Friends,
Last Wednesday, the Senate voted to acquit President Trump on both articles of impeachment, putting an end to this embarrassing chapter of American history. I voted “No” when both articles were on the House floor and I am glad that my Senate colleagues saw this for what it was, a complete and total witch hunt.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell conducted a fair process and I am grateful that he was able to swiftly and efficiently conclude the trial. I am hopeful that with this matter behind us my colleagues across the aisle will start to work with Republicans and the Trump Administration to find solutions to important issues like health care, securing our border, rebuilding our aging infrastructure, and curbing wasteful federal spending.
The day before this historic vote, Laina and I were honored to attend the annual State of the Union address given by President Trump. For years this annual tradition has been an accepted bipartisan practice, and one of the few occasions where all three branches of government gather.
President Trump's speech was one of the best that I can remember. He highlighted his bold plan for the future of America, gave us an update on our booming economy, and payed tribute to many great Americans.
President Trump is keeping his promises to the American people and I look forward to continuing to work with him to strengthen our nation, and further improve the lives of all Americans.
National Prayer Breakfast
I was proud to represent Kansas and participate in the Congressional Choir to start the annual National Prayer Breakfast. Started in 1953, the National Prayer Breakfast is an annual opportunity to build meaningful relationships across the aisle through fellowship and faith. I was honored to have my wife Laina with me and to hear President Trump speak at the event again. Later in the day, Laina served as a hostess for the Congressional Spouses National Prayer Breakfast Lunch, where she had the opportunity to hear from Maggie Gobran, or "Mama Maggie," a Coptic Orthodox Christian and founder of the non-profit charity Stephen's Children in Cairo, Egypt.
Third Round of MFP Payments Announced
President Trump and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue recently announced the third and final tranche of 2019 Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments for farmers and ranchers impacted by unjustified trade retaliation.
We have recently celebrated several massive trade wins, which will have a substantial impact on farmers’ bottom lines in 2020.
But when I am in Kansas I continue to hear about the impacts and hardships facing farmers following multiple years of low commodity prices. The rate will be calculated by the farm’s total plantings of MFP-eligible crops in aggregate in 2019.
Producers can Click Here to learn what crops are eligible for payment, the per-county non-specialty and specialty crop payment rates, as well as livestock payment rates, I look forward to continue working with the Trump Administration as we push for more market access for Kansas agricultural goods around the world.
K-State Sweeps Championship
The Kansas State University crops team recently won the national championship in crop judging. Teams from K-State have now won the collegiate crops contest championship 17 of the last 21 years.
The team took first place in all three phases of the contest: plant and seed identification, seed analysis, and grain grading. Congratulations to team members - Blake Kirchhoff, Noah Winans, Nate Dick, Madison Tunnell, Alex Kaufmann, Evan Bott, and Trevor Mullen - all of whom are agronomy majors at K-State.
Ending Surprise Billing
24% of ER visits in Kansas result in at least one surprise bill. Nationally 1 in 6 Americans get a surprise bill from their hospital despite having insurance, this is unacceptable. As a member of the GOP Doctor's Caucus, this is an issue on which we are fighting hard for patients. Surprise billing impacts Kansans of all backgrounds, but especially those working in rural communities.
Friday, the Ranking Member and Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee introduced the Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act of 2020, to provide more transparency for consumers and prevent surprise medical bills that lead to financial hardships for too many American families. This bill is modeled after legislation I helped introduce last year, to rein in air ambulance companies that hit patients with exorbitant service fees.
Sorghum Congressional Award for 2019
This week I was honored to receive the National Sorghum Producers (NSP)'s Sorghum Congressional Award for 2019.I represent the largest sorghum producing district in the U.S. and know how important this crop is to our farmers and the role it plays in our nation’s food, fuel, and fiber supply. I have enjoyed working with the NSP and sorghum growers across the Big First district on issues of trade, renewable fuels, and regulatory rollback.I was honored to be presented the award by NSP Chairman Dan Atkisson of Stockton, and NSP Board Member Amy Raynes France of Marienthal.
PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act
On Wednesday the House passed the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, which will create a program within the VA to give veterans access to treatment by working with service dogs.
Midwest Battle Buddies is an organization based in Kansas that works with veterans who are suffering from PTSD, or other service-related issues. The veterans are paired with a dog and attend weekly sessions to train them. The weekly meetings also serve as mini therapy sessions as veterans realize they are with others dealing with many of the same issues.
Midwest Battle Buddies has seen the positive impact service dog therapy can have for our veterans. I was glad that I was able to support the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, which will provide additional treatment options for America’s veterans.
Meeting with the Dutch Ambassador
I had an opportunity to sit down with Andre Haspels, ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States, to discuss trade and the economic relationships between the our two countries.Through the Japan trade agreement, phase one of the China deal, and passing of USMCA President Trump has been strengthening our trade position around the globe. I will continue to do everything I can to support this administration as they work to deliver for farmers and ranchers in upcoming negotiations with the European Union.
Dealing with Addiction
Recently the Centers from Disease Control reported that drug overdose deaths dropped 4% nationwide in 2018, but we are not out of the woods yet. Many communities across the U.S. continue to struggle with addiction issues and ways to help their most vulnerable populations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently published a comprehensive action guide for communities dealing with addition issues. The resource guide includes federal funding opportunities and critical information from lessons learned on the front lines of prevention, treatment, and recovery in rural America. To read the entire guide Click Here.
Working for Taxpayers
As we head into tax season, Stacie James from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) came by the office to give an update on their ongoing work to advocate for taxpayers.
TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that is tasked with ensuring every taxpayer is treated fairly and understands their rights. Their office will work directly with citizens to help resolve issues with the IRS, and every year they submit a report to Congress on the most serious problems encountered by taxpayers to help facilitate necessary policy adjustments to the tax code.
My staff works closely with their office in Wichita to address complaints from citizens against the IRS and I want to thank Stacie for everything she does for the people of Kansas. To learn more about what TAS can do for you, Click Here.
Maintaining the Dignity of Office
At the conclusion of the President’s State of the Union speech, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi purposely and publicly destroyed her copy of the President’s address in a childish display of hate.
Speaker Pelosi’s actions were extremely disgraceful and wholly unbecoming of her esteemed position as Speaker of the House. Rule XXIII of the Code of Official Conduct states clearly “A Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer or employee of the House shall behave at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House.” There is no question that Speaker Pelosi’s conduct was a blatant violation of this rule.
I have co-sponsored two pieces of legislation for a formal censure and condemnation of Speaker Pelosi’s actions, H.Res. 836 and H.Res. 832. As Democratic Leadership continues to use petty gimmicks and political theater to distract and mislead the public, it is our duty to maintain the dignity and decorum of our institutions.