Agriculture is a huge part of our district, and it's always encouraging to see so many young people passionate about the industry. I had the pleasure of meeting with FFA students from Kansas at the U.S. Capitol this week. Kansas agriculture has a bright future, and I enjoyed answering their questions and hearing about their goals and aspirations. Thanks for making the trip to Washington, D.C.!

Thank you to the Greater Topeka Partnership for meeting with me to discuss priorities for the Capital City and surrounding region. We talked about military readiness and aviation, Kansas Riverfront and transportation infrastructure improvements, tourism and destination development, and housing policies to support workforce growth and economic competitiveness. I appreciated the discussion about ways to strengthen Topeka.

Enjoyed meeting with Wathena Mayor John Hontz to discuss rural healthcare access and other issues facing the community. Thank you for sharing insights on the needs of Wathena and helping ensure rural Kansas voices are part of the conversation in Washington.

I appreciated meeting with Kansans associated with America’s Blood Centers to discuss strengthening and protecting our nation’s blood supply. We discussed the importance of supporting blood centers, enhancing cybersecurity protections, and ensuring patients have access to lifesaving care, including pre-hospital blood transfusions. Thank you for sharing your insights and the critical work you do to keep our communities safe and healthy.

Great meeting with Ducks Unlimited to discuss conservation efforts and the importance of protecting wetlands, wildlife habitat, and Kansas’s natural resources. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss ways we can support conservation initiatives that benefit our communities, outdoor heritage, and future generations.

I had the pleasure of meeting with the Kansas Building Industry Association to talk about issues affecting Kansas builders, homeowners, and communities. We discussed workforce development, energy regulations, and housing policies that support affordability and economic growth. I appreciated focusing on ways to strengthen Kansas's housing market and workforce.

Met this week with the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City to discuss the local housing market, affordability, and other issues important to builders and homebuyers. We focused particularly on housing challenges in the KCK part of our 2nd Congressional District. I was grateful for the conversation.

Every dollar stolen through fraud is a dollar taken from taxpayers. That's why I'm working hard to strengthen oversight, expose waste, and hold bad actors accountable. In Congress, I've helped lead the bipartisan National Strategy for Combating Scams Act to crack down on scammers. I also introduced the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act and supported the STOP Scams Against Seniors Act to protect taxpayers and vulnerable Americans. This week, the House is advancing additional measures to prevent fraudulent payments, strengthen accountability, and stop federal aid from going to ineligible "ghost students." Government should be just as accountable with taxpayer dollars as Kansas families are with their household budgets. I'll continue fighting to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure government works for the people, not those looking to game the system.

It was great meeting with Kansas and Missouri Toyota dealers to talk about the rapidly changing U.S. auto market. We had a productive discussion about the challenges facing domestic dealers, including growing competition from foreign state-subsidized manufacturers, and what those trends could mean for consumers, American jobs, and our economic security. Thank you to everyone who shared perspectives and insights.

Ensuring Kansans have access to the care they need remains an important priority. Thank you to Kansans with the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund for coming by my office to discuss rural health funding and expanding access to quality healthcare across Kansas.

In January, we had a bipartisan agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security for the next year --including border security and immigration enforcement funding for ICE and CBP. Then Senator Schumer reneged. The result was lengthy and unnecessary government shutdowns as we tried to find a new bipartisan path forward. But every time we thought we had an agreement, congressional Democrats moved the goalposts. Finally, we reluctantly accepted the obvious conclusion: they were never going to vote for ANY funding for border security and immigration enforcement. They were just stalling. So we had no choice but to get the job done without Democrat votes. Today we did. And instead of funding just the next year, we fully funded the next THREE years, so Democrat leaders cannot again try to defund border security or immigration enforcement during the remainder of President Trump's term in office. We said we are going to secure our border and enforce our immigration laws, and we meant it.

Today I honored the life and legacy of Bob Tomlinson - a dedicated educator, public servant, and proud Kansan who spent his life serving others. From the classroom to the Kansas Legislature and beyond, Bob led with kindness, integrity, and a deep commitment to helping people. He believed in listening first, building bridges, and leaving every community he touched better than he found it.

Our 2nd Congressional District is the pet food capital of America, supporting nearly 20,000 jobs. The House recently passed the PURR Act as part of the Agriculture Appropriations bill. I jointly led this legislation to modernize pet and animal food labeling requirements because supporting this industry supports the 20,000 Kansans it employs. Updating outdated regulations will reduce costs, improve efficiency, and help keep pet food and animal feed affordable for consumers, farmers, and ranchers.

I enjoyed meeting with Kansans active with the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, including Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam, to discuss the importance of American leadership abroad. We talked about how a fully funded State Department and strong outreach programs help strengthen our national security. Military strength is critical, but diplomacy and American soft power are also effective tools for advancing our interests and keeping our nation safe.

Great meeting with the American Cement Association to discuss reauthorizing the surface transportation program, expanding the use of alternative fuels, and improving industrial permitting. We also discussed the industry's efforts to have cement recognized as a critical national security material, strengthening America's supply chains and manufacturing base. The cement industry has a strong presence in our 2nd Congressional District, employing thousands of Kansans. Thanks for the productive conversation.

I appreciated meeting with leaders from the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to receive updates on their important work keeping Kansans safe. We discussed current priorities, challenges facing law enforcement, and their pending funding requests. Thank you for your service and for the work you do every day to protect our communities across Kansas.

I enjoyed meeting with the National Grain and Feed Association to discuss key issues facing the agriculture community, including the Farm Bill, shipping fees, and transportation costs impacting producers and agribusinesses. Thank you for the conversation and for sharing your perspectives on the challenges facing American agriculture.

It was great meeting with participants in the Young Cattlemen’s Conference of the Kansas Livestock Association. We had a productive discussion about the issues facing Kansas ranchers and the future of the cattle industry. Thank you for taking the time to share your perspectives and for your commitment to strengthening Kansas agriculture.

Criminal gangs that traffic drugs, commit violent crimes, and terrorize communities have no place in the United States. That's why I've co-sponsored the Deport Alien Gang Members Act, legislation that strengthens immigration laws by ensuring non-citizens who are members of criminal gangs can be removed from our country. The bill passed out of the Judiciary Committee this week - an important step toward a full House vote. Protecting public safety and securing our borders go hand in hand. I'm pleased to see this legislation move forward and will continue working to keep Kansas families and communities safe.

The Greatest Generation saved our world from tyranny and secured the freedoms we enjoy today. As the number of World War II veterans continues to decline, we have a responsibility to preserve their stories and pass their lessons on to future generations. In coordination with the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, I have developed legislation to establish the Senator Robert J. Dole Greatest Generation Education Program, honoring the legacy of Kansas' own Senator Bob Dole and ensuring future generations of Americans will learn about the courage, sacrifice, and unity that won World War II. I'm grateful this amendment has been included in the National Defense Authorization Act approved by the House Armed Services Committee this week.