Friday Senator Pat Roberts announced that he would be retiring at the end of his term in 2020. Senator Roberts has been an idol, mentor, and friend. We appreciate his dedication and endless contributions to Kansas and our country. He’s been a resilient voice advocating on behalf of Kansans for decades, and we will greatly miss his leadership here in Washington. He’s been an exceptional public servant and a tireless leader for Kansas farmers, rural communities, veterans, and our servicemen and women. It was a great privilege to work with him for the past two years to pass the 2018 Farm Bill.
Laina and I wish both the Senator and Franki all the best and look forward to continuing to work with him and seek his counsel throughout his term and beyond.
Day 14 of the Partial Government Shutdown:
The current funding levels and resources are inadequate to meet the demands and scope of the problem at our borders. Walls and barriers work, and the Democrats know this, they’ve supported these types of barriers in the past. Just ten months ago, Democrats were willing to give President Trump 5 times the amount he is asking for today for border security. We must negotiate, and I believe the president is doing the right thing by hosting these meetings at the White House with congressional leaders to try and find common ground- This has become a choice between open borders and open government.
The president says he believes the shutdown will be over soon, but that he will not accept anything that doesn’t prioritize border security. I believe there are win-win-wins to be found and the president has said he’s opening to negotiating a deal.
The next Secretary of Defense
This week I wrote an op-ed in The Hill discussing our national security goals and objectives in the Middle East, and the role the new Secretary of Defense should play.
It is imperative that our nation’s next Secretary of Defense pursues missions with a clear and precise exit strategy.
As leaders, often we have to say, “Weigh the anchor, full speed ahead,” and be willing to tact into the headwinds. While the Middle East has many headwinds awaiting, I for one am glad we have a Commander in Chief whose priority is not just to win wars, but also get our troops home.
Job Report: Exceeding Expectations
The economy continues to exceed expectations. Friday the Department of Labor reported that 312,000 jobs were added in December. These numbers highlight the strength of our economy due to the 115th Congresses pro-growth agenda and the success of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As we begin 2019, it is essential that we continue to uphold and expand this economic growth. With more than 30 million small businesses across the country and nearly 255,000 throughout Kansas, a booming economy certainly helps business increase wages and opportunities.
Blessing the 116th Congress
Thursday morning we swore in the 116th Congress. Before the ceremony members of all faiths gathered to pray for our country, and to pray for our leaders. I was honored to join my colleagues and friends in reading scripture at the bipartisan prayer service.
God is indeed alive and well in this country.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.