Friend,
Last week we lost 17 beautiful lives due to a senseless act of violence in Parkland, Florida. I hope you will join me in praying for the victims and their families. I also want to thank the first responders, teachers, and medical professionals who stepped in during the tragedy. This unspeakable violence must stop.
Last week I spoke to a group of more than 150 veterans about PTSD and treatment for migraine and headache disorders. Chronic migraines is a disabling disease that our men and women in uniform are too familiar with. I am grateful for groups like Headache on the Hill that continue to bring awareness to these issues. As a physician, I want to focus on finding solutions. I am part of the Doctors Caucus that meets weekly with my fellow members of the House and Senate to discuss health care issues and to work to find solutions. Certainly, PTSD is part of these discussions.
Low Dose Radiation Bill Unanimously Passes House
On Tuesday, my sponsored bill, H.R. 4675 The Low Dose Radiation Research Act of 2017 unanimously passed the House and now moves to the Senate! This bill creates a research program at the Department of Energy to study the health impacts of exposure to low doses of radiation. As a physician, I understand how critical it is to have the best research possible when making decisions regarding a patient’s health. Medical technology and techniques will continue to advance and we must know more about the effects of this type of radiation. This was a very special moment for me as it was my first stand-alone bill to pass through the House.
Read more on this bill HERE.
President of Wichita State University Testifies on the Success of STEM Education Programs
The president of Wichita State Dr. John Bardo gave an incredible testimony to the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics or STEM curriculum at Wichita State University. Wichita State is a shining example for the rest of the nation when it comes to advancing education, technology, and applied learning. I was so proud to have Dr. Bardo testify before the Science Space and Technology Committee and discuss all of the great STEM programs that we have in Kansas. Of the 6 million open jobs across our country, 500,000 require some type of computer science background.
I am glad to see colleges like Wichita in addition to many community colleges in my district focus on the demands of our current workforce and offer more STEM programs. Click HERE to read it.
100 Percent Commitment to Faith, Family and Freedom Award
The Family Research Council Action recognized members with a 100 percent voting record concerning pro-life and pro-family legislation. I am thankful to receive their “True Blue” award. As a father of four, these are the same values that I instill in my own kids. As your Congressman, I will always fight to protect the sanctity of human life, family values, and the integrity of marriage.
Happy Valentine’s Day From the Marshalls
Valentine’s Day is a special day for Laina and me because on the holiday 35 years ago I asked her to be my wife.
Now 34 years later, we have four great children and two beautiful grandkids. I could not have made this journey to Congress without Laina, and I am thankful everyday for her constant love and support.