.S. Senate. Re-elected in 2020, served until 2023. Schmitt focused on combating human trafficking, protecting consumers, and upholding the rule of law. He gained national attention for his involvement in filing numerous lawsuits against the Biden administration and his efforts to challenge federal regulations he viewed as overreaching.
U.S. Senate: In 2022, Schmitt ran for and was elected to the U.S. Senate, succeeding retiring Senator Roy Blunt. As a senator, Schmitt has focused on dismantling the alliance between the federal government and big tech, halting China’s global ambitions, and addressing economic policies he views as harmful from the Biden administration.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Armed Services
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Joint Economic Committee

Legislative Achievements:

Defense and National Security: Advocates for increased defense spending and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Strongly opposes China’s influence and has introduced legislation to increase tariffs on Chinese imports.
Healthcare: Opposes the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and supports market-based healthcare reforms. Focuses on reducing prescription drug prices and increasing competition in the healthcare market.
Economic Policy: Supports tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate economic growth. Advocates for policies that favor American workers and manufacturing.
Environmental Policy: Prioritizes economic growth and energy independence over stringent environmental regulations. Opposed measures to limit carbon emissions and regulate the fossil fuel industry.

Senator Schmitt is known for his conservative stance on economic, healthcare, defense, and environmental policies. His background in law and state government informs his legislative approach, focusing on fiscal responsibility, market-based solutions, and strong national defense. Schmitt’s advocacy for individuals with disabilities and his commitment to transparency and accountability are key aspects of his political career.

Committees

Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.

Joint Economic Committee: Bipartisan committee composed of members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This committees’ role is to inform Congress about the state of the economy and provide policy recommendations to address economic challenges and opportunities. Its work helps shape economic policy and legislation in the United States.

Voting patterns

Senator Schmitt has a voting record that reflects his conservative stance on various issues.

Key Voting Patterns:

National Security and Defense: Schmitt has been a strong advocate for national security. He voted for the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024” (H.R. 2670), supporting robust funding and resources for the military and intelligence agencies.
Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: Schmitt has opposed expanding reproductive rights. He voted against the “Right to IVF Act” (S.4445) and the “Right to Contraception Act” (S.4381), reflecting his conservative views on these healthcare services.
Economic and Fiscal Policies: Schmitt supports reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. He voted for resolutions disapproving certain rules from the Securities and Exchange Commission (H.J.Res. 109) and the Department of the Treasury (S.J.Res. 57), indicating his preference for less federal oversight of the financial sector.
Environmental Issues: Schmitt has a low score from environmental groups, such as the League of Conservation Voters, due to his opposition to stringent environmental regulations. He voted for bills that disapprove of certain EPA rules, such as blocking energy conservation standards for consumer furnaces.
Labor and Employment: Schmitt has supported legislation limiting the power of labor unions and reducing regulatory burdens on employers. He voted for H.J.Res. 98, disapproving a rule by the National Labor Relations Board regarding joint employer status.

Senator Eric Schmitt’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues prioritizes economic growth and energy independence.