Fellow Kansan,
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I am back in Kansas, and I am looking forward to spending time with you. Follow me on social media to see more of my work across the Big First this week.
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. That's what I am doing while believing our brightest days are yet to come.
Yours in service,
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Click below to follow me on social media. | |
Fighting for Certainty for the Agricultural Community | |
The financial conditions of the farm economy are concerning and worsening. I fought for certainty for our agricultural community in a House Agriculture Committee hearing on the financial conditions in farm country last week.
When Chairman Thompson and I hosted a Farm Bill listening session in Kansas last year, we heard from Kansans about the need to pass a Farm Bill that gives them certainty as they work day-in and day-out to feed, clothe, and fuel the world. We need a Farm Bill that addresses record-high inflation, risky market volatility, and extreme conditions that we are seeing on farms and ranches in Kansas and in every corner of America. We need a Farm Bill that prioritizes farm country and gets input prices back under control. We need a Farm Bill that’s long enough to provide certainty and short enough to reflect market demands. We need it now.
The House Agriculture Committee has delivered by advancing the Farm Bill out of committee. I look forward to voting for the Farm Bill again when it reaches the House Floor and am urging the U.S. Senate to take swift action to support American farmers and ranchers.
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Submit Comments for Proposed USDA Salmonella Rule |
This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a proposed rule "to reduce Salmonella infections linked to poultry products." While I support efforts to reduce foodborne illnesses, I am concerned that this rule is not backed by science, lacks a shown impact on consumer public health, and disregards producers of all sizes. In March, when I first heard about USDA’s salmonella framework and the possibility for a subsequent rule, I urged USDA to consider its impact on both consumers and the regulated community when working on any proposed rule regarding salmonella and to focus on mitigating real risks associated with foodborne illnesses.
USDA just announced a 60-day public comment period for this shortsighted, proposed rule. I strongly encourage you to submit a comment.
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In Case You Missed It: Kansas Ag Hero of the Month — Lance Rezac | |
Each month, I highlight the life and work of Kansas ag heroes – the people who make our state the pilot light of America and who inspire me to continue fighting for Kansas farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. I was honored to recognize Lance Rezac as this month's Ag Hero of the Month. You can read more about Lance's story by clicking the link below. If you know someone who is a Kansas Ag Hero, you can also click the link below to let me know. | |
Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association
Last week, I met with members of Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association during their inaugural Kansas Sorghum Washington, D.C. fly-in. During our meeting, we discussed the need for Congress to pass a five-year farm bill that provides certainty for our agricultural producers by strengthening crop insurance, supporting research, and prioritizing in-kind food aid. Agriculture is the heartbeat of America, and the Big First, and I appreciate groups like Kansas Sorghum for their role in preserving American agriculture. Thank you for meeting with me last week.
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Renewable Fuels Association
The Renewable Fuels Association advocates for America’s ethanol industry and supports growth in sustainable, renewable fuels and bioproducts. I met with Renewable Fuels Association last week to discuss implementing a permanent, nationwide E15 solution and using advanced biofuels as part of America’s “all of the above” energy approach. As a member of the House Biofuels Caucus, I am proud to advocate for these important policies that benefit agricultural producers and Kansans across the Big First. Thank you for your work and for meeting with me.
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Kansas Grain and Feed Association & Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association
I appreciated meeting with Kansas Grain and Feed Association and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association during their visit to Washington, D.C. We agree - it is past time to pass a five-year Farm Bill that maintains and strengthens crop insurance for producers across America. Groups like Kansas Grain and Feed and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers need a fiscally conservative Farm Bill that gives them certainty as they feed, fuel, and clothe the world, and they need it now. Thank you for your tireless work for Kansas agriculture.
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Kansas FFA State Officers
FFA members play a key role in the future success of food and agriculture across the U.S. and the world. I appreciated speaking with the newly elected Kansas FFA state officer team during their state officer summit and am proud to bring their voices to the halls of Congress as a co-founder of the Congressional FFA Caucus. You make me believe that our brightest days are yet to come.
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2024 Miss Kansas - Alexis Smith
The Miss Kansas Scholarship Competition celebrates the achievements and aspirations of young women across the state and provides them with a platform to showcase their talents, engage in community service, and further their educational goals. I met with 2024 Miss Kansas, Alexis Smith, to discuss her platform – Respect Reclaimed: Advocating for Healthy Relationships, which helps raise awareness for domestic violence prevention. Thank you, Alexis, for meeting with me and my team, and for inspiring young women across our state through your important work.
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Visiting Washington, D.C.? Contact My Office | |
One of my favorite parts of representing the Big First District in Congress is hosting Kansans when they visit our nation’s capital. If you are planning a visit to Washington, D.C., please contact my office. My staff and I can help schedule tours of the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and answer any questions that you may have.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit my website and submit a tour request form, or call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2715. We look forward to seeing you!
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Please note: White House tour requests must be requested at least three weeks in advance. Space is limited and a tour request does not guarantee a spot. | |
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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