Message from Rep. Tracey Mann. Having Trouble Viewing? Click Here. Fellow Kansan, Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I’m pleased 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 Republican Conference is continuing to work towards finding a conservative champion for the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives. We need to fill this vacancy as soon as possible to get back to work on the issues that matter most to Americans. We need to: Reduce and reprioritize government spending: The Biden Administration and Washington Democrats’ spending addiction has created massive inflation and caused our national debt to climb to $33 trillion. They prioritize spending that is out of touch with what Americans want, and they are killing the economy in the process. Secure our southern border: House Republicans have passed the strongest border security legislation in history, and we need to work together to see it to the finish line at President Biden’s desk. Fentanyl trafficking, human misery, and criminal activity are rampant at the border, and we need to stop the madness. End the weaponization of the federal government: President Biden's Department of Justice refuses to apply justice equally, and big government overreach is hurting small business owners and agricultural producers across the country. We need to get back to work. Meetings in the Office Associated Equipment Distributors Pizza Hut, Kansas     In the Office Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act It was an honor to speak at yesterday's reception for the 25th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act. Since its establishment, the International Religious Freedom Act has strengthened America’s ability to stand up for what’s right, condemn evil, end religious persecution, and protect innocent lives. Millions of people around the world suffer from religious persecution. Religious freedom is a foundational value in America, and I pray that America will continue to shine as a beacon for freedom to the world as we fight religious persecution in all its forms. Helping Ensure Access to Local Telehealth Rural Kansans deserve access to quality health care. Telehealth services are a commonsense solution to ensure that rural Americans across the Big First and country have convenient access to health care. I cosponsor H.R. 5611, the Helping Ensure Access to Local Telehealth (HEALTH) Act, which would codify Medicare reimbursement for federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics (RHCs) who provide telehealth services. This reimbursement authority, initially granted during the COVID-19 pandemic, has greatly expanded access to telehealth in rural communities and is set to expire at the end of 2024. Under this legislation, Medicare would reimburse FQHCs and RHCs for telehealth services at the same rate as if an individual received services at the physical brick-and-mortar location. It would also permit FQHCs and RHCs to continue providing audio-only telehealth visits for individuals who do not have access to the internet. Click here to read more about the legislation. Protecting Rural Seniors' Access to Care On September 1, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule, at the direction of the White House, establishing minimum staffing requirements and standards for nursing homes. Finalizing this proposal would threaten a widespread closure of nursing homes across the country, which should never be forced to operate under a one-size-fits-all regulatory requirement from the federal government. I cosponsor H.R. 5796 the Protecting Rural Seniors Access to Care Act, which would prohibit CMS’ rule from being finalized. The long-term care sector is already facing significant workforce challenges, and rural communities need nursing homes to stay open while they work to recruit and retain qualified nursing professionals. I will always step in when big government overreach threatens to hurt Kansans. Click here to read more about the legislation. Standing for the Right to Life, Women's Health and Family In October 2020, the United States joined more than 30 other countries in signing the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women’s Health and Strengthening the Family. This declaration reaffirms the sovereign right of nations to adopt policies pursuant to their own values that promote women’s health and opportunity, the right to life, and the role of the family. Shortly after taking office, however, President Biden removed America as a signatory to this declaration. To remove America is inexcusable, which is why I cosponsor a resolution that expresses support for the Geneva Consensus Declaration and its principles, and urge President Biden to re-add the United States as a signatory to the Geneva Consensus Declaration. America should always stand for the right to life. Spring 2024 Internship Applications Now Open I'm excited to announce that applications to intern in my office during the spring of 2024 are now open. Interns are a vital part of a congressional office and a unique opportunity for students to learn firsthand about our federal government. If you, or a student you know, are interested in interning in my Washington, D.C., Manhattan, or Dodge City offices, please visit my website for more information or contact my D.C. office at (202) 225-2715.  The deadline to submit all required application materials is Friday, November 17, 2023, at 5:00PM ET. Click here to learn more and to apply. CONSTITUENT SERVICES     Manhattan Office 317 Houston Street Suite A Manhattan, KS 66502 Phone: (785) 370-7277 Dodge City Office 100 Military Avenue Suite 203 Dodge City, KS 37801 Phone: (620) 682-7340 Washington, D.C. Office 344 Cannon HOB Washington, D.C. 20515  Phone: (202) 225-2715 If I can do anything to help you, please reach out to my office. Sincerely,   Rep. 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