TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — More than half of the Republicans in the Kansas Senate have signed a letter asking President Susan Wagle to reinstate the former chairwoman of the chamber’s health committee.

Senators signing the letter circulated on Tuesday included Majority Leader Terry Bruce of Nickerson. The Associated Press obtained a copy signed by 17 of the 32 GOP senators.

They want Wagle to reinstate Republican Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook of Shawnee as chairwoman of the Public Health and Welfare Committee.

The Wichita Republican removed Pilcher-Cook on Friday over an attempt by Pilcher-Cook last week to force a Senate debate on a proposal to expand the state’s Medicaid program in line with the federal health overhaul.

Pilcher-Cook wanted the proposal to fail. Wagle said the move showed disrespect to the chamber.