July 1, 2014
House Committee on Appropriations Continues Work
The House Committee on Appropriations approved the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill for 2015 last week. This legislation spends $566 million less than last year and $2.3 billion less than the President’s request. This legislation funds the Treasury Department, the Judiciary branch, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Poor-performing and inefficient agencies, such as the IRS, are targeted for reductions. The IRS is also prohibited from using funds to target groups based on ideological beliefs and awarding employee bonuses. In other efforts to increase government transparency, I introduced an amendment, which was adopted, that prohibits the federal government from reading your email without a warrant.
From Roll Call: "Email Search Warrant Provision Added to Spending Bill"
To hear more about my email privacy amendment and the vast bipartisan support for it, click here or on the image above.
Autism CARES Act of 2014 Passes House
The Autism CARES Act of 2014, H.R. 4631, passed the House on Tuesday. As an original cosponsor, I strongly support this legislation that authorizes funding for research, treatment, and training programs and services through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Since 2006, the prevalence of autism has increased 123 percent, with one in 68 children now living with autism. It is my hope the Senate passes this legislation and sends it to the President’s desk before the current law expires on September 30.
Lowering Energy Costs and Creating an Energy Independent America
Summer is here and for many Americans, that means heading to the gas pump before hitting the road for a family vacation. Higher gas prices and through the ceiling energy bills are taking money out of the pockets of Americans and keeping them from taking those vacations. America has more combined oil, coal, and natural gas resources than any other country, which is why I support an all-of-the-above energy policy.
Helen Keller National Center's “Dr. Robert J. Smithdas Award”
Lost IRS Emails
The “lost” Lerner emails continue to leave Americans stunned. The IRS can’t maintain their own emails, yet they require taxpayers to keep seven years of records. “
Sometimes stuff just happens,” is not an acceptable answer. Last week, the House Committee on Appropriations passed the
Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill for 2015, which includes an amendment to reduce funding for the IRS and prohibits the IRS from using any funds to destroy records or award employee bonuses. It’s time we make the government more accountable to the people again.
State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act
Last week, the House Committee on Appropriations approved the FY15 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. As a member of the subcommittee, I am happy to support this legislation that cuts $708 million from the budget last year, while providing adequate resources to fund the State Department and American priorities abroad. Funding levels for national security initiatives are maintained, as well as funding for embassy security to ensure Americans abroad are safe.
Presidential Scholars
Congratulations to Katie Super and Ryan Dahl, the two U.S. Presidential Scholars from Kansas, both hailing from the Third District. It was an honor to visit with such distinguished leaders. This is one of our nation’s highest honors for high school students, and Katie and Ryan are definitely deserving of the award. Thank you for your hard work and for representing the Third District of Kansas.
Meeting with Katie Super, a Blue Valley Southwest graduate, and Ryan Dahl, an Olathe North graduate, U.S. Presidential Scholars from the Third District of Kansas in my Washington, D.C. office.
Edwardsville Post Office Reopens
The Edwardsville Post Office reopened on Saturday, June 28 after being placed on emergency suspension and is ready to resume regular service for all PO Box customers in the community. Retail services have also been resumed. Thank you to everyone who played a role in the reopening the post office including the City of Edwardsville leadership and community, the Wyandotte West Post Office Manager, and the United States Postal Service. We are excited to see quality of service and delivery of mail continued to the Edwardsville community.
Happy 103rd Birthday, Grandma
My grandma, Edna, turned 103 on Saturday. I couldn’t be more proud of her. Grandma Edna’s wonderful personality and cheerful sense of humor always brings a smile to my face. Each day, when I wake up in a nation of prosperity and freedom, I think of my grandmother and people of her generation that worked themselves to the bone, who helped build this great country so their children and children’s children would have the opportunity to realize their dreams. I cherish my time with her and wish her the happiest of birthdays. Happy Birthday, Grandma.
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Grandma Edna with my daughter Caroline at 8 weeks-old.
I also wished Grandma Edna a Happy Birthday on the House floor Friday. To watch my special message to grandma, click here or on the image below.
Summer Intern Send-off
Our first session of summer interns are wrapping up their time in my Washington, D.C. office. A special Team Yoder thank you to Lauren Freking, Tom Hoven, Maddie Jurden, Matthew Von Ende, Eleanor Dickens, and Molly Minnis for your commitment, dedication, and hard work. We have truly enjoyed getting to know each of you and watching you grow throughout your time here. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and best of luck to each of you.
Tom Hoven, Lauren Freking, Molly Minis, Eleanor Dickens, Maddie Jurden, Matthew Von Ende, and myself in front of the Dwight D. Eisenhower statue in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
Congressional Baseball Game for Charity
I enjoyed participating in the Annual Congressional Baseball Game as part of the Republican team last Wednesday at Nationals Park. Despite the tough loss, I was proud to wear the uniform of the University of Kansas with the number 3, to represent the district. I enjoyed the friendships made and the opportunity to build camaraderie among my colleagues in Congress. The seies is now 38-38-1. It was an honor to be a part of the bipartisan event that raised money for The Washington Literacy Council, and The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington.
Congressman Sam Graves (MO-6) representing the University of Missouri and me representing the University of Kansas (Mizzou's feared rival) before the Congressional Baseball Game.
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