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In this section of my website, I share news and updates that don't quite fit anywhere else.  The information you read here will probably never find its way into a press release or a floor speech, but it still may be of interest to Second District residents.

My staff and I post several regular features to this section while Congress is in session:

  • Congress in Your Inbox: My weekly, informational e-newsletter for residents of the Kansas Second Congressional District.  Archived editions are below.  To join the e-newsletter list, please enter your e-mail address in the form on the right side of your screen.
  • Casework Corner: About once a week, my constituent services staff provide an update on their work for Second District residents.  This may include guidance on working with federal agencies, news about eligibility for federal programs, or stories about constituents who have contacted our office in the past.
  • Letter of the Week: I receive thousands of letters every week from constituents who want to share their ideas and concerns.  Once a week I highlight a letter I recently received, and I share my response with the visitors of this website.
  • Notes from Nancy: An occasional column highlighting issues of interest in the Kansas Second District.
  • Congress in Your Inbox - A Defining Moment

    Yesterday was a defining moment in the history of the United States. Millions of passionate Americans helped shape the course of our nation in electing our new Commander-in-Chief. An unprecedented number of Kansans took an active role in our democracy and they were no less passionate in choosing their state and local leaders, as well as their voice in Congress.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Nancy's Office Helps Resolve Immigration Issue

    Mr. Koushik Adhikari had applied for permanent residency in the United States, and indeed had even been approved, but was waiting for the documentation to arrive. For over a year and a half, Mr. Adhikari was a legal resident, but had no way to prove his status since he had not yet received his permanent residency card.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on Intercarrier Compensation Rules

    I have taken meetings with Embarq, AT&T;, Sprint and a host of other middle to small telecommunications companies that have disparate views on the need for such comprehensive reform of the intercarrier compensation regime and the best way to achieve such reform. They all agree that there is a substantial risk of harm if the FCC were to rush judgment on this complex set of issues.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Nancy Calls for Investigation into Financial Crisis

    During my time at home this month, I have heard over and over again how frustrated Kansans remain over the government bailout. They say it just isn't fair their precious, hard earned dollars are going to pay for the mistakes of Wall Street CEO's. I don't blame them. Americans have every right to be frustrated by a $700 billion plan that, so far, does not seem to be making a difference.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Nancy's Office Helps Solve Difficult Social Security Case

    Too often, our office hears troubling stories from distressed constituents. There are people who are having difficulty making ends meet because of an error in their Social Security benefits. There are people who are having difficulty getting the medical care they need because of a problem with Medicare or the VA. All of these cases are important, and everyone affected faces serious problems as a result. However, rarely do we hear a story that is in such dire need for help as was brought to us by Frank DeNinno.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy Calls for Investigation into Financial Crisis

    There needs to be a thorough investigation into the financial institutions, corporations, and individuals suspected of criminal acts contributing to this economic crisis. Any criminal activity should be brought to light and any perpetrators should face the consequences for violating the laws of our land.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - 5.8 Percent Increase for Social Security Recipients

    While we, as a country, have certainly faced some turbulent times these past few months, I have a bit of good news to share. Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits will increase by 5.8 percent in 2009 for more than 55 million Americans.
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  • Casework Corner - Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period Begins

    It's that busy, stressful time of year again. No, I'm not talking about the election cycle or even preparing for holiday celebrations and shopping. It's time to review your Medicare health and/or prescription drug plan.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy is Against Raiding Social Security

    I want you to know that I share your commitment to preserving Social Security, and I'd like to let you know the steps I've taken to make sure that the Social Security benefits Kansans are earning today will be available for them when they retire.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Happy to be in Kansas

    I have the pleasure of writing you this week from the Great State of Kansas. I'll be in the Second District throughout the month of October, and let me tell you, it's so good to be home for more than just a few hours! Especially this time of year, when myriad colors of autumn make Kansas look a little like an exquisite patchwork quilt. Combine the beauty of the autumn Kansas prairie with conversation from salt-of-the-earth Kansans and life just doesn't get much better.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy offers Weatherization Tips

    Beyond what's happening in the economy, it's also just that time of year when our thoughts turn to family budgets. Many families are finding that their budgets are smaller than expected. As winter approaches, many families are going to have trouble meeting their heating costs.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Beware of Identity Theft through Voter Registration

    Unfortunately, there are always new and creepy ways criminals are inventing to scam our constituents. This time of year, due to the upcoming elections, they are focusing their efforts via unsolicited emails or calls "confirming" constituent's voter registration eligibility. These phone calls or emails request Social Security numbers or financial information claiming to register you to vote or to confirm your registration. What they are actually doing is taking the information you submit and using it to commit identity theft.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Congress Holds Hearings on the Financial Crisis

    Too many people on both the left and the right have been rushing to assign blame to their political enemies instead of investigating the actual history and following the data wherever it leads. If we're going to prevent these crises from happening again, we need to understand what caused them.
    < read more >
  • A Note from Nancy - What I've Been Up To

    When I was sworn into Congress, I knew that my top priority must be to stay in touch with constituents. Only by hearing about the day-to-day concerns of Kansans could I hope to avoid "going Washington." Please read to see what I've been up to!
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Bailout is a White Knuckle Issue

    I've been in D.C. for nine days straight working on this bailout or rescue or recovery bill. Everyone has a pet name for it.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Nancy Helps Resolve Ambulance Charges for a Kansas Veteran

    At the beginning of August Mr. Ross came into our office with an astonishing bill he received for an emergency ambulance transport with American Medical Response. The bill was $796.49.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy Says No to the Bailout

    Our country is facing some very difficult decisions. We are certainly in challenging economic times, and we must be extremely careful with our resources. There are no clear paths forward; each has significant risks.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Boyda Says "No" to Bush's Bailout Plan

    To my mind, privatizing profits and socializing losses is not the answer. We cannot in good conscience ask hardworking Americans to foot the bill for poor management practices and just plain greed.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Time is Running Out to File for an Economic Stimulus Rebate

    The Internal Revenue Service has identified about 20 million low-income senior citizens, disabled veterans and others with disabilities who did not have to file a 2007 tax return. Many people from these groups may miss out on this opportunity to claim their stimulus payments.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on the Financial Bailout

    I've heard from conservatives, moderates and liberals, but across the political spectrum, they're almost all opposed to Bush's bailout. I hear the same thing from my colleagues. The American people are making their voices heard, and they're making a difference.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Weathering the Storm

    Just about everywhere we turn lately we hear another conversation centered on the sad state of affairs. The weather; Hurricane Ike has caused devastating loss in Texas and flooding in the Midwest. The volatile stock market; analysts are very concerned. Home foreclosures. High gasoline prices. The cost of health care. Food prices that are through the roof. The list goes on and on.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Helping Our Veterans

    One of the most important things our office does is offer assistance to veterans and their families. The men and women who bravely volunteer to serve our country shouldn't ever face stumbling blocks in receiving the benefits they have earned for themselves and for their families. Unfortunately, given the realities of any system that works to provide benefits and services to large numbers of people, from time to time there are errors or oversights that result in services being wrongfully withheld from their proper recipients.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on Raising the Volunteer Mileage Reimbursement

    I would like you and other members of Congress to explore increasing the mileage rate for volunteer miles driven that can be taken as an itemized deduction on our federal income tax.
    < read more >
  • Congress In Your Inbox - Back from Afghanistan

    Afghanistan. I'm sure you have a picture in your mind when you think of Afghanistan. I know I did.
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  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on the CALM Act

    Excessively loud television commercials are annoying and drive families away from quality programming. That is why I have chosen to co-sponsor H.R. 6209, CALM Act.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Preparing for Cold Weather

    While we still have a few weeks before cold weather sets in, recent fall-like temperatures are inspiring some people to think about getting their homes ready for winter. We hope the following tips will help keep you warm at home, safely, this winter AND save you some hard-earned energy dollars.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner – Back to School Safety Tips

    It's that time of year again. Parents are breathing a sigh of relief and kids are just sighing. For thousands of students in this district and around the country, school is back in session. With the end of summer comes the return of yellow busses, school zones, and lots of extra foot traffic in the morning and after school. Since the safety of each and every youngster making the trek to and from school each day is so very important, this is a good time to highlight a few back to school safety reminders, and to encourage parents and other caretakers to talk with their school children about safety.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on Downpayment Assistance for Government Insured Loans

    Thank you for contacting me regarding the recent decision to end charitable and seller assisted down payment assistance for Federal Housing Administration loans.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - In Kansas and Loving It!

    I absolutely believe that a big part of my job is to be within the district whenever possible, listening to what's on the minds and hearts of constituents. I take information from these "sit-downs" very seriously. That information goes back to Washington with me and helps shape the policy my office introduces in Congress.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - A Surprise Social Security Windfall

    From time to time, our cases take unexpected turns. Sometimes in an effort to find what the constituent is looking for, we discover something entirely different, and occasionally better.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on Credit Card Interchange Fees

    I am continuing to research and evaluate interchange fees and H.R. 5546, the Credit Card Fair Fee Act, and I hope you will continue to reach out to share your perspective.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Fort Leavenworth Chapel Groundbreaking

    I had the honor of taking part in a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the new Fort Leavenworth Chapel. Such an exciting day – and truly a great day to be a Kansan! Not only did we take the first step in creating a new place of worship for the community, we did so in the company of two men whose commitment to the military and veterans is legendary.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Preventing Credit Card Scams

    Recently, a representative of Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) called our office to report that a number of their clients were being called and asked for their credit card information. The scam they described is particularly insidious because of the professionalism of the caller on the other end of the line.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week- Homeland Security and the Protection of Our Civil Liberties

    Thank you for contacting my office regarding several homeland security initiatives. Your opinion matters to me as I am very concerned about protecting our rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Energy: The Responsible Debate

    Tired of Big Oil yelling "Drill, drill, drill!" in your ear? The fact is, I hear over and over that people want a responsible discussion in dealing with the oil situation – and that it is high time to move past the rhetoric and concentrate on a plan for our future.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - NEH Accepting Applications for Picturing America

    I'm very happy to send you details about an exciting opportunity for public libraries and schools in Kansas – the National Endowment for the Humanities' (NEH) new Picturing America initiative.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Nancy Helps Constituent Finalize Affairs with IRS

    When dealing with a death in the family, there are always numerous concerns. All too often, family of the deceased must first deal with the various issues of the estate instead of having an opportunity to mourn. The amount of personal information that must be sorted through and processed when closing a loved one's affairs can be mind boggling.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Our Second Amendment Rights

    As I visit with Kansans throughout the district, I am frequently asked about my position on the Second Amendment. Not only do I support the right to bear arms, I am working to educate my colleagues from urban districts about the integral role of guns in rural life.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Another Social Security Success Story

    Social Security disability is one of the most common constituent service issues in Congresswoman Nancy Boyda's office, so you wouldn't expect we could still be surprised by an SSD case. However, when Elona Roberts came to us with her issue, we had no idea what twists and turns her case would take us through by the time it was all said and done.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy Reaches Out to Stark Residents After Fire Destroys Local Post Office

    I can assure you that I am in full support of keeping the services of the Postal Office in Stark and will do what I can to ensure this outcome.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Hometown Pride

    A good weekend. Oil has come down. $25 a barrel. Now the price of gas needs to match it! Congress is calling the bluff of Big Oil and it's working!
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner – Demand is Running High for TV Converter Boxes

    On February 17, 2009, television will undergo a transformation. At midnight, all broadcasting will be required to be 100% digital. This means that those will with an analog set will no longer be able to receive television stations through an antenna. The many advantages of digital broadcasting include clearer pictures, more programming options, and more airwaves for emergency responders.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy Votes to Override the President's Veto of the Medicare Improvement Bill

    We are finally making progress on Medicare. The common sense of the American people has prevailed. I am glad to let you know that Congress has overridden the President's veto of H.R. 6331 (the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act) by substantial margins.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Funding Our Highways

    I am pleased to tell you that Congress has taken action to address a very real problem, not only for Kansas, but the entire country. You have likely heard quite a bit recently about the highway funding shortfall. In fact, last month I hosted a press conference with the Kansas Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller focusing on what she called "the looming transportation funding crisis."
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner – Boyda's Office Helps Resolve Social Security Benefits Claim

    In September of 2007, Vicki Speed contacted our office after unsuccessfully trying to work with the Social Security office. She had applied for disability benefits months before, but had not received any word on the status of her application. Any time Ms. Speed would call and inquire about her request, she was simply reminded that the processing time can be lengthy and that she should just continue to wait. After several attempts at getting more information, she was told that actually, there was no record of her application, and that she would have to apply again! This was, of course, incredibly upsetting to Ms. Speed. Concerned about all of her time wasted and the time it would take to start over again, she called our office.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on Energy Speculation

    Thank you for writing to me about ordering the Commodity Futures Exchange Commission (CFTC) to eliminate excess speculation in the commodity markets. As your representative, I both need and value your opinion.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Energy: The Great debate

    The much needed debate about our nation's energy future has finally begun. From the rising cost of fuel to increased fertilizer prices – everyone is hurting. We all know that our country needs a comprehensive plan to address our energy future. The plan developed by Big Oil and the White House eight years ago has brought us nothing but higher fuel prices and has sent trillions of your dollars to unfriendly governments across the world.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner – Being Prepared in the Face of Disaster

    Being prepared is the name of the game when it comes to natural disasters. It is important to have a plan of action, as well as an emergency supply kit. If a disaster should hit your area, many will be affected, from your elderly neighbor right down to your pet. When preparing your plan, be sure to remember others around you.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Reducing Classroom Sizes

    The Class Size Reduction Act, introduced by Representative David Wu, will provide grants to local education agencies to reduce class sizes to 18 students in grades K-3.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Celebrating America's Birthday

    It's been great being at home in Kansas for the week. I'm sure other parts of our country are patriotic, too, but there is just something about the Kansas July 4th celebrations that does a heart good.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Medicare Advantage

    Preventing the Cuts and Preserving Medicare – H.R. 6331 Congress had a chance to prevent these cuts by passing H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. I was proud to vote to stop the cuts, and I was glad to see a broad bipartisan coalition come together to give overwhelming support to H.R. 6331 as it passed the House.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Partisanship Limits Health Care for Kansans

    If ever you needed a reminder of how important elections are, it came this week. On July 1st, Medicare became a lot worse for almost everyone. Last week, Congress had a chance to do something about it. In the House, where every member is up for re-election this November, the fix-it bill passed by a vote of 355 to 59 despite strong opposition from the President.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Disasters in Finance: The Advantages of Direct Deposit

    Congresswoman Boyda and her office encourage residents who receive federal monetary aid to apply for direct depositing. Whether it is through Social Security, Veteran Affairs or any other federal agency, we want to make sure that you get the aid you need.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy Opposes FDA Crackdown on Pharmacies

    As you may know, in my first career, I worked for a pharmaceutical company developing new drugs. That experience showed me both the good and the bad that Big Pharma brings to our society. It showed me, up close, how the FDA works. It also instilled in me a deep appreciation of how important local pharmacists are to our health care net. Because of that experience, I can say, with confidence, that the FDA was wrong.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - June 26 2008

    One of the most frustrating aspects of my job is realizing how much Washington can drag its heels. We've seen it on multiple occasions with important issues such as Social Security, children's health care and illegal immigration. But every so often, Washington shows it still has a pulse by pulling itself off of the floor and bringing about positive change. Such was the case last week as President Bush signed the HEART Act into public law.
    < read more >
  • A Note from Nancy - Hunting Safety Tips

    As your representative in Washington, I am working to protect the right of Kansans to own guns for shooting, hunting, and self-protection. Whether you are gearing up for the next hunting season or passing the tradition on to the next generation, it is important to remember the enormous responsibility attached to guns.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on High Gas Prices and Drilling

    The truth of the matter is that there is no overnight fix that will drastically reduce the prices we all pay at the pump. If we start today, oil and natural gas drilling won't have an immediate impact on the marketplace because it can take up to 10 years before oil is actually produced. So here's my main point: we should allow drilling, but must also concentrate on reducing oil consumption through plug-in hybrid vehicles and promoting alternative fuels like ethanol and biodiesel.
    < read more >
  • A Note from Nancy - Staying in Touch

    When I was sworn into Congress, I knew that my top priority must be to stay in touch with constituents. Only by hearing about the day-to-day concerns of Kansans could I hope to avoid "going Washington." Please read to see what I've been up to!
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - 2007 Summary

    I refer to constituent service as "customer service," and I believe it is of the highest priority. Please read to learn more about the concerns handled by my office in 2007.
    < read more >
  • A Note from Nancy - Personal Identity Safety Tips

    People forget that the mailbox is part of the home. The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office is asking citizens to be aware of the increasing number of mail thefts in our community and to take precautions to prevent them from becoming victims.
    < read more >
  • A Note from Nancy - Home Safety Tips

    June is Home Safety Month, which is dedicated to educating and empowering families to make their homes safer. The federal government cannot legislate safety, but it can bring about awareness of these dangers to help homeowners take initiative.
    < read more >
  • A Note from Nancy - Fire Safety Tips

    Fire kills more Americans than all other natural disasters combined, including floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Home fires are responsible for 67% of total fire injuries and 75% of all fire deaths.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on Drilling and Refining

    I hear from many Kansans that support drilling to end our dependence on foreign oil. I certainly agree that our economy is too reliant on energy resources that are found outside of our borders. In fact, I have supported legislation to allow drilling for natural gas resources off of our nation's coasts.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - A Lesson in Community

    Wow. This weekend was a weekend of contrasts. It started with touring the tornado damage in Manhattan and Soldier. We saw so much damage in Manhattan. Around 30 houses there were totally destroyed, many of them new. You've seen the pictures. The damage is terrible. It's even more terrible when you see it close up and talk with the families.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Protection from Financial Loss in Case of a Flood

    It's the number one natural disaster. Flooding can have a devastating impact on your household or business. Standing water inside your house will ruin valuable items such as furniture, walls, flooring, appliances, family pictures and personal documents. Even a single inch of standing water in your house can cause $8,000 or more in damages.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Congresswoman Boyda's Office Helps Get Results In Medicare Case

    Congresswoman Boyda's office is here to help you. We regularly receive calls from constituents with concerns ranging from veteran's affairs to agricultural issues to social security, even student loans. Our mission is to help resolve those issues.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Rock Chalk-ing DC

    I should call this letter "'KU Sports Talk." I had the great honor (and all around cool time) of being with the NCAA Championship heroes – the KU Jayhawks – when they came to DC last week.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on the Final Farm Bill

    Since I arrived in Congress, there has been a beehive of activity around this bill. Every producer group has been in my office several times. I also had many farmers and ranchers come to the offices in D.C. and in Topeka to talk with me and my staff about the Farm Bill and issues affecting farmers and ranchers in the Second District of Kansas.
    < read more >
  • Letter from Nancy - Tips to Expedite a Claim

    Last week I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Wichita. I left the meeting with dozens of in-depth charts and graphs, many of which my office is still reviewing and processing. I also learned of a few tips I could immediately pass on to anyone in the beginning stages of filing a claim with the VA. These suggestions may help to speed up the process a bit.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy Supports Funding for Hospice Care

    When I came to Washington last year, I looked forward to helping shape health policy for the better of the country. Health care is my background, and it is my passion. I am proud to come from Kansas . Compared to other states, we have a strong safety net; we have relatively low numbers of uninsured, and we have a tight network of providers in rural areas. I looked forward to sharing Kansas' insights with representatives from all over the country and turning some of these good programs into something the nation could share.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy votes to Reauthorize the National Defense Authorization Act

    I'm proud to announce that this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) advances the efforts of last year's NDAA to restore America's military readiness, and it includes over $20 million in defense authorizations for the state of Kansas. It passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a 384 to 23 vote on May 22, 2008.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Update on 2008 Economic Stimulus Program

    October 15, 2008, is the final date that filings for the 2008 Stimulus program will be accepted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We still have informational packets and forms available upon request. Simply call our Topeka office at 785-234-8111 and we will mail a packet to you.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - New Beginnings

    My guess is you know someone who is graduating this year. Son or daughter, niece, nephew, mother-in-law, someone! It's such an uplifting time. Accomplishment feels so good. It's a time of new beginnings. Congratulations! I was lucky enough to speak to three graduating classes these last two weekends: Highland Community College, Labette Community College, and Washburn Rural High.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Passports and Visas: Traveling Abroad

    Summer is quickly approaching and plans for adventures abroad are probably already in the works. Whether you are making arrangements for a family vacation or a student studying abroad, it is important to be prepared. Most countries require travelers to obtain a passport and in some cases a visa in order to enter and/or depart.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy Votes to Expand the GI Bill

    Thank you for contacting me about educational benefits for our country's veterans. I am pleased to report that the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, which passed the House with my support on May 15, 2008, included many much needed changes and improvements to the 1944 Montgomery GI Bill.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Our Leaders of Tomorrow

    I hope Mother's Day was a good one for everyone. I know that, for me, it was one I won't soon forget.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Medicare Confusion

    Unfortunately, I am still hearing from people who have not been able to straighten out their Medicare plans. The most frequent issues I have come across in the last couple of months include direct withdrawal and other payment issues, inaccurate billing and, yes, enrollment problems.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Mother's Day Commemorative Coin

    I hope you'll be pleased to know that I am a co-sponsor of the Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. This legislation instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a limited edition $1 coin to celebrate Mother's Day. The purchase of the coin includes a $10 surcharge, the proceeds of which will be split between Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to fight breast cancer and the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
    < read more >
  • Congress In Your Inbox - Ad Astra Per Aspera

    We held our 57th and 58th "Congress on Your Corners" this weekend. Over 4,000 people have attended in the last year and a half to share their views, their concerns, and their personal need for help.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Social Security Backlog

    The Social Security Administration Makes Strides In Reducing Backlog of Disability Cases
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Deporting Illegal Immigrants from Prison

    I am as frustrated as you are about the lack of enforcement of our current immigration laws. We are working in Congress to begin to address these issues, but as you know, there are special interest groups at work against common-sense immigration reforms, and this is making it difficult to make any progress on these important issues. I want you to know that I am working hard every day to advance legislation on enforcing our immigration laws and holding employers accountable when they knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Immigration

    The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been working diligently within the last six months to decrease the naturalization case processing times.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - The Economy

    There's a saying: "I'll know when I see it." Well, the economists can spend all the time they want debating whether we're in a recession or not. I'm telling you we are. I've seen it.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy on Columbia Free Trade Agreement

    Trade policy affects our lives in many critical ways. It helps determine the price we pay for goods and services as well as the wages we get paid for doing our jobs. Trade is good if it lowers the price for products at the store, but it clearly isn't worth it if those savings come at the expense of American jobs or our security.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Understanding Medicare

    For many people, $30 or $40 a month is not a life-changing amount of money. However, someone receiving Social Security checks as their sole means of income might tell you that $30 a month is the difference in being able to afford – or going without – a very necessary prescription.
    < read more >
  • Congress in Your Inbox - Survey of Major Issues

    Please Take a Moment To Share Your Thoughts.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Boyda Listens to Budget Concerns in the District

    Please Take the Time to Read My Plane Talk Posting.
    < read more >
  • Casework Corner - Boyda Can Help Prove Military Service

    Many of us have loved ones who served honorably in the United States Military. Whether they served in the Marines, the Army, the Navy or the Air Force, during peacetime or wartime, fifty years ago or ten years ago, they deserve all of the glory we can possibly bestow upon them. Though these men and women should be honored daily, it is of special importance that they be honored by their grateful country as they are laid to rest.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Boyda and Moore Say Social Security Backlog is Unacceptable

    This Letter from Congressman Moore and Congresswoman Boyda appeared in the Kansas City Star March 29, 2008.
    < read more >
  • Letter of the Week - Nancy Funds Important Education Programs

    Over the next months, we must work together to restore fiscal responsibility and, at the same time, deliver real results to the people of the Second District. I am committed to working toward economic prosperity, a strong national defense, affordable health care and energy prices and strong public schools. It won't be easy, but Congress can make a difference if party politics is put aside and we work together.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights

    The credit card industry can arbitrarily raise your credit card's annual interest rate to as much as 24 percent or more, even if you pay your bill on time. This is simply wrong. That's why I've cosponsored the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights. This bill provides cardholders' protection from arbitrary interest rate increases and stipulates that credit card companies must give a 45-day notice of intent to raise interest rates. In addition, it says a consumer has the right to cancel that card and pay off the balance at their current rate of interest.
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  • Casework Corner - VA Raises Veterans' Reimbursement Rate

    Last month, Congresswoman Boyda announced a successful step in her ongoing efforts to raise mileage reimbursements for veterans seeking health care. Congresswoman Boyda, her staff, the veterans who live in rural Kansas areas, and everyone who owns a car in America are all aware of the rising cost of gasoline. Men and women who served our country proudly during wartime and peacetime were being reimbursed for their mileage to and from the VA at 11 cents per mile -- which just doesn't do the trick anymore.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Results of Illegal Immigration Survey

    From January 14th to March 13, 2008, my Congressional website hosted a survey on illegal immigration issues. We invited all Kansans in the Second Congressional District to offer their opinions. Below are the results of the survey.
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  • Letter of the Week - Nancy Votes on Mental Health Parity Bill

    Thank you for writing me about H.R. 1424. This bill mandates parity in insurance benefits between mental and physical health care. It passed the House on March 5, 2008 with strong bi-partisan support, and it now goes to the Senate, where a weaker parity bill passed last year. I was one of the bill's 274 cosponsors, and I was proud to see us work across party lines to address such a critical issue.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - National Journal Lists Boyda in the Center

    Until just a few years ago, I never even thought about running for office, so you can imagine how it feels to be on the cover of the National Journal. So, what great feat landed me on the cover? I'm in the middle! In the National Journal's rankings of Members of Congress from conservative to liberal, my office landed right in the middle. Not too far to the right. Not too far to the left. In today's polarized world, that's newsworthy!
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  • Casework Corner - Passport Season Begins Again!

    Even though the passport agencies have recovered from the huge backlogs of last year, I thought it would be wise to provide a quick refresher on passports as Spring Break time arrives and the vacation season begins. As you may recall, recent changes in passport regulations have resulted in a significant volume of applications, and this has caused backlogs in the application process.
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  • Letter of the Week - New Air Force Tanker Should be Made by Americans

    This past Friday, the Pentagon announced that Boeing would not be awarded a $40 billion Air Force contract to produce the next generation of tanker aircraft. Instead, they chose to have the 179 tankers built by EADS, a European aerospace conglomerate, and Northrop Grumman. This is simply outrageous.
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  • A Note from Nancy - Strengthening Terrorist Surveillance

    When America's political debate breaks down into slogans and shouting matches, our whole country suffers. Just look at the broken debate on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Visit to the Mexican Border

    With KCI closed for hours and no way no get home today, you do what you have to: rent a car and drive it home! Looking out the window, western Kansas looks beautiful. The sky is brilliant blue. The snow cover isn't deep, but just enough to paint a gorgeous picture. I'm with 2 fellow strandees from MO and they seem to genuinely agree the scene is breathtaking.
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  • Letter of the Week - The President's Budget for 2009

    Thank you for writing to me about your concerns with the President's budget. On February 5, 2008 the President sent Congress his proposed budget. Let me tell you, I am as upset with it as you are.
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  • Casework Corner - Many Senior Citizens are Eligible for Stimulus Rebate Checks

    One of the most pressing questions posed by constituents this tax season is "Who exactly is eligible for a rebate check?" You are eligible for one of these coveted checks if you reported at least $3,000 in income 2007. This includes earned income from work as well as income from Social Security and certain other government programs. Also, you must have a Social Security number to claim your rebate.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week

    Friday night, Steve picked me up from the airport and we drove up to Highland in Doniphan County, the northeast corner of the state. We had scheduled a Congress on Your Corner at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, so it made sense to spend the night -- and did we ever luck out!
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  • Letter of the Week - College Opportunity and Affordability Act

    Thank you for contacting my office about the College Opportunity and Affordability Act of 2007 (H.R. 4137). This bill passed the House by a vote of 354-58 and it is now awaiting action in the Senate. H.R. 4137 included many needed reforms to the Higher Education Act. Here are just a few of the more important aspects of the bill....
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  • Casework Corner - 2007 Year in Review

    At the beginning of a new year, I like to look back and reflect on the lessons learned and the accomplishments of the previous one. Being that this was our office's first year in operation, there is plenty to reflect upon. On day one we hit the ground running, and we haven't looked back since.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Looking Ahead to 2008

    I remember wondering, just before I was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives last year, what Congress would actually be like. What would we do to start addressing the critical problems Kansans face? Would my being in office even make a difference?
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  • Letter of the Week - Down Syndrome Stamp

    Thank you for contacting me about H. Con. Res. 28, a resolution expressing the support of Congress for a commemorative postage stamp to promote public awareness of Down syndrome. I hope you will be pleased to know that I am a co-sponsor of this legislation. If passed, I believe this legislation would be a solid first step to increasing the public understanding of Down syndrome and support for research.
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  • A Note from Nancy - Internet Safety Tips

    Eight-seven percent of teens use the Internet on a regular basis, and according to the Department of Justice, one in five children between the ages of 10 and 17 received a sexual solicitation or approach online last year. With so many threats out there, Congress must send a message that we, as a society, will not stand for anything less than a safe Internet.
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  • Casework Corner - Be Alert for Disaster Scams

    Sadly, the most recent ice storms have served as reminders that not every outstretched hand is a helping hand. We have been alerted by local authorities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about recent scams targeted to the victims of the December 2007, ice storm.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Kansas Schools Send Holiday Cards to Troops

    A few weeks ago, my office invited students at local schools to create holiday greeting cards for America's troops. The response was absolutely overwhelming. So far, we've received about 1,000 cards from schoolchildren across Kansas.
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  • Casework Corner - Protect Your Safety This Holiday Season

    As the holidays approach and many of us race around to find the perfect gifts for our friends and families, it's important to take a few safety precautions to ensure that our season stays joyous. The number of busy people rushing around from store to store creates a unique opportunity for those who would take advantage of the natural sense of security most of us have when we are out and about.
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  • Letter of the Week - National Defense Authorization Act

    Thank you for sharing your ideas on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2008. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I appreciate hearing the views of my constituents on defense. I am very proud that the conference report that passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate retains much of the original House bill, including restoring our military's readiness by increasing training dollars and taking care of the troops by prohibiting the Administration's TRICARE fee increases for both servicemembers and retirees. The bill also adds 13,000 more soldiers to the Army and 9,000 more Marines this year as part of a plan to add 92,000 soldiers and Marines. A 3.5 percent pay increase for all servicemembers is included, 0.5 percent more than what the President requested.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Kansas Students Interview for Military Academy Nominations

    As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to place heavy demands upon our military, it is more important now than ever that our country recruits an exceptional new generation of military leaders.
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  • Casework Corner - IRS Owes Undelivered Refunds to 764 Kansans

    As the holiday shopping season begins, we all could use a few extra dollars in our pockets. If you're one of 764 Kansans who is owed an undelivered IRS refund, you could have much more than a few dollars headed your way!
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Are You Owed Money by the IRS?

    Each year, the IRS mails tens of millions of refund checks to taxpayers, and many thousands of those checks are returned as undeliverable. Currently, the IRS owes undelivered refunds to 764 people in Kansas, totaling $550,000. The average refund is about $719.
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  • A Note from Nancy - Tips for Toy Safety

    These tips and suggestions were compiled by the Office of Congresswoman Nancy Boyda from a variety of Internet and print resources.
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  • Letter of the Week - Children's Toy Safety

    There have been a lot of news stories about recalls and safety inspections that are less than rigorous. From Aqua Dots with the "date rape drug" to lead-coated toys - a lot of folks are worried. Most of the recalls have come from imports. This should have been caught before products reached American homes.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Medicare Open Season Is Under Way

    As we enter the very busy holiday months, I hope you'll take the time for an important but often overlooked responsibility: reviewing your health insurance plan. If you're a senior citizen, this is your one opportunity each year to change your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Give Thanks to Our Troops

    Later this week, people across Kansas will gather with our family and friends to recognize Thanksgiving Day. We'll step away from our busy lives and pause, if only briefly, to give thanks for what matters most: our liberty, our freedom, our safety and our security.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Honoring Kansas Veterans

    This weekend, communities across Kansas gathered to honor their veterans. Steve and I were proud to participate in events in Leavenworth, Manhattan, Topeka, and southeast Kansas. I thought I'd be exhausted after this weekend, but I find myself energized.
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  • Casework Corner - Boyda's Office Can Assist with Disability Claims

    Recently I wrote about the Social Security disability backlog, and how it affects so many Kansans who badly need help. With people waiting two years or longer for benefits, many are put in serious financial trouble by the fact that they are unable to work.
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  • Letter of the Week - PATRIOT Act

    First, let me make it clear - the government must do all it can to protect this country. However, the thought of any of our government agencies intruding into any citizen's personal life without following the laws is very disturbing. As a nation, we must strike a balance between our freedoms that we cherish so dearly and making sure that those who wish to do us harm are caught before they can do so.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Topeka High Senior Travels to D.C. to Spotlight College Affordability

    We're almost halfway through the 110th Congress, and last week I had the chance to join nine other Members of Congress at a D.C. press conference to talk about what we've accomplished so far and about all the work still ahead. Joining us was Topeka High School senior Kelly Jacobsen, who shared her thoughts about how the College Cost Reduction Act benefits young people like her - and she stole the show!
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  • Letter of the Week - Protecting America's Wilderness

    It is important to preserve our wilderness areas to protect them for use by hikers, hunters and others who enjoy the outdoors. America's Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains are iconic in the minds of many Americans. The Blue Ridge mountains are home to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, and the locations of many significant battles of the Civil War.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Pittsburg Celebrates Homecoming Weekend

    Last Saturday, I had the privilege to join Pittsburg State University to celebrate their homecoming. The day was a beautiful crisp fall afternoon, perfect for parades and football.
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  • Casework Corner - New Law May Affect Your Student Loans

    In September of this year, the College Cost Reduction Act passed Congress by a wide, bipartisan margin and with Rep. Boyda's strong support. The legislation includes several important provisions that may affect your student loans or help make college more affordable to you and your children.
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  • A Note From Nancy - Covering Kids' Health Care

    Recently, a bipartisan majority of Congress voted to renew the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which provides critical help to working families who have no other way to afford health insurance for their kids.
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  • Letter of the Week - SAFE Consumer Product Act

    We must do all we can to ensure that the products that enter our country and that we use on a daily basis meet the highest standards of safety. I appreciate this chance to tell you about some of the work being done in Congress on this topic.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - End the Soldier Tax

    Unless Congress acts soon, over 150,000 American troops and their families will face a major tax increase next year. The reason is the "soldier tax," an obscure tax penalty that reduces the Earned Income Tax Credit for certain military families.
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  • Casework Corner - Boyda Works to Reduce Social Security Backlog

    Imagine waking up one morning no longer able to work. Maybe you were injured in an accident, or perhaps you have developed a debilitating illness, but whatever it was, you are no longer able to go to work each day. Despite his or her initial patience, your employer eventually has to find someone that can work your shift, and lets you go. You've always been able to provide for your family, but you now find yourself unemployed and sinking deeper and deeper into debt. The medical bills eat up your savings, and leave nothing to pay your house payment, your heating bills, or keep the lights on.
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  • Letter of the Week - Armenian Genocide Resolution

    I sent a letter to the Speaker that bringing H. Res. 106 to the floor would be a step in the wrong direction for our national security. I will encourage my colleagues to do the same and to vote against the resolution should it come for a vote before the House of Representatives.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - KU, K-State Students Build Solar House

    I usually write "Plane Talk" on my Monday afternoon flights from Kansas to D.C. But this past weekend, my daughter visited D.C. and we saw the sights together! We had perfect weather to walk and walk and walk. I fly home to Kansas virtually every weekend, so I hadn't had the chance to see all D.C. has to offer. If you haven't been recently or ever, try your best to get here. Our capital city is a symbol of freedom throughout the world, and it still stirs my soul when I see it, especially at night.
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  • Casework Corner - Town Hall on No Child Left Behind

    As a staff member in Rep. Boyda's Washington D.C. office, it's always helpful to hear directly from Kansans about legislation. Most of the time, I talk to people in Kansas over the phone or by e-mail, but earlier this week I had the chance to accompany Rep. Boyda to a town hall on the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) held in my hometown of Topeka and at my alma mater, Topeka High School (THS).
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  • Letter of the Week - Reforming the Federal Aviation Administration

    The Second District of Kansas depends on general aviation. Small airfields dot the landscape throughout eastern Kansas and provide facilities for private pilots traveling through Kansas. Because of the large impact that general aviation has on Kansas, I am very pleased that the House of Representatives recently passed the FAA Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2881). This bill is good for Kansans, especially for private pilots and commercial travelers.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Congress Honors Riley Angel in Adoption

    Last week, I had the opportunity to meet someone truly special, and I'd like to take this chance to share his story with you. For over a decade now, Stuart Griffiths of Riley, Kansas has opened his home and his heart to children in need. He has served as a foster parent for 32 children, helping kids who were victims of abuse or had behavioral problems grow into successful, talented adults.
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  • Casework Corner - Watch out for Late Medicare Enrollment Fee

    An issue to which we dedicate a lot of time in Congresswoman Boyda's constituent services office is Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage. While the program helps many Kansans to afford their otherwise quite expensive medications, the application process is complex and can be confusing. Because of this, many come to this office seeking assistance in working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - VA Facility Reports Improved Staffing, Funding

    Flying back to DC from Wichita this morning. We just finished an excellent briefing with the VA Regional Office, where all the VA claims are handled from all over Kansas. I've heard so often that care provided at our VA hospitals is good -- the problem is getting through all the red tape. There is such a backlog.
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  • A Note from Nancy - Supporting Kansas Prisons

    When most of us think about law enforcement, we imagine police patrolling the streets, or we think of lawyers and judges in a courtroom. But there's another chapter to the law enforcement story. Once a criminal has been caught, tried, and convicted in federal court, the U.S. prison system is charged with detaining him -- sometimes for the rest of his life.
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  • Casework Corner - Passport Agency May Refund Your Expedite Fee

    If you paid to expedite your passport application and believe that you did not receive expedited service, there's good news: You may be eligible to receive a refund of your $60 expedite fee. To apply, simply contact the State Department at the address below.
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  • Letter of the Week - Expanding American Homeownership

    Thank you for writing me about H.R. 1852, the Expanding American Homeownership Act. This bill, which revitalizes the Federal Housing Administration, passed the House on September 18, 2007, and I was proud to vote for it.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Kansans Collect Veterans' Stories

    Now, you can join the tens of thousands of Americans who have contributed to the Veterans History Project. The Kansas Second Congressional District is home to 66,000 veterans, and my office wants to help tell their story by putting potential interviewers in touch with area veterans.
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  • Casework Corner - Galena Grant Will Help Prevent Mine Collapses

    We rarely think about the immediate impact federal grant money has on our lives and our communities. One recent example of a federal grant helping Kansans is the story of Galena, a former mining town in Cherokee County.
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  • Letter of the Week - Patent Reform

    Although the U.S. Constitution is a fairly short document, patents are actually specifically addressed in it. The Patent and Copyright Clause (Art. I, Sec. 8, Clause 8) directs Congress "To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries."
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - How to Help Flood-Damaged Southeast Kansas

    What a great weekend! I went to Southeast Kansas with my church to help a woman sheetrock her flood-ravaged home. If any of you have participated in trips like this, you know how uplifting they can be.
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  • Casework Corner - Protecting Medicare Enrollment Choice

    Recently we heard from Ms. Maureen Price of Topeka, who was mistakenly enrolled in a Part D supplement for her prescription drug benefit. For a number of months, the program's premiums were withheld from Ms. Price's Social Security check, and all of her attempts to fix the problem met with failure and frustration.
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  • Letter of the Week - Children's Health and Fitness

    I believe that it is important to emphasize healthy and active lifestyles for today's kids. We need to find workable solutions to address the high rates of childhood obesity in this country today.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Gen. Petraeus Delivers Long-Awaited Iraq Testimony

    Yesterday the U.S. House Armed Services Committee heard long-awaited testimony from General David Petraeus, the commander of the Multi-National Force - Iraq. In his testimony, Gen. Petraeus rightly focused on how best to secure Iraq. That is his job, and he has done it well.
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  • Casework Corner - Medicare Open Season Approaching

    It's time to reflect on the pros and cons of your Medicare insurance and prescription drug plans and to review the options available if adjustments are needed. Annual enrollment for Medicare Part D will begin this November 15th and run through December 31st. Likewise, general enrollment for the health plans begins on January 1, 2008 and runs through March 31, 2008.
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  • Letter of the Week - Addressing Performance Pay for Teachers

    Recently, there have been discussions about including performance pay in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Teachers would either receive financial rewards or have their pay based on their students' test scores. I do not think it is fair to base compensation on criteria that have so many outside variables.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Celebrating Labor Day

    I'm writing to wish you and your family a happy, if belated, Labor Day. I hope you enjoyed the day off from work and the unofficial end of summer.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Wrapping Up the August Recess

    Whenever I'm home in Kansas, I touch base with the commanders of the Second District's two Army bases. Earlier this month I was fortunate to spend a morning and afternoon at Fort Leavenworth in Leavenworth County.
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  • Casework Corner - Cutting Through Medicare Red Tape

    Earlier this year, Dolores Rose of Rossville, Kansas, underwent surgery for cancer. Like most people facing a major operation, she felt a turbulent mixture of emotions: fear of the procedure, confusion about all the doctors and nurses and paperwork, uncertainty about her prospects, and -- most of all -- hope for her recovery.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - House Protects Seniors' Health Care Access

    Finally headed home for the August recess. We've done so much this week that is critically important to so many. Certainly it wasn't easy, and we had to jump a lot of hurdles on the way. I'm glad to return home to Kansas.
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  • Casework Corner - Boyda's Office Can Speed Up Passport Applications

    If you read this blog often or follow the news, you are probably aware that the past several months have seen a major backlog in the processing of passport applications. Fortunately, many travelers are contacting our office in hopes that we can speed up the process and save their vacations.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Farm Bill Passes U.S. House

    Last week the House passed the 2007 Farm Bill. Like so many things, it was bittersweet. Since I arrived in Congress, there has been a beehive of activity around this bill. Every producer group has been in my office several times. It's been fascinating. Dare I say "fun?"
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  • Letter of the Week - Improving Mental Health

    The most important thing Congress can do this year to improve our nation's mental health care is to ensure parity for mental illness.
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  • Casework Corner - Social Security Errors Can Lead to Underpayments

    As a self-employed worker in 1977, Mr. Robert Ostrander of Topeka had properly filed his taxes, but his Social Security statement reported that he'd earned zero income that year.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - House Votes to Cut Student Loan Rates

    When I graduated from college in 1977, the average cost for a year's tuition, room, and board at a public, four-year school was $1,936. That was a major expense: almost 15% of the average American household's income, enough to make many families think twice before sending their children to college.
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  • Letter of the Week - Rising Price of Gasoline

    The U.S. dependence on foreign oil is a relationship that can be summarized in one word: toxic. It is toxic to our environment, it is toxic to our economy and it is toxic to our international relations. The U.S. is dependant on foreign oil for 66% of our oil resources. This reliance on foreign oil is simply unacceptable. In order to remedy this problem, first and foremost, we must break our foreign oil addiction and look within our own nation for additional energy sources.
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  • Casework Corner - Boyda's Office Can Help Retrieve Military Records

    Earlier this year, Joycelyn Roney of Carbondale, Kansas, learned that the Burlingame Historical Society was seeking the military records of local veterans for a new veterans memorial. She knew that her father-in-law, Earl John Roney, had served in the Navy in World War II, so she contacted Rep. Nancy Boyda's office for help in tracking down his service records.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Independence Day

    Last week Congress adjourned for its annual Independence Day recess, offering representatives a chance to return to our homes, listen to our constituents, and discuss the important issues of our day.
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  • Casework Corner - What To Do If You Have Passport Problems

    In recent months, Rep. Boyda's Topeka office has heard from over 400 Kansans who have experienced major delays in their applications for a U.S. passport. If you, too, are encountering passport problems, my coworkers and I are glad to help you.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Floods Hit Southeast Kansas

    Last week, I wrote to you about my recent visit to the tornado-stricken town of Greensburg, Kansas. This week, I regret to find myself writing once again about a natural disaster: the downpour that washed across southeast Kansas over the weekend, triggering severe floods and widespread evacuations.
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  • Casework Corner - Disaster Relief Deadline Approaching

    If you suffered property damage in the storms, floods, or tornadoes that swept across Kansas in May, you should know that July 5th is the deadline to register for disaster assistance from FEMA.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Greensburg Visit, FEMA Deadline

    Last Sunday, Rep. Jerry Moran, Rep. Dennis Moore, and I gathered together in Greensburg, Kansas, which was struck last month by a devastating F5 tornado. We joined emergency management personnel, local lawmakers, and others for an afternoon tour of the town.
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  • Congress in Your Inbox - Disaster Assistance Available to Many Area Residents

    Earlier this year I was honored to be sworn in as your new representative in the United States Congress. As your representative, one of my duties is to update you on the federal issues that affect your life, so I am launching this occasional series of e-mails to keep in touch.
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