Meet Jo Ann

Since 1996, effective leadership has been the hallmark of Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson’s service representing Missouri 's Eighth District. At every opportunity Jo Ann has fought for policies and projects to enhance our rural way of life - including better access to prescription drugs for our seniors and more funding for agriculture research and transportation priorities. At the same time, Jo Ann has promoted legislative initiatives to bring Southern Missouri commonsense to Washington, DC.

In the House of Representatives, Jo Ann serves on the Appropriations Committee.  She is the Republican Ranking Member on the Financial Services subcommittee, and she also brings her experience to bear on farm, ranch and dairy issues as a member of the Agriculture Subcommittee.  Jo Ann’s position on these subcommittees enables her to represent the interests and best values of our district - our work ethic and love for the land, our patriotism and the strong defense of our nation, as well as our pride in protecting our rural way of life. Accordingly, Jo Ann is a strong voice among her colleagues in Congress for pro-life issues, flood control, hunger relief, and fiscal responsibility.

 Jo Ann’s service to our district extends beyond the duties of her office. Jo Ann currently serves as chair of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly's Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security, a legislative assembly of NATO member nations which deals with defense issues and foreign affairs.  Jo Ann also serves as co-chair of the Board of Directors for the Congressional Hunger Center. She is a founding member of the bipartisan Congressional Retreat, an Honorary and Life Trustee of Westminster College in Fulton, MO, and in 2005 Jo Ann was the first woman to chair the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC.

 As a wife, mother, and grandmother, family is the foremost priority in Jo Ann’s life. Jo Ann has two daughters, five stepdaughters, one stepson, and three beautiful grandchildren.