Friends,

Last Monday, House Republicans released a report that clearly shows how weak the Democrats’ case for impeachment is.

On Wednesday, Democrats called before the House Judiciary committee three liberal Constitutional law professors to testify on the so called impeachable offenses. The result of the hearing was just another political charade. 

On Thursday, Speaker Pelosi formally announced that the House is drafting articles of impeachment against President Trump, despite previously saying an impeachment must be “compelling”, “overwhelming”, and “bipartisan”.

House Democrats have failed to give any legitimate reason to impeach President Trump. The facts don’t support their argument. There's nothing there. Congress needs to get back to work.

Combating Robocalls

Illegal robocalls are a serious issue for many Americans, in 2018 there was an estimated 47 billion robocalls placed nationwide. These unwanted calls often seek to defraud Americans, with scammers attempting to extract sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers, or sell fake health insurance plans to unsuspecting seniors.

Last week the House overwhelming passed the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act by a vote of 429-3 to combat these illegal and disruptive calls.

This legislation will require telecom carriers to offer call-authentication technology to consumers and small businesses. It will also require robocall blocking to be offered to consumers at no additional charge, and empower the FCC and Department of Justice to take further regulatory steps against criminal robocallers and noncompliant phone companies. I applaud my colleagues for passing this measure and addressing the problem of illegal and unwanted robocalls.

Army Update with General Martin

I had the honor of meeting with Army Vice Chief of Staff General Joseph Martin, who previously served Commander General of Fort Riley.

Among other issues, we talked about the many amazing opportunities I have had while serving as the Representative of Kansas' First Congressional District.

This year I've been blessed to:

• Travel to Normandy for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, to then be escorted by Big Red One Black Hawk helicopters, and view the Big Red One monument at Omaha Beach
• Take part in the rededication of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene
• Attend the ground breaking for the Eisenhower Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
• Pass the FIRST Act, which adds the names of hundreds of fallen Big Red One soldiers to the First Division Monument west of the White House
• Serve Thanksgiving lunch to Fort Riley soldiers and send USO care packages to those serving overseas this holiday

The First District of Kansas has an amazing history and amazing people. It is a true honor to serve you in Congress.

Conservation Reserve Program Signup Starting Soon

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is opening signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) on Monday, Dec. 9. The deadline for agricultural producers to sign up for general CRP is February 28, 2020, while signup for continuous CRP is ongoing.

Farmers and ranchers who enroll in CRP receive a yearly rental payment for voluntarily establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees (known as “covers”) to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat on marginally productive agricultural lands.

CRP has 22 million acres enrolled, but the 2018 Farm Bill lifted the cap to 27 million acres. This means farmers and ranchers have a chance to enroll in CRP for the first time or continue their participation for another term. The competitive general signup will now include increased opportunities for enrollment of wildlife habitat through the State Acres For Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative. 

FSA recently posted updated soil rental rates for CRP. County average rates are posted on the CRP Statistics webpage. Soil rental rates are statutorily prorated at 90 percent for continuous signup and 85 percent for general signup. The rental rates will be reviewed annually. Under continuous signup, producers also receive incentives, including a signup incentive payment and a practice incentive payment.

To enroll in CRP, contact your local FSA county office or Click Here. To locate your local FSA office, Click Here.

Supporting the Life Insurance Industry

Members of the Kansas chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors stopped by the office to discuss issues related to insurance and finance with my staff and me.

In Kansas, the life insurance industry generates approximately 22,900 jobs and invests approximately $43 billion in the local economy while providing critical services for our communities.

Ensuring that all Kansans have access to good financial advice so that they can better prepare for the future is vitally important to the continued success of our communities, and I appreciated hearing a bit more about how this group is helping to achieve that goal.

Supporting Food For Peace

Last week I joined a bipartisan group of members in introducing a resolution commending the Food for Peace program for its efforts in promoting peace by decreasing global food insecurity.

As a doctor, I understand how essential proper nutrition is for good health.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Food for Peace Act into law in 1954, thereby enacting a program that has helped millions of people around the world. This program gets food to those in need, and, in doing so, allows our Kansas agricultural producers to reach more markets. It is my hope that Congress continues to support Food for Peace in its struggle against food insecurity across the globe.

Rep

Rep. Marshall with Kansas Adjutant General, Maj. General Lee Tafanelli

Preparing for Extreme Wind

Kansans are no strangers to strong winds and the immense damage it can cause. From a loss of crops to damage to public infrastructure, wind events have and will continue to wreak havoc on Kansans.

The National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program has helped communities utilize federal resources to mitigate the harmful impacts of severe wind events.

Last Thursday, Kansas Adjutant General, Maj. General Lee Tafanelli, testified before a hearing of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, about how the Kansas Division of Emergency Management utilizes federal resources to reduce the impact of wind events in Kansas.

Since 2018, five severe storms and tornado outbreaks that hit Kansas and neighboring states have cost $8.9 billion.

Gen. Tafanelli and his team have been instrumental in helping communities better plan for future wind events. That is why it is more important than ever for lawmakers to understand how federal programs and policies can reduce costs and save lives.

Kansas is the nation’s leader in mitigation efforts and every $1 spent on mitigation has allowed the state to avoid approximately $6 in potential disaster recovery costs.

Fighting for the Second Amendment

In honor of my office celebrating 2nd Amendment Week, I introduced The Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act. My legislation would streamline bureaucratic regulations, reduce lengthy ATF processing times, and remove unconstitutional finger print requirements and fees for certain rifles.

Opponents of the Second Amendment want to use bureaucracy and regulations to obstruct citizens attempting to exercise their right to keep and bear arms.

This bill will eliminate regulations designed not to protect Americans, but to deny them their Constitutional rights.

New Bill on Ensuring Coverage for Life-Saving Medical Devices

During my time in Congress, I’ve dedicated my efforts to ensuring Kansas seniors receive timely access to innovative therapies for life-threatening illnesses. I’ve worked to ensure they have access to life-saving immunotherapies, and I joined a group of bipartisan members to bridge the coverage gap on breakthrough medical devices.

H.R. 5333, the Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 2019 would guarantee Medicare beneficiaries access to new medical technologies by streamlining the coverage determination process. To learn more about the legislation, Click Here.

Dr. Roger Marshall (R-Great Bend) is the Kansas First District Congressman.