September 15, 2014
Defeating Terrorist Organization ISIL
Last week, President Obama spoke to the American people to outline his strategy to combat the “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant,” or ISIL.
ISIL is a threat to American interests both at home and abroad. As our nation remembered the tragic events of September 11th last week, we are reminded that there are those throughout the world who seek to disrupt our American way of life.
I briefly discussed the threat ISIL poses and how we must handle this threat against our nation on KSHB 41 Action News Thursday. I will continue to closely monitor this situation and work with my colleagues to implement a strategy that allows our military to protect American lives. Legislation to consider authorization of force is slated to come before the House this week. However, as this situation continues to unfold, please don’t hesitate to contact my office to express your concerns.
Watch the clip by clicking on the image above or here.
Remembering September 11
Click the image above, or here, to watch Congressman Yoder's one minute speech honoring the 13th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
I took a moment to honor and remember our families and friends who lost their lives in the horrific attacks on September 11, 2001 on the House floor last week. Last Thursday marked the 13th anniversary of the attacks and once again we paused to remember the innocent lives lost at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the heroes on Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. The same day also marked two years since we lost four Americans at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.
I also paid tribute to the first responders who selflessly worked to save their fellow Americans and the brave men and women who answered the call of duty and have courageously joined the Armed Forces to defend our freedom.
September 11, 2001, changed our great nation. It awakened us to the ever-present threat by those who wish to attack our country and its citizens, but it also stiffened our resolve and unified our nation. Immediately after the horrific attacks, we came together as a nation, the American spirit running high and we emerged more determined and stronger than ever before. Our American spirit is enduring and our leadership in the world remains the strongest tool we have against terror.
Organ Transplant Changes Negatively Impacting Kansans
Due to the donor shortage rates across the east and west coasts, there is an effort to redistribute organs from the Midwest to lower donor areas particularly on the east coast. This proposal does nothing to increase the amount of donations and may have the opposite result moving organs out of the communities within which they are donated. In particular, this would limit the organ availability to other programs, including the
Center for Transplantation at the University of Kansas Hospital Center.
The full text of the letter can be found by visiting my
website or clicking
here.
National Endowment for the Arts
I enjoyed meeting with
Jane Chu, Chairwoman of the National Endowment for the Arts, in my Washington, D.C. office last Wednesday. Jane was nominated to head the NEA by President Obama earlier this year. Previously, she served as CEO and president of the
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. Jane has made a
positive impact on the greater Kansas City area community and I am confident she will continue her
great work for the arts at the national level.
Thank you, Chairwoman Jane Chu for your continued advocacy for the arts.
Kansas Automobile Dealers Association
I enjoyed meeting with the
Kansas Automobile Dealers Association last week in my Washington, D.C. office. We had a great conversation about the success of their industry and all the jobs they’ve created throughout the state. In addition, we discussed how we can work together to ensure overregulation doesn’t affect their ability to boost the economy and create more jobs for Kansans.
U.S. Service Academy Nominations
I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of students to four of the five
U.S. Service Academies. These prestigious Academies are
open to all 17-23 year olds who desire academic rigor and service above self.
The application deadline is October 1st.
There are five service academies:
• U.S. Military Academy, located in West Point, New York
• U.S. Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, Maryland
• U.S. Air Force Academy, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, New York
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy, located in New London, Connecticut
Click here for more information, or contact my office at (913) 621-0832 to request additional information about the nomination packet.
Kansas State Society
I had the distinct pleasure of introducing
Rob Riggle before the
Kansas State Society last week. Rob was honored as the
Kansas State Society’s 2014 Kansan of the Year. He is truly deserving of the award. Rob is a great ambassador to Kansas and
hails from the 3rd District. Rob is a retired
United States Marine Corps Reserve Officer, where he served our country for more than 20 years. In addition, Rob is a graduate of
Shawnee Mission South High School and the University of Kansas. Rob continues to give back to Kansans through
Big Slick, a charity he founded to raise money for Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Congressman Yoder congratulates the Kansas State Society’s 2014 Kansan of the Year, Rob Riggle. Rock Chalk!