Issue Statements
Agriculture
As one of the top agriculture producing states in the country, Kansas has long been known as the breadbasket of America. But, with the emergence of a global marketplace, Kansas farmers and ranchers also play a significant role in feeding people around the world. It is no exaggeration to say that American farmers and ranchers produce the highest quality and safest food in the world.Aviation
Kansas has long been considered the “Air Capital of the World.” A world leader in general aviation manufacturing, this industry contributes over $7 billion a year to our state’s economy and employs thousands of Kansans both directly and indirectly. Understanding the importance of this industry to our state, I recently helped champion passage of a long overdue FAA reauthorization billEducation
As a father of three children, I recognize the valuable role education plays in shaping young minds to grow into successful adults. I am encouraged by the programs we have today to enhance the education of all students, regardless of means, race or age. As a U.S. Senator, I am proud to work on behalf of Kansas on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee to strengthen our educational system at all levels. For our youngest citizens, I am a strong advocate of the Head Start program. At the elementary and secondary levels, I have long fought for increased funding for special education, math, science, and foreign language programs. Finally, I am a strong supporter of providing all children the opportunity to move onto and be successful in postsecondary education. For more information on specific topics please find the links below.Energy
When I travel home and visit with Kansans I often hear about one issue that hits everyone's pocketbook - the high cost of energy. Most of us have to drive to go to work, school, church, and to shop for groceries. We use energy to heat our homes during cold Kansas winters and to cool us off during the long hot summer. We recalculate our budgets and prioritize expenses to factor in these expenses.
Environment
It is important that Americans enjoy the benefits of clean air, soil, and water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air quality in the United States continues to improve. Since Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1970, U.S. air pollution has been reduced by half – even though the nation’s population and economy continue to grow. We must continue our efforts to ensure steady improvements in air quality.
Family
Throughout my years as a public servant I have consistently supported efforts that promote strong family values based on a strong moral foundation. Along with the majority of Kansans, I believe that every life is a precious gift that we all have a responsibility to protect. As my record clearly shows, I oppose abortion on demand and the federal funding of abortions. In addition, I continue to oppose the use of tax dollars to fund abortion services at home and overseas. I remain committed to supporting proposals to tighten restrictions on abortion and to support legislation that strengthens the moral fabric of our society.
Federal Judges
Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution grants presidential authority to "nominate, and by the Advise and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint . . . judges of the Supreme Court..." We have a constitutional obligation to ensure that our federal courts are fully staffed by qualified judges. As a U.S. Senator, I take my constitutional responsibility seriously in carefully examining each judicial nominee's record before casting a vote.
Foreign Policy
Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, United States foreign policy has evolved to meet both the increasing global terrorist threat and the need for increased communication and cooperation with allies. A strong international United States presence increases our security at home, while promoting the tenants of freedom and democracy to people around the globe. As the leader in the international community, the United States is inextricably tied to our allies through trade, joint efforts in the War on Terror, and outreach to those less fortunate.
Health Care
As a member of the Senate Health Committee and Rural Health Caucus, I am a strong supporter of quality health care for all Kansans.Identity Theft
Advances in technology and the ease with which individuals can share financial and other personal information has heightened the risk of identity theft and the need to safeguard this information. In recent years, Congress has approved legislation to strengthen consumer protection laws with regard to how personal and financial information is shared and used. However, consumers should also take steps to protect themselves against identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission is an excellent resource for consumers who want to learn more about how to safeguard their personal information. Congress is also working on legislation to strengthen identity theft laws.
Immigration
There has been much debate about how to address illegal immigration, border security, and legal immigration policy. While I agree that some of our immigration laws need updated, any effort to reform our system must begin with securing our borders. I have and will continue to support legislation that strengthens the security of our borders and reduces illegal immigration. I will carefully scrutinize proposals that affect our nation's immigration policies and will work to ensure that Americans are first in line for available jobs and that those remaining jobs go to a legal workforce.Military Affairs
As a former Marine and a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I stand in strong support of the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. There is no doubt that we are in challenging times where the personal resolve and dedication to duty by those who wear the uniform will serve as the foundation of America’s national security. As former Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am acutely aware that the very first and foremost responsibility the government of the United States has to its citizens is an effective and strong defense from foreign enemies of our nation. If we fail in this responsibility, none of the other responsibilities will matter. Our continued freedom, and that of our children, is at stake.Second Amendment
I am a strong supporter of congressional efforts to preserve our Second Amendment right to bear arms. Furthermore, I am opposed to actions that infringe on those rights and do not effectively reduce crime and violence. Rather than chipping away at fundamental liberties backed by the Constitution, firearm laws should only be enacted with the intent to punish criminal activity.
I support enforcing the gun laws currently on the books, rather than creating new ones that erode basic rights of self-protection. I believe the best way to combat crime is through solid law enforcement opportunities and education. Throughout my service in the U.S. Senate, I have consistently voted to strengthen sentences for crimes committed with guns and I have supported provisions to stop violent crime and remove repeat offenders from the streets.
Small Business
I have long supported efforts to help small businesses grow and expand. Small businesses are America's job creators. They create hope and opportunity for our entrepreneurs and workers, and are essential to our nation's economic prosperity. In the past decade, more than 60 percent of all jobs were created by small businesses. These businesses employ more than half of the nation's private-sector workforce. In Kansas, small businesses are vital to the financial well-being of the state's economy. Their contribution is essential for economic growth since they make up a majority of employer firms in the state. According to the Small Business Admisistration, 69,241 businesses with employees in Kansas, an estimated 96.6 percent, or 67,120, are small firms.Social Security
Social Security is an important component of American workers' retirement planning and also serves as a vital safety net for individuals with disabilities and those surviving families of workers who have passed away. During my service in Congress, I have fought hard to protect and strengthen both Social Security and Medicare for generations to come. My record shows that I have voted to decrease wasteful government spending and ensure that Social Security funds will not be used to offset the costs of other programs. I have opposed the taxation of Social Security benefits and worked to repeal the offset for those over 65 years of age who wanted to work.Taxes
My record on tax relief is clear. I have consistently supported efforts to reduce the tax burden on Kansans to allow them to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. Lower taxes have helped create jobs and grow the economy. I will continue to support legislation that provides tax relief to Kansans.Telecommunications-Broadband
The past century saw great changes in technology, bringing with it new or improved means of communications. These technological changes create an ever-shrinking world, but one with new challenges. Numerous times, Congress has updated telecommunications laws as new trends emerge. The most recent reorganization of telecommunications regulations came with the 1996 Telecommunications Act. The intention of the act was deregulation and increased competition. Since 1996, we have experienced additional changes and challenges in the telecommunications industry. Congress recognizes these changes and has begun debating how to best alter current law to further promote competition, spur investment in infrastructure and stimulate technological advances.Trade
Trade is important to our national economy with nearly one in five jobs depending on trade. In 2006, Kansas exports were a record $8.6 billion, supporting thousands of Kansas jobs. Trade is an integral part of our state economy that exports a wide range of products from all types of agricultural commodities to aircraft parts and industrial equipment. One in three farm acres in the United States is planted for export to consumers abroad. Nearly a third of farm income is based on foreign exports. With over 95 percent of the world’s consumers living beyond our borders, we must aggressively work to tap into those markets and grow our economy.
Transportation
Being centrally located in the U.S. provides Kansans with many economic opportunities. Businesses, homeowners, and our farmers rely on multiple modes of transportation to move products and people. From high quality roadways, to industry leading aviation manufacturers, to a vast network of railways, Kansans take pride in being a leader in the transportation industry. A safe and efficient transportation system is vital to the economic development of our state. As a U.S. Senator, I will work to ensure that Kansas receives necessary federal funds to maintain and improve our existing infrastructure, and that federal policies support the needs of our many transportation industries.
