
Friends,
Last week I hosted a discussion with Cindy McCain, U.S. Senator Martha McSally, and the U.S. Health and Human Services Director of the Office of Trafficking in Persons, Katherine Chon, on human trafficking and the role health care providers play in identifying victims.
Human trafficking is an emergency across the United States, and Kansas is unfortunately no exception.
The event was focused on joining legislators, health care providers, and other leaders on this issue, with the goal of getting every hospital emergency room in the country to establish protocol for identifying and stopping human trafficking.
I want to thank everyone who came to the event and a special thanks to those who participated on our panel.
I am committed to continuing to fight for the victims of these heinous crimes and bringing an end to human trafficking in the United States and around the world.
Pet Night on Capitol Hill
Pet food manufacturers in the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor account for more than half of all pet-industry sales in the U.S., and these companies provide more than 2,000 jobs in the area. Many of Kansas’ finest commodities go into our domestic pet food production network.
I spoke at Pet Night on Capitol Hill, which convenes elected officials, industry leaders, veterinary professionals, animal welfare advocates, and research organizations to learn about the importance of pet ownership for human health.
As someone who represents one of the largest agriculture producing districts in the country, there’s a direct link between the bottom line of our farmers, producers, and pet food companies and their employees.
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists
I was proud to receive an updated certificate of my Lifetime Membership with the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists (AAPLOG). AAPLOG is a prolife group made up of OBGYNS across the country that focus on maternal health and protecting the unborn.
We discussed ongoing efforts in the House of Representatives to work with the Food and Drug Administration to swiftly put an end to the illegal sale of mail-order abortion drugs to the US. These illegal websites were purporting to sell these drugs without the involvement of a trained and certified healthcare provider to screen for complications, determine pregnancy term, or monitor the patient for possible adverse events like severe hemorrhaging.
As a physician, and now member of Congress, I’m proud to be able to continue my work on issues such as these to ensure the health of mothers, children, and patients everywhere.
Securing Trade Agreements
I joined members of Taiwan’s Council of Agriculture for a Letter of Intent signing ceremony to commemorate Taiwan’s commitment to buy $3.6 billion in U.S. corn, wheat, soybeans, beef, and other products over the next two years.
Thanks to the Trump Administration, the United States is securing fair and free trade deals for our great American workers and producers. Commitments from foreign partners to buy U.S. goods are critical to retaining good customers abroad, and growing existing markets and demand for American agriculture products.
Andrew Wheeler EPA
EPA Administrator Wheeler came before the House Science Committee to discuss ongoing initiatives at the agency. Members had the opportunity to hear about ways that Administrator Wheeler is modernizing the agency and taking steps to roll back burdensome regulations, while encouraging innovation and the adoption of new technologies to reduce global emissions and address environmental concerns.
We discussed the recent rollback of the Obama-era Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which represented a massive federal overreach and had a dramatically negative impact on our farmers, ranchers, and landowners across Kansas. I also had the opportunity to ask about policies impacting ethanol production across the state.
Welcoming Prime Minister Morrison to America
I had the opportunity to welcome the Prime Minister of Australia to the United States. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife Jennifer arrived to a 19 gun salute and full military band. Prime Minister Morrison is the second world leader to be hosted for a state dinner by President Trump and I was honored to be there for his arrival.
Australia is an important strategic ally and have historically proven that they are partners that the United States can count on. The strong relationship between Prime Minister Morrison and President Trump is great for both countries and will only strengthen our countries ties.
Raising Awareness on Childhood Cancer
I had the honor to meet with Pottawatomie County patient advocates representing the Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) Foundation. DIPG is the second most common form of pediatric brain cancer and is the leading cause of childhood death due to brain tumors. Sadly, the survival rate after diagnosis is less than 1% and there is not currently a consistent standard of care for those diagnosed. I am working to change that. As a supporter of House Resolution 114, I am advocating to raise awareness and encourage research into cures for this and other rare forms of pediatric cancer.
Talking with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai
My office hosted FCC Chairman Ajit Pai at Emporia State University for a conversation on broadband and economic development. We brought together community leaders, telecommunications providers, and regional partnerships working to build out broadband to discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with achieving this goal, and to learn a bit more about how the FCC is working to close the digital divide.
Chairman Pai discussed the new Rural Digital Opportunity Fund at the FCC, which was announced earlier this year and will provide $20 billion over 10 years to help with deployment in rural areas.
As we move deeper into the digital age, an internet connection is becoming a critical component to the health and growth of our communities. It can help businesses reach new customers, connect rural hospitals with the tools to provide better care for patients, and expand learning opportunities for students.
One of our local farmers was able to share about the new precision agriculture technologies available that help her increase efficiency on her farm. Unfortunately challenges with her current internet connection can keep her from utilizing those tools to grow and modernize her farm.
Ensuring that our rural communities have access to these strong internet connections is vital for their continued success and economic growth.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.