Rep. Smucker Builds on Bipartisan Record, Joins House Problem Solvers Caucus

Lancaster, Pa. – Building upon his longstanding record of working across the aisle to get things done, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) is adding his conservative voice to the Problem Solvers Caucus to work in a bipartisan manner to help find solutions to our nation's most pressing issues.

The Problem Solvers Caucus – co-chaired by Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer(D-N.J.) – is committed to "bringing Members together across party lines and finding areas of agreement on key issues like lowering taxes and improving infrastructure to help the American people."

"When I took office in January, I said that I wanted to work to ensure the American Dream stays alive – and thrives – so that everyone has the opportunity to make their lives better. Joining the Problem Solvers Caucus is one way I can help accomplish that goal," said Rep. Smucker. "I had a record in the Pennsylvania State Senate of working across the aisle to get things done without surrendering my conservative principles, and I am continuing that effort in Congress.

"Our country must confront a crippling national debt, preserve and protect Social Security and Medicare for future generations, and lift itself out of our anemic economic recovery. We need to get our fiscal house in order and create jobs. I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with this bipartisan group of lawmakers to focus on navigating – not obstructing – our path forward."

"As a governing action arm in Congress, we collectively reject the damaging effects that putting ‘party before people' would have on our country for decades to come," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Tom Reed. "Lloyd Smucker is an example of such a leader and we are happy to have him join us."

"I'm glad to welcome Rep. Lloyd Smucker to the Problem Solvers Caucus," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer. "Our growing group of Republicans and Democrats is committed to working together across party lines to get things done for the American people."

Background

Since taking office, Rep. Smucker has cosponsored 64 bills. 54 of those bills are bipartisan (84%). Rep. Smucker also signed a "Commitment to Civility," a pledge signed by a bipartisan group of 46 freshman House members that outlines their efforts to encourage productive dialogue, build consensus, and work to restore the public's trust. In a speech on the House floor, Rep. Smucker said:

"We here in Congress may disagree on the issues. We may disagree on solutions. But that's good. That's good because the purpose of this chamber is to be a deliberative body. And it's good because collectively we represent a wide range of issues across the political spectrum. We are supposed to – and in fact are even expected to – disagree. But we must always do so in a civil and respectful manner."

Additionally, The Washington Post recently editorialized on the Problem Solvers Caucus, saying:

"No one would argue that this is going to end polarization in the United States. It remains to be seen what the 40 can agree on among themselves, let alone whether they can drag the rest of the House along with them. But at a time when party members are tempted to view the other side as enemies rather than well-intentioned opponents, their commitment to governing should be applauded.