Fellow Kansan,

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I’m excited to update you on my work in Washington, D.C., and in the First District of Kansas.

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,

The Week Ahead

The U.S. House of Representatives will convene on Wednesday for legislative business and votes.

Committee Overview:

The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs has a hearing on Thursday to discuss suicide prevention among veterans and how to improve the resources available for them. The House Agricutlure Committee has a hearing on Thursday to review nutrition programs for the 2023 Farm Bill.

House Floor Activity Overview:

Congress will consider several bills from the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, including legislation I introduced, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections Act at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act (link), and legislation that would fund the government through the end of December. Yet again, Washington Democrats released a 200+-page continuing resolution packed full of wishlist items just days before voting on it. They have chosen to kick the can down the road instead of kicking off a true debate on our budget. This is no way for a sovereign nation to govern.

House Agriculture Committee

Public Comments Open for EPA Proposed Revisions to Atrazine Interim Decision

For nearly 60 years, atrazine has been a reliable and proven herbicide for effective and efficient sustainable farming practices. On June 30, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released proposed revisions to set the aquatic ecosystem concentration equivalent level of concern at 3.4 parts per billion (ppb) rather than the original 15 ppb, which is both concerning for America’s agricultural producers and contradictory to exhaustive scientific and regulatory review.

This decision, which was based on invalid studies and questionable conclusions, contradicts previous scientific evidence and will have widespread impacts on the use and effectiveness of atrazine. In August, I sent a letter (link) to the EPA, addressing these concerns, and last week I submitted my public comments to the proposed revision. You can do the same.

Public comments for the review of EPA's proposed revision to the atrazine decision are now open.

House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Bill to Improve Veteran Protections Passes in Committee

Last week, my legislation - H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act passed out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee by a voice vote. Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01) and I introduced this bipartisan legislation back in July with the goal of enhancing protections for whistleblowers who expose waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Whistleblower claims must be taken seriously – especially regarding issues concerning our nation’s heroes. As members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, we have a duty to address problems like a lack of structure and support for whistleblowers that could hinder veterans. I appreciate Representative Pappas leading this bill with me, and I was proud to see it pass through the Committee yesterday, and I look forward to its swift passage this week when it is considered on the House Floor.

In the Office

House Republicans' Commitment to America

On Friday, House Republicans unveiled the Commitment to America, a policy platform to create "An Economy That's Strong, A Nation That's Safe, A Future That’s Free, and A Government That's Accountable".

America needs to get back on track, and the Commitment to America will help us do just that. Strengthening American energy independence, securing our southern border, and fighting inflation are a few of my top priorities in Congress because they matter to Kansans in the Big First. This policy plan outlines real solutions that will help Americans.

I did not come to Congress to be a caretaker in the slow demise of our country. I came to fight and work to make it stronger for the next generation. This is my commitment to Kansas and to America.

Farm Bill Impact Series: Kansas Corn Harvest Report

Kansas farmers are laboring under the burden of skyrocketing input costs and a significant drought in much of the state. Corn harvest is underway, and the results are a fraction of the yield that farmers hope for during normal seasons. Many Kansas producers are saying that this is the worst corn harvest in recent memory. They’re left wondering how they’re going to put food on the table or pay everyday expenses while consumers end up without access to many of the products they’ve learned to enjoy and on which they depend. 

Farm Bill programs like crop insurance are critical to help our producers and secure our national food supply. Last week, I delivered another installment of my Farm Bill Impact Series on the House Floor. This time, I discussed the corn harvest in Kansas and why Congress must reauthorize the Farm Bill in 2023. 

Listen to my full remarks below.

Protect the UNBORN (Undo the Negligent Biden Orders Right Now) Act

President Biden's executive orders following the overturning of Roe v. Wade continue to undermine the integrity of the U.S. Supreme Court, devalue the sanctity of human life, and force taxpayers to pay for his pro-abortion agenda. I joined more than 90 of my Republican colleagues on the Protect the UNBORN Act, which would prohibit the funding and implementation of President Biden's pro-abortion executive orders.

In the News

Agri-Pulse Interview: Farm Bill 2023 Priorities

It's always great visiting with Agri-Pulse to share my recent work on the House Agriculture Committee and on the House Floor. I'm committed to advocating for Kansas agricultural producers, and I appreciate the opportunity to share how I'm fighting for the hardworking individuals who feed, fuel, and clothe our world.

Kansans in the Office

Livestock Marketing Association

Salina Surgical Hospital

Association of Equipment Manufacturers

Associated General Contractors of Kansas

In the District

Unveiling of Senator Pat Roberts' Plaque on Kansas Walk of Honor

My staff had the privilege of attending the unveiling ceremony of former Senator Pat Roberts' plaque on the Kansas Walk of Honor at the state capitol in Topeka. Senator Pat Roberts has always been a devoted statesman for Kansas. As a fierce advocate for agriculture across the Big First District, our state, and the world, Senator Roberts is the only person to have chaired both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Today, his portrait hangs behind my own seat in the House Agriculture Committee hearing room, and I am often reminded of his lasting impact. He is a living Kansas legend, and his addition to the Kansas Walk of Honor is well-deserved. Congratulations, Senator Roberts!

Gold Star Family Monument Dedication

The Gold Star Family Memorial was unveiled at the Kansas state capitol on Friday. Located on the Veterans Memorial Walk with other monuments honoring Kansas veterans, this memorial pays tribute to the often unsung American heroes - the families of our fallen military servicemembers. My staff had the honor of attending the ceremony. God bless our military servicemembers and their families.

Since last January, my staff and I have corresponded with and assisted thousands of Kansans, and we are here to serve you too! Please call my Manhattan or Dodge City offices if you need assistance with federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you would like to share comments or concerns regarding current legislation, or are planning a visit to Washington, D.C., and would like a tour of the Capitol, please contact my Washington, D.C. office.

As a member of Congress, it is my honor to offer service academy nominations for ten students in the Big First District who wish to pursue a career serving in our nation's military. My office is now accepting nominations for the 2022 class of Miltary Academy Nominations. Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to the five U.S. service academies:

• U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY
• U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD
• U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT

If you, or a student you know, would like more information about attending one of the U.S. service academies, please visit my website for more information about the nomination process, or contact my Manhattan office at (785) 370-7277.