WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Tim Huelskamp (KS-01), a member of the Small Business Committee, participated in a critical hearing titled Will EPA’s ‘Waters of the United States’ Rule Drown Small Businesses? This hearing is the first such committee hearing on the EPA’s and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed expansive rule to broaden the scope of waters subject to federal control under the Clean Water Act. Following the hearing, Congressman Huelskamp issued the following release:

“The Obama Administration continues its attack against America’s Heartland—particularly her farmers and ranchers. This purposed rule violates the clear intent of the Clean Water Act and is nothing more than a Washington power grab. The President, through the EPA and the Army Corp, plans a vast overreach of government into our businesses and very lives.

“Washington is creating regulatory uncertainty. The future of our economy, particularly in rural America, depends on rolling back these over-regulations. America cannot afford an expanded and excessive regulatory scheme concocted by bureaucrats who have never met a payroll in their lives. It is imperative for America’s hardworking families that we loosen–not expand–the regulatory grip of the EPA on the American economy.”
Last week, Congressman Huelskamp joined his Committee colleagues in writing to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Assistant Secretary of the Army Jo Ellen Darcy, who oversees the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to urge strongly the withdrawal of this pending rule. It is the second letter Congressman Huelskamp has signed in opposition to this dangerous proposal.

Testimonies during today’s hearing included: Jack Field (NCBA Member), Owner, Lazy JF Cattle, Yakima, WA; Tom Woods, Owner, Woods Custom Homes, Blue Springs, MO; Alan Parks, Vice President, Memphis Stone and Gravel Co., Memphis, TN; and Mr. William Buzbee, Professor of Law, Director, Emory Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program, Emory Law School, Atlanta, GA.

MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House committee has endorsed a Republican plan to allow some schools to opt out of healthier meal standards.

The vote comes as first lady Michelle Obama campaigns in support of the standards.

The rules set by Congress and the Obama administration over the past several years require more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in the lunch line. Also, there are limits on sodium, sugar and fat.

Some school nutrition directors have lobbied for a break. They say the rules have proved to be costly and restrictive.

The House Appropriations Committee voted to allow schools to opt out of the standards for the next school year if the schools are losing money on meal programs for six months.

Kansas Highway Patrol

KHP Personnel assisted 1,105 motorists over the Memorial Day holiday period

TOPEKA-The Kansas Highway Patrol is releasing preliminary data from its Memorial Day weekend holiday activity. The reporting period for the holiday weekend ran from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26, 2014.

During that time, the Patrol worked one fatal crash, which was alcohol-related, and resulted in one death.

Information in the table is compared to the Memorial Day holiday activity from 2013, with the same reporting period, 6:00 p.m. the Friday prior to the holiday, through 11:59 on the Monday of the holiday.

LIHUE, Hawaii (AP) — A judge sentenced a Hawaii man to one year of probation and a $200 fine for making his son walk a mile home from school as a form of discipline.

The Garden Island newspaper reported Thursday that Judge Kathleen Watanabe called the punishment “old-school” and no longer appropriate.

Robert Demond of Kilauea said he picked up his son from school and asked about a matter that had been brought to his attention. When the son didn’t respond, Demond made him walk home to think about his actions.

The age of the boy is unclear.

Demond was also ordered to attend a parenting class after being convicted of endangering the welfare of a minor, a misdemeanor. Demond pleaded no contest and said he would handle the situation differently now.