Friends,

Friday’s job report revealed that there were more than 200,000 jobs added in August, with unemployment remaining at 3.9%. The combination of lower taxes, less regulation, and an increase in access to capital have created a strong climate for American businesses, both large and small, to thrive.

In the Q3 MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index, which was released last week, almost 70% of small businesses surveyed had a positive outlook about their companies and their potential to grow going into the next quarter. With many of the companies across the district being small businesses, these report results are encouraging and a good indicator that we’re moving things in the right direction here in Washington.

Now we must pass a Farm Bill and secure our trade deals, so that our Ag community can also enjoy this economic boom.

Conferees outline top priorities for Farm Bill 

This week the Senate and House Ag Committee leaders hosted a meeting with the full Farm Bill Conference Committee.  This public meeting gave each member time to outline the priorities of the bill that are most important to them.

Kansas agriculture is in uncertain times. Multiple years of low prices and continued drought have taken their toll. Today, Kansas farm bankruptcies are six times what they were just three years ago. That is why I have no higher priority than a five-year farm bill, done on time.

Farm country needs a multi-year bill that protects crop insurance, tightens the safety net, opens markets and makes responsible investments in our communities.

Read my full remarks HERE. Watch the full meeting by clicking HERE.

Judge Kavanaugh: The best choice for #SCOTUS

Judge Kavanaugh is an honest, tried and true Judge that has demonstrated time and time again he will uphold the Constitution. Judge Kavanaugh has a proven track record as the type of jurist that President Trump has promised to put on the Supreme Court. This week, in his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the high-ranking judge spent more than 30 hours answering questions. And while Democrats weren’t satisfied with his appearance before the Senate, his time in the hot seat just showed me how qualified, fair, and true leader he is.

I fully support Judge Kavanaugh and am grateful that President Trump selected the top qualified Judge in the country to serve on our Supreme Court, fulfilling another promise by the President.

Kavanaugh has devoted his life to public service and is a man of integrity. Unfortunately, if you watched the hearings on TV, you saw a lot of grandstanding from the left. Do not let the Democrats charades fool you, Kavanaugh is the best of the best with a proven track record.

Great Work, Kearny Co. Hospital!

Last week, Kearny County Hospital received feedback from their recent inspection survey completed on behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Not only did KCH pass this inspection, they received zero deficiencies – an incredible accomplishment that shows KCH is providing the highest level of care. Hospital CEO, Ben Anderson, attributes the hospital’s success to his “wonderful team.” Congratulations to Ben Anderson and the entire team at Kearny County Hospital.

Thank you, Salina veterans!

One of this congresses top priorities are to protect and help those who so honorably served to protect our country. I had the opportunity to sit down with members of the Salina VFW and Salina Chamber Military Affairs Council to discuss the needs and concerns of our Salina veteran population.

We are working hard to provide the healthcare services our veterans need and deserve and will continue to advocate for improvements in the VA and veteran services.

Meeting with KS Ag Leaders

It was a pleasure speaking to the folks of the Kansas City AgriBusiness Council. We hit the ground running discussing the Farm Bill, trade, tariffs, and guest worker visas.

I represent one of the largest ag-producing districts in the country, but our agriculture industry encompasses far more than just farmers and ranchers. Hundreds of companies in Kansas support producers in one way or another and are dependent upon a strong farm economy.

To ensure Ag country is taken care of we must pass the Farm Bill, secure our trade deals, and open markets.

That’s a wrap!

On Monday, we wrapped our Community Coffee Tour. In August we traveled more than 2,500 miles, visited with residents in dozens of communities and met with thousands of Kansans.

I’ve never seen a public so engaged. Since elected, I have stopped in every county across the Big First at least once if not twice, and have hosted nearly 90 town halls and roundtables.

Two years ago when I started, at almost every meeting folks brought up national security, I don’t think one person brought it up on our coffee tour. There is no doubt, our nation is more secure, and I am proud to see us no longer living in fear of threats like ISIS, which has been demolished under President Trump’s leadership.

Still, there is so much work to be done, among your top concerns were Trade/tariffs, the Farm Bill, the cost of health care, Infrastructure, and Immigration.

I’ll take your feedback to Washington and keep fighting for solutions. It was so great to hear from everyone who joined our team on our August Community Coffee Tour.