Effective leadership has been the hallmark of Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson’s twelve years 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 roads. At the same time, Jo Ann has promoted legislative initiatives to improve our federal government and improving the way it serves the people.

In the House of Representatives, Jo Ann sits on the Appropriations Committee and three of its subcommittees: Agriculture, Interior, and Energy and Water Development. 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 vice-president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, a legislative assembly of NATO member nations which deals with defense issues and foreign affairs.  Jo Ann also serves as vice-chair of the NATO Parilamentary Assembly's subcommittee on Democratic Goverance and as co-chair of the Board of Directors for the Congressional Hunger Center. Jo Ann 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.

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.