Hello Friends,
I am beside myself that the Senate voted to block the President’s National emergency declaration last week. Time and time again this administration has outlined the clear threat that our broken immigration system poses. I want to FIX this problem; I long for a day where our borders are secure AND our nation’s applications backlog is manageable, so that people pursuing the American dream can come to our country the RIGHT way.
Washington has a habit of making the simple, complicated. Leaders make the complicated, simple. You’re either for securing our borders and keeping Americans safe, or you aren’t. I stand with the President.
I’ve been to the border and I’ve seen the circumstances, our border patrol and DHS agents who are fighting on the front lines need our help to stop the flow of illegal drugs, sex trafficking, and violent criminals from coming into our communities.
(Editor’s Note: President Trump vetoed the block Friday afternoon.)
Agriculture Day
Last week I had the honor and privilege to speak on the House floor to celebrate National Agriculture Day. The state of Kansas has always been a leader in agriculture – ranking first in the production of grain sorghum, second in the production of wheat, third for cattle, and fourth in the production of sunflowers. Our dairy sector is also rapidly expanding and other sectors of animal agriculture are growing exponentially as well. Kansas farmers work around the clock to ensure their animals are healthy and their crops are maintained.
The number of people in agriculture today, less than 2% of our population, is but a fraction of what it was 100 years ago, but the impact of today’s agriculture industry is extraordinary. Today’s farmer feeds about 165 people and agricultural goods are still our country’s number one export. In Kansas, agriculture accounts for nearly half of the state’s total economy. In fact, our state is second in the nation for the total number of acres farmed.
On the floor, I also spoke about the importance of the relationship between co-ops and farmers. Co-ops are responsible for more than 4,600 jobs and $1.1 billion in total economic impact statewide. Cooperatives are critical to the continued success and prosperity of the American farmer, and I will do everything in my power to continue to support them.
This #NationalAgDay we celebrated our hard-working Kansas producers, the men, and women who work tirelessly in the most important industry in our nation. The strength of our country is dependent on the work our farmers and ranchers put in every day, and I am proud to celebrate with them and fight on their behalf in Washington.
EPA Focuses On Ethanol
I am thrilled to see the EPA’s new rule embrace renewable bio fuels and allow for the year-round sales of ethanol blends. Last week Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Wheeler signed a proposed rule that would pave the way for the sale and use of E15 ethanol blends year-round. This is excellent news for the ten ethanol plants across Kansas, along with the grain producers and American consumers who will benefit from the cleaner, higher octane, and lower cost fuel blend.
Here in Kansas we produce nearly half a billion gallons of ethanol a year and this production creates more than 700 jobs, and servicing these plants also creates another 4,000 jobs across the state.
The Importance of Nutrition!
This month is National Nutrition Month, in recognition of nutrition being in the spotlight (even though for me it is something I take seriously and advocate for throughout the year) I introduced two bipartisan bills that aim to end certain food insecurities. Last week I introduced The Campus Hunger Reduction Act of 2019 and The Healthy Food Access for All Americans (HFAAA) Act.
The Campus Hunger Reduction legislation makes sure college students have access to the help that they need to be able to focus on their studies and their futures without having to worry about where they will find or whether or not they will be able to afford their next meal. We must enable our colleges and universities to build out programs and partnerships to alleviate hunger among the students they serve.
I also introduced legislation to combat food deserts. The Healthy Food Access for All Americans (HFAAA) seeks to help alleviate the fact that more than 20 million Americans live in areas where it is difficult to buy affordable fresh food. Today more than 12 million children identify as food insecure, that’s unacceptable. We need these children enjoying our Kansas commodities like nutritious beef, grain, and milk, not suffering from preventable health conditions like diabetes or obesity.
STEM Opportunities in Biotechnology and Bioscience
On Tuesday, the Research and Technology Subcommittee held its first meeting, examining opportunities and challenges with biotechnology and bioscience. Many of the panelists echoed the importance of STEM education as an important component of workforce development and US leadership in bioscience and biotechnology, especially as it relates to research and development in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. It was a great hearing, and I look forward to continuing these important conversations about U.S. leadership in engineering biology with my colleagues here in D.C. as well as with the many fine educational and research institutions back in the district!
Internet of Things Cybersecurity Act of 2019
On Monday, I joined a handful of colleagues in introducing H.R. 1668, the Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2019. As we dive deeper into the digital age, we are increasingly using devices such as fitness trackers, smart watches and thermostats that connect to various networks, however many of these devices lack adequate cybersecurity protections. The number of cyber attacks are increasing, and with that comes the need to create more secure and resilient products and services, particularly when it comes to the use of “internet of things” devices by the federal government. This bill aims to address risks posed by these devices by establishing light-touch, minimum security requirements for procurement of internet connected devices by the government.
Remembering President Bardo
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