JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Three U.S. Representatives from Missouri ranked in the top 20 for most effective legislators, according to a policy think tank that looks at how individual lawmakers are effective at their jobs.

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves, R-Tarkio, came in at number one overall out of 435 members of the U.S. House. The report points to his work in transportation as a key component to the top spot. Graves is currently the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Also making headway for his own committee chairmanship if Rep. Jason Smith, a Republican who represents much of southeastern Missouri.

Smith, the Chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, ranked 10th overall for effectiveness.

“I have always strived to get things done for Missouri in Congress. You can accomplish a lot by working hard to push legislation forward. That’s why it is an absolute honor to be recognized as the most effective lawmaker of the 118th Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking,” Graves said. “It’s an honor to work for the people of North Missouri and I look forward to getting more accomplished this year!

Congresswoman Ann Wagner, a Republican from western St. Louis County, came in at the 18th spot.

Wagner, a former U.S. Ambassador, ranked high in foreign affairs, financial services as well as “law, family and crime.”

The report notes all three Missouri Reps. listed in the top 20 have had at least two bills become full-fledged laws, with Smith having three.

A partnership with the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt, the Center for Effective Lawmaking’s report on the new 118th Congress says that “ effective lawmaking continued, despite divided government and internal struggles within closely divided chambers.”

It adds, “ The pattern of behind-the-scenes lawmaking continued, with bill language modified and attached to must-pass legislation, such as omnibus appropriations packages and the National Defense Authorization Acts.”

According to their website, the Center for Effective Lawmaking “seeks to advance the generation, communication, and use of new knowledge about the effectiveness of individual lawmakers and U.S. legislative institutions.”