Description: From the nation's heartland comes Mr. Smith Went to Washington, the fascinating memoirs of Neal Smith of Iowa, who served as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 36 years. Inspired to document his insights for his grandchildren, Smith invites us to read over his shoulder as he recounts how his childhood in the Great Depression and his World War II experiences led to a career in public service that spanned the terms of nine presidents - from Eisenhower to Clinton. Smith's length of service gives him a unique perspective on the presidents he served under, on encounters with major world leaders from Deng Xiaoping to Mikhail Gorbachev to Pope John Paul II, on major events such as the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, and even on numerous cabinet members and other high-level officials including General Colin Powell. Aided by more than 70 photographs, we join in the Smiths' adventures as they get to know first ladies, Supreme Court justices, and notable figures such as James Michener and Coretta Scott King. An early assignment to the House Appropriations Committee made Smith extremely influential. He was often consulted by presidents, department secretaries, and colleagues on agricultural and other issues. The long list of Smith's lasting accomplishments includes advancements in agricultural and educational policies; protections for the elderly and for pension recipients; multimillion-dollar savings resulting from fact-finding missions to foreign countries; court system reforms; small business programs; meat inspection and other food safety programs; flood protection and recreational opportunities in Iowa through the construction of Saylorville and Red Rock Dams;a wildlife refuge and prairie restoration project in Iowa; and many others.

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