BEATRICE - U.S. House Republican Adrian Smith lays blame for high inflation in the U.S. on the Biden Administration.
Despite rising inflation, the U.S. Commerce Department Wednesday reported a 3.8% jump in retail sales from December to January…saying the gain reflected more in purchases, not just higher prices paid.


Smith notes the rate of inflation is the highest in 40 years.  "If you look at early in the pandemic, when the GDP really tanked and unemployment went way up in that second quarter of 2020...when you look at the end of 2020 after there was some intervention, but on a temporary basis....if you look at the GDP at the end of 2020, it was about even to what it was before the pandemic. We should have left well-enough alone."


Smith said inflation is a direct result of Biden Administration policies to spend more. He said there’s the possibility that spending on infrastructure will strengthen the economy.


"But, there's all sorts of evidence that the administration wants to spend more money for the sake of spending more money. That is what leads to inflation, among other problems....and that's what we need to turn away from."


With evidence of the coronavirus easing and some large employers ending policies such as masking and bringing employees back to the traditional workplace… Smith said jurisdictions with more restrictions due to Covid aren’t showing better results than those where there have been fewer restrictions.


"Similar to other viruses that are around for a while, I'm not going to predict that we can just see the Covid go away forever...but I think it's wise that we live our lives, that we move forward. I think the vaccine has shown positive developments. I also think that it is unwise for the government to have such a heavy hand...whether its through masking or vaccine mandates....that it actually draws more of a divide in our country. We need to focus on things that bring our country together...and not things that divide our country like the current administration has been so adamant about."


On the inflation front, Americans aren’t alone in seeing higher prices. Inflation in the United Kingdom has risen at the fastest rate in 30 years. The primary culprit is a surge in utility bills because of increased demand for energy…during recovery from the pandemic.


Smith, a 3rd District U.S. House representative, is running for reelection this year. So far, no other candidates have entered the race.