After three straight weeks in Washington, I was glad to be back in Kansas meeting with local leaders and hearing directly from the communities I represent. While in Washington, the House passed the Farm Bill – a major win for Kansas farmers and ranchers. Next week, the House is expected to vote on year-round E15 sales, a measure I support to expand consumer choice and strengthen American energy production. Back home, I met with several community members to discuss rural development priorities, USDA resources, and the needs of local communities across the district.
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I’ve been pushing for the passage of a Farm Bill for a long time, and we successfully passed it in the House last week. The Farm Bill delivers real support for Kansas farmers and ranchers. I was proud to vote for it, and I’m hopeful the Senate will move quickly so this legislation can start making a difference for rural America.
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Related to agriculture, year-round E15 has been at the center of discussions in Congress, and the House is expected to vote on it next week. I plan to support this measure. This is not a mandate – it simply removes current federal restrictions that prohibit the sale of E15 during the summer months, allowing consumers to choose it year-round.
E15 is a fuel blend made up of 15% ethanol, typically derived from corn, and 85% gasoline. It is approved for use in most cars and light-duty trucks, which make up the majority of vehicles on the road today. Compared to standard E10 (10% ethanol), E15 burns cleaner, can reduce certain emissions, and is often priced lower at the pump. Higher ethanol blends also increase demand for corn, support our farmers, and keep more of our energy production here at home instead of relying on foreign sources.
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Numerous Kansans have told me about staffing shortages at local USDA offices. That’s why I recently joined 14 House colleagues in asking USDA to address the problem. I’m optimistic they’ll do what is right and make the necessary changes. Reliable, timely service is essential. Local producers depend on it.
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I was honored to receive the Defender of Limited Government Award, recognizing a voting record strongly aligned with the Constitution’s principles of limited government. I remain committed to fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and ensuring Washington works for the people, not the other way around. I’ll continue fighting to rein in federal overreach and uphold the values that make our country strong.
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This week was National Small Business Week. I’m proud to recognize the hardworking entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses that power communities across Kansas. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m focused on supporting job creators and making sure Main Street has the opportunity to thrive. That means ensuring small businesses can compete and grow. Thank you to the small business owners who take risks, create jobs, and strengthen our local economies every single day.
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