Memorial Day Events in Kansas City and Spring Hill
Monday we celebrated Memorial Day, a day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedom. It was truly an honor to attend several events to thank and celebrate the courageous men and women who served our country.
It was an honor to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial Fountain in Kansas City.
I was also grateful to speak at the Spring Hill Memorial Day Celebration on Monday.
Holding the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountable
On this week of Memorial Day, the news surrounding the Department of Veterans Affairs delay of care scandal continues to alarm. The VA cannot fail those who were called upon to protect our nation. These men and women served our country, yet are forced to wait for their hard-earned benefits because the administration refuses to take responsibility and action once again.
Last week, I spoke on the House floor and demanded the administration take the necessary actions to fix this serious problem, as it is preventable with proper management and accountability. The backlog of veterans cases has grown out of control, delaying urgent medical treatment and leaving our loved ones to watch their health deteriorate. In addition to the backlog in cases, allegations that dozens of veterans have died while on secret waiting lists has also surfaced. Our veterans deserve better.
I am pleased to support H.R. 4031, the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act, which gives Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki the authority to terminate the employment of incompetent senior leaders at the VA, a necessary first step to end the culture of complacency plaguing the VA health care system. The bill passed the Hosue 390-33 on May 21.
Click
here, or on the image above to hear my full remarks regarding the VA scandal.
House Passes Bipartisan and Earmark Free Water Bill
The Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 412-4 last week. WRRDA is key to a sound infrastructure network and will create needed construction jobs. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I was pleased to vote for a bill that contained zero earmarks and cut $18 billion of unnecessary spending on inactive projects. The bill includes reforms to increase accountability and Congressional oversight in order to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse.
The bipartisan Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA), which creates jobs and rebuilds our nation’s water infrastructure, passed the House with a vote of 412-4.
Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas
It was a pleasure meeting with Judge Nugent, Chief Judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas. We spoke about the federal caseload of the Court, as well as our nation’s economic outlook. Thank you for taking the time to visit with me during your time in Washington.
It was great meeting with Judge Nugent.
Funding for Air Traffic Control Facilities
Kansans from the Air Traffic Controllers Association stopped by my Washington, D.C. office last week to discuss the upcoming transportation bill. We spoke about the instability in funding and how it affects air traffic control facilities throughout Kansas. Properly staffing air traffic towers to ensure flight safety in Kansas and throughout the nation cannot be ignored.
It was great meeting with Aaron Merrick and Connie Presley of the Air Traffic Controllers Association.
Kansas Rural Letter Carriers
I also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Kansas Rural Letter Carriers. We discussed the importance of six-day mail and the unique challenges they face while delivering your mail on time. As the Representative from the 3rd District of Kansas, I represent a rural, suburban, and urban district. Being able to meet the varying mail delivery needs of the entire district is important to me.
It was a pleasure meeting with representatives from the Kansas Rural Letter Carriers in Washington last week.
Flag Requests
My Washington, D.C. office provides the unique opportunity to have an American flag flown over the United States Capitol. If you are looking to honor or celebrate a special occasion or accomplishment, a flag can be flown to commemorate the event. Please visit my
website to learn more about ordering a flag, having a flag flown, and flag care.
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