Roberts Report - March 28, 2017

Proving Relief for Wildfire Damage

I continue to monitor the wildfire recovery in southwest Kansas. It was remarkable to see the damage firsthand and speak with those who have lost nearly everything. It tears at your heartstrings to meet with people who have lost their homes, ranches and farms. To see one of the most picturesque Kansas landscapes turn to black and dust is jolting.

(photo credit: Bo Rader, Wichita Eagle)

I’m pleased USDA has already designated $6 million in wildfire relief for Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The $6 million in available funding, delivered through USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), will assist farmers and ranchers as they attempt to restore grazing lands, rehabilitate devastated landscapes, rebuild fencing, and protect damaged watersheds.

Rest assured, as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am committed to the Kansans I serve and will continue to fight for Kansans to get the relief they need. Ad astra per aspera, to the stars through difficulty. It is not just a motto, it is who we are.

I spoke on the Senate floor following my visit to Clark County and shared some photos of the heart-wrenching damage. Watch below.

Confirming the next Secretary of Agriculture

Last week, I was pleased to hold the nomination hearing of former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, scientific research, and related issues that impact Americans every day. Now, more than ever, agriculture needs a voice—an advocate—at the highest levels of government. Governor Perdue has been nominated to serve in exactly that role, and I look forward to his confirmation vote on the Senate floor.
 

Read my full remarks on the hearing here, or watch my opening statement below.

Supporting Judge Neil Gorsuch to be our next Supreme Court Justice

The president made an extraordinary selection in nominating Judge Neil Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch currently serves in the 10th Circuit, which includes Kansas. Our state has seen firsthand how Judge Gorsuch interprets the law. He has had an outstanding judicial record while serving on the court. What’s more, he is highly respected and supported by individuals in the judicial community who align on all sides of the political spectrum.

He is a judge who follows the law, applying the text of the Constitution and statutes impartially. I am hopeful the minority will recognize the superlative qualities Judge Neil Gorsuch possesses and provide him with a fair and swift confirmation process.

I spoke on the Senate floor urging my colleagues to support his confirmation. Watch the full speech below.

More Progress on the Eisenhower Memorial

We continue to make progress on completing a national memorial to Kansas favorite son, Dwight D. Eisenhower. As Chairman of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission, it is a pleasure to welcome my friend Senator Thad Cochran to the Commission as we get closer to starting construction. We anticipate breaking ground on the National Mall as soon as this fall! Read more on the latest updates in Roll Call.
 

Keeping our food supply safe from the threats of agro-terrorism

I joined Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri to introduce a bill to protect our food supply by addressing the threat of agro-terrorism. This legislation reiterates the important and necessary role of the Department of Homeland Security in the agro-terrorism space. As former Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and current Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I understand the unique threat our farmers and ranchers face. As the backbone of the U.S. economy, the spread of any deadly pathogen among our livestock and plant population would cause irreparable damage. I look forward to continuing to work with DHS and USDA in protecting our homeland’s food supply.

This bill passed through committee earlier this month and now awaits debate in the full Senate. Companion legislation passed the House. Read more here.

Visiting with Bob Dole in the office

It was a pleasure for Senator Bob Dole to stop by my office and visit with our interns and share stories with staff. A true Kansas hero and inspiration to us all!
 

A recap of the Hearing in the Heartland

In case you missed it, check out this short video of the first Farm Bill hearing, held right in the Heartland at Kansas State University. No one understands the impacts of Farm Bills or policies set in Washington like America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. I appreciate the opportunity to hear your experience – exactly what we need to hear before we start writing a new Farm Bill.
 

Check Senator Roberts’ Website, YouTube and Facebook Sites for Updates

You can visit my YouTube site for more information on what’s happening in Washington, D.C., and Kansas by visiting my YouTube page. It's a great place to find speeches and debates on the Senate floor, press conferences, interviews and Senate hearings. You can also stay updated on all these happenings on my Facebook and Twitter sites.