NAME: Rep. Adrian Smith
OCCUPATION: Member of Congress
HOMETOWN: Gering, Nebraska
Congressman Smith currently sits on the House Agriculture Committee, House Natural Resources Committee, and the House Science and Technology Committee, where he serves as the top Republican on the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation.
Through these committees – and his work with Members of Congress from across the political spectrum – Congressman Smith has tackled issues ranging from biofuels and other forms of domestic energy to transportation research and development to fashioning legislation strengthening rural America.
Congressman Smith, in his role as Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, recently offered his thoughts on cyber-security to the Washington Times, cautioning that “The return on our government’s investment in research and development has been considerable, but never before has technological research and development been so important to our way of life.”
HF: What does “Conservatism” mean to you?
AS: It means thinking about the future in applying the principals established by our country’s founders. We have more than 200 years of evidence that conservatism works, and we need to apply it moving forward in all areas. I don’t need to remind readers the key to a successful civilization is economic freedom. The challenge now is to live up to those ideals.
What is at the top of your ‘I tunes’ play list right now?
Michael W. Smith and Vota
Name three interesting guests (living) you would like to host for dinner.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Justices Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia
Who was your influence in conservatism?
Ronald Reagan (for obvious reasons) and a taxpayer from Denmark whom I met years ago who showed me just how out of control government can get.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Having the freedom to pursue opportunities relating to my faith while upholding the ideals of our Founding Fathers.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Eating too much after 10:00 p.m.
What is the first website you visit every morning? (Heritage.org excluded!)
www.kneb.com
What is the last book you read, and do you recommend it?
Currently reading several excellent books, but one which springs to mind is When Character was King, by Peggy Noonan. Yes, I would recommend it.
What do you worry about?
The value of the dollar, the future of family farming and the “brain drain” in rural America.
Name your hidden talent.
Dabbling in music now and then.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Switching from Democrat to Republican in the 4th grade.
