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

In the Office

Opposing Second Bloated Spending Package

Kansans are tired of Washington recklessly spending their hard-earned tax dollars. Last week, I once again voted against minibus legislation which was more of the same last-minute scrambling to fund the government. That legislation ignored necessary spending cuts and will only further fuel the government spending crisis.

We must reduce and reprioritize federal spending through the normal budgetary process and pass 12 fiscally responsible appropriation bills. I have fought to do that and will keep working to get America back on track.

Click here to read more about my vote.

Holding USPS Accountable for Service

Kansans are frustrated with the U.S. Post Office Service (USPS). My office has heard of several instances of delayed mail and delayed return mail, including bills being delivered only days before their due dates, resulting in customers paying hefty late fees.

Hardworking Kansans shouldn't have to pay the price for the USPS’s recent inconsistent services. I am looking forward to making the USPS better and cosponsor H.R. 7631, the Pony Up Act, which requires the USPS to pay any late fees incurred on bills due to delayed delivery service.

Click here to read more about the legislation.

Reining in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

In my Commitment to the Big First, I promised Kansans that I would fight to rein in the White House's abuse of power. For too long, far-reaching federal agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have gone unchecked. Instead of receiving funding directly from Congress, as virtually every other federal agency does, the CFPB’s $630 million budget is instead funded by the Federal Reserve. This funding structure violates Congress’s power of the purse and severely limits Congress’s constitutional oversight responsibilities and ability to hold the agency accountable.

The Taking Account of Bureaucrats' Spending (TABS) Act would require the CFPB be funded through the traditional congressional appropriations process the same way every other agency is. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation and will continue holding federal agencies accountable to protect Americans’ liberties and tax dollars.

Click here to read more about the legislation.

Committee Work

The Danger China Poses to

American Food and Agriculture

In the Big First, we know that food security is national security. Last week, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to review China’s involvement in America’s food and agriculture chain and its negative impact on agricultural producers and rural communities. From foreign land ownership to intellectual property theft, any threat to America must be taken seriously.

Watch my full remarks below.

Examining the Transportation Challenges in Rural America

Rural communities across the country depend on a reliable infrastructure network for their livelihoods. Our nation’s roads connect these communities and allow our producers to transport goods. During last week’s House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit hearing, I was able to raise the topic of livestock hauler hours-of-service, which has been an ongoing concern for ranchers and farmers in Kansas. I also asked how Congress can ensure that rural infrastructure is prioritized.

Watch my full remarks below.

Questioning the U.S. Small Business Administrator

Today’s small businesses are facing excessive regulatory burdens, rising inflation, and increasing uncertainty. Ensuring that small business owners remain competitive in the domestic and international marketplace is a top priority for me. During last week's House Small Business Committee hearing, I asked Administrator Guzman how the U.S. Small Business Administration is working to support American small business owners both at home and in international markets.

Watch my full remarks below.

Kansans in the Office

Salina Supply Company, Inc.

Salina Supply Company is an independent wholesale distributor of residential and commercial plumbing supplies, heating and air conditioning equipment, and more. I had the pleasure of meeting with Mark Zimmerman, President of Salina Supply, while he was in Washington, D.C. We discussed America's disrupted supply chain and overly burdensome regulations that are hurting small businesses. I proudly cosponsor H.R. 277, the REINS Act, which would force the Executive Branch to secure Congress' approval before any new costly rules go into effect. This is one step in the right direction to show our support to America's small business owners.

Livestock Marketing Association

Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) is a national, member-led professional organization that represents 80% of the regular-selling livestock markets in America, and they understand the issues impacting the livestock industry. As the Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, I am fighting for legislation that strengthens American livestock markets and producers. Hearing the concerns that are at the top of the minds of Kansas livestock producers is vital to me, and I appreciate members of LMA for taking the time to share those concerns with me.

Kansas Association of Conservation Districts

I believe that Kansans know their land best. They don't need the federal government overstepping and trying to control how they take care of their land. I appreciated members of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts for sharing about their work to conserve soil, water, and related natural resources across all of Kansas' conservation districts.

Midwest Council on Agriculture

Midwest Council on Agriculture advocates for strong agriculture and economic policy and promotes the long-term sustainability of the agricultural industry. During our meeting, we discussed the importance of maintaining crop insurance and the need for a strong safety net. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, this is one of my top priorities as Congress prepares to reauthorize a five-year farm bill.

Fort Hays Honor Society

It was a pleasure meeting with members of the Fort Hays State University Honor Society. These six young leaders came to Washington, D.C. representing more than 100 students in their organization to discuss leadership and higher education with members of Congress. I am always inspired when Kansas student leaders come to Capitol Hill to share their vision for the future and learn more about our federal government. It is an honor to represent these students and Fort Hays State University in Congress.

2024 Congressional Art Competition

2023 Congressional Art Competition winner from the Big First District.

"Home" by Katherine Price, Lawrence High School, Lawrence, KS

My office is 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.