Smith, Adrian

Adrian Smith is a Republican representative from Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District who has served in Congress since 2007. As chair of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, Smith leads the panel responsible for shaping America's trade agreements and policies. The Ways and Means Committee is one of Congress's most powerful committees, controlling legislation on taxes, tariffs, and international trade—issues that affect nearly every American's pocketbook. Smith's leadership on this subcommittee gives him significant influence over trade negotiations and market access for U.S. goods abroad.

Smith brings substantial expertise to his trade role. Before entering Congress, he served eight years in the Nebraska State Legislature representing District 48, and earlier worked as an educator and real estate agent. His background reflects his early understanding of how government regulations affect small business—a lesson he learned as a child running a snow cone stand. Since joining the Ways and Means Committee in 2010, Smith has focused extensively on trade policy and tax matters affecting Nebraska's agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

As Trade Subcommittee chair, Smith has advanced significant legislation and shaped trade priorities. He has championed the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Reform Act, which expands trade benefits while countering China's influence in developing markets. He has also led efforts to support the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and worked to expand market access for Nebraska farmers and ranchers in Asia, South America, and Europe. Additionally, Smith serves on the Health Subcommittee, where he has focused on lowering drug costs and expanding telehealth access to rural areas.

Smith is recognized as a fiscal conservative who has consistently opposed tax increases and government bailouts. He was instrumental in crafting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and has championed policies supporting domestic energy production and border security. He chairs the Congressional Biofuels Caucus and the Modern Agriculture Caucus, giving Nebraska agriculture a prominent voice in Washington. Smith has been the dean of Nebraska's congressional delegation since 2022 and represents one of the nation's most Republican districts, winning reelection repeatedly with substantial margins.