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Expensive Fertilizer
Last week, I called on Secretary Gina Raimondo, to revise how the Department of Commerce calculates duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. Farmers in Kansas depend on affordable phosphate fertilizer to produce various crops, including corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat, and sorghum. Over the last several years, the volatile fertilizer market and low commodity prices have severely impacted farmers in Kansas and nationwide. Farmers in Kansas need a reliable and diverse supply of crop inputs, including access to affordable fertilizers. As the lead Republican on the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees funding for the Department of Commerce, I will continue to ensure that we in Congress inform the agency and continue our work to avoid tariffs that will harm Kansas farmers and ranchers.
You can read more about the letter here.
Expanding Defense Programs for Wichita State University
Last week, I attended a groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony for the dual grand opening of Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) & FirePoint Applied Innovation Accelerator in Huntsville, Alabama. This pivotal partnership between WSU’s FirePoint Center and the U.S. Army amplifies the bond between the Air Capital of the World and the Rocket City. Thank you to Dr. John Tomblin and Dr. Richard Muma who helped make these technological advancements possible.
I will continue to use my role as a Senate Defense Appropriator to make certain our armed forces have the resources needed to be a lethal fighting force. In a time when our world is facing much uncertainty, I strive to give certainty to our men and women in uniform, ensuring they have an advantage on the battlefield.
Our nation’s strength lies in our technology, but its heart beats in the sacrifices of those in uniform. I look forward to seeing our country continue to champion endeavors that uplift our nation’s defense, honor our servicemembers, and shape a brighter, more secure future for all.
Meeting with Female Tactical Platoon
This week I had the privilege of meeting with Mahnaz Akbari and Farida Mohammadi, two courageous members of the Afghan Female Tactical Platoon, as well as Rebekah Edmondson, a U.S. Army Veteran who served alongside these women in Afghanistan. The Female Tactical Platoon played a crucial role during their deployment with U.S. and Afghan Special Forces, gathering intelligence from women and children regarding insurgent operations and hidden weapon stockpiles.
The Afghan Adjustment Act is bipartisan legislation widely supported by Republican and Democratic senators alike. I encourage the remainder of my colleagues to support this legislation as we assist our allies and continue keeping America secure.We need to assist our Afghan allies by honoring the promises we made to them, while ensuring our national security is not at risk. This legislation has received the endorsement of veteran organizations including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Veterans for Foreign Wars, and many others.
Finally, a FAA Administrator
After more than 550 days without a permanent leader at the FAA, I voted to confirm Mike Whitaker to be the next FAA Administrator. This is a significant step towards resolving persistent challenges at the FAA. I congratulate Mr. Whitaker on his confirmation and look forward to working with Mr. Whitaker to ensure the FAA has the resources needed to promote safety and innovation within the nation’s airspace system.
Continued Support for Israel
On Tuesday, I met with representatives of AIPAC to discuss how the United States can best support Israel following the horrific attacks of on October 7. Congress will soon consider supplemental appropriations for Israel, and we spoke of our shared belief in the importance of this assistance for Israel to replenish its Iron Dome defenses against militant rockets and conduct operations against Hamas. Additionally, we highlighted Iran’s complicity in the bloodshed and the importance of deterring Tehran and its proxies from escalating the war. This includes enforcing existing sanctions on Iran’s oil exports and pursuing new ones to constrict Iran’s revenues used to support terrorism around the region. Israel’s right to exist and defend itself is not up for debate. The United States will support and defend our greatest ally in the Middle East as Israel acts against those who wish to destroy the Jewish state.
Veterans Access to Emergency Medical Transportation Services
This week the U.S. Senate passed an amendment that I introduced with Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) to protect rural veterans’ access to life-saving emergency medical transportation services. The VA Emergency Transportation Access Act would prohibit VA from implementing a rule to reduce reimbursement rates for special mode transportation providers, including ground and air ambulances, in the coming fiscal year. Under the current timeline, VA’s rule will go into effect in February 2024, which would lead to longer wait times for veterans during emergencies and disrupt the ambulance industry in Kansas and across the country.
By stopping this rule from being implemented in February, it will allow more time for VA to do its due diligence in creating reasonable and commonsense parameters for resetting reimbursement rates for these life-saving services. I am grateful to all of my colleagues who supported this amendment, and I urge swift passage in the House.
You can read the full text of the amendment here.
Meeting with Kansans
Okios Development Corporation
Last Tuesday, I met with Michael Snodgrass of Oikos Development Corporation. Oikos works to build affordable homes across Kansas, giving rural communities the housing supply they so urgently need. Our discussion centered around how rural housing programs can be made more efficient and impactful. Housing is directly linked to economic development and is crucial to rural communities thriving. As interest rates soar and input costs remain elevated, we must ensure that rural housing programs are able to meet the needs of families and builders.
Kansas Credit Unions
On Tuesday, I met with the Kansas Credit Unions, an organization which represents lenders serving hundreds of thousands of Kansans across the state. During the meeting, we discussed regulatory hurdles and policies that increase the cost of credit for their members. Inconvenient regulations cut customer services and limit access to credit by imposing burdens disproportionately felt by the smallest credit unions. As consumers and businesses face higher inflation and interest rates, Kansas credit unions are vital to the growth and prosperity of our communities. I will continue to pursue policies which allow our lenders of all sizes to better meet the financing needs of families, farmers, and businesses across our state.
Pizza Hut Franchisees
During a meeting with Kansas Pizza Hut franchisees, we addressed critical labor and economic issues facing independent business owners. Industries nationwide, including retail, restaurants, and non-profits are worried about the Department of Labor’s proposed updated threshold for determining worker classification. DOL must understand that any increases in overtime wages need to be tailored to fit the reality of the current job market. We also discussed the need to continue critical tax breaks that small businesses rely on, like the Section 199A credit. With its expiration, franchise owners will face higher taxes and borrowing costs. Creating an environment for franchises of all kinds to grow is essential to job growth and economic development in Kansas.
