Friend,

I have some exciting news to share. This week I was appointed to a leadership position on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

I will be assuming the role of Vice Chair on the Research and Development subcommittee. I am honored and excited about this opportunity! (shown left)

This Subcommittee has legislative jurisdiction and general oversight over the National Science Foundation. Last year, the NSF provided Kansas State University with more than $13 million for research and development. The Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over a wide range of issues, including fire grant programs that provide essential gear and training to our firefights and emergency responders. These programs are especially critical in rural areas like the Big First.

In the past, this subcommittee has held hearings on the importance of federal agriculture research, and I am looking forward to continuing these Ag related discussions in my leadership role. Click here, to read my statement.

THIS WEEK:

Its time to #ReleaseTheMemo

This week I am encouraging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in pushing for the release of the FISA Memo. This is a matter of national importance and transparency must remain the corner stone of our democracy.

I’ve read the memo. I want to be very clear; I am in total support of releasing this document to the public as soon as possible. I’m glad to see my colleagues on the House Intelligence Committee take action to release the document (shown right). This can be a long process, but nonetheless a considerable step in the right direction. Americans deserve to know the truth, and there should be complete transparency.

Happy Birthday, Sgt. Zimmerman!

One hundred never looked better!

Sgt. Zimmerman (shown left) was inducted into the Army at age 24 in Leavenworth, Kansas. He worked his way up from an ammunition carrier, to a heavy machine gunner and eventually a Sergeant in the Second World War. Zimmerman was fighting in Okinawa when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan, ending the War.

Following his service, he came back home where he dedicated his life to farming and family. Zimmerman and his wife Helen of 66 years raised 5 sons, 18 grandchildren, and 29 great grandkids in Grainfield, KS. Sgt. Zimmerman and I spoke about his time in the war working in heavy weapons and his memories from the war.

Thank you, Sergeant, my family and I are wishing you and yours endless happiness on your 100th trip around the sun!

 

Big WINS for workers wages!

Tax Reform really is the gift that keeps on giving! This week alone JPMorgan, Home Depot, Verizon, Starbucks and Disney were added to the ever growing list of over 100 businesses that are providing bonuses or extra incentive to their employees because of the GOP Tax Cuts and Jobs Act! This is a WIN for American and for Kansas.

Are you a business owner who has provided additional employee benefits thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act? Have you noticed a difference in your pay check thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act? We would love to hear your stories of a Tax Reform WIN! Reply to this newsletter with your story!

For more information about the over 100 businesses providing a little extra to their employees, CLICK HERE.