url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-kicks-60-county-listening-tour,Rep. Mann Kicks off 60-County Listening Tour,2023-12-27,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Manhattan, KS - U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) will kick off his Fourth Annual 60-County Mann Listening Tour on January 2, 2024. Each year, Rep. Mann hosts one town hall meeting in each county in the Big First District of Kansas. Since being elected to Congress, he has hosted 186 town halls. “Fighting for Kansans is my top priority,” said Rep. Mann. “Each year, I host a town hall in every county in the Big First to meet with Kansans. Listening to their comments gives me the marching orders I need to serve them in Congress. I’m grateful for every Kansan who has participated in my past town halls, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again this year.” The start of Rep. Mann’s 2024 town hall tour will cover 4 days and 22 counties. Details for each stop can be found below, on social media, and on Rep. Mann’s website. MEDIA RSVP: Media is welcome at all the town halls below. Please contact Michaela Todd at Michaela.Todd@Mail.House.Gov to RSVP or for further information. Trego County WHERE: WaKeeney Public Library 610 Russell Ave | WaKeeney, KS TIME: 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM CT Graham Count WHERE: Graham County Auto and Arts Museum 322 W. Main Street | Hill City, KS TIME: 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM CT Sheridan County WHERE: Sheridan County Library 801 Royal Ave | Hoxie, KS TIME: 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM CT Decatur County WHERE: Oberlin City Library 104 E. Oak Street | Oberlin, KS TIME: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM CT Rawlins County WHERE: Rawlins County Courthouse 607 Main Street | Atwood, KS TIME: 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM CT Cheyenne County WHERE: St. Francis Public Library 121 N. Scott Street | St. Francis, KS TIME: 4:00 PM –4:45 PM CT Sherman County WHERE: Goodland Public Library 812 Broadway Ave | Goodland, KS TIME: 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM MT Thomas County WHERE: Lions Community Center (Henry Hall) 313 Kansas Ave | Brewster, KS TIME: 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM CT Wallace County WHERE: The Events Center 404 E. Ramon Street | Sharon Springs, KS TIME: 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM MT Greeley County WHERE: First Farm Bank 522 Broadway Ave | Tribune, KS TIME: 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM MT Hamilton County WHERE: Council Room at Syracuse City Hall 109 Main Street | Syracuse, KS TIME: 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM MT Stanton County WHERE: Stanton County Public Library 103 E. Sherman Ave | Johnson, KS TIME: 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM CT Morton County WHERE: Morton County Library 410 Kansas Street | Elkhart, KS TIME: 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM CT Stevens County WHERE: Senior Center 624 S. Main Street | Hugoton, KS TIME: 5:45 PM – 6:30 PM CT Seward County WHERE: Liberal Chamber of Commerce (West Room) 4 Rock Island Road | Liberal, KS TIME: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM CT Haskell County WHERE: Haskell County Courthouse 300 Inman Street | Sublette, KS TIME: 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM CT Grant County WHERE: Grant County Library (Cooper Clark meeting room) 215 E. Grant Ave | Ulysses, KS TIME: 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM CT Kearny County WHERE: Kearny County Courthouse 304 N. Main Street | Lakin, KS TIME: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM CT Wichita County WHERE: Wichita County Library 208 S. 4th Street | Leoti, K TIME: 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM CT Scott County WHERE: Spencer Flight Center 300 S. Mesquite Road | Scott City, KS TIME: 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM CT Lane County WHERE: Lane County Library (Community Room) 144 S. Lane Street | Dighton, KS TIME: 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM CT",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-releases-2023-year-end-wrap-highlights-bipartisan-accomplishments-and,"Davids Releases 2023 Year-End Wrap, Highlights Bipartisan Accomplishments and Community Engagement",2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image December 21, 2023 Today, Representative Sharice Davids shared how her office worked throughout 2023 to make government work for all Kansans, both by passing critical bipartisan legislation and connecting directly with residents of the Kansas Third all year long. “Reflecting on 2023, our community saw challenges and successes — but throughout the year, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to make a real impact on folks’ lives,” said Davids. “Thousands of Kansans reached out to share their thoughts, experiences, and concerns with our office, helping my team and me do our jobs better. I look forward to building upon our progress in 2024 as we continue working to lower costs for hardworking Kansans and ensure the federal government works for everyday folks, not special interests.” 2023 BY THE NUMBERS: Staying Connected: Responded to more than 124,000 constituent messages — communicating with an average of 340 Kansans each day. Since being sworn in, Davids has sent 588,500 responses to constituents. Led 9 large-format, public conversations, from telephone town halls to Facebook Lives, contacting more than 146,500 constituents. Sent more than 300,000 text messages to constituents sharing resources and asking for feedback on how to lower costs and improve public safety. Hosted 214 private constituent meetings in Kansas’ Third District and Washington, D.C., listening to the priorities of Kansans. Since being sworn in, Davids has hosted 1,039 private constituent meetings. Scheduled 791 U.S. Capitol tours and helped deliver 299 American Flags to Kansans, 32 of which were flown over the U.S. Capitol building. Solving Problems: Resolved 1,650 constituent cases, helping Kansans with passports, delayed veterans’ or social security benefits, taxes, and more. Since being sworn in, Davids has helped resolve more than 6,280 constituent cases. Returned $5.4 million to constituents and local businesses in overdue tax returns, Social Security benefits, and more. Since being sworn in, Davids has helped return more than $17 million to constituents. Hosted 89 Pop Up Offices in all corners of Kansas’ Third District, from Kansas City, KS to Garnett, to help Kansans navigate the federal government. Getting Bipartisan Results: Co-sponsored 236 pieces of legislation, 72 percent of which are bipartisan. Introduced eight original pieces of legislation, one of which passed the House to support veteran small business owners. Worked five “Sharice’s Shifts” alongside local workers to highlight the impact and implementation of recent federally passed legislation, including the bipartisan infrastructure law. Other Davids-supported legislative achievements included the creation of 20,000 new clean energy jobs and the KC area being named one of 31 Regional Tech Hubs. Focusing on the Third: Made 11 stops on a Farm Bill Listening Tour to listen directly to Kansas’ farmers, ranchers, and producers as Davids, a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, prepared for the 2023 Farm Bill consideration process. Tour stops were located in all five counties in Kansas’ Third District. Secured $11.1 million in approved investments for 15 projects to improve health and safety in the Third District, including clean drinking water in Olathe, new police training vehicles for Johnson County Community College, and reconstruction of the structurally deficient Kansas Avenue Bridge, which connects Kansas to Missouri. Facilitated three Panasonic community conversations with local elected leaders and business professionals to prepare for expected community growth in Johnson County. Davids brought federal officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Federal Highway Administration, and Economic Development Administration to share their expertise. Brought millions of dollars in grant funding to the Third District for critical needs from hiring additional law enforcement officers to improving road safety for drivers to lowering utility costs for hardworking Kansans.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-participates-grand-opening-hays-community-based-outpatient-clinic,Rep. Mann Participates in Grand Opening of Hays Community-Based Outpatient Clinic,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HAYS, KS – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) attended the grand opening of the Hays Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). The clinic, which is the fourth of its kind in the Big First District alongside facilities in Dodge City, Salina, and Hutchinson, will serve 35,000 veterans. “I am proud to have this new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in our district, where American heroes receive the care, attention, and respect they deserve,” said Rep. Mann. “In America, we support the brave men and women who defend our freedoms in the armed forces, and that support must not stop once they take off their uniforms. Of the 20 million veterans living in America, 4.4 million live in rural areas, where it can be difficult to recruit and retain health care professionals. As a result, millions of veterans in rural America struggle with access to health care. This clinic meets an immediate need and is a welcomed addition to our state.” The CBOC in Hays has served veterans continuously since it was originally opened in 1999. The new location, which has additional exam rooms and dedicated space for group therapy and mental health care, offers primary care, and laboratory, pathology, pharmacy, and telehealth services. “I will always remain committed to supporting America’s heroes in Congress,” said Rep. Mann. “Veterans have served all of us selflessly - this clinic is about serving them and ensuring that they receive the highest quality of care."" Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-visits-overland-park-arts-education-program-highlights-federal,"Davids Visits Overland Park Arts Education Program, Highlights Federal Investments to Create Jobs, Support Kansans with Disabilities",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OVERLAND PARK, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited a local arts education center to highlight how federal investments are creating good-paying jobs and providing education to Kansans of all backgrounds. Davids toured the Emerging Artists Program, which received American Rescue Plan investments to sponsor art therapy scholarships and support adult artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Davids was the only member of the Kansas delegation to support this legislation. “Today, I saw firsthand how legislation I supported in Congress has created good-paying jobs in Johnson County and strengthened educational opportunities for all Kansans,” said Davids. “These targeted investments help foster an environment where everyone, including the artists I met today, can grow, succeed, and prosper. I am proud to collaborate with our dedicated local and state leaders in securing federal investments that will leave a lasting, positive impact for years to come."" “Johnson County had a very thoughtful, strategic, and equitable process to invest millions of COVID-19 federal funds into our community, and I hope we can all appreciate seeing outcomes of how these investments are making life better for our residents,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman, Johnson County Board of County Commissions. “We are grateful for Representative Davids and those that helped empower this federal and local partnership that allowed us to invest in Johnson County in so many ways, including arts and culture. Specifically, I am pleased to see how providing funds for art therapy is enriching the lives of people in our community, contributing to their mental health and creative expression.” Thanks to the Davids-supported American Rescue Plan, Johnson County received $117 million to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including to support schools, students, and childcare programs. In February 2023, the County allocated $2,073,520 to fund community programs that address struggling creative small businesses. Among those allocations, the Arts Council of Johnson County received $884,900 to provide grants for artists and arts organizations, including the Emerging Artists Program. Emporia State University also received $721,890 to place art therapists in classrooms and provide art therapy certifications in Johnson County. In 2021, Davids voted for the American Rescue Plan to bring targeted COVID relief to the state and strengthen and expand the local childcare workforce. Kansas provided $53 million in ARP funds for bonus payments of up to $2,500 to an estimated 22,650 early childhood care staff members across the state. The law has also supported small businesses and Kansas families:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-participates-chimney-service-apprenticeship-highlights-efforts,"Davids Participates in Chimney Service Apprenticeship, Highlights Efforts to Strengthen Kansas Workforce",2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"SPRING HILL, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids shadowed apprentices at Full Service Chimney to highlight her efforts to strengthen Kansas’ workforce. Davids has voted to support the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, which helps place workers in jobs at Full Service Chimney and dozens of other companies in Kansas’ Third District. Apprenticeships help close the wage gap between high school and college graduates and have an average return on investment of $1.44 for every $1.00 spent. “Today I got to see exactly how the Registered Apprenticeship Program helps Kansas businesses fill in-demand jobs and Kansas employees get the skills they need for a successful career,” said Davids. “I’ve long been an advocate for these effective programs and will continue advocating for their support as we implement recently passed federal legislation here in Kansas. By supporting our workforce needs, we can better compete against countries like China and lower costs for Kansas families and businesses.” “After working at the Railroad for many years, I wanted a good job with regular hours and good pay,” said Jessie Lawrence, Journeyman and previous apprentice. “At Full Service Chimney, I found both, and an apprenticeship I could build a career with. As one of the first to complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyman, I have found this to be my career path, and look forward to helping others along the way.” “Since we invested in the apprenticeship program, we’ve attracted and retained higher quality employees,” said Robert Berry, Owner and Master Chimney Sweep, Full Service Chimney. “Individuals who seek out these programs are future focused with a serious commitment toward serving the company and community, which is apparent to management and more importantly to our customers. The outlook for Full Service Chimney has never been brighter, due in no small part to the implementation of our Registered Apprenticeship Program.” Davids shadowed chimney service apprentices as they learned to mason brick chimneys and pour concrete chimney toppers at Full Service Chimney’s training warehouse in Spring Hill. Davids shared her efforts to expand access to good-paying jobs and workforce training opportunities through Registered Apprenticeships, which have been shown to be the most successful approach to growing a highly skilled workforce for in-demand occupations. 93 percent of these apprentices are employed upon completion, earning an average starting wage of $70,000 a year. “The Registered Apprenticeship has made it possible for us, as the employer to better reach candidates with skillsets we need to run a successful operation,” said Jennifer Martinez, Apprenticeship Sponsor, Full Service Chimney. “As of now, 44 percent of our apprentices are military veterans and we are so proud to be able to attract such talent to our team. Thanks to programs like Kansas Works and their local Workforce Partnerships connecting us with the Transition Assistance Program at Fort Leavenworth. That has really helped us gain traction in our efforts to reach military members who are looking to transition into a new career path!”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-blocks-big-government-overreach-federal-abortion-policy,"Rep. Mann Blocks Big Government Overreach, Federal Abortion Policy",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted no on H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act. Rep. Mann released the following statement after the vote. “I am a staunch supporter of our nation’s military, but I could not in good conscience vote yes on this legislation,” said Rep. Mann. “It would facilitate abuse of government surveillance of Americans at the Federal Bureau of Investigations and extend taxpayer funding for abortion at the U.S. Department of Defense. I voted no today because of my stance on freedom in the face of government overreach and my commitment to the right to life enshrined in our Constitution.” Rep. Mann voted no on H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 310-118. The legislation: Extends the controversial and often-abused Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), without reforms Continues to allow the Department of Defense to use taxpayer dollars to reimburse abortion travel expenses to its employees Includes a two-year extension of $300 million for the Department of Defense’s Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) fund, which abuses Presidential power to fund foreign governments’ defensive capabilities without accountability Maintains President Biden’s Green New Deal executive orders, allowing the Department of Defense to purchase electric vehicles and impose greenhouse gas emission reporting on certain contractors The National Defense Authorization Act will now be sent to President Biden to be signed into law. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-champions-legislation-defending-american-kids-dairy-farmers,"Rep. Mann Champions Legislation Defending American Kids, Dairy Farmers",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Yesterday, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted yes on legislation that he cosponsors, H.R. 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program to serve whole or reduced-fat milk to students, giving students a variety of nutritional beverage choices. “Milk has 13 essential nutrients that kids need to live healthy lives,” said Rep. Mann. “Milk is also the top source of protein for children ages 2-11, and it’s the top source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D for children ages 2-18. This legislation allows kids to consume the milk they prefer at home and school. American dairy farmers are proud to support the health of kids across the country, and I am proud to cosponsor the legislation.” H.R. 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 330-99, would: Allow schools the option to serve all types of milk, including whole and 2% milk Give school food service providers simplicity, flexibility, and choice in milk options so they can easily craft nutritious lunches students will enjoy Honor parental and student choice to round out a nutritious lunch with a popular, healthy beverage H.R. 1147 will now be sent to the U.S. Senate for further review. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-secures-new-investments-improve-road-safety-kansas-third,Davids Secures New Investments to Improve Road Safety in the Kansas Third,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced $1.75 million is coming to Kansas’ Third District to improve roads and address traffic fatalities. The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program was established by the bipartisan infrastructure law, which Davids was the only member of the Kansas delegation to support, to redesign roads and streets to prevent deaths and serious injuries. Last year, Davids released a report examining the state of transportation safety in the Third District of Kansas. It found 21 percent of Kansas’ pedestrian crash related deaths in 2020 happened in the Third District. “One Kansan loses their life every 20 hours to a motor vehicle accident. These deaths are preventable with the right policy approach,” said Davids. “These new investments from the bipartisan infrastructure law will help make streets across northeast Kansas safer for everyone, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and emergency and construction workers.” Six cities and one county received funding to keep drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safe. The awardees include: Johnson County’s Action Plan Development - $240,000 Leawood’s Vision Zero Action Plan - $452,000 Mission’s Transportation Safety Action Plan - $160,000 Overland Park’s Transportation Safety Action Plan - $500,000 Paola’s Transportation Safety Action Plan - $120,000 Prairie Village’s Transportation Safety Action Plan - $80,000 Spring Hill’s Safe Streets for All Action Plan - $200,000 “Safety is key in Overland Park, and one of the reasons residents choose to live in our great community,” said Curt Skoog, Mayor, Overland Park. “This funding will help us learn what types of traffic safety measures will be most effective to keep the community safe. I’m thankful to Representative Davids and the Kansas Department of Transportation’s partnership on this important project.” “The City of Leawood is pleased to receive support under the Safe Street and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program to develop City of Leawood Vision Zero Action Plan,” Peggy Dunn, Mayor, City of Leawood. “The City will use the federal funds to develop a plan for improved pedestrian and vehicle safety to make the city more walkable and bike-friendly with a safer transportation system that serves everyone.” ""The City of Mission, Kansas, was pleased to have the opportunity to submit a grant through the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program to complete this important Safety Action Plan and to know the request was supported by Representative Davids,” said Sollie Flora, Mayor, City of Mission. “The timing of the grant aligns perfectly with an update to our Comprehensive Plan, where one of the key features is analysis of the transportation network to identify opportunities to support multimodal transportation. Emphasizing walking, driving, bicycling, and public transit will improve transportation options for all users, as safe streets encourage multimodal transportation by offering safe, attractive, and convenient alternatives to car travel."" “This SS4A planning level grant will help the City of Prairie Village to further study traffic safety items throughout the city limits,” said Keith Bredehoeft, Public Works Director, City of Prairie Village. “The study will help guide future planning in Prairie Village will help prevent future fatality accidents. This planning level grant will also allow us to submit for future construction grants potentially available under the SS4A program as well.” “We were ecstatic to learn that we received the SS4A, Transportation Safety Action Plan grant,” said Randi Shannon, City Manager, City of Paola. “After the City completed the Planning Paola Comprehensive Plan in 2022, the council and staff have been able to better prioritize what the community needs, and from the citizen input, what they want to see us use our time and resources for. Therefore, we are striving to improve quality of life by improving transportation safety for all users and abilities. Receiving this grant allows us to continue the momentum from adoption of the comprehensive plan and develop a Transportation Safety Action Plan for our community.” ""The City of Spring Hill is extremely grateful for being selected to receive the SS4A grant funding."" said Lane Massey, City Administrator, City of Spring Hill. ""These funds are the first step in developing a safety action plan along the K7 corridor. This plan will help define roadway safety issues that impact the safety of our citizens and the tens of thousands of Kansans that travel through this region on-a-daily basis. We look forward to this project and how this plan will impact the K7 corridor.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-holds-president-biden-accountable,Rep. Mann Holds President Biden Accountable,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted yes on H.Res. 918, which directs the House Judiciary, Ways and Means, and Oversight and Accountability committees to determine whether sufficient grounds exist for the impeachment of President Joe Biden. “This isn’t just smoke anymore – it's fire,” said Rep. Mann. “While the House of Representatives must always proceed in a careful and measured fashion with regards to an impeachment inquiry, the reality is, the allegations against President Biden are credible and staggering. For the past year, House Republicans have followed the facts and the money to build a record of evidence revealing that President Biden knew about, was involved in, and benefited from his family’s and his associates’ shady foreign business deals. Today’s vote is the next step towards holding President Biden accountable.” H.Res. 918, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 221-212, outlines specific procedures regarding the impeachment inquiry, removes legal ambiguity, and ensures the American people will receive the answers they deserve. Earlier this year, House Republicans revealed evidence that President Biden lied about his knowledge of and involvement in his family’s business activities, including that Hunter Biden’s business received payments from the Chinese Communist Party and made direct payments to Joe involved in influence peddling schemes. This morning, Hunter Biden broke the law once again by defying a Congressional subpoena to testify before the House Oversight and Judiciary committees. “The House of Representatives must honor our sworn duty to determine whether President Biden is fit for office,” said Rep. Mann. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-house-passes-davids-bipartisan-bill-help-individuals-recovering-substance,U.S. House Passes Davids’ Bipartisan Bill to Help Individuals Recovering from Substance Abuse Reenter Workforce,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Representative Sharice Davids’ bipartisan legislation to address the impact of substance abuse on America’s workforce. The legislation would reauthorize the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery through Effective Employment and Reentry (CAREER) Act, which supports individuals recovering from substance use disorder, ensuring they can reenter the workforce and maintain gainful employment. Originally introduced alongside Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-06), the bill was passed as part of the bipartisan Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization (SUPPORT) Act. “Substance abuse has affected far too many Kansas families, and we must ensure those recovering from addiction are supported and have access to good-paying jobs,” said Davids. “Today, my colleagues from both sides of the aisle joined me in helping those folks recovering from substance abuse find employment and live independently. There are so many local organizations who walk alongside our neighbors in recovery, and I’m proud to support their mission through the CAREER Act.” Davids’ CAREER Act would reauthorize the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Treatment, Recovery and Workforce Support Grant Program, which helps determine workforce gaps and coordinate employment and training activities for individuals in recovery. The reauthorization would also increase funding for the program and allow the grants to be used for transportation between work, training, and recovery services. In 2018, the CAREER Act was also included in the bipartisan SUPPORT Act, which empowered local communities and law enforcement to fight the opioid epidemic. Along with Davids’ workforce-focused legislation, today’s updated SUPPORT Act includes six bills from the Bipartisan Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Task Force agenda, including legislation to support pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorder, include fentanyl or xylazine test strips as an allowable use of funds in states where they are legal, and expand Medicaid reimbursement for larger mental health centers. ""The CAREER Act has played a key role in supporting workforce development, vocational training, and skill-building in our communities,"" said Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06). ""By renewing its authorization, we can make this essential program even more effective, ensuring American workers have what they need to thrive in today's job market. Given the ongoing battle our nation faces with substance abuse, especially the opioid crisis in Kentucky, it's crucial that we focus on helping and providing resources to those working towards recovery."" To ensure a safer and healthier community, Davids has made it a priority to address the opioid and fentanyl epidemic head-on. She hosted multiple summits with law enforcement, health care workers, and education professionals on combatting the fentanyl epidemic and has taken a number of legislative actions based on the specific needs of the Kansas Third District, including:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4260,"Estes Highlights TCJA Successes, Urges House to Take Action on R&D Legislation",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Yesterday, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) published an op-ed in Newsweek unpacking the positive outcomes – for individual taxpayers and across the economy – made possible by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, and which are now at risk as several TCJA provisions have or will soon expire. In the op-ed, Rep. Estes’ highlights his bipartisan bill that offers a solution to the expired research and development (R&D) expensing provision that would help restore America’s dominance in R&D and secure American jobs. You can read the op-ed here or below. Trump-Era Tax Cuts Helped the Middle Class. Don't Throw Them Away A battle over tax policy is brewing on Capitol Hill, with numerous cliffs approaching in 2025. Many of today's representatives were not here when the most consequential tax legislation in more than 30 years, which set the stage for a period of impressive economic growth, became law—but they need to resolve expiring provisions today. Of our 434 current representatives, half were not members of the House of Representatives when Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in December 2017. Over the past six years, my new colleagues have heard soundbites from the Left and the Right about the bill, but now, as its provisions are expiring, we have to sift through the political noise and pass legislation that will bolster our economy—we need to extend and renew the provisions in the TCJA. In 2017, numerous pundits, politicians, and politicos were quick to dismiss the law as a tax scheme. Then-minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stood in the well of the House with a large poster emblazoned with the phrase, ""#GOPTaxScam,"" and made major claims about the bill. But the real scam is the falsehoods that have persisted about the bill. In January 2017, nearly a year before TCJA's passage, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected 2023 government revenues would be $4.346 trillion. In December of that year, it estimated that TCJA would reduce annual revenues by $164 billion, meaning revenues this past fiscal year should have only been $4.182 trillion. Yet FY23 revenues totaled $4.439 trillion, exceeding even CBO's initial, pre-TCJA estimates. The estimates were wrong because they did not account for the revenue growth we are all still benefiting from today. Though revenue is up, it is far outpaced by our uncontrolled spending. Since FY17, revenue increased 34 percent, but spending increased 54 percent. That increase is over pre-COVID spending, meaning that despite the pandemic ending more than a year ago, Washington's insatiable desire to spend has prevented us from returning to pre-pandemic spending levels. So while some purport that our massive deficit is the result of TCJA, the data clearly show our massive spending is the real driver. In addition to revenue growth in Treasury, everyday Americans had more money in their bank accounts thanks to TCJA tax relief. Analysis from the Tax Policy Center estimated 82 percent of middle-income-bracket taxpayers would receive a tax cut and Treasury estimated 90 percent of earners would see a tax break. As we've seen, TCJA cut taxes for almost everyone. Nearly all Americans of every income tax bracket saw relief under TCJA. As The New York Times reported in 2019, ""ever since President Trump signed the Republican-sponsored tax bill in December 2017, independent analyses have consistently found that a large majority of Americans would owe less because of the law. Preliminary data based on tax filings has shown the same."" However, messaging against the law was so strong that most Americans didn't think they benefited from TCJA. That same Times article stated, ""to a large degree, the gap between perception and reality on the tax cuts appears to flow from a sustained—and misleading—effort by liberal opponents of the law to brand it as a broad middle-class tax increase."" Six years later, the misleading statements continue. While the idea that only the top 1 percent benefited from TCJA was far-fetched, it was repeated even by President Joe Biden during his 2022 State of the Union. A year earlier, The Washington Post gave this claim Three Pinocchios. ""There is no reason to keep promoting the fallacy that the wealthiest 1 percent got 83 percent of the tax cut,"" the paper said. ""The tax estimates immediately after passage of the tax cut and since then have shown that most Americans received some sort of tax cut."" Beyond immediate tax relief, the legislation proved to be a boon for the economy overall. After TCJA took effect and before the pandemic, business applications reached a record high while unemployment rates for Blacks, Hispanics and Asians reached record lows. While President Biden has attempted to claim credit for the low unemployment rates among minorities, momentum from TCJA made it possible. Additionally, since TCJA there has not been a single U.S. corporate inversion, meaning more corporate tax revenue stays within our borders and is reinvested to support jobs and local economies. The projected dip in Treasury's revenues simply did not materialize. Alongside TCJA's benefits, however, is the harsh reality that some provisions have expired, or will expire soon. Three key provisions expired at the end of 2021, and we've already seen the negative effects of research and development (R&D) amortization that kicked in as a result. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allowed for full, immediate expensing on qualified R&D costs in the year they occurred, but since that provision's expiration, businesses have been required to spread out R&D expenses over five years for domestic R&D and 15 years for foreign R&D. Compare that with China's permanent super deduction for R&D expenses, which allows companies to deduct 200 percent of eligible R&D expenses. Since amortization took effect, the growth rate of R&D spending has slowed dramatically from 6.6 percent on average over the previous five years to less than one-half of 1 percent over the last 12 months. As companies spend far less on R&D, the sector is down by more than 14,000 jobs. Three-quarters of research and development spending is on wages and salaries, making R&D amortization primarily a jobs issue. But there is a solution. On Tax Day of this year, I reintroduced H.R. 2673—the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act—with my Ways and Means Committee colleague Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.). This bill allows for immediate expensing on eligible R&D costs, securing our dominance in research and development. Of the more than 6,000 bills introduced in the House this year, the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act is tied for the 25th-most cosponsored piece of legislation, putting it in the top 0.3 percent of bills this Congress. Most of the bills with more cosponsors simply have the full support of their conference and are partisan. My R&D bill is extremely bipartisan—only five other bills have more Republican and Democratic cosponsors than this legislation, and no other bill has this many cosponsorships evenly split between the two parties. It's no wonder the National Taxpayers Union has consistently called this a no-brainer bill. The R&D expensing provision is one of many TCJA policies that boosted our economy and should be urgently addressed. It's why 20 of my Ways and Means colleagues joined me last month in sending a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) asking him to bring R&D expensing, a pro-growth interest deductibility standard and full expensing to the House floor immediately. With just one week left in the House before Christmas, we should immediately pass this common-sense legislation. Then, we should continue to push for more of the TCJA policies that benefitted taxpayers, families, small businesses, the economy and even the U.S. Treasury. The time to address R&D amortization was by the end of 2021—the next best time is now.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4259,"Tax Notes Highlights Rep. Estes' Tax Provision Letter, Final 2023 Legislative Week",2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Prior to the last legislative session week starting today, Tax Notes highlighted Rep. Estes' push to address expired tax provisions in order to reignite economic growth in their Dec. 8 article, Republican Taxwriters Push for Expired TCJA Tax Provision Work. ""The window may be closing on tax package opportunities for the year, but House Ways and Means Republicans are still trying to push their leadership to act on a legislative fix for expired business tax provisions,"" Tax Notes wrote on Friday. ""While the House has only one more legislative week scheduled for the year, the impact of the expired provisions that have been left unaddressed remains, according to committee member Ron Estes of Kansas,"" they continued. ""Small businesses and innovators who support countless American jobs are desperate for us to take action on three key tax provisions that, because they’ve expired, have hindered growth and reduced job opportunities for Americans,"" Rep. Estes said in a statement to Tax Notes. ""The House should act now before another year closes on American innovation and entrepreneurship."" Tax Notes wrote, ""In their letter, Ways and Means Republicans congratulated Johnson on his election to the speakership before calling the three tax changes essential for the economy, job growth, and U.S. competitiveness globally."" Rep. Estes led the letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, signed by 20 additional members of the House Ways and Means Committee on which he serves, which has jurisdiction over tax policy. You can read the full letter here. Signers included Reps. Adrian Smith, Jodey Arrington, Vern Buchanan, Mike Kelly, David Schweikert, Darin LaHood, Brad Wenstrup, Drew Ferguson, Lloyd Smucker, Kevin Hern, Carol Miller, Greg Murphy, David Kustoff, Brian Fitzpatrick, Claudia Tenney, Blake Moore, Michelle Steel, Randy Feenstra, Mike Carey and Greg Steube.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-highlights-approved-funding-request-replace-outdated-traffic-signal,"Davids Highlights Approved Funding Request to Replace Outdated Traffic Signal Controllers, Streetlights in Overland Park",2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited Overland Park to highlight her recently approved federal funding request to update approximately 190 traffic signal controllers that are too old for future maintenance. This project, which is one of 15 Davids-sponsored requests, would improve safety for drivers and help ensure the city’s systems are less susceptible to cyber threats. Davids was joined by Overland Park City Council President Jim Kite and City Traffic Engineer Brian Shields to view the project, which includes street lighting improvements. “In our community and across the country, we are seeing too many traffic accidents, some being fatal, due to outdated infrastructure and technology meant to keep us safe,” said Davids. ""While the bipartisan infrastructure law continues to invest in safer infrastructure, Overland Park’s current traffic system is too old for maintenance — putting drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians at risk. I'm glad to work with our local officials to bring federal investments home and make our communities safer, more efficient, and better equipped to keep up with our growing community.” ""Representative Davids has been a great partner in the City of Overland Park's efforts to enhance traffic and pedestrian safety in the community,” said Jim Kite, President, Overland Park City Council. “We thank her for her work to move this project forward and hope to continue collaborating for the community in the future."" Overland Park’s current traffic signal controllers, which conduct real-time road traffic control in accordance with the time of day and traffic conditions, are not capable of being upgraded and supported by the manufacturer due to old age. This poses a significant safety and security risk for the city as the traffic signal network helps ensure that thousands of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can commute to work, school, and home each day. Davids’ request to replace 190 older traffic signal controllers, as well as replace street lighting, would contribute to the safety of Kansans at all times of day and decrease the threat of cyber-attacks. More information on the City of Overland Park’s funding request can be found here. Each of the 15 Davids-requested projects was submitted in conjunction with local officials and selected for their potential to improve health and safety in the community, tackle climate change, and bring economic opportunity to the Third District. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4252,Rep. Estes Welcomes Passenger Rail News for Kansas,2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released a statement following the grant announcement for a Heartland Flyer passenger rail service extension. ""I have long advocated for the Heartland Flyer passenger rail service extension and am excited for this first stage of a service development plan, allowing south central Kansas residents, like those in Newton, Wichita and Ark City, to have expanded transportation options and to increase economic opportunities for our region,"" said Rep. Estes. The proposed corridor, which would connect the Heartland Flyer to the Southwest Chief passenger rail line in Newton, includes Kansas stops in Wichita and Arkansas City, as well as Ponca City, Perry and Edmond in Oklahoma. The Heartland Flyer, which currently terminates in Oklahoma City, continues south reaching Fort Worth, Texas. Rep. Estes and his staff have engaged with stakeholders and participated in passenger rail meetings since his first term in the House. Rep. Estes led a House delegation letter to Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg in March of 2021 regarding passenger rail service in Kansas. This was in addition to joining two letters led by Sen. Jerry Moran in November 2022 and February 2023.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-fights-communist-china-protects-american-students,"Rep. Mann Fights Communist China, Protects American Students",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted yes on H.R. 5933, the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act, which would bring more transparency, accountability, and clarity to foreign gift reporting requirements for colleges and universities across the nation. “America is the epitome of higher education,” said Rep. Mann. “We are blessed to have the best opportunities on planet Earth for young people to pursue research, innovation, and scholarship. America’s enemies are threatened by this, and they are actively seeking to undermine it. Foreign entities, including our adversaries in China and Russia, regularly use large donations to American schools to undermine our interests, steal our research, and manipulate our students and faculty. Congress must bring transparency and clarity to foreign gift and contracting reporting requirements for colleges and universities. American students deserve a quality education that is not dictated by our foreign adversaries.” H.R. 5933, the DETERRENT Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 246-170, would: Hold American institutions of higher education to a stricter standard on reporting the gifts, donations, and investments they receive from foreign entities Drop the foreign gift reporting threshold for colleges and universities from $250,000 to $50,000 and impose a $0 threshold for adversarial countries like China and Russia Require disclosure of foreign gifts and contracts to individual staff and faculty at research-heavy institutions to protect those most targeted by our adversaries “We can’t sit idly by while our enemies send a steady stream of cash with strings attached to our postsecondary schools,” said Rep. Mann. “This legislation defends American students and strengthens our national security.” Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-helps-advance-pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration,Rep. Mann Helps Advance Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Reauthorization,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to pass H.R. 6494, the Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2023 out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bipartisan legislation reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety programs for the next four years and provides a framework to advance the efficiency of American energy infrastructure across the United States. “All year, I met with Kansans to get their perspectives on America’s ability to transfer gas and liquid energy, and today I was proud to bring their priorities to the table to pass pro-America, pro-energy, and pro-development legislation,” said Rep. Mann. “Kansas has more than 60,000 miles of gas and liquid energy pipelines. At home and across America, we need safe, efficient, and reliable pipeline infrastructure. I am proud that this legislation includes my priorities like requiring PHMSA to modernize outdated and burdensome regulations, streamline inspection procedures, and more frequently report to Congress and the American public. Our safety, our livelihoods, and America’s economy depend on it.” H.R. 6494, the Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2023 passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today by unanimous consent. In addition to reauthorizing PHMSA for four years and reemphasizing its core safety mission, the legislation: Directs PHMSA to prioritize unfinished, congressionally mandated projects across America rather than instating Green New Deal policies Requires PHMSA to hold public advisory committee meetings prior to any rulemaking Strengthens the foundation for an independent, all-of-the-above American energy future H.R. 6494 will now be referred to the House Floor for further consideration. Rep. Mann serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/watch-davids-helps-lower-health-care-costs-during-current-open-enrollment,WATCH: Davids Helps Lower Health Care Costs During Current Open Enrollment Period,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"During the current open enrollment period, Kansans can take advantage of health care savings that Representative Sharice Davids voted to support in recent years. Thanks to those efforts, the number of uninsured Americans has reached an all-time low and Kansans can save an average of $780 in premiums this year. Open enrollment runs until December 15 for coverage starting January 1, and Kansans can sign up for a new plan or adjust or cancel a current plan. “The burden of high health insurance costs has persisted for far too long, forcing hardworking Kansans to make difficult choices between necessary health care and other essential needs. To fix that, I’ve voted for legislation that is actively lowering these health costs, saving some Kansans an average of $780 this year,” said Davids. “I encourage anyone seeking new health insurance or exploring potentially more affordable options to visit HealthCare.gov during this open enrollment period."" WATCH: KSHB reports on Davids’ efforts to lower health care costs Image Davids voted for the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) and the American Rescue Plan (2021), federal laws that are helping save Kansans thousands of dollars on their health plans. Specifically: Kansas’ Third District In 2023, an estimated 35,000 people in the district enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace health insurance coverage. Thanks to this federal legislation, the average enrollee in the district will save $780 in premiums this year. Nationally Thanks to this federal legislation, nearly 6 million new people enrolled in marketplace coverage during 2021 and 2022, with 80 percent of these enrollees having access to a plan for $120 or less per year. Because of the lower health costs, the number of uninsured Americans reached an all-time low of 8 percent in 2022 and the total number of ACA marketplace enrollees reached a record high of 16.4 million in 2023. The Inflation Reduction Act and American Rescue Plan are helping Americans purchase affordable health insurance coverage on the ACA marketplaces. The American Rescue Plan first ensured that no one will pay more than 8.5 percent of their household income to purchase health insurance coverage. The Inflation Reduction Act then continued these savings through 2025, preventing millions of marketplace enrollees from facing steep increases in their premium payments. Thanks to this federal legislation: A 60-year-old couple with a household income of $80,000 would save $17,041 in premiums for health insurance coverage per year. A family with a 35-year-old single parent with one child and a household income of $30,000 would save $1,272 in premiums for health insurance coverage per year. A family with two 40-year-old adults, two children, and a household income of $75,000 would save $3,096 in premiums for health insurance coverage per year. Open enrollment is a period that occurs once a year when Americans can sign up for federal health insurance, adjust their current plan, or cancel a plan. For coverage starting January 1, individuals must sign up by December 15. If this deadline is missed, individuals can sign up by January 15 for coverage starting February 1. After January 15, individuals can enroll in or change plans only if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Kansans can visit HealthCare.gov to find more information on health plans that make sense for them and their families.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-reps-davids-d-ks-alford-r-mo-tout-passage-their-bipartisan-bill-help,"ICYMI: Reps. Davids (D-KS), Alford (R-MO) Tout Passage of their Bipartisan Bill to Help Veteran Business Owners Succeed",2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Mark Alford’s (R-MO-04) SERV Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill would help veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed by studying the barriers faced when starting a business and boosting the outreach and promotion of existing veteran-focused small business programs to ensure they can access all available resources, capital, and credit. Davids, whose mother served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, originally introduced the legislation in 2019, when it first passed the House with broad bipartisan support. While military experience provides transferable entrepreneurial training and skills, the number of veterans starting their own businesses has decreased drastically over the last few decades. Today, only 4.5 percent of the more than 3.6 million veterans who have served since September 11, 2001 have launched a company. In contrast, the number of World War II and Korean War veterans who went on to operate a business was 50 and 40 percent, respectively. Reasons for this decline include challenges accessing credit, transitioning to civilian life, and overcoming stigmas around physical disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder. Davids and Alford’s efforts to support veteran business owners made headlines across the region: Kansas City Star: “KS Democrat and MO Republican team up to pass bill to help veterans start businesses” “On Tuesday night, the House unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Alford and Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat, that did just that. […] ‘The problem is a lot of times people don’t know about it, veterans don’t know,’ Davids said. ‘And so, we’re like, the effort here is to just make sure that we’re bringing all of those resources, the information about the resources to light and making sure that there’s kind of like a one stop shop almost for people to be able to find that stuff.’ This is the first bill Davids, who is in her third term, and Alford, who is in his first term, have teamed up on. But they said other bills, including one focused on agriculture, are in the works. Both also serve on the House Agriculture Committee together.” KSHB: “Alford, Davids lead bipartisan support for SERV Act in Washington, D.C.” “The elected leaders said the vote shows there is unity and cooperation in Washington, D.C. — a city often under a cloud of partisan dysfunction. ‘There are times when republicans and democrats are able to come together and work on really good legislation,’ Davids said during a Zoom interview while sitting in the same room as Alford. Both members of congress represent the greater Kansas City area. They also serve on the House Committee on Agriculture together. ‘It was a very special moment, I think, not just for Sharice and I, but also for veterans and for the American people,’ Alford said.” KCUR: “LISTEN: A Missouri Republican and Kansas Democrat team up to help veterans become business owners” “In effort to understand the decline in small business ventures by former service members, U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids (D-Kansas) and Mark Alford (R-Missouri), both members of the House Small Business Committee, co-sponsored the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act (SERV Act). The legislation passed the U.S. House on Tuesday night. […] ‘We'll have almost like a one-stop shop situation for our veterans. So that they're not having to look in five different places for these resources,’ said Davids. Davids previously introduced the SERV Act in 2019. The bill passed through the House with bipartisan support but did not pass the Senate.” KCTV News: “Veterans who serve our country need jobs when they come back home. Now, two lawmakers from the Kansas City area are working across the aisle to make it easier for veteran small business owners to be successful. Kansas Democrat Sharice Davids’ mother served for 20 years. She and Missouri Republican Mark Alford are putting a bipartisan effort behind the SERV Act. ‘When it comes to our veteran communities, these guys, I mean, they’ve got grit. They’ve got leadership skills,’ [said Davids]. ‘If we can help one veteran start one business, then we’ve succeeded,’ [said Alford].” Kansas Reflector: “Davids, Alford lead bipartisan effort for bill aimed at helping veterans launch small businesses” “‘Veterans possess many of the entrepreneurial skills needed to start and run a successful small business, but we must do a better job of helping them transition from service to business,’ Davids said. ‘The SERV Act not only honors our veterans … it empowers our veterans to embark on a new chapter as entrepreneurs and small business owners.’ […] ‘The Small Business Administration has many different programs aimed at helping veteran entrepreneurs, but these programs are only useful if veterans know about them,’ Davids said. In July, Alford and Davids reintroduced the SERV Act originally offered by Davids in 2019. It cleared the House at that time, but not the Senate. Congressional hearings in 2023 put a spotlight on the argument SBA could do more to assist veterans interested in operating a business, Alford said. ‘One of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs, especially for our veterans, is accessing capital,’ he said. ‘It is a critical component when starting a business and one of the biggest challenges throughout a small business’s lifespan.’” KWCH: “Some members of Congress are working to help veteran small business owners succeed. It comes as roughly 25 percent of veterans report difficulties transitioning back to civilian life. Now both Kansas Representative Sharice Davids and Missouri Republican Mark Alford are putting bipartisan effort behind the SERV Act. The Act aims to streamline capital and counseling to veteran entrepreneurs. […]",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4244,Rep. Estes Votes to Expel Santos,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement after voting to expel George Santos of New York from the U.S. House of Representatives. ""Serving in the United States House of Representatives is an honor and a privilege. The now-former Representative George Santos' actions were not only unbecoming of a Member of Congress, but the facts reported by the Ethics Committee point to numerous violations of House rules and federal law, rendering him unfit to serve in this distinguished institution. While I wish he had taken the honorable approach and resigned, today's vote gives New Yorkers the opportunity to elect the representation they choose.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-blocks-funding-irans-terror-regime,Rep. Mann Blocks Funding for Iran's Terror Regime,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted yes on H.R. 5961, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, which would permanently freeze the $6 billion that the Biden Administration released to the Iranian regime in September 2023. “Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, and Congress must strip its regime of resources and block its funding streams,” said Rep. Mann. “Iran’s regime deploys its funding to purchase missiles, ramp up nuclear capabilities, sponsor terrorism, commit human rights violations, and destabilize the security of America and our democratic allies like Israel. By freezing these liquid assets, this legislation will prevent billions of dollars from funding terror.” H.R. 5961, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last night by a vote of 307-119, would freeze the $6 billion in Iranian assets covered under the recent hostage deal that President Biden struck between the United States and Iran. Earlier this week, Rep. Mann also voted yes on legislation he cosponsors, H. Res. 793, Calling on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during October 2023 attack on Israel, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 414-0, and H. Res. 888, Reaffirming the State of Israel’s right to exist, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 412-1. “I am praying for an end to the conflict in Israel, for all hostages to be returned home safely, and for a restoration of peace,” said Rep. Mann. Rep. Mann is a member of the Abraham Accords Caucus, the Israel Allies Caucus, and the Transatlantic Friends of Israel Caucus. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mann-costa-and-colleagues-defend-american-beef-producers,"Reps. Mann, Costa, and Colleagues Defend American Beef Producers",2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jim Costa (D-CA), Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry, led 19 of their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack opposing a new rule that would allow for the importation of beef from Paraguay. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Paraguay is currently affected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hooved animals. USDA’s new rule relies on decade- and nearly decade-old site visits to Paraguay in 2008 and 2014 to overcome the prohibition of importing beef from the country. “USDA relied on outdated site visits, irrelevant inspections, and inadequate data to overcome these prohibitions,” the members wrote. “Paraguay knows what we all know – the U.S. is the largest, most reliable consumer of beef in the world. We have that reputation because of the tireless work of beef producers to provide the safest and most efficient beef production system in the world. The U.S. should not expand our market to unsafe actors at the risk of the health and livelihood of U.S. agricultural producers and consumers.” The members urge USDA to halt the implementation of the rule until a more reliable risk assessment may be completed based on modern site visits in Paraguay. “The United States has the highest food safety and animal health standards in the world, and any country who wishes to trade with the United States must demonstrate that they can meet those standards,” said Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “Paraguay’s long history of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks and the lack of recent site visits, makes importing beef from Paraguay too risky. All our trade partners need to have inspection systems that can clearly provide an equivalent level of safety for animal health to prevent a possible foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the United States. Cattle producers thank Representatives Tracey Mann and Jim Costa for holding USDA accountable and helping to protect cattle from foreign animal disease.” Click here to view the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service rule. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/watch-davids-urges-swift-passage-faa-reauthorization-improve-consumer,"WATCH: Davids Urges Swift Passage of FAA Reauthorization to Improve Consumer Protections, Safety for Air Travelers",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, during a U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, Representative Sharice Davids urged her House and Senate colleagues to work together on a bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization that improves customer protections and accessibility while flying, increases America’s aviation safety standards, and strengthens domestic aviation workforce and manufacturing. The U.S. House passed an FFA reauthorization this past July, but the bill has stalled in the Senate and the current extension expires at the end of this year. “Our entire economy relies heavily on reliable air travel of people and goods to keep our communities moving and maintain a strong domestic supply chain,” said Davids. “I’m focused on reauthorizing the FAA, so Kansans are protected financially, feel safe while flying, and have access to good-paying aviation manufacturing jobs. While this reauthorization has cleared the House, the Senate should now pass their version, so we can work together — Republicans and Democrats — on a final compromise that averts staffing shortages and supply chain backlogs.” In July, Davids supported bipartisan legislation to fund the FAA for the next five years and provide new guidance and standards for the agency. Along with the improvements to consumer protection, safety, and workforce mentioned above, it also included provisions to help reduce runway near misses, which are often caused by air traffic controllers being stretched thin by the current nationwide staffing shortage. After the Senate passes their version of the bill, the House and Senate will come together to find a compromise that reauthorizes the FAA. To highlight the urgency of passing an FAA reauthorization bill, Davids previously toured New Century AirCenter’s 81-year-old air traffic control center, which Johnson County officials have prioritized for upgrade due to structural and safety deficiencies. If the FAA authorization was to expire, airports like New Century AirCenter would suffer due to the loss of air traffic controllers and increased safety concerns.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-holds-biden-administration-accountable-failing-secure-border,Rep. Mann Holds Biden Administration Accountable for Failing to Secure the Border,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted yes on H.R. 5283, the Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act, which would prevent the Biden Administration from housing illegal immigrants on federal land. “President Biden’s border crisis has resulted in drugs on our streets and crime in our neighborhoods,” said Rep. Mann. “Turning public spaces into ramshackle communities for illegal immigrants is dangerous and unfair. President Biden should be working with Congress to secure the southern border instead of using America’s parks as a backstop for the immigration catastrophe he created. While we continue the fight to secure the southern border, this legislation is a measurable way to show our communities that they are not forgotten.” H.R. 5283, the Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 224-203, would prohibit federal funds from being used to provide housing for illegal immigrants on any land under the jurisdiction of the Federal Land Management agencies, including the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Forest Service. On May 11, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 219-213. The legislation would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to resume construction of the southern border wall, increase the number of border patrol agents, reform the asylum process, and terminate catch-and-release. On July 19, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 3941, the Schools Not Shelters Act, which passed in the U.S. House Representatives by a vote of 222-201. The legislation would prohibit the use of public elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education to provide shelter for illegal immigrants. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-pushes-five-year-farm-bill,Rep. Mann Pushes for Five-Year Farm Bill,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) called Congress’ attention to the importance of reauthorizing a five-year Farm Bill. “Many people in Washington have forgotten about the importance of a five-year Farm Bill,” said Rep. Mann. “A five-year Farm Bill is long enough to provide certainty to producers, and short enough for Congress to respond to market changes and strengthen the farm safety net. The last Farm Bill was signed on December 20, 2018, and a lot has changed since then. We have seen a global pandemic devastate the supply chain, war between Russia and Ukraine, the Biden Administration’s failed trade agenda, inflation hit a record high, and some of the worst drought conditions in decades. We need a five-year Farm Bill to address these changes. American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers deserve it, America’s food and national security depend on it, and Congress must deliver it.” Rep. Mann believes that a five-year Farm Bill must: Strengthen and maintain crop insurance Promote trade programs that help America remain competitive and secure Conduct rigorous oversight of the executive branch to fight big government overreach Invest in agricultural research at America’s land-grant universities “If you think about a safety net, the higher the risk, the higher the fall, and the stronger the safety net you need to survive,” said Rep. Mann. “Producers’ risk levels are at an all-time high because of inflation, input costs, and other market changes. The livelihoods of American producers and consumers are on the line right now, and that means our food security and national security are on the line, too. American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers need certainty like never before – and Congress must deliver for them with a five-year Farm Bill.” Click here to watch Rep. Mann’s full remarks on the House Floor. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Farm Bill Impact Series. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-reps-davids-d-ks-alford-r-mo-bipartisan-bill-help-veteran,"House Passes Reps. Davids (D-KS), Alford (R-MO) Bipartisan Bill to Help Veteran Business Owners Succeed",2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Mark Alford’s (R-MO-04) SERV Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill would help veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed by studying the barriers faced when starting a business and boosting the outreach and promotion of existing veteran-focused small business programs to ensure veterans can access all available resources, capital, and credit. Davids, whose mother served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, originally introduced the legislation in 2019, when it first passed the House with broad bipartisan support. ""Veterans possess many of the entrepreneurial skills needed to start and run a successful small business, but we must do a better job of helping them transition from service to business,"" said Davids. ""I'm proud to have worked across party and state lines with Representative Mark Alford, so we can help connect veterans with all the small business resources available to them and better address the barriers veteran entrepreneurs face.” “I am incredibly proud to have worked on this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Sharice Davids in our neighboring district and see our colleagues in the House pass it,” said Representative Mark Alford (MO-04). “Lieutenant Commander Taylor Burks testified in front of the Committee so we could learn how the Committee and SBA can better serve those who served this nation. The SERV Act is our response to the need for improved outreach and resources for Veteran-owned small businesses.” Davids and Alford introduced the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act (SERV Act) to study the barriers veterans face when starting a business and improve the accessibility of existing veteran-focused small business programs. The bill previously passed out of the U.S. House Small Business Committee unanimously and now awaits a vote in the Senate. Specifically, it: Commissions a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the ability of veteran and reservist small business owners to access credit. This includes a new analysis on common sources of credit and how deployment and other military responsibilities affect veterans' and reservists' credit. Requires the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development to develop an action plan for outreach and promotion of the many programs available to veterans looking to transition into the business world. Requires the task force to report annually to Congress on its appointments and outline its plan for outreach on the many programs available to veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, and their spouses. While military experience provides transferable entrepreneurial training and skills, the number of veterans starting their own business has decreased drastically over the last few decades. Today, only 4.5 percent of the more than 3.6 million veterans who have served since September 11, 2001 have launched a company. In contrast, the number of World War II and Korean War veterans who went on to operate a business was 50 and 40 percent, respectively. Reasons for this decline include challenges accessing credit, transitioning to civilian life, and overcoming stigmas around physical disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-us-department-commerce-discuss-bipartisan-law-create-manufacturing-jobs,"Davids, U.S. Department of Commerce Discuss Bipartisan Law to Create Manufacturing Jobs, Lower Costs",2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OVERLAND PARK, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids hosted a roundtable discussion with U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) senior advisor J.D. Grom, local elected officials, manufacturers, and researchers to discuss how semiconductor manufacturing investments from the bipartisanCHIPS and Science Act are bringing jobs to Kansas, lowering costs for consumers, and boosting domestic supply chains. The law, forwhich Davids served as a key negotiatoralongside Senator Jerry Moran, also includes support for small- and medium-sized manufacturers, a Davids-led priority that ensures funding is distributed beyond large corporations. “The chips shortage we saw over the past few years further demonstrated our need to make more goods here at home, ensuring Kansans aren’t bearing the financial burden of supply chain disruptions,” said Davids. “The bipartisan manufacturing law I helped negotiate alongside Senator Jerry Moran has already prompted multiple private companies to announce new projects in Kansas, creating good-paying jobs here at home. I appreciate the U.S. Department of Commerce’s efforts to learn directly from Kansans today to ensure these federal investments are adequately felt in our local community.” “Through the CHIPS and Science Act, we have a historic opportunity to revitalize America’s semiconductor manufacturing industry and invest in new semiconductor research and development, while creating thousands of jobs along the way,” said J.D. Grom, Senior Advisor to the Secretary on CHIPS Implementation, U.S. Department of Commerce. “I’m glad I was able to join Representative Davids to discuss how this legislation will help strengthen our domestic supply chains, spur new innovation and ideas, and boost American manufacturing across the United States.” Semiconductors, or chips, are necessary components of many everyday items including cars, smartphones, and medical devices, but only 12 percent are currently manufactured domestically - down from 37 percent in the 1990s. This lack of domestic manufacturing of chips proved harmful during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a chips shortage and raising prices on necessary goods. During today’s conversation, which took place at Johnson County Community College, Davids and Grom heard from local business, government, and manufacturing leaders on how they plan to utilize these federal investments from the CHIPS and Science Act to support the local economy in the greater Kansas City area. Grom also shared what the DOC is doing to implement the new programs created by the law to ensure local communities feel their impacts efficiently and where they’re needed most. As part of her negotiations on this bill, Davids visited with local businesses about how the chips shortage affects their daily operations. She visited Cherub Medical Supplies, a Shawnee-based supplier of pediatric medical devices, that grappled with long delays. She also toured the local General Motors Fairfax Assembly & Stamping Plant, which idled for several months due to the shortage, forcing their 2,000 workers to stay home. Davids then hosted U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in Kansas to highlight how federal legislation, including the CHIPS and Science Act, is helping to bring Panasonic to De Soto. The CHIPS and Science Act is: Lowering costs for American consumers – making more critical semiconductor components in America, helping end the shortage of chips that have driven up the price of everything from cars to consumer goods. Creating 100,000 new, good-paying jobs nationwide – supporting local workforce development. Reducing America’s dependence on foreign manufacturers – bringing critical semiconductor manufacturing back home. Turbocharging American research and development – ensuring that the technologies of the future are made here at home. The greater Kansas City region was recently announced as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub), one of 31 inaugural Tech Hubs across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors. Multiple companies recently announced new chips production facilities in Kansas and have applied to receive CHIPS and Science Act investments. As part of her effort to bring available federal resources home to Kansas, Davids encouraged the U.S. Department of Commerce to fully consider EMP Shield’s application. While initial federal allotments have not been released, the CHIPS and Science Act has already boosted investments in local communities, including: $231 billion in private sector investments to build semiconductors; Nearly 530 statements of interest received for projects across 42 states; More than 50 community colleges announced new or expanded semiconductor workforce programs; Student applications to full-time jobs posted by semiconductor companies increased 79 percent in 2022-2023, compared to just 19 percent for other industries. Along with Davids and Grom, attendees of today’s roundtable discussion include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4243,Estes Exposes Flaws in Biden Nursing Home Rule,2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Yesterday, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) published an op-ed in The Hill detailing the Biden administration's flawed approach to help seniors in nursing homes by proposing federally mandated staffing levels for nursing homes. As an alternative, the op-ed highlights Rep. Estes' bipartisan bill that both addresses underlying workforce issues nursing homes are contending with and maintains a commitment to quality care. You can read the op-ed here or below. Biden’s unworkable nursing rule will harm seniors Published Nov. 27, 2023, by The Hill What could be wrong with wanting to have a registered nurse (RN) in every nursing home in the United States at all times? Nothing — it’s just not possible. As most facilities are already staffed by a combination of certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and RNs, mandating such a requirement would devastate both nursing homes and the seniors for whom they care. But, this is exactly what the Biden administration is attempting to do. A new rule proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) seeks to radically increase federally mandated staffing levels in nursing homes in two ways. First, the rule, if finalized, would require every nursing home in the nation to have an RN on-site at all times, which is much more than the current requirement of eight hours daily, five days weekly. It would separately impose new minimum staffing ratios, requiring a certain number of RNs and CNAs per resident per day. This is a well-intentioned goal and I, as much as anyone, want seniors to have the best care possible. But, good intentions are not enough. Policy needs to be informed by reality and what is possible. And unfortunately, the current reality is pretty bleak for America’s nursing homes. At the moment, there are nearly 15,000 nursing homes throughout the country. Of these, 29 percent are in rural areas that are more difficult to staff. In my home state of Kansas, this number is even higher — 53.7 percent of nursing homes are in rural areas. Not even half of the nation’s nursing homes are currently staffed at the level required by the proposed rule, as facilities across the nation are contending with a workforce shortage. The nursing home workforce has declined by 12 percent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, part of an overall contraction of the aging services workforce. Some of this can be explained by the burnout employees felt due to the intensity of the pandemic, but that is not the whole picture. Since President Biden took office in 2021, inflation is up more than 17 percent. That puts an incredible strain on anyone running a business and the seniors and their families trying to afford care. Labor costs for nursing homes are now 22 percent higher than they were at the start of 2020. Somehow, under these strained conditions, CMS expects nursing homes to find an additional 3,267 RNs to satisfy the 24/7 RN part of the rule. This would cost nursing homes $349 million per year and would increase annual costs for residents by almost $2,180. In the Sunflower State, that would rise to an additional $2,600 in resident costs each year. To meet the rule’s minimum staffing ratio requirement, an additional 12,639 RNs and 76,376 CNAs would be needed nationwide, costing nursing homes $4.2 billion per year at an average cost of $13.24 per resident per day. So, implementing the two parts of this rule would require upwards of 15,000 new RNs, plus more than 76,000 CNAs. These numbers put nursing homes in a catch-22. Implementing the rule will cost money that most nursing homes don’t have. But even if money were not a problem, it wouldn’t solve the workforce issues. Remarkably, the CMS rule does nothing to address either of these concerns and help facilities find a way forward. CMS has actually made it more difficult for long-term care facilities to comply by narrowly defining the type of staff that qualifies toward the requirement. Inexplicably, the CMS rule excludes licensed practical nurses (LPNs) from counting toward the minimum. By leaving out a fully credentialed and licensed type of nurse that has long been present in nursing homes, CMS further shrinks the already limited workforce facilities have to lean on. Instead of their heavy-handed approach, the president and his administration should take a step back. They should let Congress, representing America’s senior citizens, drive the conversation. There are innovative solutions coming from within the People’s House that address the workforce, Medicare and other issues associated with giving seniors the best possible care. In fact, I proposed one such solution in May. The bipartisan Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act addresses a critical shortage of CNAs who, unlike LPNs, count toward the minimum staffing requirement. The bill allows nursing homes that have been forced to suspend in-house CNA education programs, due to restrictions from violations, to resume those programs once quality standards are again met. This is a commonsense bill. It accounts for the current workforce challenges nursing homes face without compromising on a commitment to quality care for residents. In-house CNA programs, often free, offer a pathway to certification for qualified candidates who may not be able to afford an outside program or who do not live near such a program or school. Through these programs, nursing homes can attract, retain and build a pipeline of skilled staff. At a time when employees, much less highly skilled employees, are hard to come by and the cost of school is prohibitive for many, every effort should be made to keep in-house CNA programs running. If a facility has corrected the deficiency for which it received a penalty, it would be allowed to resume its training of CNAs with additional oversight if deemed necessary. Legislative solutions like this are needed before CMS proceeds with any federal minimum staffing rule. It is imperative that the Biden administration holds off on implementing this rule until sufficient plans are put in place to build up the necessary workforce to satisfy staffing ratios like this. The Biden administration should join Congress in doing the hard work to address these issues and support seniors instead of trying to bend reality to fit their whims.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-local-leaders-tour-kansas-small-businesses-ahead-small-business,"Davids, Local Leaders Tour Kansas Small Businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday",2023-11-21,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MISSION, KS– Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a tour of locally-owned businesses in Mission, KS. As Small Business Saturday is four days away, Davids, SBA Regional Administrator Mindy Brissey, and Johnson County Commissioner Becky Fast visited Sandhills Brewing and Mission: Board Games, small businesses located along Johnson Drive. Davids serves as a member of the U.S. House Small Business Committee. “Kansas small businesses are at the heart of our community and our economy, especially during the busy holiday season,” said Davids. “I’ll continue standing up for local small business owners through my role on the U.S. House Small Business Committee, so they can support our economy, their families, and their employees. This Small Business Saturday and throughout the season, I hope we can embrace a sense of community spirit by choosing to shop locally in the Kansas Third District."" “Local entrepreneurs really form the pulse of Greater Kansas City, playing a crucial role in shaping the distinctive character of the region and contributing to its economic vitality,” said Mindy Brissey, Regional Administrator, SBA Region XII. Last year, Davids released a report on the recent local small business growth. She also shared what she is doing in Congress to support that growth, including voting to strengthen domestic supply chains and introducing legislation to support women and veteran business owners. Key findings include: In 2021, 10,600 new business applications were filed in Kansas’ Third District, up from an average of 7,500 since 2019. The Kansas Small Business Development Center served 1,203 clients in 2021, leading to $49 million in annual sales, 876 jobs created, and 24 new businesses. In 2021, small businesses in Kansas’ Third District made up 92.2 percent of all district employers, with 16,173 small businesses employing 175,911 people.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-new-district-director-kansas-office,Davids Announces New District Director for Kansas Office,2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced Anne Hucker, a longtime resident of the Kansas City area, will serve as Davids’ new District Director for Kansas’ Third Congressional District. Hucker will lead a dedicated team working to connect with the community and ensure the federal government works for Kansans. “I am very pleased to welcome Anne Hucker to my team,” said Davids. “I’m confident she’ll use her deep connections to the Kansas City area as well as her long history working in a variety of federal government positions to build an open line of communication to folks in all corners of Kansas’ Third District. We have a lot to get done — including lowering grocery and gas costs, building safer roads, and making health care more affordable — and I’m excited to do this work alongside Anne.” “I am thrilled to be joining Representative Davids’ stellar team and am looking forward to connecting with more of our neighbors to ensure the federal government serves them effectively,” said Anne Hucker, District Director, Office of Representative Sharice Davids. “I started my career in the public sector, so this feels a bit like going back to my roots. Whether it be helping folks get their Social Security and veterans benefits or navigating different federal processes, folks should always feel free to contact our office for assistance. We’re here to help.” Before joining Davids’ team, Hucker began her career working in the U.S. Congress for former Representative Ike Skelton of Missouri’s Fourth District, which lies southwest of Kansas City, and the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. After graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, Hucker worked for multiple law firms throughout the Kansas City area, specializing in litigation. Hucker also clerked for the Honorable Ortrie Smith at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-statement-bipartisan-legislation-avoid-government-shutdown,Davids Statement on Bipartisan Legislation to Avoid Government Shutdown,2023-11-17,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, after the President signed into law legislation to avoid a government shutdown, Representative Sharice Davids released the following statement calling for further bipartisan cooperation to keep the government open in the long term. If Congress does not act before the new deadlines in early 2024, certain federal agencies will run out of funding and the government will shut down. The bill signed into law late last night includes a one-year extension of the Farm Bill, which expired on October 1, 2023. “This bipartisan legislation averts a costly government shutdown that would have drastic consequences on Kansas families, small business owners, and our entire economy. While no bill is perfect, it also extends the Farm Bill, which expired more than a month ago and is crucial for protecting Kansas producers and the millions of people around the world they feed. Now, it's essential that we work together with Republicans and Democrats to find a commonsense solution that keeps our government open for the long term and protects Kansans’ ability to support their families.” Background: The legislation signed into law last night, known as a continuing resolution (CR), sets staggered expiration dates for federal government funding. Roughly 20 percent of the federal government is financed through January 19, 2024, and the remaining 80 percent until February 2, 2024. If Congress does not fully fund the government before these deadlines, the federal government will shut down. Davids continues to push for a bipartisan agreement to keep the government open past the new 2024 deadlines set in the continuing resolution signed today. A shutdown would have serious impacts on Kansas families and the overall U.S. economy. Americans would face disruptions to important benefits, service members would not be compensated, many small businesses would have to alter their operations, and federal workers would be furloughed and go unpaid. Specifically: It’s estimated the five-week partial government shutdown in 2018-2019 reduced economic output by $11 billion in the following two quarters and the 2013 full government shutdown reduced GDP growth by $20 billion. Kansans receiving Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits would experience service delays, including disruptions to verifying benefits and the issuance of new cards. There are currently 19,977 federal workers in Kansas who may be furloughed. A bipartisan report found that the last three government shutdowns led to the equivalent of 56,940 years in lost productivity from federal workers. Small businesses may encounter delays in receiving loans from the federal government. Moody’s Analytics estimated that the 2018-2019 shutdown delayed more than $2 billion in loans to small businesses. The distribution of important food assistance programs, including SNAP, could be disrupted, leaving some Kansan — including women, children, and the elderly — without nutritious food. Travelers could face longer lines at airport security checkpoints and flight delays during a shutdown, which would also delay passport processing times even further.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-calls-impeachment-secretary-mayorkas,Rep. Mann Calls for Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to move forward with the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “Secretary Mayorkas has simultaneously created a humanitarian crisis and a national security emergency at our southern border, and he’s lied about it under oath,” said Rep. Mann. “Earlier this week, the House of Representatives had the chance to impeach him, but instead, the proceedings were referred back to the House Homeland Security Committee, leaving the Committee to decide next steps. That referral only delays holding Secretary Mayorkas accountable for violating his oath of office. Under President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas’ watch, 3.8 million individuals have illegally entered the United States. Secretary Mayorkas halted construction of the border wall and reassigned up to 50% of border patrol agents from patrolling the border to processing illegal immigrants. That move left wide areas of the border unattended, which criminals, smugglers, and drug dealers have exploited. Secretary Mayorkas has endangered the lives of American citizens, and he should have been held accountable for his failures and impeached this week. Americans deserve to have someone running the Department of Homeland Security who will keep our homeland secure.” Rep. Mann supports legislation that will force the Biden Administration to resume construction of the border wall, increase the number of brave border patrol agents, protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking, and terminate catch-and-release. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-celebrates-two-year-anniversary-bipartisan-infrastructure-law,Davids Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image November 15, 2023 More than 258 Kansas projects benefiting from the bipartisan infrastructure law On the two-year anniversary of the bipartisan infrastructure law being signed into law, Representative Sharice Davids highlighted key ways the legislation is already improving Kansas roads, water quality, broadband access, and more. In total, approximately $3.1 billion has been announced and is headed to Kansas with more than 258 specific projects identified for support. Davids, a member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, met with the President and senior White House officials multipletimes to help get this legislation across the finish line. “I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law to bring Kansas’ infrastructure into the 21st century and to create good-paying jobs across our state,” said Davids. “In the two years since it was enacted, this historic law has made getting to work and school faster and safer, improved access to broadband, made strides against climate change, and cleaned up our drinking water. I am excited to see how these investments benefit future generations of Kansans and will keep working for you in Congress.” By reaching communities across Kansas – including rural communities and other historically overlooked populations – the law makes critical investments that will improve lives for Kansans and position the state for success. These investments include: Roads and Bridges: In Kansas, there are 1,321 bridges and more than 1,995 miles of highway in poor condition. Kansas is expected to receive approximately $2.8 billion over five years for highways and bridges. Highlighted Project: The bipartisan infrastructure law is helping to expand US 69, which has been a priority in Johnson County for decades. The updated interchange will help support expected growth in southern Johnson County and create a clear path for emergency vehicles to reach AdventHealth South Overland Park Hospital. Announced investment to date: Kansas has been allocated $1.5 billion in highway investments and $135 million in bridge investments. Water: It’s estimated there are 160,000 lead water lines in Kansas – the third highest per capita nationwide. There are also 3,975 miles of wastewater pipe in the Third District and nearly $1 billion in wastewater treatment facility repairs are needed over the next 25 years to prevent overflows and failures. Highlighted Project: The bipartisan infrastructure law is helping to replace lead pipes across the Kansas Third, including in Olathe, where the city’s Pipe Replacement Education Program is working to identify and replace service lines with toxic materials. Announced investment to date: Approximately $194 million is available to provide clean and safe water across Kansas. Of this investment, $61 million is dedicated to lead pipe and service line replacement, with another $44 million for safe drinking water investments that can also support lead pipe replacement. Internet: High-speed internet is necessary for Kansans to work, go to school, access health care, and stay connected. Yet, nearly 23 percent of Kansans do not have an internet subscription. Additionally, experts estimate that as many as 412,000 households in Kansas are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which cuts internet bills by up to $30 per month. Highlighted Project: The bipartisan infrastructure law is helping to expand middle mile high-speed internet across the state, including in all five counties in Kansas’ Third Congressional District. Specifically, the project will support smaller internet service providers in rural and unserved areas. Announced investment to date: Kansas has received $451.7 million to improve access to high-speed internet and $42.5 million to expand middle-mile infrastructure across the state. Also, about 125,000 households in Kansas are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, an increase of 47,000 from one year ago. Airports and Ports: According to National rankings, no Kansas airport ranks in the top 25 airports worldwide. Our ports and waterways are in need of repair and reimagination too. Highlighted Project: The bipartisan infrastructure law is helping to make improvements at the Johnson County Executive Airport, where structural and safety improvements to two taxiways were recently completed. Airport improvements across Kansas’ Third District, along with port infrastructure updates, will help boost domestic supply chains and lower costs for Kansans. Announced investment to date: Kansas has received more than $58 million in 2022 for airports and $23 million in 2022 for ports. Public Transit: Kansas is expected to receive $259 million over five years under the bipartisan infrastructure law to improve public transportation options across the state. Highlighted Project: The bipartisan infrastructure law is helping to make structural improvements at KCATA’s bus storage and electric vehicle charging facility and strengthen access to housing, health care, employment, and education for citizens in the Kansas City metro area. Announced investment to date: Kansas has been allocated more than $101 million to improve public transportation options across the state. Clean Energy and Resilience: In the last decade, Kansas has experienced 39 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $20 billion in damages. The bipartisan infrastructure law makes a historic investment to bolster our resilience against pressing challenges like impacts of climate change, extreme weather events, and other hazards like cyberattacks. Highlighted Project: The bipartisan infrastructure law is helping to support the Kansas City Levees Project and reduce flood risks in the Argentine neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas. Announced investment to date: Approximately $86 million has been allocated to Kansas for infrastructure resilience. Also, approximately $32 million has been allocated to Kansas for weatherization and $110 million to help prevent outages and make the power grid more resilient. Electric Vehicle Charging: Through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program alone, Kansas should expect to receive roughly $40 million over five years to support the expansion of electric vehicle charging in the state. Highlighted Project: The bipartisan infrastructure law is helping to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along key roads and highways. These investments will create good-paying jobs, help protect Kansas' environment, and support American car manufacturers' rapidly growing EV production. Announced investment to date: Kansas has been allocated more than $22 million to build out a network of EV chargers across the state. The bipartisan infrastructure law, which is paid for through a combination of new revenues and savings, has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in at least a decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Visit here for more information on how the bipartisan infrastructure law is improving Kansas’ roads, bridges, water, and safety. Issues:Transportation & Infrastructure",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/watch-davids-joins-small-business-owners-highlights-consequences-avoidable,"WATCH: Davids Joins Small Business Owners, Highlights Consequences of Avoidable Government Shutdown",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Yesterday, Representative Sharice Davids joined Small Business Majority and business owners from across the country to discuss the consequences of a government shutdown for our nation’s small businesses. Moody’s Analytics estimated that the 2018-2019 shutdown delayed more than $2 billion in loans to small businesses, devastating small business owners and the communities they support. While Davids continues to call for a bipartisan path forward, without Congressional action, the federal government is set to shut down at 12:01 a.m. ET on November 18, 2023. “A shutdown is a devastating blow to our economy and represents real consequences for hardworking Kansans, including our small businesses which make up over 90 percent of employers in Kansas’ Third District,” said Davids. “Small businesses in Kansas are already struggling with higher prices as well as inventory and workforce issues. They hardly need more stress and uncertainty. I implore my colleagues to join me in working across the aisle to advance legislation that prevents a costly, harmful, and avoidable government shutdown, and to pass bipartisan legislation that reauthorize the FAA and Farm Bill.” “A government shutdown would be a disaster for America’s hardworking small business owners and their employees,” said John Arensmeyer, founder & CEO, Small Business Majority. “With small firms unable to secure Small Business Administration and other government loans to small business government contractors seeing their revenue evaporate, entrepreneurs across the country, particularly in under resourced at-risk communities, will needlessly suffer. Moreover, buying power across all segments of the economy will be dealt a sharp blow putting our economic revival in jeopardy. Small businesses have weathered so much over the past few years; adding insult to injury would be devastating. Congress must pass a fully funded budget now.” Last year, Davids released a report on the state of small business in Kansas’ Third Congressional District. Now, a government shutdown would have devastating consequences for these small businesses and needlessly undermine America’s economic progress. Specifically: The U.S. Small Business Administration would stop processing new business loans for small businesses during a shutdown. This would deny Kansas small businesses of more than $790,000 of financing per weekday due to 7(a) and 504 loan applications failing to move forward. A shutdown would disrupt the average $13 billion per week in federal contracts that go to businesses throughout the country — nearly $3 billion of which goes to small businesses. Small businesses are the first to cut costs during a shutdown, which proves consequential as these businesses employ close to half of all U.S. private sector workers. A shutdown means that businesses owners, including farmers, can lose access to updated federal data on key measures like employment, oil prices, trade flows, and agricultural trends that they use to guide important daily business decisions. Davids continues to push for a bipartisan agreement to keep the government open. Aside from the consequences for small businesses, a shutdown would have serious impacts on Kansas families and the overall U.S. economy. Americans would face disruptions to important benefits, service members would not be compensated, and federal workers would be furloughed and go unpaid. Specifically: It’s estimated the five-week partial government shutdown in 2018-2019 reduced economic output by $11 billion in the following two quarters and the 2013 full government shutdown reduced GDP growth by $20 billion. Kansans receiving Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits would experience service delays, including disruptions to verifying benefits and the issuance of new cards. There are currently 19,977 federal workers in Kansas who may be furloughed. A bipartisan report found that the last three government shutdowns led to the equivalent of 56,940 years in lost productivity from federal workers. The distribution of important food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), could be disrupted, leaving some Kansan — including women, children, and the elderly — without nutritious food. Travelers could face longer lines at airport security checkpoints and flight delays during a shutdown, which would also delay passport processing times even further.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4235,Rep. Estes Votes Against Status Quo CR,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement after voting against H. R. 6363, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, that would extend spending at the record high levels of fiscal year 2023. The bill passed 336-95. ""The two-step CR will avoid another bloated omnibus spending bill at Christmastime, but it unfortunately doesn't go far enough to address our $33.6. trillion debt and doesn't even reduce spending to previously agreed levels in the Fiscal Responsibility Act,"" said Rep. Estes. ""2023 is a tipping point – we now borrow one out of every five dollars that we spend, and this is no time to govern through continuing resolutions. I look forward to working with Speaker Johnson to pass the remaining five appropriations bills for our current fiscal year, and then finally returning to regular order in 2024 to reduce wasteful government spending that has caused rampant inflation that is crushing Kansas families.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-blocks-continuation-reckless-spending,Rep. Mann Blocks Continuation of Reckless Spending,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted no on H.R. 6363, the Furthering Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act. This continuing resolution would extend funding levels from the $1.7 trillion spending bill, passed during a Democrat-controlled Congress, into 2024. “I did not come to Congress to be a caretaker in the slow demise of America,” said Rep. Mann. “I came to fight and work to make it stronger. Right now, with our national debt topping $33 trillion, making America stronger means having a hard-fought battle over government spending. We cannot afford to pass another continuing resolution, which just enables more of the same reckless government waste that got our country into this financial mess in the first place. I remain committed to reducing and reprioritizing government spending, securing the southern border, and ending the weaponization of the federal government. This continuing resolution accomplishes none of that. It contains no spending reductions and no border security. We must get our country back on track.” H.R. 6363, the Furthering Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Actpassed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 336-95 and has been sent to the U.S. Senate for further review. “The government borrows too much money, and it spends too much money,” said Rep. Mann. “The real solution to reducing Washington Democrat bloated spending is to return to regular order and pass 12 individual appropriations bills. We must keep working towards that commitment.” On September 29, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024, short-term, stop-gap legislation to fund the government, cut spending, secure the southern border, and maintain Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ benefits. It would have allowed Congress time to responsibly appropriate tax-payer dollars and permanently fund the government. That legislation failed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 198-232. On September 30, Rep. Mann voted no on H.R. 5860, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024, and Other Extensions Act. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-visits-kansas-veteran-owned-food-cart-discusses-bipartisan-legislation,"Davids Visits Kansas Veteran-Owned Food Cart, Discusses Bipartisan Legislation to Support Veteran Entrepreneurs",2023-11-10,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ROELAND PARK, KS - Today, on the eve of Veterans Day, Representative Sharice Davids visited Morty’s, a veteran-owned small business in Roeland Park, KS. Davids, whose mother served in the Army for 20 years, discussed her bipartisan legislation, the SERV Act, that would help veteran small business owners succeed. Davids also gained insight into the veteran owner and his business challenges as he prepared for daily operations. She sampled a Morty’s Italian beef sandwich for lunch. “As the daughter of a veteran, I have always said that because of their sense of service and dedication, there are few people better situated to become entrepreneurs than our nation’s veterans,” said Davids. “While that’s certainly true for Brian Newton who I spoke with today, he and other veterans face unique obstacles to starting and operating a small business. That's why I introduced the SERV Act to help eliminate those barriers, so our veterans can better support their families and, as in Brian's case, even whip up a delicious Italian beef sandwich!"" “My father was a career Marine and I served for a decade myself, with seven of those years spent overseas,” said Brian Newton, local veteran and owner of Morty’s. “I struggled for many years integrating back into civilian life, and especially with starting a business since we often reenter our new communities alone without the knowledge of how these systems work or even where to begin. I am thankful for leaders such as Rep. Davids who understand the unique challenges faced by veterans and who continue to work on our behalf. Rep Davids is on my team, and I am very thankful for that.” Brian Newton served in the military for 10 years, seven of which were overseas. After returning home, he opened Morty’s, a food cart and catering business specializing in Italian beef sandwiches and Vienna Beef Chicago-style hot dogs. Due to high demand and after years of searching for space, Newton recently purchased a brick-and-mortar location in Kansas City, KS where he will soon open a restaurant for walk-up and delivery service. Davids and Newton discussed the challenges Newton faced when starting a business and the successes he has since achieved. Alongside Representative Mark Alford (R-MO-03), Davids introduced the SERV Act to study the barriers veterans face when starting a business and improve the accessibility of existing veteran-focused small business programs. The bill recently passed out of the U.S. House Small Business Committee unanimously and now heads for a vote on the House floor, where it passed in 2019 with broad bipartisan support. Specifically, it: Commissions a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the ability of veteran and reservist small business owners to access credit. This includes a new analysis on common sources of credit and how deployment and other military responsibilities affect veterans' and reservists' credit. Requires the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development to develop an action plan for outreach and promotion of the many programs available to veterans looking to transition into the business world. Requires the task force to report annually to Congress on its appointments and outline its plan for outreach on the many programs available to veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, and their spouses. “As the daughter of a veteran, Representative Sharice Davids knows the challenges veterans face when starting a small business and she has been a strong champion for veteran-owned small businesses on the House Committee,” said Mindy Brissey, Regional Administrator, Small Business Administration Region VII. “The US Small Business Administration is proud to work with Rep. Davids to increase veteran access to capital, government contracting opportunities, training and counseling, and other support services to start and grow their businesses.” While military experience provides transferable entrepreneurial training and skills, the number of veterans starting their own business has decreased drastically over the last few decades. Today, only 4.5 percent of the more than 3.6 million veterans who have served since September 11, 2001 have launched a company. In contrast, the number of World War II and Korean War veterans who went on to operate a business was 50 and 40 percent, respectively. Reasons for this decline include challenges accessing credit, transitioning to civilian life, and overcoming stigmas around physical disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-federal-grants-hire-officers-improve-mental-health-services,"Davids Announces Federal Grants to Hire Officers, Improve Mental Health Services for Law Enforcement",2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded two grants to support law enforcement in Kansas’ Third District and throughout the state. The awards, totaling nearly $700,000, will help hire four additional police officers and improve access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement professionals in Kansas’ Third District. ""By hiring additional officers and improving mental health services, these new federal awards will help our local law enforcement do their jobs better and safer,"" said Davids. ""My mom is an army veteran who served in law enforcement for a time herself. I am grateful for our local law enforcement professionals and will continue working to ensure they have the resources and support needed to keep our communities safe."" The grants announced today were received through two DOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) awards that will positively impact public safety in Kansas' Third District. They include: COPS Hiring Program (CHP) City of Olathe - $500,000 To hire four entry-level law enforcement officers to create and preserve jobs and increase crime prevention efforts. Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Implementation Projects (LEMHWA) Executive Office of Kansas - $198,641 To improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement through training and technical assistance, demonstration projects, and peer mentoring and wellness programs. “The Olathe Police Department is honored to be a recipient of the 2023 US DOJ COPS Hiring Program grant,” said Mike Butaud, Chief of Police, Olathe Police Department. “This grant will help the Olathe Advanced Crisis-Intervention Team add four new officers which will allow the unit to expand our response to behavioral health crisis calls for service. This addition to the team will also better connect citizens with resources and help them navigate the justice system when needed so the participants can maintain success and thrive within the community.” “We are extremely grateful for Representative Davids’ support of our application for the LEMHWA grant,” said Tony Mattivi, Director, Kansas Bureau of Investigation. “This investment will greatly improve the availability of critical wellness services for KBI employees and their families.” Since taking office, Davids has made it a priority to work with both Republicans and Democrats to ensure Kansas is always a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. These latest federal investments build on the more than $27 million in federal public safety grant funds that Davids helped secure to hire more local police officers, prevent crime, and get criminals off streets. Davids has also secured funding for the Olathe Police Department’s Mobile Command Unit and announced federal resources to hire additional law enforcement officers in Wyandotte County. She previously voted for historic, bipartisan gun violence prevention legislation to keep Kansans safe and a bill giving officers access to disability benefits for job-related PTSD. Most recently, she went on a ride-along with an Overland Park law enforcement officer and participated in trainings at the Johnson County Regional Police Academy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-introduces-amendment-give-expecting-parents-power-over-childs-health,Davids Introduces Amendment to Give Expecting Parents Power Over Child’s Health Care Insurance,2023-11-07,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC - Representative Sharice Davids recently introduced her Empowering Parents’ Healthcare Choices Act as an amendment to U.S. government budget legislation. Her bill,submitted to the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, is designed to cut insurer red tape, avoid surprise bills, and give parents decision-making power over their infant’s health care — not insurance companies. “Welcoming a child into your family should be a joyful event, free from undue stress and financial burden at the hands of insurance companies,” said Davids. “This is a simple fix that gives parents power over their baby’s health care coverage, so they can make an informed choice about their family’s future. I’ll continue looking for avenues to get this legislation across the finish line, providing financial relief for countless families in Kansas and across the country.” Currently, many expecting parents with separate health insurance plans are subject to an obscure and often undisclosed policy known as “the birthday rule.” The birthday rule determines the insurance policy that will cover a new baby simply based on whichever parent’s birthday comes first in the calendar year – regardless of what the parents want. Insurance companies often do not inform parents of this policy, which can result in surprise medical bills for growing families. That’s what happened to the Kjelshus family of Olathe, KS, when they welcomed their daughter Charlie to the world—leaving them with a $270,951 out-of-network hospital billeven though they had planned for Charlie’s birth based on the coverage they expected to use. The Empowering Parents’ Healthcare Choices Act would give parents 60 days after the birth of their child to choose which insurance policy will cover their new baby. It would also give the Administration authority to instruct insurers on how and when to notify parents of their rights, helping more families avoid frustrating red tape, surprise bills, and insurance policy mazes. “We thought we had everything prepared for our daughter’s arrival, but the ‘birthday rule’ ended up putting us in an unexpected and financially stressful back-and-forth with insurance companies for over a year,” said Mikkel and Kayla Kjelshus of Olathe, KS. “We are glad that Rep. Davids is bringing attention to this issue, which affects so many families and can put incredible strain on what should be a happy time. Just by giving the power and knowledge to families on their health care decision, this bill would make a big difference in every new parents’ life.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-fights-against-big-government-spending-overreach,"Rep. Mann Fights Against Big Government Spending, Overreach",2023-11-07,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) delivered a speech on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives outlining his priorities for protecting America’s future. Rep. Mann released the following statement, summarizing his remarks. “We need to reduce and reprioritize government spending, secure the southern border, and end the weaponization of the federal government,” said Rep. Mann. ""The Biden Administration and Washington Democrats’ spending addiction has created massive inflation and increased our national debt to $33 trillion. $2.4 trillion of that debt has accrued over just the past 365 days. That's more than $76,000 per second. The Biden Administration’s spending is out of touch with what Americans want, and it’s crushing our economy. We’re all feeling it – especially in middle America where new, costly regulations are forcing small businesses to close, gas is nearly $4 per gallon, and people’s paychecks are over-taxed. House Republicans have offered commonsense solutions to this problem. We passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act to stop wasting taxpayer dollars, reclaim unspent COVID relief money, and promote pro-growth economic policies. We must stand firm in our commitment to reducing and reprioritizing government spending. Our economic situation is dangerous, unsustainable, and it’s putting our children’s future on the chopping block. Meanwhile, a humanitarian crisis continues to rage at our southern border, and the Biden Administration is overseeing and directing an unprecedented weaponization of the federal government. House Republicans are constantly fighting back against overreaching government regulations that are hurting middle America. When government grows, freedom shrinks. Americans cannot afford President Biden’s out-of-control spending and should not be forced to bear the burden of his big government overreach. We need to get our fiscal house back in order to protect America’s future.” Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4220,"Rep. Ron Estes Praises Restrictions to WOTUS, Limits on Lesser Prairie-Chicken Listing in Appropriations Bill",2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) voted in favor of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill which includes provisions to repeal the EPA's overreaching Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and limit the abusive listing of the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act. ""Kansans have proven to be good stewards of the land and natural resources we have here in our state, yet federal bureaucrats continue to abuse their positions by micromanaging ponds and puddles through the overreaching WOTUS rule and listing the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered despite the population remaining stable,"" said Rep. Estes. ""House Republicans passed the Interior and Environment appropriations bill which will kneecap the entrenched D.C. administrative state from pushing WOTUS and the lesser prairie-chicken listing onto hardworking Kansas farmers, ranchers and energy producers. This appropriations bill is a win for common sense Kansans and a victory over the status quo in Washington.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4221,Estes Highlights Perils of Biden's Anti-Energy Independence Agenda,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Yesterday, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) published an op-ed in RealClearEnergy diving into the history of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and highlighting how the Biden administration's anti-energy independence agenda has hurt Americans, but also risked our national security. You can read the op-ed here or below. Biden’s Election Gimmick Undercut National Security Published Nov. 2, 2023, by RealClearEnergy The chaotic turn of events around the globe in the past weeks has shown that history repeats itself. Fifty years ago when the Yom Kippur War raged in the Middle East, Americans felt the pinch as oil-rich countries blocked U.S. imports of their crude in response to U.S. support of Israel. Now, the atrocious tragedies committed by barbaric Hamas terrorists are again causing chaos and strife in the Middle East. Because of planning in the 1970s and under the right leadership today, this conflict shouldn’t spark concerns about gas prices for Americans as we learned our lesson a half-century ago and created the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Unfortunately, President Biden disregarded these lessons to score cheap political points at the expense of the American consumer and our national security. The week of January 20, 2021, when President Biden was sworn into office the national average for a gallon of gas was just under $2.40. That means a family with a minivan could easily fill up their tank for under $50. Then Biden’s anti-energy independence agenda kicked in. He made it clear that he wanted to “end fossil fuel” during his campaign and got right to work on day one to implement his devastating plan. He ended the Keystone XL Pipeline, proposed tax increases on oil and gas companies and pushed policies that benefited “green” energy and Chinese companies over reliable American energy. By the time Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February of 2022, Biden’s policies had already pushed the national weekly average to $3.53. Biden – desperate to hide his failed policies – quickly blamed the high cost of gas on the invasion, despite the fact that under a year of his policies prices had already increased by more than a dollar per gallon. With the Russian invasion pushing prices even higher in an election year, Biden decided to act. No, he didn’t reverse his anti-American energy policies – that would have been the right long-term solution. Instead, he traded in our safety net of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to save a few votes. In spite of the SPR gimmick, prices are still averaging around $3.53, so filling up that minivan now costs close to $70 – and our country’s safety. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a national security asset. When full, it prevents the U.S. from being subject to global crises that could limit the availability of crude oil or the whims of our adversaries who may wish to punish us by withholding exports. The idea was supported by multiple presidential administrations like Harry Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower in the middle of the 20th century, but it wasn’t until OPEC’s oil embargo of 1973-74 that the need was greatly recognized. President Gerald Ford eventually signed the Energy Policy and Conservation Act into law in December 1975. Nearly 50 years after its creation the SPR is at its lowest level since 1984. And it couldn’t come at a more perilous time in our world. Establishing the SPR was a way for us to safeguard against OPEC’s impulses and to reduce our dependence on foreign countries should there be a global conflict – but here we are again facing a crisis in the Middle East. Now would be a good time to have a robust Strategic Petroleum Reserve on which to rely. The right thing to do – after two years of fruitlessly doing the wrong thing – would be to replenish the SPR, and fast. But the Biden administration has abandoned this responsibility. The whole intention was to have SPR as a backstop, but President Biden threw that away for a political gimmick. Last October, the White House announced that it would implement a “first-of-its-kind rule” establishing a system of fixed-rate price contracts for replenishing the SPR. Per the administration’s policy, they intend to purchase “crude oil for the SPR when prices are at or below about $67 to $72 per barrel.” The administration’s logic was that the Department of Energy should get a preferred rate when buying for the SPR, well below what the public market was bearing. This untested fixed-price bid system imposed by the White House has allowed the administration to ignore its responsibility to resupply the SPR to the detriment of the U.S.’ economic and national security. In January of this year, the DOE rejected bids from several producers to refill the SPR because the market rate for crude oil at the time was well above the administration’s arbitrary fixed price. And again in mid-October, the DOE announced they would not refill the SPR at a competitive level, instead wanting to pay $79 a barrel when the current market price is about $86 a barrel. The misaligned economics of this system is straightforward – if producers get a better rate in the market than what DOE is prepared to pay, the SPR will remain at record lows – making our nation less safe and prepared. I’ve offered legislation – the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Replenishment Act – in this Congress and the last that would correct this issue. The House also passed a similar amendment I introduced that was included in H.R. 1 – the Lower Energy Costs Act. It would require DOE to use index-based pricing when accepting bids for the SPR. This method will ensure that DOE accepts bids at the market rate for crude oil rather than Biden’s price-fixing scheme. Unfortunately, the Democrat-led Senate has yet to take action on the bill. Our world is less safe today than in January 2021, and we are less prepared to withstand foreign adversaries using oil as leverage. Biden should have never put our national defense in jeopardy just to try and eke out a few more midterm votes. Now that it’s depleted, his administration should really be working to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve – back to where it was on January 20, 2021, when a full SPR provided us with extra protection and a full tank of gas was $20 bucks cheaper.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-blocks-epa-overreach-cuts-wasteful-spending,"Rep. Mann Blocks EPA Overreach, Cuts Wasteful Spending",2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to fight government overreach and cut wasteful government spending in two appropriation bills. Rep. Mann released the following statement after his yes votes on H.R.4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and H.R. 4364, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. “As I look at our nation’s budget, I make decisions based on reducing and reprioritizing government spending, securing our southern border, and ending the weaponization of the federal government,” said Rep. Mann. “These bills would support Congressional oversight investigations and rein in overreaching Environmental Protection Agency regulations like President Biden’s listing of the lesser prairie-chicken as threatened in Kansas. With the passage of these bills, House Republicans have advanced our plan for seven of the twelve appropriation bills for fiscal year 2024. This is a step in the right direction to getting our country back on track.” Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 213-203, and which would: Cut wasteful spending at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by 39% Prohibit the implementation of President Biden’s 2023 Waters of the U.S. rule Fight the listing of the lesser prairie-chicken on the Endangered Species Act Prohibit EPA from implementing permitting requirements for livestock emissions Require the Biden Administration to resume the sale of oil and gas leases Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4364, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 214-197, and which would: Require that unspent dollars from Members’ budgets be used for debt and deficit reduction Prevent the purchasing of telecommunications equipment from the Chinese Communist Party Maintain funding for the House of Representatives to conduct rigorous oversight of the Executive Branch and to hold the Biden Administration accountable Ensure that Congress remains open and working for the American people Support the continued recruiting, training, and retaining of sworn Capitol Police officers On July 27, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 219-211. On September 28, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4367, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 220-208, H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 218-210, and H.R. 4665, the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 216-212. On September 28, Rep. Mann voted no on H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which did not pass in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 191-237. The legislation failed to conduct oversight in nutrition programs, sought to reduce the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s budget by more than 40%, and proposed to dramatically weaken support for land-grant university research. On October 26, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 210-199. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-statement-house-leaderships-unserious-partisan-israel-aid-package,Davids Statement on House Leadership’s Unserious Partisan Israel Aid Package,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Representative Sharice Davids released the following statement after voting against a partisan plan that would fail to protect Israel and undermine America’s national security. “Since coming to Congress, I have always supported security assistance for Israel, our close ally in the Middle East, and I remain committed to that support. The irresponsible and partisan legislation pushed by House leadership, however, puts political games ahead of both saving innocent lives and America’s national security. It also does nothing to deliver critically needed humanitarian aid in Gaza and the West Bank. We must work in a bipartisan manner to ensure security assistance for Israel against Hamas, as we have consistently done during times of conflict. I’ll continue working together with Republicans and Democrats to achieve that goal and to deliver the necessary and adequate humanitarian aid to civilians in the Middle East.” Background: In her commitment to reaffirm Israel’s right to self-defense and protect innocent lives, Davids previously condemned the violence and urged the U.S. Department of State to continue working with the governments of Israel and Egypt to enable a steady supply of humanitarian assistance, which they later did. She also joined her colleagues in calling for increased support for Israel’s defense systems and continues pushing for a prompt humanitarian response in the West Bank and Gaza, both of which are included in the President’s emergency supplemental request alongside aid to Ukraine.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-visits-olathe-head-start-highlights-federal-investments-early-education,"Davids Visits Olathe Head Start, Highlights Federal Investments for Early Education",2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OLATHE, KS - Yesterday, Representative Sharice Davids visited Olathe Public Schools Head Start to learn how the program will benefit from a new federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The $1,730,023 federal investment will ensure the students Davids met today are emotionally and intellectually prepared for schooling in the coming years. Research shows a high return on investment for early childhood programs, yielding a $4 – $9 economic return for every $1 invested. “The benefits of Head Start appear immediately and last a lifetime. These early education programs impart the social and emotional skills needed for students to excel in their future educational, career, and personal pursuits,” said Davids. “I enjoyed my time with students and faculty at Olathe Public Schools Head Start today and look forward to seeing how these new federal investments will make a difference in the children’s success.” Students in early childhood education programs are less likely to repeat grades, are 25 percent more likely to graduate high school, and are four times more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree in comparison to non-Head Start students. But long-term benefits of Head Start programs are not only limited to educational success. Children in Head Start are healthier and have better social and emotional skills. In adulthood, statistics show that former Head Start students experience greater economic stability and earn higher wages. “On behalf of Olathe Public Schools, we are very pleased to continue to offer comprehensive services to our Head Start children and families,” said Kimberly Sill, Director, Olathe Public Schools Head Start. “The Olathe School District has offered Head Start services to the community since the inception of Head Start in 1965. This funding will support high-quality learning, school readiness skills, as well as nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, and oral and mental health support. Head Start helps provide a solid foundation for learning and thriving in school. We know that high quality early childhood programming is one of the most effective strategies to ensure future success for the next generation.” During her visit yesterday, Davids toured the Heartland Early Childhood Center, one of two Head Start programs operated by Olathe Public Schools. She was joined by Dr. Kim Hawkins, Director of Early Childhood at Olathe Public Schools, and Kimberely Still. Davids also sat down with current Head Start students to read a book. The federal grant highlighted during Davids’ visit will be used to continue providing early education opportunities and family support services to children and families in Southern Johnson County. It will also help provide nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, and oral and mental health support for students. As a first-generation college student who worked her way from Leavenworth High School to Cornell Law School, Davids understands the value of a quality education for the success of a student and our overall economy. In the 117th Congress, she announcedfunding for three additional Head Start programs: Kansas City Kansas Public School's Successful Beginnings, The Family Conservancy, and the University of Kansas Medical Center's Project Eagle. Davids was the only member of the Kansas delegation to support the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which helped keep 3,810 Kansas childcare programs open during the pandemic, impacting up to 119,000 children. Experts have stated access to reliable and affordable childcare is necessary for the financial stability of working families and the economic growth and global competitiveness of our country. The Plan also allocated about $29 million to Kansas' Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) program to support early intervention and special education services.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4219,"Rep. Estes, MP Patel Push Back on OECD Tax Scheme in Op-Ed",2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) published a joint op-ed, Britain and America are about to surrender their tax sovereignty, with MP Priti Patel in the Daily Telegraph to expose the harms of the OECD's international tax grab and express their strong opposition to the plan. Rep. Estes has been pushing back against this bad deal for months. This year, he penned an op-ed in The Hill, Yellen is giving away the farm through global tax scheme; questioned Sec. Yellen at a Ways and Means hearing; questioned treasury staff and discussed OECD Pillar 2 at a Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee hearing; published a Bloomberg op-ed with Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Biden Should Use OECD Tax Talks to Help, Not Harm, US Interests; introduced the Unfair Tax Protection Act to impose reciprocal taxes on countries that use the OECD deal to impose unfair taxes on U.S. business and raid the U.S. tax base and sent a letter signed by a dozen Ways and Means colleagues to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen raising concerns and seeking answers about the economic impact of Pillar 2. You can read the op-ed here or below. The international plan for a global minimum tax on multinational firms – under the OECD’s so-called Pillar 2 – is destructive for both the US and the UK. We have been among the most outspoken members of our respective legislatures on this flawed policy, but the OECD and many countries continue to pursue a global minimum tax in an effort to pad their coffers with US and UK tax revenues. Unfortunately, our leaders are insistent on pressing ahead, and decisions they have made behind closed doors at the OECD have left us in a position where we now face an absurd attack on both our countries’ tax sovereignty. The US and UK have been world leaders in promoting competition and enterprise. The reforms of the 1980s pioneered by Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher transformed our countries and the Western world. Now, the insidious plans under Pillar 2 put our economic freedoms at risk. That is why we met earlier this year to discuss Pillar 2 and how to push back on it. And if you are a multinational corporation in the US or UK, you need to be making your voice heard as well. While this global minimum tax is billed as a way to prevent a race to the bottom in national tax codes, Pillar 2’s plan is to give foreign nations the authority to tax companies in their competitors’ countries if they feel that those firms are not taxed enough. The so-called undertaxed profits rule (UTPR) will disproportionately impact job creators and innovators in the US and UK. Imagine two businesses in the same town – one successful and the other struggling. It would be irrational to allow the struggling firm to unilaterally decide that the successful business was making too much profit and force it to transfer some of that revenue into its own account. But that is essentially what the UTPR does: it transfers wealth from our countries into the accounts of others under the guise of fairness. Pillar 2 does not make sense, and other countries are starting to recognise this. We have heard from ASEAN and African nations who are now decrying Pillar 2 as a bad deal for their development. They are watching as Pillar 1 – eliminating unilateral digital services taxes, from which they would benefit – falls apart and know that implementing Pillar 2 without Pillar 1 would be a barrier to growth within their own boundaries. They know that this scheme would discourage investment by foreign corporations and benefit high-tax jurisdictions. In its current form, Pillar 2 isn’t ready for primetime – and even the OECD knows it. It delayed implementation earlier this year. But this was not a win. Delaying a bad policy for a year doesn’t change the fact that it is a bad policy. A recent snub to a US House Ways and Means delegation by French economy and finance minister Bruno Le Maire shows that some greedy countries have no interest in backing away from le transfert of funds into their treasuries. US and UK policymakers and business leaders should combat this attempted takeover of tax policy. Each of our countries’ legislative bodies has the sole authority to set tax policy , and we should not cede that power to money-hungry foreign governments, which do not have the best interests of American or British citizens at heart. Successful US and UK businesses should be investing and supporting job and wealth creation, and our legislatures should defend them by not allowing foreign governments to use Pillar 2 to pillage their resources. The only way to secure US and UK sovereignty is to fully abandon the global minimum tax and UTPR and return to the negotiating table in good faith to finish the work on Pillar 1. If that doesn’t happen, we are ready to combat this scheme on our turf. In the US, I [Ron Estes] introduced the Unfair Tax Prevention Act, which, in effect, would impose a reciprocal tax measure toward any country that moves forward with a UTPR surtax on American businesses and would apply as long as the foreign country’s unfair tax remains in place. And in the UK, I [Priti Patel] pushed Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to assure the House of Commons and the British people that we will have regular updates and information as plans unfold instead of blindly barreling through with this disastrous plan. The OECD and rapacious foreign governments should end their zealous approach to taxing other nations. And if they don’t, we stand ready to protect the Americans and Britons we represent.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-votes-support-israel-condemn-hamas,"Rep. Mann Votes to Support Israel, Condemn Hamas",2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted yes on H.R. 6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, bolstering Israel’s defensive capabilities against Hamas and other terrorist groups. Rep. Mann released the following statement after the vote. “America must continue to support Israel, condemn all attacks on Israel’s sovereignty, and hold the Biden Administration accountable for its continued deals with those who support Hamas and other terrorist groups,” said Rep. Mann. “Israel is America’s strongest ally in the Middle East and the region’s only functioning democracy. We must not sit idly by while our ally suffers brutal attacks from terrorists who want to wipe them off the face of the earth. America’s national security depends, in part, on a free and secure Israel. With this piece of legislation, House Republicans are advancing a comprehensive response to the unthinkable evil carried about by Hamas against Israel and strengthening our own national security in the process.” H.R. 6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 226-196, and would: Ensure American military readiness by replenishing domestic defense stockpiles Bolster Israel’s defensive capabilities and stockpiles of munitions Support U.S. personnel and citizens with enhanced security presence at the U.S. Embassy and logistical support for the evacuation of US citizens Require that the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State report to Congress on U.S. security assistance to Israel, to ensure accountability The funding for H.R. 6126 is offset by recessions from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, specifically from funding that would have weaponized the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) against Americans. Yesterday, Rep. Mann also voted yes on: H. Res. 559, a resolution declaring that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 354-53 H. Res. 599, a resolution urging the European Union to designate Hizballah as a terrorist organization, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a voice vote H.R. 3266, the Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act, which would require the U.S. Department of State to review the curriculum used by the Palestinian Authority, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a voice vote H.R. 340, the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act, which would impose sanctions on foreign supporters of terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 363-46 On October 26, Rep. Mann helped introduce H.Res. 771, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 412-10, and which states that America stands with Israel as it defends itself against the war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. In April 2023, Rep. Mann voted yes on H. Res. 311, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 401-19, and which would support the expansion of the Abraham Accords to encourage nations to normalize relations with Israel and express continued support for bilateral cooperation across economic, security, and civilian issues. In June 2023, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 3099, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 413-13, and which would establish a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords at the Department of State to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords. In July 2023, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 219-210, and in September 2023, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 218-210. Both pieces of legislation included key priorities to support the U.S./Israeli partnership and enhance Israel’s security. Rep. Mann is a member of the Abraham Accords Caucus, the Israel Allies Caucus, and the Transatlantic Friends of Israel Caucus. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-hosts-third-annual-military-academy-nominations,Rep. Mann Hosts Third Annual Military Academy Nominations,2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ABILENE, KS – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) hosted his third Congressional Military Academy Nominations Selection Process. As the Representative for the Big First District, Rep. Mann has the privilege of offering military academy nominations to the five U.S. service academies for students in the district. The interviews took place at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas. “It is always an honor to host the military academy selection committee and potential military academy candidates in the childhood hometown of five-star U.S. Army General, President Dwight D. Eisenhower,” said Rep. Mann. “The students we met reflect the best of Kansas, and their aspirations to serve our country give me hope for a bright future in America. I enjoyed getting to know them and I wish them all the best. I also owe a debt of gratitude to the panel for lending their expertise and unique perspectives to the selection process.” Rep. Mann appointed a panel of five Kansans from the Big First District who have extensive experience in either U.S. military service or working closely with the military. The five person-panel included: Mary Eisenhower, former President and CEO of People to People International and granddaughter of President Eisenhower AJ Kuhle, U.S. Air Force Academy alumnus and U.S. Air Force veteran Joseph McCarville, West Point alumnus, retired Reno County District Court Judge, and U.S. Army veteran Michael Utz, retired Garden City Police Chief and U.S. Air Force veteran Lt. General (Ret.)Perry Wiggins, former Commanding General of United States Army North and Ft. Riley’s 1st Infantry Division Thirteen high school students in the district applied for a military academy nomination through Rep. Mann's office. In the coming weeks, the panel will notify the students whom they have chosen to receive these competitive nominations. Rep. Mann is a strong supporter of America’s U.S. military service members and is a former member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-works-sharices-shift-local-grocery-store-highlights-work-lower-grocery,"Davids Works “Sharice’s Shift” at Local Grocery Store, Highlights Work to Lower Grocery Costs and Strengthen Supply Chains",2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ROELAND PARK, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids worked a ""Sharice's Shift"" at the Roeland Park Price Chopper to highlight her efforts to lower costs for Kansas families and strengthen U.S. supply chains. While our economy is experiencing record job creation, the cost of groceries and gas remains high. To help lower those costs, Davids, who was named a ""Champion of the Shippers"" by the Shippers Coalition, has worked to shore up our domestic supply chains, which eases inflationary pressures for Kansans. “Hardworking Kansans, including the shoppers I spoke with today, continue to face higher prices at the grocery store and gas pump. While we’ve seen recent economic progress in record job creation and small business applications, there’s still so much more work needed to get those prices back down,” said Davids. “Finding bipartisan solutions to lower prices and build an economy that works for everyone — especially for folks in the middle- and working-classes — is my top priority.” “Thank you, Representative Davids, for taking the time to visit our store and hear firsthand about how the various laws impact our business,” said Mike Beal, Chief Operating Officer, Ball's Food Stores. “Grocers like us play a vital role in the heart of every community. We are more than just a store, but we are a lifeline for many, ensuring our customers have access to fresh, affordable, and nutritious food and serve as a hub for supporting local products and farmers. We appreciate your recognition of the important role grocers play in their communities through the jobs provided and various services offered.” During the ""Sharice's Shift,"" Davids helped store employees unload deliveries from shipping trucks, stock grocery shelves, and bag groceries. Davids spoke with store management on the economic impact of independent grocers on Kansas communities and her work to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill. She also shared what she is doing in Congress to lower costs for hardworking Kansans and strengthen domestic supply chains, including by voting for the CHIPS and Science Act, which is bringing jobs to Kansas, lowering costs for consumers, and supporting workforce development. Davids’ additional work to lower grocery costs and strengthen supply chains include: Voting to pass the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act to shore up the food and agriculture supply chain, assure fair competition in the meat and poultry sectors, and lower food and gasoline costs. Holding multipleroundtables with Kansas business, manufacturing, and technology leaders on how recent legislation to improve supply chains will help boost their businesses' financial security. Cosponsoring the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a new law aimed at addressing supply chain snags and reducing dependence on goods produced outside of the United States. Meeting with President Biden at the White House to urge him to pass a supply chain and economic package that invests in American manufacturing. As a member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, Davids is also working to craft a bipartisan Farm Bill that supports Kansas farmers and lowers costs, including by securing agricultural supply chains to keep costs low and support our state’s largest economic sector. Davids previously hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt to highlight lowering costs for processing, packaging, and consumer purchasing of locally sourced meats. She also joined other Kansas lawmakers in a bipartisan push for investigations into anti-competitive behavior in the meatpacking industry.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-federal-grant-lower-home-energy-costs-improve-energy,"Davids Announces Federal Grant to Lower Home Energy Costs, Improve Energy Efficiency of Public Buildings",2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS) announced the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded two organizations in Kansas with a total of $800,000 to lower home energy costs for Kansas families and make public buildings across our state more energy efficient. The awardees of the “Buildings UP” grants include: Climate + Energy Project — $400,000 To make homes more energy efficient, lowering families’ energy bills, reducing energy consumption, and improving health. Davids advocated to the DOE for this project to be fairly considered for the award. Metropolitan Energy Center ­— $400,000 To help make libraries across Kansas more energy efficient, decreasing costs of publicly funded utility bills and air pollution. “The Buildings UP awards I’m announcing today will decrease energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and improve indoor air quality for folks at home and in public buildings throughout the Kansas City area,” said Davids. “Congress has passed major climate-smart legislation in recent years, and these grants will ensure hardworking Kansans actually see the benefits at home.” Commercial and residential buildings in the U.S. account for 35 percent of the country’s carbon emissions and those buildings consume 75 percent of the nation’s electricity. Also, despite economic growth in recent years, in 2022, the average American paid 11 percent more per kilowatt-hour for electricity than in 2021. The grants announced today will help lower those energy bills for Kansas families and businesses, while also helping ensure our public buildings can meet national energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. ""The Buildings UP program funding awarded to Climate + Energy Project's Energy Navigators Program will have a direct and positive impact on Kansans experiencing high energy burden and environmental injustice,” said Dorothy Barnett, Executive Director, Climate + Energy Project. “Energy Navigators will leverage community-driven pathways to improve outcomes in low-income households by connecting folks with the solutions and financial resources to lower their energy bills and make their homes and communities healthier and safer. We are so grateful to Congresswoman Davids' support of this initiative, and we look forward to the good that Energy Navigators will do in Kansas communities with the Buildings UP funding."" “This project will unlock people’s lived expertise to influence building improvements affecting health and quality of life,” said Mary English, Building Performance Program Manager, Metropolitan Energy Center. “We are excited to see public libraries delivering these experiential learning exhibits across the region, and someday nationwide.” Davids has been focused on lowering energy bills for Kansans and was the only member of the Kansas delegation to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act. This legislation could save families an average of $500 per year on energy bills and is providing discounts to help families upgrade to more efficient appliances and vehicles. Davids also previously announced that, thanks to the law, Kansas’ Third Congressional District has created more clean energy jobs than any other congressional district in the country. Background: In total, DOE announced 45 Phase 1 winners in the Buildings UP program, which awarded more than $22 million in cash prizes and technical assistance to teams developing scalable and replicable initiatives for widespread energy efficiency and efficient electrification building upgrades. These innovative models aim to accelerate greenhouse gas reduction, equity, economic development, and health goals. Thirty-nine teams in the Equity-Centered Innovation Pathway, including the awardees in Kansas, were selected to move onto Phase 2 of the prize for their concepts to deliver scalable and replicable upgrades to buildings in disadvantaged communities, low- and moderate-income households, and underserved commercial, nonprofit, and public buildings.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-continues-fight-against-high-fertilizer-prices,Rep. Mann Continues Fight Against High Fertilizer Prices,2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jim Costa (CA-21) alongside U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) led 35 of their colleagues in urging U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to revise how the Department of Commerce calculates countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) recently remanded to the Department a calculation of its subsidies, which impacts duties imposed on phosphate fertilizers. The bicameral, bipartisan group addressed the financial burden that the duties place on farmers. “American farmers have labored under skyrocketing fertilizer prices for more than three years,” said Rep. Mann. “Tariffs on phosphate imports led to a price increase of more than 220% from 2020 to 2022. Under current tariffs, the average price of phosphate fertilizer in America is the highest in the world. As farmers purchase this key input at elevated prices, they end up competing in the global marketplace at a competitive disadvantage to foreign producers. American farmers work tirelessly every day to keep us all fed, and as they seek to meet their need for a reliable, diverse supply of fertilizer, the Department of Commerce should lower tariffs on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer.” “We ask that Commerce carefully consider and follow the CIT’s decision in Commerce’s recalculation of the subsidy amount, both in its final determination in the investigation and its administrative review,” the members wrote. “Reducing the subsidy rate would provide welcomed relief for U.S. farm suppliers and their customers, American family farms.” The full text of the letter can be found here. On March 2, 2021, Rep. Mann joined a letterto U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Chair Jason Kearns opposing the countervailing duty (CVD) petition filed on June 26, 2020 against the import of certain phosphate fertilizers. On March 17, 2022, Rep. Mann led a letterto ITC Chair Kearns requesting that the ITC eliminate tariffs on phosphate fertilizer products imported from Morocco and suspend the process of imposing new tariffs on urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) fertilizer from Trinidad and Tobago. On July 14, 2022, Rep. Mann led a letterto President Biden demanding that the Administration waive import duties on UAN fertilizer from long-time supplier Trinidad and Tobago. On June 15, 2022, Rep. Mann led a letterto Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo urging Commerce to consider several issues regarding the antidumping duty investigation of UAN solutions from Trinidad and Tobago. On June 16, 2022, Rep. Mann testified before the ITC on behalf of farmers and agricultural producers in Kansas and across the country. On July 18, 2022, Rep. Mann released a statement responding to the ITC’s determination that anti-dumping activity surrounding UAN fertilizers in Trinidad and Tobago did not harm the U.S. fertilizer industry. On October 5, 2023, Rep. Mann led a letterto Secretary Raimondo urging the department to ensure that their methodology for assessing tariffs on imported fertilizers is fair and representative of the global marketplace. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-stands-israel,Rep. Mann Stands with Israel,2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted yes on H.Res. 771, a resolution stating that America stands with Israel as it defends itself against the war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. “America must continue to support Israel, condemn all attacks on Israel’s sovereignty, and hold the Biden Administration accountable for its continued deals with those who support Hamas and other terrorist groups,” said Rep. Mann. “On October 7, Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory and began a murder and kidnapping spree, killing people in their homes, in the streets, and on their way to synagogue, and kidnapping others who crossed their path. Hamas’ attack on Israel is still ongoing. In response, I helped introduce this resolution committing America to standing with Israel.” According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, October 7 was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Since Hamas began its terrorist attack on Israel, more than 1,400 Israeli civilians and soldiers have been killed, at least 29 Americans have been killed, more than 4,600 people have been injured in Israel, and Hamas is holding more than 222 individuals hostage. Rep. Mann also cosponsors: H.Con.Res. 57, a resolution expressing that Congress supports the State of Israel H.R. 3152, the Fight and Combat Rampant Iranian Missile Exports (CRIME) Act H.Res. 768, a resolution condemning Hamas H.R. 5945, the Freezing and Halting Any More Alleviation of Sanctions (HAMAS) Act H.Res. 803, a resolution honoring Americans who died in Israel due to Hamas attacks H.Res. 793, a resolution expressing that Congress supports the release of hostages in Gaza In April 2023, Rep. Mann voted to support the expansion of the Abraham Accords to encourage nations to normalize relations with Israel and express continued support for bilateral cooperation across economic, security, and civilian issues. In June 2023, Rep. Mann voted to establish a Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords at the Department of State to strengthen and expand the Abraham Accords. In July 2023, Rep. Mann voted for the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, and in September 2023, Rep. Mann voted for the fiscal year 2024 Department of Defense, both including key priorities to support the U.S./Israeli partnership and enhance Israel’s security. Rep. Mann is a member of the Abraham Accords Caucus, the Israel Allies Caucus, and the Transatlantic Friends of Israel Caucus. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have always supported, and will continue to support, Israel,” said Rep. Mann. “I am praying for an end to the conflict in Israel, for all hostages to be returned home safely, and for a restoration of peace.” Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-supports-american-energy-cuts-wasteful-spending,"Rep. Mann Supports American Energy, Cuts Wasteful Spending",2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to unleash America’s energy potential, restore our energy independence, and reduce government spending and red tape with his yes vote on H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. “As I look at our nation’s budget, I make decisions based on reducing and reprioritizing government spending, securing our southern border, and ending the weaponization of the federal government,” said Rep. Mann. “This bill would advance pro-American energy policies, protect America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve, strengthen the supply chain, enhance our water supply and drought response, and fight against overreaching regulations like President Biden’s Waters of the United States Rule.” H.R. 4394 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 210-199, and would: Prohibit the implementation of President Biden’s 2023 Waters of the U.S. rule Rescind more than $5.5 billion in wasteful spending from the Inflation Reduction Act, including $4.5 billion in rebates for electric appliances and $1 billion for state and local governments to adopt net zero energy policies Prohibit giving away America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve resources to the Chinese Communist Party Strengthen our nation’s supply chain, ports, and inland waterways Prioritize projects that increase water supply and support drought response On July 27, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. On September 28, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4367, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, and H.R. 4665, the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. On September 28, Rep. Mann voted no on H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which did not pass in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation failed to conduct oversight in nutrition programs, sought to reduce the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s budget by more than 40%, and proposed to dramatically weaken support for land-grant university research. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-reintroduces-bipartisan-bill-inspire-youth-entrepreneurship,Davids Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Inspire Youth Entrepreneurship,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS), along with Representatives French Hill (R-AR) and Dean Phillips (D-MN), reintroduced the bipartisan 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act to increase workforce and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for students from underserved communities. Davids has served on the U.S. House Small Business Committee since being sworn into Congress. “In Kansas, we have the talent and the great education system to power the next generation of entrepreneurs—and we know from experience that mentorship improves outcomes for students,” said Davids. “The 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act will provide effective after-school programs with new curriculum and experienced mentors, creating a pipeline of success for our students.” Entrepreneurship is an engine of economic growth, job creation, and innovation, but American entrepreneurship has steadily declined over the past several decades. New businesses accounted for 38 percent of all businesses in the US in 1982 compared to just 29 percent in 2018. Davids’ bill aims to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs by requiring the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop an entrepreneurship curriculum for students in the 21st century and encouraging mentorship from proven business leaders across the country. While most existing federal entrepreneurial development and mentorship programs focus on those with already-established careers, this bill would help create a pipeline to entrepreneurship by targeting entrepreneurial education toward students from underprivileged and underrepresented backgrounds. “The 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act will connect the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) with the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) to provide mentorship to underserved students and develop their entrepreneurship and professional skills,” said Representative French Hill. “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Entrepreneurship Caucus and lifelong entrepreneur, I am proud to co-lead this legislation again this Congress with my colleague, Rep. Phillips, and look forward to the impact this important legislation will have on our youth across our nation for years to come.” “Our young people are our future, and cultivating the next generation of business leaders requires encouraging entrepreneurship at an early age,” said Representative Dean Phillips. “New businesses account for a disproportionate share of innovation, economic growth, and job creation. We must take action today to ensure a thriving, equitable business landscape tomorrow.” While our economy is experiencing record job creation, Davids has been squarely focused on lowering costs and boosting workforce opportunities for Kansans. She was the only member of Kansas’ congressional delegation to vote for the bipartisan infrastructure law, which is creating good-paying construction jobs at home. Davids also voted for major bipartisan manufacturing legislation last year, which has already generated more than 100,000 jobs nationwide. Finally, Davids previously announced Kansas’ Third Congressional District has created more clean energy jobs than any other congressional district in the country over the past year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-statement-election-speaker-house,Davids Statement on Election of Speaker of the House,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, after three weeks of Speaker elections halted all other official business in the House of Representatives, Representative Sharice Davids released the below statement following the election of a new Speaker of the House. “The only way to deliver real results for Kansans is by Republicans and Democrats working together. However, the majority has elected a Speaker who has consistently demonstrated a lack of interest in working across the aisle, relentlessly pushing extreme policies such as support for a national abortion ban without exceptions and opposition to same-sex marriage. Kansans are frustrated with Washington and are demanding solutions instead of more partisanship, especially now as we confront multiple crises throughout the world that require swift action. While the new House leadership may not share this same goal, I remain committed to finding bipartisan solutions to address the everyday challenges faced by Kansans, including lowering the costs of groceries and gas.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4205,Rep. Estes Votes in Support of Rep. Johnson for Speaker,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) voted for Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Speaker Johnson received unanimous support among Republicans, earning 220 votes. ""Republicans united behind our colleague Mike Johnson and we're ready to get to work for the American people – reducing federal spending, supporting our ally Israel, holding the Biden administration accountable and securing the southern border,"" said Rep. Estes. ""The process to elect a new Speaker was difficult at times, but I'm confident that we’ve elected an excellent Speaker in Mike Johnson and that he will lead the People's House successfully through these challenging times."" Rep. Estes voted in support of Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) three times on the House floor last week and nominated his colleague Republican Study Committee Chair Kevin Hern (R-Oklahoma) in the House Republican Conference meeting yesterday. He has consistently supported conservative Republicans to lead the House as Speaker.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4206,"Rep. Estes Supports Israel, Condemns Hamas with Resolution Vote",2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) voted in favor of H.Res. 771 – a bipartisan resolution that reaffirms the United States' longstanding relationship with Israel and condemns the savage attacks by Hamas. He was also an original cosponsor of the resolution. ""Since the initial attack on Oct. 7, the world has witnessed a stream of heart-wrenching images emerge of the barbaric atrocities committed against Israelis by the inhumane terrorist group Hamas,"" said Rep. Estes. ""Today, the House of Representatives voted 412 to 10 to loudly and unequivocally condemn the brutal onslaught and firmly voice support for our ally and friend Israel.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-helps-secure-republican-speaker-house,Rep. Mann Helps Secure Republican Speaker of the House,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) released the following statement after U.S. Representative Mike Johnson’s election to the office of Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. “I am pleased that the House Republican Conference united to elect Representative Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House,” said Rep. Mann. “Now, we need to get back to work. We have 23 days left to restore fiscal sanity and complete the appropriations process before a government shutdown. I look forward to working with House Republicans and Speaker Johnson to reduce and reprioritize government spending, secure the southern border, and end the weaponization of the federal government once and for all.” Today, U.S. Representative Mike Johnson was elected unanimously by the House Republican Conference. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-davids-cleaver-announce-kansas-city-selected-regional-tech-hub-opening,"Reps. Davids, Cleaver Announce Kansas City Selected as Regional Tech Hub, Opening Door to Massive Federal Grant",2023-10-23,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has designated the greater Kansas City region as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub), one of 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors. The Tech Hubs program, created under the bipartisan Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, seeks to ensure that industries of the future—and their quality jobs—are created, grow, and remain in the United States. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $40-$75 million. ""The KC BioHub's designation as a Regional Tech Hub holds immense potential for the Kansas City region and Kansas as a whole. It will help companies, organizations, and academic institutions forge better partnerships to advance cutting-edge research. Critically, this prestigious designation will also create good-paying jobs and ensure the technology of the future is developed in Kansas, not overseas. The local economic growth and new discoveries, particularly in medication development, that we'll see over the coming decade cannot be overstated, and I'm glad to have worked in a bipartisan manner to bring these investments home,"" said Representative Sharice Davids. “With world-class institutions and forward-thinking organizations like BioNexus KC, Kansas City has long been a national leader in healthcare innovation, biomedical research, and biomanufacturing—and today’s announcement is a recognition that the work we’re doing in the region has been noticed at the highest levels of the federal government,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Thanks to this designation, BioNexus KC and organizations throughout the region will have an opportunity to receive up to $75 million in federal funding, attract additional philanthropic and private investment, and expand the development of cutting-edge medicines and life-saving vaccines. And we can do all of that while creating quality jobs and boosting the regional economy.” “Tech Hubs designation validates our intentional focus on collaboration and innovation in the KC region and builds upon our strong foundation of excellence in life sciences over the past two decades,” said Dennis Ridenour, President and CEO of BioNexus KC. “With our robust ecosystem, assets, and inclusive approach, the KC region is poised for long-term growth in technology innovation. Along with strengthening our economy, Tech Hubs designation will accelerate our mission to be a global leader in biomanufacturing. Thank you to our 60+ partner organizations that contributed to our regional application, including our civic, community, and congressional leaders who gave their full support. Not only are we home to successful sports teams with an innate ability to host world-class events, but now we’re nationally recognized for our work in life sciences and biomanufacturing.” “Innovation, cutting-edge research, and creativity can be found in every community across America. Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, the Tech Hubs program is seizing that potential and investing in regional consortia that will boost U.S. manufacturing, create more good-paying jobs and bolster U.S. global competitiveness,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “The phase 1 designees and grant recipients reflect the diverse technological industries growing here at home and are symbols of American innovation and opportunity. The Tech Hubs program will provide them tools and resources to drive economic growth across the nation, which Americans will feel for generations to come.” The Kansas City Inclusive Biologics and Biomanufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub), a consortium led by BioNexus KC, will increase domestic production of life-saving vaccines and other preventative technologies by strengthening innovation in animal and human vaccine development. With the largest concentration of animal health and nutrition companies in the world, this Tech Hub will leverage the region’s biotechnology assets and existing vaccine manufacturing facilities, research institutions, and startup ecosystem to enable the U.S. to capture a greater market share of human vaccine development. KC BioHub was one of 31 Tech Hubs selected from more than 370 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions. Last year, Reps. Davids and Cleaver supported the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to bring supply chains back to the United States, encourage innovation, strengthen American manufacturing, and secure the nation’s economic and national security in the decades to come. In August, Reps. Davids and Cleaver called on Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to support the selection of Kansas City as a Tech Hub.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-grant-keep-kansans-safe-decreasing-gas-pipeline-damages,Davids Announces Grant to Keep Kansans Safe by Decreasing Gas Pipeline Damages,2023-10-20,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) $48,840 to help prevent damage to pipelines across Kansas. Pipeline damage poses significant health risks due to natural gas leakage and can lead to property damage, construction delays, and possible explosions. In 2021, Johnson County saw 240 pipeline damage incidents, the highest number in the state. This award will be used to fund a full-time position at the KCC dedicated to investigating natural gas pipeline damages. “Getting to the root cause of pipeline damages across our state will ensure hardworking Kansans remain safe and healthy in their communities,” said Davids. “In conjunction with the bipartisan infrastructure law’s help to clean up toxic oil wells, this renewed award will support the Kansas Corporation Commission in their efforts to prevent future pipeline damages from disrupting our daily lives at home.” “This grant opportunity has allowed the KCC to have a presence in the field at the site of the damage before repairs are complete,” said Leo Haynos, KCC Chief Engineer. “The ability to interview the parties involved, to look at the locate marks, and to understand the type of excavating equipment involved provides the inspector with the information needed to make a credible determination of the cause.” The award announced today is provided through the DOT’s One Call Grant Program, which helps state agencies like KCC reduce pipeline damage through updated oversight procedures, compliance activities, training, and public education. Through modernized enforcement strategies and public education, KCC has used One Call awards to reduce pipeline damage to just 0.2 percent of excavations. Excavations remain the most common cause of pipeline damage, often occurring during road and highway maintenance. Davids has backed multiple efforts to support KCC’s mission of keeping Kansans safe through smart oil and gas oversight. She was joined by U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in Olathe to highlight the bipartisan infrastructure law’s work to clean up more than 5,400 hazardous, abandoned oil and gas wells that are polluting public spaces across Kansas. She also announced that KCC was awarded $25 million to plug 67 abandoned oil wells in Johnson County and 176 in Miami County. Background: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration’s (PHMSA) One Call grants can be used to support initiatives that further promote efforts specifically for pipeline damage prevention, including one-call legislation, related compliance activities, training, and public education. This grant program is for states that have a certification or agreement with PHMSA to conduct pipeline safety inspections. State agencies that participate in the pipeline safety program can receive a maximum award amount of $60,000.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/watch-davids-speaks-house-speaker-vacancy-calls-bipartisanship,"WATCH: Davids Speaks on House Speaker Vacancy, Calls for Bipartisanship",2023-10-20,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids released a video message on the dangers of the prolonged House Speaker vacancy, which has halted all official business in the U.S. House of Representatives. With Kansans facing rising costs of groceries and America's allies abroad confronting unprecedented crises, Davids urged her colleagues to unite, set aside extremist viewpoints, and work together to chart a bipartisan path forward, as expected by Kansans. Image Representative Sharice Davids speaks on the consequences of not electing a House speaker and calls for bipartisanship. Read a transcript of Davids’ remarks below: “Hi everyone – Rep. Davids here. It’s been 17 days since the United States House of Representatives has had a Speaker. “Due to some extreme viewpoints pushed by certain members of Congress, in the past 17 days, we haven’t been able to pass a single bill on the House floor. I don’t need to tell you how consequential that is, but especially right now as hardworking Kansans are dealing with rising prices of everyday essentials like groceries here at home AND our allies are facing unprecedented crises abroad. “Kansans are frustrated with Washington and are demanding solutions instead of more partisanship. “I’ve said from the beginning that the only way to deliver real results is by Republicans and Democrats working together. I remain committed to a bipartisan path forward that ensures Congress can function without disruption — as you expect it should — so we can address the everyday challenges folks are facing at home.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-federal-grant-new-stem-career-training-program,Davids Announces Federal Grant for New STEM Career Training Program,2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas (Goodwill MoKan) with $499,196 to create a new STEM-based job training program to help local job seekers find permanent high-wage careers in the technology sector. Participants who start careers through the program are expected to see an annual income increase of at least 200 percent. “No matter where they live or their educational background, all Kansans deserve a good-paying job to support their families and contribute to our local economy,” said Davids. “This federal investment is a huge win for our region, where employers are eager to hire for technology jobs.It will provide both job seekers with the opportunity to learn technical skills, leading to higher-paying careers, and a positive return on investment for our community."" The investments announced today will help Goodwill create the “Bridge to Technology and Careers in Greater Kansas City” program, which will increase diversity and equity in technology-based fields in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The course will expose participants to emerging technology, provide employer-developed skills training, and connect job seekers with local employers. Individuals participating in the program will receive computer devices, internet services, transportation, clothing, child care, and more to assist in learning. By October 2025, it’s expected the program will help at least 80 Kansas City residents start junior-level tech careers, 55 of which through federally registered apprenticeships. “Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas is excited and humbled to have received EDA’s STEM Talent Challenge Award for FY2023,” said Mike Sinnett, President and CEO, Goodwill Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas. “This investment by the federal government will empower more people to overcome the digital divide, pursue in-demand credentials, and earn apprenticeships and employment in technology-based careers in the Kansas City metro. We are grateful for the support of Congresswoman Davids as Goodwill MoKan strives to empower people through work.” ""The EDA's investment in Kansas City is a huge win,” said Julian Nicks, CEO, LaunchCode. “It is a signal of a continued commitment to developing a high-quality, diverse tech-enabled workforce so current and future Kansas City companies can continue to thrive and grow. We are honored and proud to stand alongside Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas in this important work. Our joint efforts will continue to invest in the untapped potential of local Kansas City residents by creating free, accessible education and pathways to high paying, in-demand careers in technology."" While our economy is experiencing record job creation, Davids has been squarely focused on boosting workforce opportunities for Kansans. She was the only member of Kansas’ congressional delegation to vote for the bipartisan infrastructure law, which is creating good-paying construction jobs at home. Davids also voted for major bipartisan manufacturing legislation last year, which has already generated more than 100,000 jobs nationwide. Finally, Davids previously announced Kansas’ Third Congressional District has created more clean energy jobs than any other congressional district in the country over the past year. Background: This grant was awarded by the EDA’s STEM Talent Challenge, a national competition that supports programs to train science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) talent and fuel regional innovation economies across the nation. The 11 awardees, selected from a pool of 90 applicants, will increase America’s STEM-capable workforce in the emerging and transformative sectors such as aerospace, biomanufacturing, cybersecurity, data science, geospatial, artificial intelligence, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. The goals of Goodwill’s new program are to serve demographic groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in technology, like women, BIPOC, low-income people, and people without 4-year degrees; increase access to training for high-wage technology careers; and ultimately diversify Kansas City area employers through the placement of apprentices and workers in their companies. Upon completion of Goodwill’s 4-week program, job seekers can apply for a tech career program through LaunchCode, where they’ll earn no-cost technical training certificates, be placed in high-wage STEM-job opportunities and apprenticeships, and received career preparation services, including resume review and mock interviews. Program graduates are then introduced to well-paid tech opportunities through the Accelerator’s apprenticeship program. The Accelerator is offered at no cost to participants, removing a financial barrier. Throughout all steps, individuals will be supported through dedicated case management by Goodwill staff, who will check in with job seekers regularly, encourage progress on career development plans, and either directly fund or make referrals to essential, training-related services.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4198,Rep. Estes Appointed to Budget Committee Oversight Task Force,2023-10-17,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Last week Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) was appointed to the House Budget Committee’s new Budget Oversight Task Force. The formation of the task force follows the Committee’s passage of a budget resolution that would reduce the deficit by $16 trillion and balance the federal budget in 10 years. ""Our government currently borrows one out of every five dollars it spends, which is completely unsustainable, and yet too often taxpayer dollars are used for federal programs that are failing to deliver,"" said Rep. Estes. ""This task force will shine a light on our bloated government’s wasteful spending so we can then implement targeted solutions to get our country back on track."" In a press release announcement, Oversight Task Force Chair Jack Bergman (R-Michigan) said, “By promoting accountability, transparency, and program integrity, the Task Force will focus on three key areas of reform: reining-in wasteful spending, right-sizing the bureaucracy, and unleashing economic growth through deregulation.” The Budget Oversight Task Force’s seven members will work to bring fiscal transparency and responsibility to the federal government. This complements Rep. Estes’ longstanding efforts to reduce federal spending, including the recent formation of the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum to address Washington's spending problem. Rep. Estes also supports balanced budget amendments to the U.S. Constitution and offered an amendment in the last Congress to reduce non-defense spending by 1%.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-funding-kansas-law-enforcement-stop-criminals-and-prevent,Davids Announces Funding for Kansas Law Enforcement to Stop Criminals and Prevent Crime,2023-10-12,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Justice awarded nearly $3 million to the state of Kansas to improve the quality, expeditiousness, and accessibility of criminal history records. The federal grant, awarded through the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), will help the state establish an integrated system of accurate records for law enforcement to protect public safety. “Throughout my time in Congress, it’s been my mission to boost support for Kansas law enforcement so folks can feel safe in our community,” said Davids. “Accurate criminal history information is essential for Kansas law enforcement professionals to do their jobs and these resources will also help ensure more efficiency in our justice system. I’m proud to have helped bring these investments home to Kansas.” “The nearly $3 million Kansas is receiving from the National Criminal History Improvement Program will empower us to modernize our court systems, ensuring greater efficiency, accuracy, and convenience in data transmission,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “Thanks to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office of Justice Programs, we will remain committed to upholding the rule of law and fostering a safer, more just Kansas.” The National Criminal History Improvement program grant will help identify and stop criminals through accurate state and national records. Specifically, to protect public safety and national security, law enforcement keeps record of: Persons ineligible to hold positions involving children, the elderly, or the disabled; Persons subject to protection orders or wanted, arrested, or convicted of stalking and/or domestic violence; Persons ineligible to be employed or hold licenses for specified positions; Persons potentially presenting threats to public safety; Persons ineligible to purchase a firearm; Persons on the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR). Since being sworn in, Davids has worked to provide Kansas law enforcement officers with the tools needed to keep communities safe. She secured funding for the Olathe Police Department’s Mobile Command Unit and announced federal resources to hire additional law enforcement officers in Wyandotte County. She previously voted for historic, bipartisan gun violence prevention legislation to keep Kansans safe and a bill giving officers access to disability benefits for job-related PTSD. Most recently, she went on a ride-along with an Overland Park law enforcement officer and participated in trainings at the Johnson County Regional Police Academy. Last month, she helped secure a federal grant for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to eliminate the state’s processing backlog of forensic DNA samples. Background: Accurate, timely, and complete criminal history records are critical for law enforcement in investigations and decision making. They enable criminal justice agencies to make decisions on pretrial release, career criminal charging, determinate sentencing, and correctional assignments across the country. All states have established a criminal record repository to maintain records and respond to law enforcement inquiries, including data provided by all components of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and corrections. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) administers national systems that permit interstate access to criminal records maintained in all 50 states, including the: National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Indices National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Interstate Identification Index (III) National Protection Order File National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Next Generation Identification (NGI) (formerly IAFIS). The NCHIP program began in 1995, and grants awards annually on a competitive basis to states, territories, and recognized tribes. All states and eligible territories have received funds through the program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4190,"Reps. Estes, Mann and Sens. Moran, Marshall Respond to Agreement to Resolve Water Needs in Rattlesnake Creek Basin",2023-10-11,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today Reps. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) and Tracey Mann (R-Kansas), along with Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) responded to the new agreement to resolve the water needs in the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced in a letter that it has agreed to conditionally pause its request to secure its senior water right in 2024 while calling on the Kansas Department of Agriculture-Division of Water Resources and local stakeholders to find a practicable and permanent solution to the current impairment. ""Families, small businesses and communities in rural Kansas depend on the reliable source of water that comes from the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed,"" said Rep. Estes. ""The Biden administration and D.C. bureaucrats have threatened to upend the livelihood of Kansans who rely on the water from Rattlesnake Creek for themselves and for ag production that feeds and fuels the world. While I'm pleased that the Fish and Wildlife Service has paused its water rights grab, it's imperative that FWS works collaboratively and in good faith with Kansas stakeholders to develop a long-term solution that ensures our residents have access to water for years to come."" Earlier this year, Rep. Estes met with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams to advocate for Kansans' need for water access from the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed. He has also worked with the Kansas federal delegation, state leaders and local residents to develop a solution that doesn't negatively impact Kansans. ""I appreciate the effort from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to listen to Kansans and hear their concerns with the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed,"" said Sen. Moran. ""It is important we establish long-term solutions that support the refuge and the regional economy, and I am pleased that all parties are working together towards a sustainable future for the watershed and our Kansas producers."" ""As a property owner along Rattlesnake Creek for three decades, protecting our local agricultural communities and the environment is something I take very seriously. Our farmers are already dealing with drought conditions and would be substantially impacted by a curtailment in water allocations,"" Sen. Marshall said. ""We applaud our federal partners for agreeing to continue to work together to implement conservation practices and avoid a call for water. This is a win for our producers and the communities in Stafford and surrounding counties."" ""When it comes to decisions regarding water rights and regulation, landowners and local stakeholders know best,"" said Rep. Mann. ""I am glad to see that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has acknowledged that. This decision recognizes the importance of locally led, long-term solutions that won’t hamstring our agricultural producers and local economies. We need stakeholder consent and voluntary action, not big government.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-statement-terrorist-attacks-israel,Davids' Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Israel,2023-10-10,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""I am heartbroken at the horrific attacks perpetuated by Hamas terrorists in Israel. I unequivocally condemn this violence. I have always supported security assistance for Israel, our close ally in the Middle East. I remain committed to that support as Israel confronts this ongoing threat and will stand by efforts to protect Israelis and reaffirm Israel's right to self-defense. If you are a Kansas Third District constituent in the region and need help with a federal agency like the State Department, please call my office at (913) 621-0832 - we'll get back to you.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-introduces-bipartisan-bill-designate-quindaro-townsite-national,Davids Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Designate Quindaro Townsite as National Historic Landmark,2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03), joined by Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) and Jake LaTurner (KS-02), introduced the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act—bipartisan legislation to designate the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas City, Kansas as a National Historic Landmark. The Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act gives the Secretary of the Interior additional flexibility to provide technical and financial assistance to local entities to preserve the site and provide educational content about the Landmark to the public. This legislation builds on Rep. Davids’ previous efforts to highlight the importance of the Quindaro Townsite, including bipartisan legislation that she passed into law in 2019 designating the Quindaro Townsite National Commemorative Site. ""I'm proud to join my colleagues, Representatives Cleaver and LaTurner, as well as community leaders across Kansas, to help the Quindaro Townsite receive the recognition and care it deserves,” said Davids. “Quindaro is a significant part of Kansas' history in the fight for freedom and equality, but for too long, our community has lacked the proper investments needed to preserve this important site. A National Historic Landmark designation will build on the bipartisan effort I led in 2019 to establish Quindaro as a National Commemorative Site and help protect its history, keeping its stories alive for generations to come.” “Freedom is the foundational principle of American democracy, and the Quindaro Townsite is an important piece of regional history that tells the stories of those seeking to uphold our national commitment to liberty and freedom for all,” said Cleaver. “For years now, I’ve proudly worked across the aisle to ensure this site receives the recognition and appreciation it rightfully deserves. I’m proud to join Reps. LaTurner and Davids to introduce the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act as we continue our efforts to preserve the cultural keystone of Quindaro in Eastern Kansas.” ""Quindaro is a vital part of our nation's history and served as a beacon of hope and freedom for Americans fighting to end slavery in the mid-19th century,"" said LaTurner. ""I'm proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues and stand with the dozens of volunteers who have been fighting for decades to ensure the Quindaro Townsite receives the recognition and appreciation it deserves from our federal government."" “As the Mayor of Kansas City Kansas it is of great importance to champion the significance the Quindaro Ruins plays highlighting the plight of African Americans through a network officially called the *Underground Railroad*. This dynamic gateway from slavery to freedom was facilitated in Wyandotte County Kansas with the assistance of Abolitionists, Wyandotte Indians, and freed African American slaves. This diverse group highlights the common denominator of a diversity of Americans helping other Americans realize the self-evident truths; that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. In the awesome community of Wyandotte County Kansas City Kansas we are extremely excited and grateful for the impending consideration taken by our National Congressional Leaders to take the steps necessary to elevate the Quindaro Ruins with an enhanced designation that can personify what it means for all Americans to truly be part of a United States of America continuously evolving into that perfect union for all those that champion what it means to be an American,"" said Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Tyrone Garner. ""As Mayor, I respectfully urge passage of the legislation before you, and thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter of great historic importance, not just to the Great State of Kansas but to our Great Nation."" ""Quindaro townsite is deeply emblematic of our proud, complicated heritage and a crucial chapter of our shared history as Kansans and Americans. This bill will help ensure Quindaro’s story endures for generations to come,"" said Lucinda Adams, Executive Director of Freedom's Frontier.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4179,Rep. Estes Votes Against Motion to Vacate,2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) voted against a proposed motion to vacate the office of the Speaker of the House. ""The overwhelming majority of House conservatives are focused on addressing our nation's most pressing problems – continually increasing inflation that hurts Kansas families and businesses, our more than $33,000,000,000,000 in debt and our porous southern border that in the last year has let in enough fentanyl to kill every American 20 times over,"" said Rep. Estes. ""Dragging out internal personality disputes doesn't help conservatives govern or achieve policy wins, and we should instead focus on championing our conservative legislative agenda and exposing the harms of Bidenflation and the Biden family culture of corruption.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4173,Rep. Estes Releases Statement on Government Funding Bills,2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement after two different votes concerning government funding. ""Kansans know that reckless spending in Washington has to stop, and borrowing $47,000 every second simply isn't sustainable,"" said Rep. Estes. ""The House took up two measures over the past few days – I was pleased to support the first that reduced spending and secured our border that ultimately did not pass, but I could not vote in favor of keeping the status quo in Washington while doing nothing to address the reckless spending that has contributed to our $33 trillion in debt. My resolve is even stronger to return to regular order by passing individual appropriations bills that won't weaken our economy and burden generations of Americans."" Background: The House has passed four appropriations bills this year, which is four more than the Senate has passed this year and three more than the House passed last year. The four appropriations bills account for more than 70% of discretionary spending. The federal government borrows about $47,000 each second, or about $28.5 billion per week. About one out of every five dollars the federal government spends is borrowed. Even with proposed spending reductions, discretionary spending will be less than the federal deficit, which means if all 12 appropriations bills were $0, the United States would still have to borrow to cover mandatory spending. Rep. Estes has been a fierce leader in reducing spending by supporting balanced budget amendments to the U.S. Constitution, offering an amendment in the last Congress to reduce non-defense spending by 1% and helping organize the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum to address Washington's spending problem. On Friday Rep. Estes sent a letter to Chief Administrative Officer Catherine Szpindor requesting that his pay be withheld should there be a lapse in government funding.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-votes-block-reckless-spending,Rep. Mann Votes to Block Reckless Spending,2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted no on H.R. 5860, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024, and Other Extensions Act.The continuing resolution proposal would extend funding levels from the $1.7 trillion spending bill passed during a Democrat-controlled Congress, until November 17, 2023. “This continuing resolution is more of the same reckless government spending that got our country into this financial mess in the first place,” said Rep. Mann. “This legislation does not cut spending, does not secure the southern border, and is just more business as usual. I remain committed to reducing and reprioritizing future government spending, securing the southern border, and ending the weaponization of the federal government.” H.R. 5860, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-91, will now be sent to the U.S. Senate for further review. On September 29, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024, short-term, stop-gap legislation to fund the government, cut spending, secure the southern border, and maintain Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ benefits. It would have allowed Congress time to responsibly appropriate tax-payer dollars and permanently fund the government. That legislation failed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 198-232. On September 28, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4367, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act,and H.R. 4665, the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. On September 28, Rep. Mann voted no on H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which failed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 191-237. The legislation failed to conduct oversight or address reckless spending in nutrition programs, sought to reduce the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s budget by more than 40%, and proposed to dramatically weaken support for land-grant university research. On July 27, Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4172,Rep. Estes Releases Appropriations Statement,2023-09-29,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) issued the following statement after the House passed three more appropriations bills – Homeland Security, State and Foreign Operations, and Defense. ""With Washington borrowing one out of every five dollars it spends – which is about $47,000 every second – it's long been clear to me and is now clear to most Kansans that D.C. has to better steward taxpayers' hard-earned money that is spent by the federal government,"" said Rep. Estes. ""Last year, the House only passed a single appropriations bill but still increased massive amounts of spending that contributed to our $33 trillion debt, which is why I'm so pleased that the House is returning to regular order and has now passed four appropriations bills this year that fund the services Americans need while reducing wasteful spending."" Earlier this year, the House passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, bringing the total number of appropriations bills passed to four. At the same time, the Democratic-led Senate has yet to pass a single appropriations bill this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-votes-cut-spending-reduce-national-debt,"Rep. Mann Votes to Cut Spending, Reduce National Debt",2023-09-29,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to cut government spending, secure the southern border, and end the weaponization of the federal government. Rep. Mann released the following statement after his votes on H.R. 4367, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and H.R. 4665, the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. “I serve in Congress to advocate for agriculture and our conservative Kansas values,” said Rep. Mann. “As I look at our nation’s budget, I make decisions based on reducing and reprioritizing government spending, securing our southern border, dealing with the weaponization of the federal government, and delivering on my commitment to the Big First. My votes reflect those priorities.” Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4367, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 220-208, and which would: Reject Biden Administration-requested funding that encourages more illegal immigration Prohibit funding for electric vehicles, saving $97 million Fund the completion of the southern border wall and require Secretary Mayorkas to build a physical barrier Add 22,000 border patrol agents Provide resources to counter the flow of illicit fentanyl and synthetic opioids coming across our southern border Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 218-210, and which would: Restrict new funding for Ukraine Defund positions at the Department of Defense (DoD) that weaponize the federal government Prohibit the DoD from using federal funds to perform medical procedures to change a service member’s biological gender Modernize the U.S. military with next-generation technology and pay increases for all military personnel Counter Communist China by making an investment in security cooperation with Taiwan Rep. Mann voted no on H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which failed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 191-237. Rep. Mann voted no because the bill: Failed to conduct adequate oversight of nutrition programs Sought to reduce the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s budget by more than 40% and decrease all program budgets by 14.15% without any prioritization of which programs received cuts Failed to support land-grant university research and significantly reduced the ability of USDA to deliver in rural America Ignored Kansas farmers’ legacy and contribution to global food security by cutting 70-year-old food aid programs by 70% Rep. Mann voted yes on H.R. 4665, the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 216-212, and which would: Eliminate funding for the Chinese Communist Party Prohibit funding for regulations that disadvantage American businesses, including the Biden Administration’s executive orders regarding arbitrary climate goals Illustrate support for our democratic allies like Israel and Taiwan and counter Communist China’s malign influence Support religious freedom abroad and maintain all long-standing pro-life protections Address the backlog of passport applications On July 27, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Rep. Mann voted in favor of the bill. On September 21, Rep. Mann called for the return to fiscal sanity and regular order in Congress. Click hereto view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/watch-davids-implores-colleagues-commit-bipartisanship-over-dysfunction,WATCH: Davids Implores Colleagues to Commit to Bipartisanship Over Dysfunction,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids released a video message reminding her colleagues of the real consequences of a government shutdown and calling for a bipartisan funding agreement that protects Kansans' jobs, health, and safety. Last week, Davids urged U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to recommit to the fiscally responsible, bipartisan funding agreement that Congress and the administration negotiated this past May. Without Congressional action, the federal government is set to shut down at 12:01 am ET on October 1, 2023. “A shutdown is a devastating blow to our economy and represents real consequences for hardworking Kansans, including delays to paying our active service members and interruptions to Social Security benefits,” said Davids. “Folks back home are already struggling with higher prices on groceries and gas. They hardly need more stress and uncertainty. I implore my colleagues to join me in working across the aisle to advance legislation that prevents a costly, harmful, and avoidable government shutdown, and to pass bipartisan legislation that reauthorize the FAA and Farm Bill.” WATCH: Rep. Davids speaks on the devastating impact of a shutdown and urges her colleagues to support a bipartisan path forward. Image Davids continues to push for a bipartisan agreement to keep the government open. A shutdown would have serious impacts on Kansas families and the overall U.S. economy. Americans would face disruptions to important benefits, service members would not be compensated, many small businesses would have to alter their operations, and federal workers would be furloughed and go unpaid. Specifically: It’s estimated the five-week partial government shutdown in 2018-2019 reduced economic output by $11 billion in the following two quarters and the 2013 full government shutdown reduced GDP growth by $20 billion. Kansans receiving Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits would experience service delays, including disruptions to verifying benefits and the issuance of new cards. There are currently 19,977 federal workers in Kansas who may be furloughed. A bipartisan report found that the last three government shutdowns led to the equivalent of 56,940 years in lost productivity from federal workers. The distribution of important food assistance programs, including SNAP, could be disrupted, leaving some Kansan — including women, children, and the elderly — without nutritious food. Small businesses may encounter delays in receiving loans from the federal government. Moody’s Analytics estimated that the 2018-2019 shutdown delayed more than $2 billion in loans to small businesses. Travelers could face longer lines at airport security checkpoints and flight delays during a shutdown, which would also delay passport processing times even further.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-federal-grants-improve-maternal-health-kansas,Davids Announces Federal Grants to Improve Maternal Health in Kansas,2023-09-27,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded Kansas with more than $2.4 million to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities for patients at the highest risk. Davids has previously led legislation to address America's worsening maternal mortality crisis through increased health research and data collection. The awards benefit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). The United States is the only industrialized country with an increasing maternal mortality rate, and the crisis is most severe for people of color. Black mothers are dying at 3 to 4 times the rate of their white counterparts, and Native Americans are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. According to NurtureKC, this trend holds true for Kansas. Wyandotte County in particular has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the state at 83.5 deaths per 10,000 live births. ""The U.S. is falling desperately short on maternal health, with mothers from disadvantaged backgrounds being impacted the most,"" said Davids. ""The grants I’m announcing today represent steps to address that crisis, helping to ensure healthier pregnancies and postpartum outcomes for all Kansas mothers. I’m glad I could bring these investments home, where they’ll be smartly used by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and University of Kansas Medical Center.” The investments announced today support maternal health care through local health centers and other HRSA-supported programs carried out by states, community-based organizations, and training programs, such as: State Maternal Health Innovation Program: $1,170,233 for KDHE Establishes a maternal health task force to improve the collection and use of state-level data on maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression and Related Behavioral Disorders: $750,000 for KDHE Provides training for OB/GYNs, Certified Nurse Midwives, and other maternal care providers to support the mental health needs of their patients. Maternity Care Nursing Workforce Expansion (MatCare) Training Program: $309,258 for KUMC Trains nurse midwives through trainee scholarships, stipends, curriculum enhancement, and community-based training. Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) State Capacity: $200,000 for KDHE Supports safe maternal care to reduce severe maternal illness and deaths in hospitals and birthing centers. “Through this funding we will be able to take bold steps to save lives and work with health centers around our state to assist them in tailoring their response to the needs of Kansas women,” said Secretary Janet Stanek, Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “These grants help ensure healthier pregnancy and postpartum outcomes in our state. Thank you to Rep. Davids for her continued work in ensuring that Kansans can have safe and healthy pregnancy.” “Federal grants like this one, which provides robust scholarships for full-time nurse-midwifery students seeking their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, are an essential part of addressing our critical nursing workforce shortage,” said Sally L Maliski, PhD, RN, FAAN, Dean, University of Kansas School of Nursing. “We appreciate Congresswoman Davids’ support and promotion of our nurse educators as we seek innovative ways to improve nursing education access.” Davids believes everyone should have access to quality, affordable health care and has worked to improve health outcomes and lower health care costs for Kansas families. She voted to allow Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices and to cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors. She also worked across the aisle to pass a bipartisan law that eliminates surprise medical billing and supported legislation to expand mental health services, especially in schools and rural areas.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-urges-passage-bipartisan-farm-bill-during-regional-agricultural-forum,Davids Urges Passage of Bipartisan Farm Bill During Regional Agricultural Forum,2023-09-26,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Yesterday, during a panel hosted by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City (AgBizKC), Representative Sharice Davids highlighted the importance of passing a bipartisan Farm Bill to support Kansas farmers, ranchers, and producers. The Farm Bill, which contains provisions expiring on September 30, 2023, is a package of legislation reauthorized about every five years that includes several critically important agriculture, conservation, nutrition, and trade programs. Davids and Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01), who also participated in the conversation, both serve on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. “While traveling the Kansas Third on my Farm Bill listening tour, I saw firsthand how important Farm Bill programs are to the daily operations of our community’s farms and agribusinesses,” said Davids. “Thankfully, Kansans have two representatives on the House Ag Committee advocating for their priorities, me and Rep. Mann. The farmers and producers I spoke with agree that there’s no time to waste in passing a bipartisan Farm Bill that benefits Kansas producers and our economy, secures agricultural supply chains, and helps lower grocery costs.” Davids and Mann’s conversation took place during the 9th annual Ag Outlook Forum, which was jointly hosted by AgBizKC and Agri-Pulse Communications to help local business leaders, trade executives, and producers find solutions to the current challenges facing their agricultural operations. During the discussion hosted by Blake Hurst of Hurst Farms, Davids laid out her priorities for a bipartisan Farm Bill, which include protecting crop insurance and strengthening agricultural research programs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-responds-president-bidens-veto-lesser-prairie-chicken-resolution,Rep. Mann Responds to President Biden's Veto of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Resolution,2023-09-26,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, President Biden vetoed S.J. Res. 9, which would have nullified his administration’s rule listing the Northern Distinct Population Segment of the lesser prairie-chicken as threatened and the Southern Distinct Population Segment as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Rep. Mann introduced this resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Once again, President Biden has refused to listen to Congress,” said Rep. Mann. “President Biden’s unwillingness to listen to listen to Congress is one thing, but refusing to listen to America’s agriculture and energy producers is unacceptable. Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are the original conservationists, and their voluntary conservation efforts have proven to be effective in supporting the lesser prairie-chicken species population. At a time when record-breaking drought is crushing rural communities, crop production, and native grasslands, we need more rain, not more regulations. I urge my colleagues to band together in overturning President Biden’s shortsighted veto of this joint resolution."" On December 22, 2022, in the 117th Congress, Rep. Mann introduced the bicameral joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to strike down the listing of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken. On January 12, 2023, Rep. Mann led a group of his colleagues in requesting a delay of the final rule that would list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act. Following this letter, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service moved the effective date from January 24 to April 1, 2023. On February 8, 2023, in the 118th Congress, Rep. Mann led a group of his colleagues in reintroducing their joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to strike down the listing. On April 18, 2023, the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a hearing concerning U.S. Representative Tracey Mann’s joint resolution of disapproval. On April 28, 2023, the House Natural Resources Committee passed Rep. Mann’s resolution out of committee. On May 3, 2023, the U.S. Senate passed the resolution by a vote of 50-48. On July 27, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the resolution by a vote of 221-206. Today, President Joe Biden vetoed the resolution.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-speaks-ag-outlook-forum,Rep. Mann Speaks at Ag Outlook Forum,2023-09-25,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"KANSAS CITY - Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) spoke at the 9th Annual Ag Outlook Forum. Co-hosted by Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc. and the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, the Ag Outlook Forum is the premier ag-related, pre-harvest season event and invites economic, policy, and business officials to share current outlooks. “Reauthorizing a strong Farm Bill will protect the future of American agriculture,” said Rep. Mann. “Producers are currently faced with tremendous uncertainty, markets are volatile, interest rates have skyrocketed, input prices are at an all-time high, the federal government is over-regulating rural America, and Mother Nature is a fickle business partner. We must get this Farm Bill right and Congress must address the challenges that farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers face. I am fighting for a modern safety net that includes robust crop insurance, strong trade agreements and trade promotion policy, and provides rigorous oversight for an out-of-touch administration that just doesn’t understand farm country.” In his remarks, Rep. Mann discussed the importance of: Strengthening and maintaining the public-private partnership of crop insurance Bolstering trade promotion programs like the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program Eliminating overly burdensome regulations like President Biden’s Waters of the U.S. rule and the Farm Killer capital gains tax Investing in agricultural innovation and research at land-grant universities and other partnerships across Kansas and the country “Fighting for Kansans in the Big First is my top priority as I advocate for agriculture and our conservative Kansas values,” said Rep. Mann. “When you roll up your sleeves, get into the middle of difficult issues, and carefully listen to stakeholders, you get a better perspective and end up with better legislation. As we continue to craft the next Farm Bill, I will do everything I can to make sure producers have a bill that represents their needs as they feed a hungry world.” Click here for Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-calls-bipartisan-funding-agreement-avert-government-shutdown,Davids Calls for Bipartisan Funding Agreement to Avert Government Shutdown,2023-09-22,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"As the federal government is set to run out of funding on October 1, Representative Sharice Davids urged U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to advance a bipartisan funding agreement and avert a government shutdown, which would have drastic consequences for hardworking Kansans. She urged the Speaker to recommit to the fiscally responsible, bipartisan funding agreement that Congress and the administration negotiated this past May. “There are only nine days until a government shutdown, but Congress has adjourned for the week without reaching a bipartisan deal to keep our federal government open or reauthorize important programs like the FAA and Farm Bill,” said Davids. “I’m committed to working together with Republicans and Democrats to advance the bipartisan legislation required to prevent a costly, harmful, and avoidable government shutdown. I continue to urge the Speaker to abide by his promise to pass bipartisan legislation that protects Kansans’ jobs, health, and financial security.” In the letter, Davids and 97 of her New Democrat Coalition colleagues urged the Speaker to take up bipartisan legislation similar to those advanced by the Senate. That includes provisions to secure the southern border, stem the flow of illicit fentanyl into our communities, and provide support for Ukraine’s continued fight for freedom. The letter reads in part: “We urge you to reject the hyperpartisan approach and focus on passing government funding legislation that can actually become law. In the absence of viable appropriations bills from the House Appropriations Committee, we urge you to, at the very least, bring bills similar to the bipartisan bills that have already passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee for a vote on the House Floor. “Congress must pass extensions of critical federal programs set to expire, including Farm Bill programs, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Flood Insurance Program. “As Members of Congress, our most basic duty is to keep the government running. Once again, as we face the looming deadline of September 30, we stand ready to work on a bipartisan, bicameral basis to uphold our responsibilities as lawmakers and ensure our government works on behalf of our constituents.” Davids continues to push for a bipartisan agreement to keep the government open. A shutdown would have serious impacts on Kansas families and the overall U.S. economy. Americans would face disruptions to important benefits, service members would not be compensated, many small businesses would have to alter their operations, and federal workers would be furloughed and go unpaid. Specifically: It’s estimated the five-week partial government shutdown in 2018-2019 reduced economic output by $11 billion in the following two quarters and the 2013 full government shutdown reduced GDP growth by $20 billion. Kansans receiving Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits would experience significant service delays, including severe disruptions to verifying benefits and the issuance of new cards. There are currently 19,977 federal workers in Kansas who may be furloughed. A bipartisan report found that the last three government shutdowns led to the equivalent of 56,940 years in lost productivity from federal workers. The distribution of important food assistance programs, including SNAP, could be disrupted, increasing hunger for low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, young children, and families. Small businesses would encounter delays in receiving loans from the federal government. Moody’s Analytics estimated that the 2018-2019 shutdown delayed more than $2 billion in loans to small businesses. Travelers could face longer lines at airport security checkpoints and flight delays during a shutdown, which would also delay passport processing times even further. Davids serves on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Agriculture Committee, which are responsible for overseeing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Farm Bill reauthorizations, respectively. Both reauthorizations are set to expire after September 30 alongside general federal government funding. Without further action from Congress, these expirations would negatively impact Kansans’ ability to support their families and run their businesses.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4165,R&D Bill Reaches 150 Bipartisan Cosponsors,2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today Reps. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) and John Larson (D-Connecticut) announced that H.R.2673 – the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act – has reached 150 cosponsors. In addition to the Republican and Democrat leads on the bill, the cosponsorship is evenly split among the two parties. This milestone comes right after the IRS issued what ABGi called ""crippling guidance regarding a change in the tax treatment of research and experimentation expenses"" just a few weeks ago. Additionally, organizations like the Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Manufacturers have recently renewed their focus on this expired tax provision as it will greatly impact businesses heading into the Oct. 15 filing extension and quarterly tax deadlines. ""The bipartisan R&D bill is common sense legislation that Congress should pass immediately,"" said Rep. Estes. ""Innovators and job creators across the country are depending on action before the Oct. 15 deadline. Our country has already ceded ground to foreign nations that are offering extraordinary deductions to lure R&D into their borders and, in turn, benefit from the jobs that will no doubt follow the research and development dollars. With 150 cosponsors equally divided between Republicans and Democrats, this is a clear win for the American people."" ""I am proud this legislation has reached a milestone of 150 cosponsors, and it goes to show just how important this deduction is. Research and development play an integral role in creating good-paying jobs across the country and in my home state of Connecticut, and we must ensure this bipartisan initiative makes it across the finish line,"" said Rep. Larson. Reintroduced on Tax Day of this year, the bill permanently allows for immediate research and development expensing looking back to 2022 when the provision expired and has received broad bipartisan support. ""On behalf of more than 320 American aerospace and defense companies, we are grateful for the overwhelmingly bipartisan support of the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act, which will protect businesses from harmful taxation on innovation and strengthen the defense industrial base,"" said AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning. ""We congratulate Representatives Estes and Larson on reaching 150 co-sponsors of this important legislation and thank them for their continued advocacy for American leadership in aviation and aerospace. As we explore new and advanced technologies to keep American families and our allies and partners safe, Congress now has the clear opportunity to pass this legislation and restore the American spirit of innovation."" ""Manufacturers drive more innovation than any other sector. The NAM thanks Reps. Estes and Larson for their continued bipartisan leadership to restore immediate R&D expensing. While there is growing bipartisan momentum to ensure the tax code supports R&D, Congress must act swiftly in order to protect family-supporting American manufacturing jobs, innovation and competitiveness,"" said NAM Senior Director for Tax Policy David Eiselsberg. Reps. Estes and Larson reintroduced H.R. 2673 – the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act – on April 18, 2023. They were joined by Reps. Darin LaHood (R-Illinois), Suzan DelBene (D-Washington), Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Jimmy Panetta (D-California) and 60 additional original cosponsors. Rep. Estes delivered remarks on the House floor in April, and numerous organizations offered their support following the bill's introduction. In June, Rep. Estes testified on the legislation in a Small Business Committee subcommittee, discussed the bill during a Ways and Means markup for the committee's Build It in America Act – an economic package that included a version of Rep. Estes' bill and was reported out of committee, and penned an op-ed for The Hill highlighting the then more than 100 cosponsors and touting the benefits of the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-calls-fiscal-sanity,Rep. Mann Calls for Fiscal Sanity,2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, amidst a looming fiscal deadline, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) issued the following statement, calling for a return to fiscal sanity and regular order in Congress. ""We must restore fiscal sanity,"" said Rep. Mann. ""Americans want their tax dollars to be used wisely. Giving President Biden and Congressional Democrats endless, no-limit credit cards is no way to govern in a democracy. Instead, we must prioritize federal spending based on what Americans really want. Let's secure the southern border. Let's decrease our country's dependence on Communist China. Let's commit to reining in government spending. It’s hard for me to imagine how anyone could love the open border so much, or love losing to China so much, or love $200 billion of unaccounted-for COVID relief dollars so much, that they’d be willing to shut down the federal government to keep the situation as-is. If Washington Democrats spent as much energy on responsibly funding the government as they do on the partisan wish lists, we could have solved this problem long ago.” With the overall national debt at $33 trillion, the annual federal budget deficit is expected to balloon to about $2 trillion for FY2023, roughly double what it was in FY2022. In FY2023, the federal government borrowed about $1 out of every $5 it spent. “America can no longer afford President Biden’s out-of-control spending,” said Rep. Mann. “It is time to get our fiscal house back in order.” Click here to watch Rep. Mann's full remarks on the House Floor. Click herefor Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-colleagues-celebrate-national-teach-ag-day,"Rep. Mann, Colleagues Celebrate National Teach Ag Day",2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional FFA Caucus co-chairs, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Career and Technical Education Caucus co-chairs, Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced a resolution recognizing September 21, 2023 as National Teach Ag Day in celebration of the important role that agricultural education teachers play in America’s schools and communities. 29 other Members of Congress cosponsor the resolution. “This resolution recognizes the tireless efforts of agricultural educators, who are committed to training and equipping the next generation of leaders who will feed, fuel, and clothe the world,” said Rep. Mann. “My agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor taught me to take pride in my work, never cut corners, and always show up prepared. As the co-chair of the Congressional FFA Caucus, I’m honored to introduce this resolution alongside my colleagues. We hope that it sends a strong message to current and future agricultural education instructors that Congress is proud of the career path they have chosen and of the way they continue to invest in the future of agriculture.” Today, there are more than 14,500 agricultural educators in nearly 9,000 agricultural education programs in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. More than 2,700 students are currently enrolled in agricultural education degree programs at colleges and universities across the country. ""We are thrilled for the resolution supporting NAAE National #TeachAg Day and celebrating 75 years of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE),"" said Alissa Smith, CEO, National Association of Agricultural Educators. ""The foundation of our organization has been built on supporting agricultural educators at every age and at every stage of their careers. NAAE advocates for agricultural education, provides professional development, and works to recruit and retain agricultural educators in the profession. The success of more than 1 million students and FFA members annually is made possible by agricultural educators. Great leaders start with great teachers and our agricultural educators have been cultivating the next generation of leaders since 1917, and there’s always room for more. That’s what NAAE National #TeachAg Day is all about."" “Our nation’s agricultural educators are vital to teaching and inspiring the next generation of leaders, whether in the classroom, fields, or laboratory,” said Rep. Panetta. “As we celebrate 75 years of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, it’s an honor to put forward a bipartisan resolution to recognize their contributions to our country and the paths that they have opened for so many of our young people. Those who teach ag help carry on a proud tradition that has sustained this country, while building the necessary foundation for America’s continued agricultural leadership in the world.” ""We must cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders and that starts in the classroom,” said Rep. Thompson. “By recognizing our agricultural educators, we can ensure our students have knowledge and exposure to all the opportunities the agricultural sector has to offer. Thank you to all the Ag teachers and volunteers across the country who help support our nation's farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers."" “Agriculture is central to our everyday lives and economy, especially in Oregon,” said Rep. Bonamici. “In the classroom, through Extension Services, or with FFA, agricultural educators are preparing the skilled and diverse workforce we need to feed our nation and be stewards of our natural resources. Agricultural education is an important component of a well-rounded education and can help students succeed academically, learn entrepreneurship and teamwork skills, and cultivate relationships with peers from different backgrounds. I’m grateful to join my colleagues in recognizing the many educators who dedicate their time to teaching others about agriculture and mentoring the leaders of the next generation.” The National Teach Ag Day Resolution would: Designate September 21, 2023 as National Teach Ag Day Recognize the important role that agricultural educators play in developing the next generation of leaders Celebrate 75 years of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) The National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) is a federation of state agricultural educators’ associations with more than 9,000 members. NAAE’s members are involved in school-based agricultural education at any level, from middle school through postsecondary, and state and national agricultural education leadership. The National FFA Organization is a congressionally chartered school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members as part of 8,817 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C. Find out more about National Teach Ag Day here. Get more information about the Congressional FFA Caucus here. The full text of the resolution can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-wraps-farm-bill-listening-tour-advocates-kansas-agriculture-community,"Davids Wraps Farm Bill Listening Tour, Advocates for Kansas Agriculture Community: Here’s What They’re Saying",2023-09-19,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"As we near the Farm Bill reauthorization deadline, Representative Sharice Davids recently completed her Farm Bill listening tour. Throughout her tour, Davids visited farms, ranches, businesses, and schools across Kansas’ Third District to hear Kansans’ priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill, which contains provisions expiring on September 30, 2023, is a package of legislation reauthorized about every five years that includes several critically important agriculture, conservation, nutrition, and trade programs. Davids serves on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. “As Kansas’ Third District became more rural last summer, I immediately joined the House Agriculture Committee and made it my mission to learn from as many Kansas agricultural professionals as possible,” said Davids. “Our state’s farms and agricultural businesses play a vital role in our state's economy, history, and future. During the Farm Bill reauthorization process and beyond, I will continue supporting policies that will benefit Kansas producers and the millions of people around the world they feed. I’m looking forward to visiting more agricultural operations across the Third District soon!"" WATCH: Earlier today, Davids spoke on the importance of passing a bipartisan Farm Bill to support Kansas producers As part of her Farm Bill listening tour, Davids previously visited a poultry and livestock operation in Anderson County, a co-op in Franklin County, a goat farm in Miami County, an organic vegetable farm in Johnson County, and an educational community farm in Wyandotte County. Davids also toured a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, participated in FFA activities at Spring Hill High School, served a school lunch at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe, spoke with industry leaders on financial support programs for farmers, and toured a dairy farm in Garnett. Kansas farmers, ranchers, producers, and business leaders joined Davids on her Farm Bill listening tour. Here’s what they’re saying: “I commend Rep. Sharice Davids for getting out to farms and ranches to better understand agriculture and how important Farm Bill programs are to a safe, affordable and abundant food supply,” said Joe Newland, President, Kansas Farm Bureau. “I look forward to continue working with Rep. Davids and her colleagues in Washington to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill to support Kansas farmers, ranchers and consumers.” “We are honored that Congresswoman Davids selected Kansas Farmers Union state board director Rosanna Bauman’s family's Cedar Valley Farms as the kick-off of her Farm Bill listening tours,” said Donn Teske, President, Kansas Farmers Union. “The Baumans are the perfect example of true family farming, and of everyone pulling in the harness together to better their farm and their community. The Farm Bill discussions should be focused on ensuring such family farms can thrive and prosper in the years ahead.” “I commend Rep. Davids for taking the time to visit with a wide scope of farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses across her district,” said Mike Beam, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. “Hearing their stories and getting their input will be instrumental as she works toward passage of a Farm Bill that will benefit Kansans.” “USDA Rural Development Programs are essential to the future of our state’s rural communities,” said Christy Davis, Kansas State Rural Development Director, U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Our programs, which account for 1% of Farm Bill funding, assist with housing, infrastructure, healthcare, broadband, business, and community projects in rural Kansas. Every day, these programs make a clear statement that rural America matters, that our underserved communities deserve time, attention, and investment.” “We appreciate Representative Davids’ interest in agriculture in her district. As a member of the House Ag Committee, she has made an impressive effort to be informed and active on our issues,” said Josh Roe, CEO, Kansas Corn Growers Association. “We were happy to help with some of her stops where she learned about sustainable farming practices with KCGA member Hayden Guetterman at Bucyrus, visited the East Kansas Agri Energy ethanol plant in Garnett, and stopped by Kansas Corn’s Garnett office to learn about our Kansas Corn STEM education program that reached over 100,000 Kansas students last year.” “We appreciate Rep. Davids for taking the time to visit several agribusiness and producer constituencies in the last year,” said Ron Seeber, President and CEO, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association, Renew Kansas Biofuels Association. “The diverse Kansas-based operations, agribusinesses and individuals Rep. Davids met with all highlighted the importance of agriculture in our state and shared the need for congress to support passage of a bipartisan 2023 Farm Bill.” “I appreciate and respect the effort Rep. Davids committed to hearing the priorities of Kansans regarding reauthorizing the Farm Bill,” said Mike Beying, Branch Manager, Ottawa Cooperative. “I trust that Rep. Davids will utilize her experiences from the listening tour to strengthen the Farm Bill that is so critical to our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural services.” “The Farm Bill is essential for American agriculture and everyone who eats,” said Chelsea Good, Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs, Livestock Marketing Association. “We appreciated Congresswoman Davids visiting a livestock auction market in district to learn more about the critical role sale barns like these pay for the producers and communities they serve.” ""It has been great to have Rep. Davids come to KC Farm School to learn from community members about how the Farm Bill can impact us,” said Lydia Nebel, Farm Director, KC Farm School. “She is always so open to hearing everyone's stories, sharing her own, and willing to balance the big picture along with the important details. I can tell she and her team have really leaned in during this tour to listen deeply with strong intention of supporting her constituents of all kinds. We look forward to hearing how Rep. Davids takes our stories back to D.C. to ensure an equitable and impactful Farm Bill."" “Representative Davids has listened to farmers and ranchers in Kansas, demonstrating her commitment to agriculture and a strong farm bill,” said Shane Tiffany, board member, Frontier Farm Credit. “We thank her for taking time to deepen her understanding of crop insurance and safety net programs that secure our food system. The conversations she has had with producers will be important to her work on the House Agriculture Committee as it continues to discuss the 2023 Farm Bill.” “Making good farm policy starts with knowing the needs of farmers,” said Tom Buller, Executive Director, Kansas Rural Center. “The Kansas Rural Center applauds Representative Davids for investing the time to really get to know more about farmers and agriculture in her district. Kansas farmers and communities rely upon the support of the Federal Government, and we encourage Congress to move quickly to pass a bi-partisan Farm Bill that boosts food access for all Kansans and strengthens farm viability for all farmers across the state.” ""I appreciate Representative Davids for wanting to be on the House Ag Committee then stepping up to learn as much about agriculture as possible in her district and how that relates to the entire state,” said Bill Pracht, CEO, East Kansas Agri Energy. “She is learning the ethanol industry and her visit to East Kansas Agri-Energy was a chance to educate her on the importance of the ethanol plant to farmers, livestock producers, and consumers in this district."" “There is no legislation passed by Congress that has a bigger impact on the food security of our nation than the Farm Bill,” said Stephen Davis, President and CEO, Harvesters. “We are proud to work with Congresswoman Davids to develop and pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that will create healthier communities and support both farmers and families.” “I appreciate Rep. Davids’ efforts of reaching out to the diverse agriculture producers and business across the district,” said Hayden Guetterman, owner, Guetterman Brothers Family Farms. “I hope she continues to maintain the connections and relationships she has built among us. I hope through this tour she gained much insight it takes to produce agriculture products and get them to the table.” “School meal programs are a key support pillar for public schools in Kansas,” said Steven Newman, Assistant Director of Operations, Olathe Public Schools Food Services. “We want to ensure Olathe Public Schools meals remain healthy and reasonably priced for our students and families. We appreciate being given the opportunity to be a part of this process. We are hopeful that our comments lead to improvements that will ultimately positively impact students in the lunchroom as well as the classroom.” ""To pass a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill, all roads lead to Kansas,” said Haley Kottler, Thriving and Integrated Voter Engagement Director, Kansas Appleseed. “We must ensure Kansans across the state- and across our entire country- can put food on the table for themselves and their families. Representative David's Farm Bill listening tour highlighted the struggles farmers are experiencing to produce their crops and the struggles Kansans are facing to feed their families. We must work together to close this gap and ensure a strong bill."" “We appreciate the inclusivity of Rep. Davids’ listening session for specialty crop growers and KC area ag business representatives that was held at K-State’s OHREC,” said Dr. Cary Rivard, Director, K-State Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center (OHREC). “It was important to have all segments of Kansas agriculture included in listening sessions to fully understand how the Farm Bill impacts agriculture as a whole industry.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-cleaver-celebrate-new-regional-hospital-network-improving-rural-health,"Davids, Cleaver Celebrate New Regional Hospital Network Improving Rural Health Care",2023-09-18,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) celebrated the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) $6.3 million award for the establishment of the All of Us Heartland Consortium, a collection of Midwest research hospitals working together to advance individual health outcomes. Led by the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), the Heartland Consortium also includes academic medical centers at the University of Iowa, the University of Missouri, and the University of Nebraska. In its first year, the consortium, which represents the first of its kind in the Midwest, seeks to enroll more than 6,000 participants who reflect the diversity of the United States. In June, Davids and Cleaver joined Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), and Cori Bush (MO-01) to advocate in support of this project. “While Americans living in rural areas face unique health challenges,including higher rates of chronic disease and a lack of access to specialist care, they are often underrepresented in biomedical research,” said Davids. “The Heartland Consortium will ensure all Kansans, no matter where they live, can benefit from a wide range of prevention strategies and individualized treatment options. With their top-notch research personnel and commitment to quality care, the KU Medical Center is perfectly situated to lead this program.” “The Heartland Consortium is excited that our region will now be a part of the national All of Us Research Program, helping to further precision medicine research by ensuring people in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa are represented,” said Akinlolu Ojo, M.D., Executive Dean and consortium principal investigator, University of Kansas School of Medicine. “Our participation was made possible by the substantial resources and researcher expertise from disciplines across the KU schools of Health Professions, Medicine and Nursing and from other consortium members from our four-state region.” The All of Us program promises to advance precision medicine and fundamentally transform disease prevention and treatment by accounting for social, environmental, and biological influences on individual health. The Heartland Consortium aims to reach a wide variety of participants, with special emphasis on those in rural areas, as well as other groups historically underrepresented in research. Now, researchers have access to comprehensive data from a diverse population of participants to drive future studies and treatments of all types of disease. “The All of Us Heartland Consortium is a commonsense initiative that will ensure Americans from the Midwest, particularly those in rural areas, are well-represented in one of the most comprehensive public health research programs to date,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05). “By combining the reach and tremendous research capabilities of these world-renowned universities and academic medical institutions, we can ensure that the All of Us Research Program is a success that leads to the development of new and improved health care for Americans of all backgrounds. That’s something I will always support, and I’m excited to see the benefits it brings to Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District and beyond.” Since its founding, the All of Us program has created a national research resource that includes comprehensive and confidential health information from more than 1 million people in the United States. Unlike research studies that focus on one disease or group of people, All of Us is building a diverse and secure database that can inform thousands of studies on a variety of health conditions. The award highlighted today has the potential for review and additional funding every year for four years. “It’s vital that the All of Us Research Program reflect the true diversity of the United States to allow researchers to better understand how differences in what it’s like where we live, our lifestyle and DNA impact our health and disease,” said Holly A. Garriock, Ph.D., Chief Cohort Development Officer, National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program. “The Heartland Consortium will provide opportunities for more communities to participate in medical research and be represented in the All of Us dataset, enabling researchers to discover breakthroughs relevant to their communities.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-federal-grant-help-eliminate-kansas-dna-backlog,Davids Announces Federal Grant to Help Eliminate Kansas’ DNA Backlog,2023-09-15,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) with $530,000 to speed processing times of forensic DNA samples. The federal grant, provided by the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program, will help Kansas law enforcement reduce violent crime, support local prosecutors, and create safer communities across the state. “Since coming to Congress, it’s been my mission to boost support for Kansas law enforcement, so folks can feel safe and protected in our community,” said Davids. “Working to eliminate the current DNA backlog will help ensure our justice system moves efficiently and Kansans are protected. I’m proud to have brought these new investments home to Kansas, especially for the KBI laboratory in Kansas City, KS.” Since at least 2009, the KBI has dealt with a DNA backlog that has reached more than 31,000 delayed tests at times. While national statistics on backlogged DNA cases are difficult to track, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the number of backlogged requests for crime scene DNA analysis jumped by 85% nationally between 2011 and 2017. “The KBI relies on these federal dollars in order to more efficiently analyze DNA evidence,” said Tony Mattivi, Director, Kansas Bureau of Investigation. “We are grateful for Representative Davids’ support and the assistance of the entire congressional delegation in our efforts to enhance public safety.” To promote safer communities, the new federal investment will be used to: Hire two new forensic scientists to reduce backlog and improve turnaround times; Provide training and required continuing education for analysts; Provide additional employee pay for the completion of supplementary casework tasks; Replace an aging real time quantitation instrument; Purchase new laboratory supplies for the validation of the new quantitation instrument; Purchase appropriate technology to provide a large, safe, and secure network storage location for electronic DNA files. “Law enforcement agencies, including the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, ensure the safety and well-being of our communities – and Kansas’ three DNA testing laboratories are an essential part of their work,” said KansasGovernor Laura Kelly. “This funding will be essential to create more jobs for scientists and technicians, purchase modern technology, and decrease backlogs and wait times on critical DNA tests.” Since being sworn in, Davids has worked to provide Kansas law enforcement officers with the tools needed to keep communities safe. She secured funding for the Olathe Police Department’s Mobile Command Unit and announced federal resources to hire additional law enforcement officers in Wyandotte County. She previously voted for historic, bipartisan gun violence prevention legislation to keep Kansans safe and a bill giving officers access to disability benefits for job-related PTSD. Most recently, she went on a ride-along with an Overland Park law enforcement officer and participated in trainings at the Johnson County Regional Police Academy. Background The KBI Forensic Science Laboratory is responsible for the analysis of evidentiary samples from possible crimes for all state and local law enforcement agencies and medical examiners offices within Kansas. The KBI has four laboratories within the system, three of which conduct DNA testing. The three laboratories conducting DNA testing are in Great Bend, Topeka, and Kansas City. The KBI laboratory in Topeka also houses the Databank Laboratory. The DNA CEBR Program increases the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples processed for entry into the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) by providing funding for laboratories to process DNA samples and to increase their capacity to process the DNA samples for CODIS upload.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4156,Rep. Estes Recognizes the 125th Anniversary of Friends University,2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) recognized the anniversary of Friends University in the House of Representatives. “For the past 125 years Friends has provided Kansas, our country and the world, with men and women who are honorable citizens wherever they go after graduation, bringing value to their communities,” said Rep. Estes. “Being a Friends University Falcon is a respected recognition and the reach of Friends touches many industries and states in the country.” Founded in 1898, Friends has been a fixture of the Wichita community for more than a century and is commemorating its 125th year. Full Congressional Record Remarks from Rep. Estes: Thank you, Mister Speaker. Today I’d like to recognize Friends University as they celebrate their 125th anniversary. Friends opened its doors in September of 1898. In his opening address, President Edmund Stanley said, “The purpose of this school shall be to give to the world and to give our country a class of citizens that will be in every sense loyal citizens.” He went on to say, “Loyalty means that mental training and discipline which makes the child think – the development which makes him strong in mind and body; strong in his moral nature; a full man in that intelligence which should direct the efforts of all men for conscientious, honorable and successful private life and citizenship.” And that is just what they have done – for the past 125 years Friends has provided Kansas, our country and the world, with men and women who are honorable citizens wherever they go after graduation, bringing value to their communities. Being a Friends University Falcon is a respected recognition and the reach of Friends touches many industries and states in the country. The University offers a distinguished liberal arts education with majors ranging from Accounting to Zoo Science and enrolls traditional and adult students seeking associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I’m so pleased to help Friends University celebrate this milestone anniversary and offer my sincere congratulations on 125 years of success, and I look forward to another century and a quarter of equipping students under the iconic clock tower in the heart of the Sunflower State. Happy 125th anniversary. And with that, I yield back the balance of my time.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-celebrates-federal-investments-affordable-rural-housing-kansas-third,Davids Celebrates Federal Investments for Affordable Rural Housing in Kansas’ Third District,2023-09-13,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) has awarded two communities in Kansas’ Third District with federal funds to develop affordable rural housing. The investments stem in part from the American Rescue Plan, which Davids was the only member of Kansas’ congressional delegation to support. “Because hard-working families are still dealing with inflationary pressures, I’m squarely focused on making life more affordable for all Kansans. That certainly includes developing new, affordable housing options throughout Kansas’ Third District,” said Davids. “This new federal grant, which I am proud to have supported, will help build and rehabilitate affordable housing in our state, decreasing housing instability and easing housing costs over time.” In total, 20 Kansas projects will receive $19 million to develop affordable housing for moderate-income families in rural areas of the state. In Kansas’ Third District, awardees include: Ottawa - $400,000 To develop 11 multi-family rental units at Legacy Lofts Bonner Springs - $1,700,000 To develop 100 multi-family rental units at 120 Oak “Kansas Housing is honored to roll out this latest round of housing investments across the state, including in the 3rd Congressional District,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director, Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. “Investing in quality, affordable homes is key to economic development, job growth, and vibrant communities. By leveraging essential federal funding sources like the American Rescue Plan with state and private capital to fill the development cost gaps, KHRC is unlocking home and investing in Kansans and our communities.” “The Unified Government has been studying housing needs as we complete a countywide market analysis later this month,” said David Johnston, County Administrator, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. “The addition of 100 units in the City of Bonner Springs will help us address the growing demand for quality, affordable housing countywide. We appreciate the continued support of Representative Davids.” The 20 projects will benefit from the Kansas’ Moderate Income Housing (MIH), MIH-American Rescue Plan Act (MIH-ARPA), and Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit (KHITC) programs. Combined with the amount leveraged by each community, the awards represent a total investment of $90,933,755 and a net gain of 513 affordable, quality housing units in Kansas. Davids voted for the American Rescue Plan to bring targeted COVID relief to Kansas and help distribute life-saving vaccines, keep schools and businesses open, and support Kansans through the biggest public health and economic crisis in generations. Since its passage, Kansas has seen its positive impact —boosting child care services in Shawnee, implementing tax cuts for middle-class families, and connecting Kansans to new opportunities through the Kansas City Streetcar expansion — in every corner of Kansas’ Third District. Under the American Rescue Plan, Medicaid expansion in Kansas would also be completely paid for through the first two years, meaning another 165,000 Kansans getting the health care they need.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-supports-impeachment-inquiry-president-biden,Rep. Mann Supports Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden,2023-09-13,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) released the following statement in response to the impeachment inquiry into President Biden. “Congress has uncovered serious and credible allegations of corruption surrounding President Biden, his administration, and his immediate family members,” said Rep. Mann. “These allegations include President Biden's direct involvement with shady foreign business deals, which bank records and the Treasury Department can corroborate. Despite these serious allegations, the Biden Justice Department continues to offer special treatment to President Biden and his family. These allegations suggest abuse of power, obstruction, and corruption, and they warrant further investigation by the House of Representatives. This investigation will bring more facts to light, and the American people deserve to know whether President Biden has been compromised by millions of dollars in foreign bribes. Congress has the sworn duty to go where the evidence leads, gather all the facts, and hold President Biden accountable for his conduct."" On September 12th, 2023, Speaker Kevin McCarthy officially opened the impeachment inquiry, which is the first step towards an impeachment vote. The inquiry will be led by Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer in coordination with Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. As part of his Commitment to the Big First, Rep. Mann is dedicated to creating a government that's accountable and reining in the White House's abuse of power.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-introduces-legislation-support-women-business-owners,Davids Introduces Legislation to Support Women Business Owners,2023-09-12,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Recently, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03), along with Representative Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), introduced the Women’s Business Centers Improvement Act, which would increase access to resources and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Kansas and across the country. Davids’ bill passed the U.S. House with bipartisan support in 2019 and 2022. The Women’s Business Center (WBC) program was established 35 years ago to help women entrepreneurs succeed, and now boasts nearly 150 locations throughout the U.S. These centers serve more than 150,000 business owners annually — including the Kansas City WBC in Overland Park, KS, which reached more than 800 clients last year. WBCs provide free, to low-cost counseling and training and focus on women who want to start, grow, and expand their small business. “While women-owned businesses employ 9.4 million people nationwide and contribute $1.2 trillion to our economy each year, these entrepreneurs often face increased challenges in starting and growing a business. By properly funding resources like Women’s Business Centers, we can increase access to credit and vital training services that help set entrepreneurs up for success,” said Davids. “The Third District has an amazing entrepreneurial ecosystem, and I’m proud to lead bipartisan legislation that will spur even further innovation and economic opportunity here at home.” “As the Executive Director of the Kansas City WBC, I am thrilled to see Representatives Sharice Davids’ and Nydia Velazquez’s leadership in introducing legislation to reauthorize the WBC program,” said Brande Stitt, Executive Director, Kansas City Women’s Business Center. “Amidst the other priorities in Washington this fall, I ask the House of Representatives, and all of the 118th Congress, to recognize the significant need for the reauthorization of our program and prioritize its passage in a bipartisan manner. We are thankful for Representative Davids’ evergreen commitment to the WBC program, and women-owned businesses in Kansas, and ask that both Democrats and Republicans come to the table to enable this legislation to become law.” The Women’s Business Centers Improvement Act increases federal support to WBCs by doubling the maximum annual grant award to $300,000 for individual centers, reauthorizes the WBC program for four years, and increases the total authorization level for the first time since the program began. The bill also establishes an accreditation program run by the Association of Women’s Business Centers to ensure all WBCs provide excellent service and counseling. The Kansas City WBC serves Kansas entrepreneurs through business trainings, workshops, counseling, and access to capital programs targeted at women business owners. In 2021, the KC WBC assisted 513 local small business owners. The Kansas City WBC shared their impactful work with Congress during a House Small Business Committee hearing chaired by Davids in June 2021. “Women are at the center of the American economy. They comprise nearly half the workforce and own an estimated 42 percent of all U.S. businesses,” said Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Ranking Member, U.S. House Small Business Committee. “This bill will modernize and strengthen the WBC program to help ensure women entrepreneurs across the country have access to the counseling and training they need to thrive. I thank Rep. Davids for her work on this vital topic, and I’m proud to introduce this bill that will boost women-owned businesses nationwide alongside her.” “AWBC applauds the recent introduction of the Women’s Business Centers Improvement Act cosponsored by Congresswoman Sharice Davids and Nydia Velazquez,” said Corinne Goble, CEO, Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC). “This introduction follows our Annual Leadership Conference, where executives from the 145 Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) gathered in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the WBC program, the 25th anniversary of AWBC as an organization, and advocate on Capitol Hill for program reauthorization. We appreciate our concerns being heard and are supportive of the progress being made in both the House of Representatives and Senate to bring the program into the 21st century. As the WBC program continues to prove its impact by serving hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs across the United States, we look forward to working with Congress to find a bipartisan avenue for its passage.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4153,Rep. Estes Comments on Biden Impeachment Inquiry,2023-09-12,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) issued the following statement after Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California) directed three committees – Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means – to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Biden. ""Kansans deserve to know the truth about President Biden's participation in his family's business dealings with foreign entities, and an impeachment inquiry is the logical next step that will allow us to uncover the facts,"" said Rep. Estes. ""House Republicans have uncovered an overwhelming amount of evidence including bank records, suspicious activity reports, emails, texts and witness testimony that reveal Joe Biden lied to the American people about his involvement in his family's influence peddling schemes. And, thanks to two brave IRS whistleblowers, we know that the Justice Department – which has been sitting on much of this evidence – has prevented career investigators from pursuing information that could have led to Joe Biden. ""This step was not taken lightly, nor does it guarantee there will be an impeachment, but it allows the House to further investigate serious allegations so we can safeguard our institutions, prevent foreign countries from having a foothold in the White House and ensure that federal agencies aren't being used to cover up the crimes of an elected official or his family.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-continues-farm-bill-listening-tour-garnett-dairy-farm,Davids Continues Farm Bill Listening Tour at Garnett Dairy Farm,2023-09-08,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GARNETT, KS --Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited the Ratliff Jerseys dairy farm in Garnett as part of her Farm Bill listening tour. After a tour of the family-run operation, Davids spoke with local dairy farmers to learn what Farm Bill provisions they utilize to run a successful small business. Throughout her tour, Davids has visited farms, ranches, and businesses across the Third District to prepare for the 2023 Farm Bill. Davids serves on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. ""I'm on a listening tour throughout our community to bring Kansans’ Farm Bill priorities back to Washington, including the dairy farmers I chatted with today,"" said Davids. ""I'm optimistic Republicans and Democrats will find common ground to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that supports our entire food system and economy. That starts with listening to and understanding Kansans' daily experiences, from all corners of our district."" Image Representative Sharice Davids visiting Ratliff Jerseys dairy farm on her Farm Bill listening tour. Along with Ratliff Jerseys owners, Davids hosted a roundtable conversation with representatives from Midwest Dairy and other local dairy farmers. They discussed key topics in this year's farm bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, which provides risk protection to dairy producers when milk prices are low and/or feed costs are high. The Farm Bill, which is typically reauthorized every five years, is set to expire on September 30, 2023. Ratliff Jerseys is owned and operated by Ron and Christy Ratliff in Garnett, KS with 60 milking cows and an equal number of replacement heifers. The dairy farm got its start as a 4-H project for Christy more than 30 years ago and has become an award-winning operation. The Ratliffs also operate a small herd of beef cattle. Christy is president of the Kansas Jersey Cattle Association and serves on the Kansas Dairy Commission. Image Representative Sharice Davids with Kansas dairy farmers, including Rob Leach, Lisa Leach, and Christi Ratliff. As part of her Farm Bill listening tour, Davids previously visited a poultry and livestock operation in Anderson County, a co-op in Franklin County, a no-till farm in Miami County, an organic vegetable farm in Johnson County, and an educational community farm in Wyandotte County. Davids also toured a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, participated in FFA activities at Spring Hill High School, served a school lunch at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe, and spoke with industry leaders on financial support programs for farmers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-attends-jccc-yellow-corp-job-fair-distributes-new-job-seekers-guide,"Davids Attends JCCC Yellow Corp. Job Fair, Distributes New Job Seekers Guide",2023-09-07,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OVERLAND PARK, KS– Today, Representative Sharice Davids and her team took part in Johnson County Community College’s Yellow Corporation (Yellow Corp.) Re-Employment Job Fair, where they distributed a new Job Seekers Guide. Davids’ resource guide, meant to help laid off Yellow Corp. employees support themselves and their families while searching for new employment, includes federal, state, and local resources to apply for emergency unemployment insurance, find new career opportunities, and lower costs on everyday necessities. “On top of already high costs for everyday goods, the former Yellow employees I spoke with today must now find a new way to support their families after being laid off a month ago,” said Davids. “I’m working with Johnson County Community College to support these folks and ensure they can find new career opportunities. My Job Seekers Guide will hopefully be a useful tool that compiles federal, state, and local resources in one place to save Kansans time during this transition period.” Davids’ Job Seekers Guide contains many resources former Yellow Corp. employees, as well as other Kansans looking for work, can utilize during the transition from one job to another. The resources include: Finding New Employment: Kansans looking for a new or higher-paying job can utilize local resources from Workforce Partnership or Kansas’ Job Hiring Portal. Federal programs through the U.S. Department of Labor, including Career One Stop and USAJobs, are also available. Lowering Costs: Kansans struggling to pay for necessities while looking for a new job can find help lowering the cost of housing, utility bills, gas, and groceries. Helping Transition Between Jobs: Kansans who lose access to health insurance can find resources to apply for affordable health coverage, as well as information on emergency unemployment insurance. Starting a Business: Kansans looking to start their own business can find help through the Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Johnson County Community College and the Kansas City Women's Business Center. “As the local workforce development board, Workforce Partnership is uniquely suited to serve every Overland Park Yellow employee laid off from work with an array of services, regardless of the employee’s salary or county of residence,” said Keely J. Schneider, Executive Director, Workforce Partnership. “These dislocated worker services are made possible by the federal government’s investment in our local workforce system and we deeply appreciate Representative Davids’ commitment to that investment and her support of our nation’s workforce needs.” “Johnson County Community College Workforce Development & Continuing Education offers multiple resources to support job seekers, through our Small Business Development Center, which offers business startup and growth classes to equip individuals with the tools and resources to structure, launch and manage a business,” said Jessica Johnson, Regional Director, Small Business Development Center. “JCCC also offers Continuing Education Training Awards to provide funding for training and skill building for unemployed or underemployed Johnson County residents. We appreciate the opportunity to make these resources aware to the public and Representative Sharice Davids efforts continuing to highlight workforce needs with in the county.” WATCH: Davids released her new Job Seekers Guide last week while speaking at JCCC. Image Yellow Corp., a former transportation and trucking company, filed for bankruptcy last month and laid off 30,000 employees across the nation, including 990 workers at their Overland Park office. For 98 years, the company’s headquarters was located in Overland Park. Now, the Kansans who worked at Yellow Corp. unexpectedly must find new career opportunities to continue supporting their families. While our economy is seeing record numbers of good-paying job creation, Davids has been squarely focused on boosting workforce opportunities for Kansans, including form Yellow Corp. employees. She was the only member of Kansas’ congressional delegation to vote for the bipartisan infrastructure law, which is creating good-paying construction jobs at home. Davids also voted for major bipartisan manufacturing legislation last year, which has already generated more than 100,000 jobs nationwide. Finally, Davids previously announced Kansas’ Third Congressional District has created more clean energy jobs than any other congressional district in the country over the past year. Davids also encourages all Kansans to visit her Lower Costs webpage to find resources within the newly released guide and many more that can help Kansas families. Image",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-continues-farm-bill-listening-tour-highlights-financial-support-kansas,"Davids Continues Farm Bill Listening Tour, Highlights Financial Support for Kansas Farmers",2023-09-06,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OTTAWA, KS– Yesterday, Representative Sharice Davids visited the Barnes Family Farm in Ottawa as part of her Farm Bill listening tour. After a tour of the family-run operation, Davids spoke with industry leaders and local farmers and ranchers about the importance of financial support through farm credit programs and crop insurance. Her tour will continue at farms, ranches, and businesses across the Third District as Davids considers the 2023 Farm Bill through her position on the House Agriculture Committee. The Barnes Family Farm produces wheat, corn, and soybeans. ""I'm on a listening tour throughout our community to bring Kansans’ Farm Bill priorities back to Washington, including the priorities of the Barnes family whom I chatted with today,"" said Davids. ""I'm optimistic Republicans and Democrats will find common ground to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that supports our entire food system and economy. That starts with listening to and understanding Kansans' daily experiences, from all corners of our district."" “We had the privilege of having Representative Sharice Davids join a discussion about the reauthorization of the farm bill and understanding Farm Credit’s mission focused on supporting farmers and ranchers today and tomorrow,” said Shane Tiffany, board member, Frontier Farm Credit. “Fulfilling our mission also means supporting rural Kansas with financial services to keep them thriving and growing. We are thankful Representative Davids hears our commitment, and also supports our Kansas producers.” The Farm Bill is typically reauthorized every five years and includes provisions directly related to farm credit and crop insurance. The credit portion improves access to credit for producers to buy land and operate farms and ranches. The crop insurance portion enhances risk management tools to help protect farmers and ranchers against declines in crop yields and/or revenue. Along with local famers, representatives from Frontier Farm Credit, American AgCredit, and CoBank joined the roundtable to discuss their work supporting Kansas farmers. As part of her Farm Bill listening tour, Davids previously visited a poultry and livestock operation in Anderson County, a co-op in Franklin County, a no-till farm in Miami County, an organic vegetable farm in Johnson County, and an educational community farm in Wyandotte County. Davids also toured a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, participated in FFA activities at Spring Hill High School, and served a school lunch at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-visits-new-century-aircenter-discusses-impact-upcoming-faa,"Davids Visits New Century AirCenter, Discusses Impact of Upcoming FAA Reauthorization",2023-09-06,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"NEW CENTURY, KS - Today,Representative Sharice Davids visited the New Century AirCenter to share her priorities for the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization discussions. Davids and Bryan Johnson, the recently appointedexecutive director of the Johnson County Airport Commission, toured the 81-year-old air traffic control tower and visited the new commerce center. Davids, a member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, now prepares to negotiate compromised legislation with her House and Senate colleagues before the 2018 FAA reauthorization expires on September 30, 2023. “Our entire economy relies heavily on reliable air travel of people and goods to keep our communities moving and maintain a strong domestic supply chain,” said Davids. “I’m focused on reauthorizing the FAA, so Kansans are protected financially, feel safe while flying, and have access to good-paying aviation manufacturing jobs. This legislation would benefit New Century AirCenter and all airports in the KC metro area, and I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats on the final compromise when I get back to Washington.” Image Representative Sharice Davids visits New Century AirCenter to discuss the upcoming FAA reauthorization process. Davids toured New Century AirCenter’s 81-year-old air traffic control center, which Johnson County official have prioritized for upgrade due to structural and safety deficiencies. Construction of the new tower may be eligible for bipartisan infrastructure law investments. Davids also visited the New Century Commerce Center, which houses over 60 companies in the fields of warehousing, distribution, printing, food processing, manufacturing, and avionics. Cnano Technology USA, a paste manufacture for electric batteries, recently announced they would expand operations to the commerce center and create 112 local jobs. “Rep. Davids was instrumental in the support and passage of the House FAA reauthorization bill, which will directly benefit New Century and Executive airports,” said Bryan Johnson, Executive Director, Johnson County Airport Commission. “The bill addresses prioritizing General Aviation airports and provides a funding mechanism to address our nation's GA hangar shortage, and requiring 100LL be available at airports until an unleaded fuel replacement for the fleet is widely available.” In July, Davids supported bipartisan legislation to fund the FAA for the next five years and provide new guidance and standards for the agency. Specifically, it would improve airline customer protections and accessibility, increase America’s aviation safety standards, and strengthen U.S. aviation workforce and manufacturing. It also includes provisions to help reduce runway near misses, which are often caused by air traffic controllers stretched thin by a nationwide staffing shortage. After the Senate passes their version of the bill, the House and Senate will come together to find a compromise that reauthorizes the FAA.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/watch-davids-releases-new-job-seekers-guide-former-yellow-employees,WATCH: Davids Releases New Job Seekers Guide for Former Yellow Employees,2023-08-31,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids released a Job Seekers Guide to help former Yellow Corporation (Yellow Corp.) employees, who were laid off earlier this month, support themselves and their families while searching for new employment. The guide includes federal, state, and local resources to apply for emergency unemployment insurance, find new career opportunities, and lower costs on everyday necessities. While releasing the guide during a press conference at Johnson County Community College (JCCC), Davids also promoted an upcoming job fair at JCCC on September 7th. “On top of already high costs for everyday goods, nearly 1,000 former Yellow employees in the Kansas City area must now find a new way to support their families after being laid off a month ago,” said Davids. “I’m working to support these folks and ensure they can find new career opportunities. I am hopeful my office’s new Job Seekers Guide will be a useful tool that compiles federal, state, and local resources in one place to help folks get back on their feet.” Davids’ Job Seekers Guide contains many resources former Yellow Corp. employees, as well as other Kansans looking for work, can utilize during the transition from one job to another. The resources include: Finding New Employment: Kansans looking for a new or higher-paying job can utilize local resources from Workforce Partnership or Kansas’ Job Hiring Portal. Federal programs through the U.S. Department of Labor, including Career One Stop and USAJobs, are also available. Lowering Costs: Kansans struggling to pay for necessities while looking for a new job can find help lowering the cost of housing, utility bills, gas, and groceries. Helping Transition Between Jobs: Kansans who lose access to health insurance can find resources to apply for affordable health coverage, as well as information on emergency unemployment insurance. Starting a Business: Kansans looking to start their own business can find help through the Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Johnson County Community College and the Kansas City Women's Business Center. “As the local workforce development board, Workforce Partnership is uniquely suited to serve every Overland Park Yellow employee laid off from work with an array of services, regardless of the employee’s salary or county of residence,” said Keely J. Schneider, Executive Director, Workforce Partnership. “Affected employees can receive job search and resume assistance, as well as help brushing up on their interview skills, as well as more intensive services if needed, such as career navigation and funding to re-train or upskill into a new career. These dislocated worker services are made possible by the federal government’s investment in our local workforce system and we deeply appreciate Representative Davids’ commitment to that investment and her support of our nation’s workforce needs.” “Johnson County Community College Workforce Development & Continuing Education offers multiple resources to support job seekers, through our Small Business Development Center, which offers business startup and growth classes to equip individuals with the tools and resources to structure, launch and manage a business,” said Jessica Johnson, Regional Director, Small Business Development Center. “JCCC also offers Continuing Education Training Awards to provide funding for training and skill building for unemployed or underemployed Johnson County residents. JCCC has partnered with Workforce Partnership and the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce to host a Yellow Re-Employment Job Fair on September 7th. We appreciate the opportunity to make these resources aware to the public and Representative Sharice Davids efforts continuing to highlight workforce needs with in the county.” Yellow Corp., a former transportation and trucking company, filed for bankruptcy earlier this month and laid off 30,000 employees across the nation, including 990 workers at their Overland Park office. For 98 years, the company’s headquarters was located in Overland Park. Now, the Kansans who worked at Yellow Corp. unexpectedly must find new career opportunities to continue supporting their families. While our economy is seeing record numbers of good-paying job creation, Davids has been squarely focused on boosting workforce opportunities for Kansans, including form Yellow Corp. employees. She was the only member of Kansas’ congressional delegation to vote for the bipartisan infrastructure law, which is creating good-paying construction jobs at home. Davids also voted for major bipartisan manufacturing legislation last year, which has already generated over 100,000 jobs nationwide. Finally, Davids previously announced Kansas’ Third Congressional District has created more clean energy jobs than any other congressional district in the country over the past year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-federal-grants-university-kansas-cancer-center,Davids Announces Federal Grants for University of Kansas Cancer Center,2023-08-30,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded two grants totaling $1,197,968 to the University of Kansas Cancer Center (KUCC) to advance cancer treatment, cause, and prevention research. Last week, Davids also announced multiple federal grants to boost medical research capabilities at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). “The University of Kansas Cancer Center is critical for the health and wellbeing of folks in our state and beyond,” said Davids. “As the only NCI-designated cancer center in our region, the University of Kansas’ center ensures Kansas families can stay close to their loved ones while they receive world-class care. I’m glad I could help bring these resources home to Kansas, where they’ll help boost cancer research and treatment.” The two grants awarded to the University of Kansas Cancer Center will be used for: Cancer Treatment Research – $614,361 The federal resources will be used to reduce post-operative complications from the surgical treatment of advanced bladder cancer. Specifically, researchers will seek to better understand how increased nutrition supports the immune system, reduces infections, and preserves muscle. Cancer Cause and Prevention Research – $583,607 The federal resources will support a new five-year study to increase the screening, treatment, and follow-up care of cervical cancer in Kenya. This study builds on a decade of research between KUMC and multiple research partners in Kenya to improve patient outcomes and reduce health disparities in low resource and rural settings. “The funding crucial to see this work to completion,” said Dr. Jill Hamilton-Reeves, Associate Professor, Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Cancer Center. “We anticipate enrolling the final few patients by this fall, this specific grant funds the work to dive deeper into the science at the bench with patient samples guided by word renowned experts in immunology, metabolism, and microbiology.” “These federal research funds will allow us to evaluate low-cost strategies to increase cervical cancer screening and support treatment completion in rural and low-resource settings to improve patient outcomes,” said Dr. Sarah Kessler,PhD, MPH, University of Kansas Cancer Center. “We are extremely grateful for this investment and opportunity.” Background: The University of Kansas Cancer Center has nearly 350 researchers and 150 disease-specific oncologists. They conduct all phases of cancer research, from laboratory studies to clinical trials to population-based studies that address environmental and behavioral factors that contribute to cancer. Research operations have already contributed an estimated $2.5 billion in economic impact to the region since 2007 when the center began working toward NCI designation in earnest.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4139,Rep. Estes Condemns Revised WOTUS Rule,2023-08-30,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement condemning the Biden administration's newly revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. ""The EPA is once again ignoring common sense at the expense of Kansas farmers, ranchers and energy producers,"" said Rep. Estes. ""This new WOTUS rule clearly violates the Supreme Court's decision, highlighting the Biden administration's prerogative to simply ignore the courts in pursuit of their own extreme agenda. ""The administration's actions also disregard Americans by shutting them out of a comment period for this rule – yet another example of the appalling federal overreach of this administration."" Background: On May 25, 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled against the Biden Administration’s WOTUS rule in Sackett v. EPA, limiting the scope of definition of “waters of the United States.” This forced the Biden Administration to amend their final rule from December 2022 to comply with the decision. Rep. Estes has worked tirelessly to push back against the harmful WOTUS rule. He voted in favor of the 2018 Farm Bill that repealed the Obama-era rule, joined a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan in 2022, spoke out against the rule later that year and voted in favor of a Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn WOTUS earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mann-fires-back-biden-administrations-amended-wotus-rule,Rep. Mann Fires Back at Biden Administration’s Amended WOTUS Rule,2023-08-29,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,KS,Tracey Mann,M000871,mann.house.gov,mann,https://mann.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) released the following statement in response to the amended Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) following the U.S. Supreme Court’s May ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case. “The U.S. Supreme Court decision from May was very clear – the federal government may not use the Clean Water Act to violate the private property rights of American citizens,” said Rep. Mann. “Now, the Biden Administration has scrambled to tweak their terrible rule just enough in an attempt to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling and solicited zero stakeholder feedback in the process. The final rule’s jargon looks different, but the big government encroachment onto private property remains the same. While President Biden would like to federally regulate every small stream, ditch, and puddle from sea to shining sea, American producers have been the careful custodians of their own resources for centuries. I will keep fighting this rule tooth and nail on behalf of the people who feed, fuel, and clothe us all, and also on behalf of all Americans whose businesses and private lives are being affected by this gross example of government overreach.” The new, amended rule, removes the “significant nexus” standard for determining whether wetlands or waters are covered by the Clean Water Act. Since 2012, presidential administrations have sought to define waters of the U.S., and farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers have operated under at least five definitions of “water” in the last ten years. In January 2023, the Biden Administration published its final WOTUS rule. In February, Kansas joined 23 states in filing a federal lawsuit against the EPA over the WOTUS rule. In April, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, prohibiting the rule from being enforced. In April, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, prohibiting the rule from being enforced. With this court ruling, the 2023 WOTUS rule may not be enforced until this litigation is resolved. Rep. Mann has been fighting against President Biden’s overreaching WOTUS rule since the beginning. Click here to see Rep. Mann's January 2023 letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the new WOTUS rule. On March 9, 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J. Res. 27by a vote of 227-198. Click hereto view Rep. Mann’s remarks on the House Floor in support of the WOTUS Congressional Review Act. On March 29, 2023, the U.S. Senate passed H.J. Res. 27by a vote of 53-43. On April 6, President Biden vetoed H.J. Res. 27. Click hereto view Rep. Mann’s remarks on the House Floor on April 18, 2023 during the congressional override of President Biden’s veto of the WOTUS legislation. On May 25, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Sackett V. EPA to protect landowners' rights and limit government overreach under President Biden's Waters of the U.S. rule and the Clean Water Act. Click hereto read more about the amended rule.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4138,"Rep. Estes Visits South Central Kansas Medical Center, Winfield Middle School",2023-08-28,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,KS,Ron Estes,E000298,estes.house.gov,estes,https://estes.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"ARKANSAS CITY, Kan./WINFIELD, Kan. – Last Wednesday Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) participated in a health care roundtable with area hospital administrators, hosted by SCK Health. A tour of SCK Medical Center followed. In the afternoon, Rep. Estes spoke with students and teachers at Winfield Middle School, stopping into multiple classrooms and taking some questions from students. ""Rural health care providers are critical for communities throughout south central Kansas. SCK Medical Center is exploring ways to better serve Kansans as they continue pursuing the designation of rural emergency hospital – something that will strengthen their viability and keep a local hospital in Ark City,"" said Rep. Estes. ""I was also glad to have State Sen. Larry Alley join our conversation as the region's representative in the Kansas Senate."" View photos from Rep. Estes' visit in Arkansas City Speaking about his visit to Winfield, Rep. Estes said, ""The students at Winfield Middle School were highly engaged as we toured various classrooms in the early days of the school year. I'm grateful for the parents and faculty who are working to educate and train these young people, and was delighted to see a former intern as a history teacher in the district, Mr. Jay Buffum."" Download photos from Rep. Estes' visit in Winfield",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-federal-grant-lower-utility-costs-reduce-air-pollution-kansas,"Davids Announces Federal Grant to Lower Utility Costs, Reduce Air Pollution in Kansas",2023-08-24,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Kansas with $4 million to reduce harmful air pollution and clean up the state’s environment. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program was created by the Inflation Reduction Act, which is the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history. Davids was the only member of Kansas’ congressional delegation to support the law. “We need innovative solutions to combat the climate crisis, grow our economy, and leave behind a healthier world for our children. That’s exactly why I voted for the historic climate law that’s not only cleaning up our environment, but also lowering Kansans’ utility costs through affordable, domestically produced clean-energy systems such as solar panels and more energy-efficient household appliances,” said Davids. “I am glad to see these federal resources are coming home to Kansas where folks will feel the benefits directly.” The CPRG program provides grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. The EPA has announced Phase 1 planning awards to update existing climate, energy, or sustainability plans, or to develop new plans. Awards benefiting Kansas include: State of Kansas: $3,000,000 Kansas City Metro Area: $1,000,000 “The historic Inflation Reduction Act recognizes that we hold the power to mitigate the effects of climate change and create a world where clean air and water are the birthright of everyone,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman, Johnson County Board of Commissioners. “Locally, Climate Pollution Reduction Grants are a critical investment and provide our state and region the capacity to incorporate climate planning that may be unique to us but has far-reaching benefits. In the Kansas City region, we’re fortunate to have our KC Regional Climate Action Plan which allows these planning funds from the IRA to be used to design our local implementation strategies. We’re proud that Rep. Davids understands this pivotal moment in time and supports our role in being part of the solution.” “We are eager to advance this important work. The new Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will enable our region to refine and prioritize existing plans, position our region for major investments and create long-term benefits for everyone in the metropolitan area,” said David Warm, Executive Director, Mid-America Regional Council. “Thank you to Rep. Davids and our congressional partners for supporting this significant enhancement to our community capacity.” Davids understands that action is needed now to protect the planet for future generations. That’s why she voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which is already at work in Kansas. Along with lowering Kansans’ utility bills, Davids previously announced that Kansas’ Third Congressional District has created more clean energy jobs than any other congressional district in the country thanks to the law. Specifically, the Inflation Reduction Act: Clean Energy Manufacturing: Accelerates U.S. manufacturing of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and critical minerals processing through targeted incentives. Electric Buses: Replaces traditional heavy-duty vehicles for school and transit buses and garbage trucks with clean heavy-duty vehicles through a $1 billion federal investment. Affordable Housing Energy Efficiency: Establishes a $1 billion grant program to make affordable housing more energy efficient. Emissions Reductions: Includes the largest ever climate and energy investment that will reduce harmful emissions 40 percent by 2030.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-announces-federal-grants-improve-research-university-kansas-medical-0,Davids Announces Federal Grants to Improve Research at the University of Kansas Medical Center,2023-08-23,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) more than $2,100,000 to boost research capabilities in Kansas’ Third Congressional District. The four projects being awarded will develop treatments for new cancer, blood disease, alcohol-induced disease, and oral disorders. KUMC is one of the top 36 public research universities in the country. ""We are lucky to have such a widely respected and advanced medical research center in our region, and I'm glad to help increase their research capabilities with these new federal resources,"" said Davids. ""The four studies being awarded will further contribute to medical research breakthroughs at the University of Kansas Medical Center, keeping our community and the entire country healthy."" “This is a good opportunity to reflect upon how important it is to seek federal support to answer big questions in medicine,” said Dr. Matthias Salathe, Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Kansas Medical Center. “We truly appreciate the work of Representative Davids in supporting and promoting our researchers as they work to improve the health of Kansans and beyond.” The federal grants announced today support four specific research projects at the University of Kansas Medical Center: Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry Research - $601,893 These federal resources will be used to investigate the functions of certain cell processes that have significant relevance to cancer therapy. The results will be instrumental in developing and advancing therapeutic strategies. Blood Diseases and Resources Research - $519,069 These federal resources will be used to determine the biological structure of Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare but potentially fatal blood disorder. The results will provide insight into the causes of TTP side effects and change how the disorder is treated in the future. Alcohol Programs Research - $406,852 These federal resources will be used to determine how to reduce alcohol-induced pancreatitis, which has high morbidity and mortality and no specific available treatment. The results will help develop therapeutic strategies for treating alcoholic pancreatitis. Oral Diseases and Disorders Research - $576,790 These federal resources will be used to investigate specific genetic mutations that lead to structural birth defects, including cleft palates, that can have significant, lifelong implications on eating and speaking. The results will help provide new therapeutic strategies for future use.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-davids-touts-federal-law-lower-insulin-costs-kansans,ICYMI: Davids Touts Federal Law to Lower Insulin Costs for Kansans,2023-08-18,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,KS,Sharice Davids,D000629,davids.house.gov,davids,https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"This week, Representative Sharice Davids released a special report on how federal legislation is lowering the cost of insulin in Kansas’ Third District. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act’s $35 price cap, Kansans on Medicare are saving an average of $620 annually on insulin compared to 2020. People with private insurance and those who are uninsured are also seeing drastically lower costs after drug manufacturers lowered costs to match the popular federal policy. Image Image Rep. Sharice Davids’ new insulin report that shows drastic decreases in monthly insulin prices because of recent federal legislation. The Kansas Reflector reported on Davids’ work to lower insulin costs: “‘For too long,’ Davids said, ‘Kansans have been forced to pay extremely high prices for insulin while drug companies rake in massive profits.’ […] “That led the Democrat to support passage one year ago of the Inflation Reduction Act, which included provisions making health care more affordable for seniors. At the start of this year, the federal law capped the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for people enrolled in Medicare’s prescription drug plan at $35 for a one-month supply. It also imposed a requirement insulin manufacturers pay a rebate to Medicare if their prices grew faster than inflation. “Under pressure from consumers eager for an affordable supply of insulin, the three drug companies dominating the U.S. market agreed to extend the $35 cap to people with private health insurance. “Had the Inflation Reduction Act been in place in 2020, about 15,000 Kansas residents would have saved an estimated $650 annually on out-of-pocket costs. […] “At the one-year mark, Davids said the law held great promise for growing the U.S. economy and dealing with climate change. She said health care pieces of the law succeeded in lowering the burden on thousands of Kansans and illustrated the need to push ahead with mandates capping the price for all insulin users. “‘I voted for this historic legislation to lower costs for Kansas families,’ she said. ‘The law is lowering health care costs, growing the middle class with new clean energy and manufacturing jobs, and making the largest investment in the fight against climate change in our nation’s history.’” Background: Davids released her first insulin report in 2019, which found that Americans paid 5 times more for insulin than people living overseas. In her new report, Davids highlights how recent federal legislation is drastically lowering the cost of insulin for Kansans. Specifically, it finds: Nationally, four million Medicare beneficiaries will together save $760 million a year thanks to the $35 insulin price cap. Kansans on Medicare using insulin will save an average $620 annually on their insulin. 7,100 Kansans in the Third District who are insured through their employer and use insulin will see significant savings due to manufacturer price reductions. 530 Kansans in the Third District who are uninsured and use insulin will see significant savings due to manufacturer price reductions. As shown in Davids’ updated insulin report, the Inflation Reduction Act is already lowering health care costs for Kansans. Along with the $35 insulin price cap for Medicare beneficiaries, the law:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z