A full month has now passed in this unnecessary and frustrating government shutdown.
The situation remains mostly unchanged. The Senate has still been unable to pass the bipartisan bill passed by the House more than a month ago to reopen the government, because Sen. Schumer and most Senate Democrats are maintaining their filibuster of that clean continuing resolution. The Senate could also pass a different bill—some kind of different approach—and send it back to us in the House to consider.
In the meantime, this week I announced that I will cosponsor legislation that would keep SNAP and WIC benefits from being cut off during the shutdown. If a minority of U.S. Senators keeps refusing to fully reopen the government, then reopening critical parts of the government like food assistance is better than nothing at all.
I have also cosponsored standalone legislation to pay U.S. troops and air traffic controllers. In the absence of congressional action, I have also supported actions by the Trump administration to reallocate funding within the limits of the law to meet urgent priorities, including paying U.S. troops and law enforcement officers, temporarily extending funding for the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program, and reopening Farm Service Agency offices.
Going forward, I have also has cosponsored legislation to prevent future government shutdowns by continuing current funding levels whenever Congress allows annual appropriations to lapse and a Constitutional Amendment that would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving pay during a government shutdown.
It’s time for this unnecessary shutdown to end, allowing us to get back to the important work of slowing government spending, codifying President Trump’s border security policies, and reducing the intrusion of big government in the lives of Americans.
Constituent Services
As a reminder, my offices in Washington, Topeka, and Pittsburg remain open, despite the shutdown, and available to help with federal agencies including the VA, Social Security, and the IRS.
Regrettably, our ability to help with some situations may be affected, as many departments and agencies will not be processing casework during the shutdown. However, that work will resume once federal funding is resolved. If you are experiencing an issue with a federal agency, please call my office at (785) 205-5253 or fill out the form on our website, and we will work with you on the paperwork that must be completed so we can file your case as soon as we are able.
I was encouraged by the trade developments this week as President Trump met with leaders across Asia. The administration announced China will be buying 25 million tons of soybeans per year for the next three years. Sorghum and other agricultural products are also reported to be part of this trade deal.
Around the District
Recently, I visited Pretech Corporation in Kansas City, which produces a variety of precast concrete products for customers across the country. I also visited “The Americans” traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian at the Iowa and Sac & Fox Museum near Highland. The exhibit showcases the many ways Native Americans have been a part of our nation’s history.
On the Air
Earlier this week, I joined Pete Mundo on KCMO Radio to discuss the shutdown, and proposals to continue funding for SNAP. Listen here.
Visiting with Kansans
Thanks to Kansans participating in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Summit and representing the American Heart Association for visiting my Washington, D.C., office this week.
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!
