Fellow Kansan,
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I value the opportunity to talk with you about my work in Washington D.C. and in the First District of Kansas.
50 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court legislated from the bench with Roe V. Wade and declared abortion a Constitutional right grounded in a woman’s right to privacy – a legal move that was shaky, biased, and wrong. Since the ruling, 62 million American children were robbed of their right to life.
The Supreme Court does not have constitutional grounds to legalize abortion services nationwide, and the ruling in 1973 stripped away the states' rights to decide. It took away the American people's right to decide whether our country values the lives of every citizen, born or unborn. Today's decision gives the power back to the American people as designed in our Constitution.
We have witnessed a monumental win for the pro-life movement. Brave American advocates from all walks of life called for this ruling and tirelessly pushed back on the evil of abortion and the radical left, but we still have an uphill battle ahead.
On August 2nd, Kansans will be the first citizens to go to the voting booth and decide whether our state will allow abortion services - the very thing that the U.S. Supreme Court has stated we have the right to do as outlined in the Constitution. Kansans are trail blazers by nature, and I encourage everyone to educate themselves on this issue before taking to the polls later this summer.
Today is a day to celebrate. Today is a day of answered prayers. Today, the Supreme Court rectified a wrong that has plagued our country and resulted in the deaths of millions. May America’s heart and soul be transformed by this ruling.
Please feel free to share this email with family and friends who may be interested. As always, if you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact my office - my staff and I are here and ready to assist you.
Yours in service,
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The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the unconstitutional ruling of Roe v. Wade - but the fight isn’t over. The power has been reverted back into the hands of the people as outlined in our Constitution.
Listen to my full thoughts in this week's Mann Minute from outside the Supreme Court on the day Roe v. Wade was overturned.
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My office and I had the privilege of hosting Tyra Schultz, the winner of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition for the Big First, in Washington D.C. this week. Tyra joined the art competition winners from across the country for a reception earlier this week where they were honored for their exceptional work. Her art piece titled, "Worth the Fight" was selected out of more than 40 submitted pieces from all across the district.
Tyra graduated from Wheatland High School in Grainfield, KS this year and is attending NCK Techincal College in Hays this fall where she will be studying to become a nurse. Congratulations, Tyra, and good luck in this exciting new chapter of your life!
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I am disappointed in the Department of Commerce’s recent ruling to uphold tariffs on fertilizer from Trinidad and Tobago. Fertilizer costs have increased 220% in the last year, and the Department continues to disregard U.S. farmers who are making decisions on what to plant today based solely on the cost of fertilizer rather than typical market fundamentals.
I sent two letters to the Department and the International Trade Commission regarding the changed on-farm conditions that warrant a reconsideration of the tariffs, and last week, I testified before the ITC on behalf of Kansas farmers and farmers across the country who feed, fuel, and clothe the world.
The ITC has 45 days to issue its final determination, and I will continue to urge it to be a part of the solution to the fertilizer crisis – not part of the problem. Eliminating these duties provides the most immediate opportunity for a near team, the partial remedy to the high costs of fertilizer facing U.S. farmers who are working to feed the world amidst the growing concern of a global food shortage.
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Opposing Unconstitutional Gun Control Legislation |
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Unfortunately, the House of Representatives voted on legislation this week which criminalizes routine firearm transactions, needlessly singles out law-abiding citizens under the age of 21 for heightened scrutiny, and sends states federal taxpayer dollars to implement gun confiscation orders, known as “red flag” laws. It tramples on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans and misses the mark in keeping our innocent people safe.
Just like most of the country, I believe it is past time that we prioritize the safety of the schools we send our children to every day. To do this effectively, we must focus on providing funding for mental health resources, funding law enforcement, and strengthening school security.
I am committed to protecting our children, helping our neighbors who are hurting, and equipping Americans with the knowledge and ability to defend themselves.
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Honoring the 20th Anniversary of the McGovern-Dole Food Program |
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The McGovern-Dole Program, named in part after a Kansas legend and a hero of mine, the late Senator Bob Dole, has provided 5.5 billion school meals benefitting 31 million school-age children in 48 countries over the last two decades – improving the food security, nutrition, literacy, and primary education of these children and their families.
Representative McGovern and I have a resolution before the House expressing this body’s commitment to building on the success of the McGovern-Dole Program and supporting the American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers who provide the commodities required for it to function.
Listen to my full remarks on the House Floor below.
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Farm Bill Impact Series - State of Agriculture in Inflation |
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This year, it is costing farmers more than double what it cost last year to farm their land. In the last 12 months, feed, supplies, and repair costs are all up by 13% while the cost of ag chemicals, building materials, and machinery are up 21%. Most shockingly, just during the last 12 months, prices for fuel are up 115%, and over 200% for natural gas and fertilizer.
How is the Biden Administration responding to this crisis? The President's budget proposal threatens the stepped-up tax basis and imposes new capital gains taxes like the Farm Killer Tax on small businesses. Our agricultural producers are feeling the effects of inflation more acutely than almost anyone else in America, and the White House is woefully out of touch with the problems they're facing.
Listen to my full remarks below.
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House Agriculture Committee
This week, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to review dairy provisions in the Farm Bill. We heard from leaders in the dairy industry from different parts of the country. Each panelist expressed the trials that currently face dairy farmers in their communities. Key regional differences, including how dairy plants use milk and patterns of where and how dairy products are consumed throughout the country, need to be considered when planning for the 2023 Farm Bill.
Dairy is one of the fastest-growing industries in Kansas. There are twice as many dairy cows in Kansas today as in 1998, and that number climbs by 3,000 to 4,000 cows yearly. With a favorable regulatory climate, easy access to feed, and plentiful land, Kansas is proud to be home to hardworking dairy farmers. It is my privilege to represent them in Congress. As we look toward the 2023 Farm Bill, I am committed to supporting policies that make key improvements to American dairy production.
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House Veterans' Affairs Committee
Our nation's heroes made life-changing sacrifices to protect our freedoms, and they deserve the highest quality of care when they return home. I am a strong supporter of the men and women who have served our country, and I will continue to support legislation that takes care of them.
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Touring Stryten Energy
On Monday I had the opportunity to visit Stryten Energy in Salina. Thank you to everyone at Stryten who took the time to visit with me. Now more than ever, the United States must utilize an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy that prioritizes American energy independence. Stryten Energy is committed to solving the world’s most pressing energy challenges and enhancing America's energy freedom.
The Salina Stryten Energy manufacturing facility is a 24/7 operation that employs more than 700 people who serve in four shifts throughout the day. The Salina facility produces transportation batteries that are sent directly to aftermarket retail locations and battery distributors to serve the needs of consumers. It is an honor to have such a forward-thinking and cutting-edge business in the Big First District.
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Manhattan Office
121 South 4th Street
Suite 205
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
522 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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