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 will vote on the END FENTANYL Act, which will update tools and resources to stop the deadly fentanyl that is flooding across our southern border. When President Biden visited the southern border last week for a photo-op, you would think after seeing the crisis he's created, he would finally address the border crisis. However, he still refuses to acknowledge that his failed open-border policies are directly responsible for this self-inflicted disaster. On Thursday, President Biden will deliver his State of the Union address. It is his chance to stand before Congress and the American people to provide an update on his policy agenda. He should spend time addressing how he will work with House Republicans to fix the southern border, get the national debt under control, and end the weaponization of the federal government once and for all. He should discuss how he will work with House Republicans to enact a strong farm bill, support American energy independence, and defend basic rights like the right to life and the Second Amendment. When the President joins us this week, he has the opportunity to share with Kansans and Americans how he plans to tackle these challenges head-on. I remain committed to balancing the budget, conducting rigorous oversight, standing up for the right to life, defending the Second Amendment, securing the southern border, reining in wasteful government spending, unleashing energy dominance, and passing legislation that fixes problems - just as I have outlined in my Commitment to the Big First. Meetings in the Office National Barley Improvement Association Kansas Credit Union Disabled American Veterans Shippers Coalition Kansas Association of Broadcasters     In the Office Last week, I voted against a continuing resolution for the fourth time in less than a year. H.R. 7463, the Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act of 2024 is just another temporary bandaid, that extends government funding levels from the $1.7 trillion spending that was passed during a Democrat-controlled Congress. Voting on another short-term continuing resolution is no way to fund a government and further kicks the can down the road. At each of my 30 town halls this year, Kansans told me how concerned they are with the federal government’s out-of-control spending and the self-inflicted disaster at our southern border. I am standing firm in my commitment to the Big First by:  Fighting to eliminate wasteful government spending and continuing to vote no on short-term spending bills. Pushing for a balanced budget that prioritizes the real needs in America, not a liberal agenda. Congress must stop wasting taxpayer dollars, return to regular order, and pass 12 appropriations bills that prioritize the real needs of America. Click here to read my full statement. Watch my Mann Minute below to hear more. Urging Biden's EPA to withdraw Burdensome Proposed Rule on Meat and Poultry Facilities On December 15, the Biden Administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule to revise wastewater discharge standards for meat and poultry processing and rendering facilities. Given the technical complexity and high costs of wastewater treatment alterations, coupled with the massive expansion of the number of regulated facilities, a mere 60-day comment period demonstrates EPA is not interested in seeking meaningful input from the regulated community. It is irresponsible for the Biden Administration to propose burdensome federal regulations like this, which diminish processing options for producers, eliminate rural jobs, and reduce product availability for consumers. This costly and technically complex proposed rule would burden hundreds of meat, poultry, and rendering facilities with unnecessary red tape. Yesterday, I led my colleagues on a letter to President Biden's EPA urging them to withdraw the proposed rule which would negatively impact meat and poultry facilities and in turn our food supply chain. Click here to view the full text of the letter. Defending the Right to Life Every life is valuable. As the Representative for the Big First District, I'm committed to fighting for the right to life. The Biden Administration has continually abused its power, forcing states to provide abortions and deregulating chemical abortion pills that endanger the health and safety of women and girls. This month, the U.S. Supreme Court will examine the case of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, which would review the FDA's removal of safety standards on chemical abortion drugs. In April, the U.S. Supreme Court will also examine the case of the State of Idaho v. United States of America, which would review the Biden Administration's manipulation of federal law to override Idaho's life-affirming law and force doctors to perform abortions. I joined several of my colleagues in signing amicus briefs to be sent to the Supreme Court concerning these cases. We cannot sit idly by while the Biden Administration tries to override states’ rights and puts women and unborn children at risk. Click here to read the amicus brief for U.S. FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. Click here to read the amicus brief for State of Idaho v. United States of America.     Kansans in the Office Kansas 911 Coordinating Council 911 services are critical for the public safety of our communities. Last week, I met with members of the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council to discuss enhancements they are making to the national 911 system to better serve Kansans and our first responders. I appreciate their mission to serve Kansas public safety and utilize new technology for emergency services that will help save countless lives. Kansas Civil Air Patrol It was a pleasure meeting with members of the Kansas Air Patrol last week. The Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) provides essential search and rescue operations in our District with nearly 400 cadets and adult members and four locations in the Big First alone. They shared about CAP emergency services missions including search and rescue, disaster relief during wildfire season, and aerospace education for both CAP cadets and the general public. I’m grateful for their leadership and dedication to serving our state.     2024 Congressional Art Competition 2023 Congressional Art Competition winner from the Big First District. "Home" by Katherin Price, Lawrence High School, Lawrence, KS My office is now accepting submissions for this year's Congressional Art Competition. Each spring, the U.S. House of Representatives hosts a nationwide high school arts competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and the Big First District. This year, my office's theme is - Kansas, There's No Place Like Home. The contest is open to all high school students in the Big First District. The winning artwork for our district will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. Students may submit one piece of art. All artwork must be delivered to my Manhattan or Dodge City office, or received by one of my staff members by April 17, 2024. Details on how to enter and artwork guidelines can be found on my website. Please contact my office at (785) 370-7277 with any questions about the contest. Click here for more information about the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. 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. Mann | 344 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]