U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Legislative Update Jan. 12
Submitted Story
Derek Schmidt. Submitted photo.
The second session of the 119th Congress is underway. This week, I joined in supporting the passage of the Affordable Homes Act (H.R. 5184), which would help communities build more homes and make homeownership more attainable for working families by eliminating redundant federal regulations that drive up housing costs for manufactured homes. The availability and affordability of housing for working families is a concern throughout our Second Congressional District, and steps like this can help with both. The House passed the bill, and I’m hopeful the Senate will follow suit.
The House also took another step toward finishing annual funding of the federal government by passing three more appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026: Commerce, Justice, and Science; Energy and Water; and, Interior and Environment. Together, the bills stop the continued increase in federal spending (actually reducing overall spending by about $2 billion) while also aligning more closely with President Trump’s priorities rather than President Biden’s. I am hopeful the Senate will approve these three bills next week, sending them to President Trump for his signature and enabling us to move on to the next several funding bills.
On Thursday, the House passed a 3-year extension of Obamacare COVID-era enhanced subsidies. I voted no. While I would be open to a reasonable compromise that temporarily extends enhanced subsidies while putting in place reforms that could help bring down healthcare costs for everybody – not just for people who buy insurance through the Obamacare exchange – extending these subsidies without reforms just kicks the can down the road. This bill already had been rejected by the Senate, so it stands little chance of becoming law. Perhaps the Senate can fashion a reasonable compromise; we will monitor what they do next. My goal is to take steps that can truly lower premiums and other healthcare costs and improve the quality of care for all Kansans, not just continue the same policies that have been in place while costs have soared.
Last week, the United States executed an arrest warrant for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In my view, the operation was a remarkable testament to the professionalism and dedication of the men and women involved. There is no doubt Maduro’s regime supported the drug trade poisoning Americans in our communities, welcomed American adversaries from around the world into our hemisphere, and contributed to the deadly chaos at our southern border in recent years. I am carefully monitoring the situation as the Trump Administration proceeds with post-Maduro engagement in Venezuela.
Constituent Services
My team stands ready to help Kansans in the Second Congressional District who are dealing with unresolved federal issues. This includes assistance with the VA, Social Security, the IRS, and other federal agencies.
As always, my office is here to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. Be sure to also follow me on social media at the links below for timely updates from my office.
It’s a tremendous honor to represent our Second Congressional District in Congress!
