Message from Rep. Tracey Mann. Having Trouble Viewing? Click Here.

Fellow Kansan,

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I’m excited to update you on my work in Washington, D.C. and the First District of Kansas.

It is an honor to represent Kansans in the Big First District in the 118th Congress. I do not serve in Congress to be a caretaker in the slow demise of America – I serve to fight and work to make it stronger, and I believe our brightest days are yet to come.

Yours in service,

Mann.House.Gov

The Week Ahead

This week, the House of Representatives is back in session and scheduled to vote on the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, which will reauthorize Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the next five years. I was honored to bring the perspectives and priorities of Kansans to the table for this historic piece of legislation and help pass it out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in June. This legislation will help us improve critical infrastructure for airports of all sizes, streamline the FAA bureaucracy, strengthen the nation’s general aviation sector, encourage the rapid deployment of safe technological innovations, and address workforce challenges throughout the aviation system.

Other legislation to be considered on the House Floor this week:

Today, the House will vote on H. Con. Res 57, Expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel, which I proudly cosponsor. With anti-Semitic incidents being at an all-time high, it is now more important than ever for Congress to denounce all forms of anti-Semitism. On Wednesday, Congress will hold a joint session to hear an address from Israel's President Isaac Herzog. America proudly stands with Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. Our countries maintain a strong alliance and friendship, and especially in these times of rising attacks on Israel, we must work together to strengthen our mutually beneficial relationship.

Committee Work This Week

The House Agriculture Committee will hold multiple meetings and roundtable discussions to review food aid, livestock policy, President Biden's unconstitutional Waters of the U.S. rule, and more. The House Small Business Committee will markup several pieces of legislation pertaining to COVID-19 oversight.

Meetings in the Office:

Kansas Grain and Feed Association
Kansas Agribusiness Retailers
Kansas Corn Growers Association
Kansas Sorghum Producers
North American Millers' Association

In the Office

Supporting U.S. Service Members, Countering China, Holding President Biden Accountable in NDAA

Last week, I voted to support America’s defense and to deliver on my commitment to safeguard our nation. The National Defense Authorization Act sends a clear message:

President Biden’s Department of Defense cannot use taxpayer dollars to fund abortions or abortion services.
We will not bow to the Chinese Communist Party.
The more than 8,000 service members who were discharged for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine deserve a path back to military service.

I also voted for all amendments which would have restricted unconditional spending to Ukraine and increased oversight of dollars already spent there. I’m proud to work to bolster our country's military readiness and strengthen our support of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom.

Click Here to Read My Full Statement.

Demanding Answers About Misuse of $200 Billion of COVID Relief at Small Business Administration

Last Thursday, I joined my colleagues on the House Small Business Committee to hear testimony from Small Business Association Inspector General Hannibal "Mike" Ware, who in a recent watchdog report revealed that $200 billion in COVID relief funds were fraudulently dispersed.

President Biden’s U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) cannot account for $200 billion worth of COVID-19 relief dollars. The SBA also failed to incorporate appropriate guardrails or conduct rigorous oversight to prevent fraudsters from accessing billions of dollars. Small businesses are the backbone of our country and economy, and President Biden’s SBA could learn a lesson from them on accounting and business.

Click Here to Read My Full Statement.

Developing Export Infrastructure and Opening New Markets for Agriculture

America excels in exporting value-added agricultural products like beef, pork, chicken, and turkey, and grain to the world. The lack of cold storage and distribution, however, is a significant barrier to expanding and diversifying American markets. To remain the world leader in market access, we must make strong investments in cold chain technology.

I am proud to introduce the FRIDGE Act alongside Representatives Feenstra, Costa, and Carbajal as we ensure American producers remain competitive in the international marketplace.

Click Here to Read More About the Legislation.

Farm Bill Impact Series #22: Agricultural Research

Agricultural research isn’t just about new laboratories and equipment. It's about a vision for the world where America is the undisputed leader in food science technology. I’m proud to represent the Big First District where groundbreaking agricultural research is happening at land-grant universities Kansas State University and Haskell Indian Nations University, and at facilities across the state.

When we invest in agricultural research, we’re investing in our nation’s food security, and ultimately our national security. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this Farm Bill prioritizes research and innovation.

Watch My Full Remarks on the House Floor Below.

In the News

It was great visiting with the National Association of Wheat Growers last week. We discussed my new legislation, the American Farmers Feed the World Act, and how it benefits wheat growers in Kansas and across the country.

Listen to the Full Interview Below.

Kansans in the Office

Kansas Soybean Association

Kansas soybean producers understand that a strong farm safety net supports our nation’s food security. It was a pleasure meeting with them to discuss strong crop insurance, robust funding for trade programs (which my legislation, the Agricultural Export Promotion Act aims to secure), biofuels, and ways we can ensure a strong and productive future for Kansas soybean producers.

Northwest Kansas Technical College

Technical colleges across Kansas are training their students for gainful employment in technical and professional careers. Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland offers programs ranging from carpentry to cosmetology and from respiratory care to welding. I met with President Ben Schears and Vice President of Operations Sherri Knitig to discuss their vision for Northwest Kansas Technical College, their efforts to support students, and the importance of career and technical education and training. Thank you, Ben and Sherri, for meeting with me.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Kansas has worked for more than 80 years to keep Kansans healthy and safe. As the state’s largest insurer, BCBS of Kansas has taken steps to understand and deliver on the health needs in our state. Thank you, Sunee Mickle with BCBS of Kansas for meeting with me and for the work you do to improve access to and quality of care for Kansans.

Mann.House.Gov

Happening this Week

Celebrating Senator Bob Dole's 100th Birthday

On July 22, 1923, Robert Joseph Dole was born in Russell, Kansas. As we celebrate what would have been Senator Dole's 100th birthday, I am taking a moment to remember his courageous leadership and the legacy he left behind for both Kansans and all Americans. Senator Dole embodied the Kansas fighting spirit throughout his life. He refused to take "no" for an answer when he was told that he'd never recover from being hit in the back of the head by a German shell while serving in World War II. During his tenure as the U.S. Representative for the Big First District and later as U.S. Senator for Kansas, he kept up the fight to protect our freedoms. His legacy continues to inspire new generations, and his patriotic spirit serves as a benchmark for those who believes that our brightest days are yet to come. Happy birthday, Senator Dole.

Click Here to Read About the Herington, KS Post Office Renaming to Honor Sen. Dole.

Click Here to Watch My Remarks Honoring Sen. Dole's Life.

Celebrating the National Day of the Cowboy

July 22 is National Day of the Cowboy. The American cowboy is the original pioneer who ventured west in search of new opportunities with nothing more than a horse, dog, rope, and prayers. Kansas has been the first frontier for cowboys since the 1860s, when cattle were driven from Texas to places like Abilene and Dodge City to be sold near the closest railroads. Cowboys are resourceful multitaskers who do things the right way, which is often the hard way. The reward for all their hard work isn’t public accolades, but simply providing for their families, caring for their stock, and keeping America fed. Their passion, dedication, and heritage deserve our recognition and respect. I am committed to advocating for all individuals in agriculture who are working tirelessly to feed, fuel, and clothe us all.