U.S. Congressman Derek Schmidt Newsletter

Submitted Story

2 hours ago

Friends,

It was a productive week in Washington as the House passed the Farm Bill, which will help farmers and ranchers across Kansas. The legislation expands investment in rural America, improves producers’ access to credit, and strengthens conservation programs – providing certainty for producers and helping ensure long-term stability and growth across the agricultural economy.

I’ve been pushing for the passage of a Farm Bill for a long time. This legislation helps farmers and ranchers in Kansas, strengthens our food system, bolsters rural communities, and provides the certainty producers need to plan for the future.

As part of the Farm Bill, I secured an amendment to promote domestic production of crops used in natural color additives. The amendment directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate research aimed at expanding the ability of American producers to grow crops used in natural food colorings – an emerging market driven by increasing consumer demand.

I’m also expecting year-round E-15 to be voted on in May, which would be another win for farmers if we can get it passed. I will certainly support it.

I had the opportunity to preside over the Farm Bill debate on the House floor, and I’m glad I helped see it to the finish line.

I also had the chance to join RFD TV this week to talk about how the Farm Bill will help folks back home.

We also passed long-overdue funding for the Department of Homeland Security. That bill now goes to the President for his signature. The two-month shutdown of that important agency never should have happened, and I’m relieved it is finally coming to an end. Funding for the two major immigration-enforcement agencies is still to be resolved, but they have adequate funds to keep operating while that is worked out.

I spoke with Secretary Pete Hegseth during this week’s House Armed Services Committee hearing on the conflict in Iran, focusing on concussions and traumatic brain injuries affecting our service members.

We owe our troops the highest standard of care when they return home. Secretary Hegseth confirmed these injuries are being closely tracked and that the Department has proposed $70 million to expand research into brain injuries and improve treatment for those who have served.

Expanding broadband access in rural Kansas remains a priority. I appreciated meeting with the Rural Broadband Providers of America to discuss ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and close the digital divide. Reliable internet access is critical for education, health care, and economic opportunity, and I support continued progress in this area.

I hosted an interactive tele-town hall this week. These are valuable opportunities for me to hear your questions and concerns directly from you. Thank you to the thousands of Kansans that joined the discussion, and I look forward to hosting another tele-town hall very soon.

Be sure to remain subscribed to my newsletter and follow me on social media @RepDerekSchmidt for future opportunities to join.