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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,
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This week, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider legislation aimed at supporting our ally, Israel, and stewarding taxpayer dollars wisely in the ongoing appropriations process.
The House will consider multiple pieces of legislation in support of Israel, which would declare that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable, urge the European Union to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization, impose sanctions on foreign supporters of terrorist organizations like Hamas, condemn the support of terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, and bolster Israel’s defensive capabilities and stockpiles of munitions. America must continue to support Israel, condemn all attacks on Israel’s sovereignty, and hold the Biden Administration accountable for its continued deals with those who support Hamas and other terrorist groups.
The House will also likely consider:
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H.R.4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which would cut red tape on the American oil and gas industry, prioritize public safety, rein in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their regulations, and block out-of-control spending. The bill would also prohibit the implementation of President Biden’s 2023 Waters of the U.S. rule and fight the abuse of the Endangered Species Act regarding species like the lesser prairie-chicken.
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H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which would prioritize our nation’s transportation systems, safety programs, and housing assistance for vulnerable Americans while reining in wasteful spending.
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H.R. 4364, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, which would provide for the essential oversight responsibilities of Congress in a fiscally responsible manner.
We need to reduce and reprioritize government spending, secure the southern border, and end the weaponization of the federal government once and for all.
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It has been more than 20 days since Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory and began a murder and kidnapping spree, and it is not over. America must continue to support Israel. I helped introduce a resolution stating that America stands with Israel as it defends itself against the war launched by Hamas, which is funded by the terrorist group Hezbollah in Iran.
I have always supported and will continue to support our friend, Israel. I am praying for an end to the conflict, for all hostages to be returned home safely, and for a restoration of peace.
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ICYMI: Watch my remarks about the importance of America standing with Israel: | |
Supporting American Energy, Cutting Wasteful Spending | |
As I look at our nation’s budget, I make decisions based on reducing and reprioritizing government spending, securing our southern border, and ending the weaponization of the federal government. Last week, I voted yes on H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This legislation would advance pro-American energy policies, protect America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve, strengthen the supply chain, enhance our water supply and drought response, and fight against overreaching regulations like President Biden’s Waters of the U.S. rule. | |
Fighting Against High Fertilizer Prices | |
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American farmers have been laboring under skyrocketing fertilizer prices for more than three years now. Tariffs on phosphate imports led to a price increase of more than 220% from 2020 to 2022. American farmers are struggling through a historic drought to keep us all fed, and as they seek to meet their need for a reliable, diverse supply of fertilizer, the U.S. Department of Commerce should seek to lower tariffs on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer, not make them worse. I recently helped lead 35 of my colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Gina Raimondo of the Department of Commerce asking her to address this problem.
Under current tariffs, the average price of phosphate fertilizer in America is the highest in the world, and as farmers purchase this key input at elevated prices, they still sell their crops at global market prices at a competitive disadvantage to foreign producers. This situation is unsustainable, and I am urging the full and proper consideration of all the facts due to the extreme negative impact of fertilizer tariffs on American agriculture.
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Protecting Farmers from Drought | |
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I serve in Congress to advocate for American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. During times of unprecedented drought, we need to think creatively about adjusting risk management tools to serve the producers who are working tirelessly to keep us all fed, fueled, and clothed. As Congress works towards addressing the historic drought in Western Kansas with the upcoming Farm Bill, I’m looking to take steps in the right direction.
Last week, I introduced the Protecting Farmers from Drought Act, which extends federal protections for farmers in communities affected by drought by giving them additional time for water conditions to improve before they lose their crop insurance. Mother nature is a fickle business partner, huge swaths of Kansas farmland are still in drought conditions, and this legislation will help ensure that producers don’t lose their insurance, or their livelihoods, while they wait for more rainfall.
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Supporting Maternal and Newborn Health | |
Stillbirth affects 1 in 170 pregnancies, with more than 21,000 babies born still each year, or 57 babies dying every day. The SHINE for Autum Act would aim to prevent stillbirth through enhanced data collection, research, education, and awareness by creating the first comprehensive, federal-state partnership to reduce stillbirth rates in the United States. I voted yes to this bill when it passed the House in the 117th Congress, and I am proud to cosponsor it in the 118th Congress. | |
Pizza Hut
Last week, I met with Kansas members of the International Pizza Hut Franchise Holders Association. We discussed workforce issues, including the U.S. Department of Labor’s newly proposed overtime rule. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I am committed to eliminating burdensome regulations that prevent Kansans from growing and sustaining their businesses. I am grateful for the input and perspective from these Kansas business owners.
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Associated Equipment Manufacturers
Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) advocates on behalf of companies involved in the distribution, rental, and support of equipment used in construction, power generation, agriculture, and more. I caught up with them while they were in D.C., and we discussed the top issues facing these industries, like the need for skilled employees and fewer overreaching regulations. Thank you, AED, for meeting with me and my staff.
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Spring 2024 Internship Applications Now Open | |
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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.
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Manhattan Office
317 Houston Street
Suite A
Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone: (785) 370-7277
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Dodge City Office
100 Military Avenue
Suite 203
Dodge City, KS 37801
Phone: (620) 682-7340
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Washington, D.C. Office
344 Cannon HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2715
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If I can do anything to help you, please reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
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