Farm Bill Passes Senate, Heads to Conference

This week, the Senate voted for the Farm Bill to head to conference, where conferees from the Senate and the House will meet to come up with a compromise between the House and Senate Farm Bills. I am already busy meeting with members of the conference, as well as Agriculture Committee leadership from the House and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, to come up with legislation that will pass in both the House and Senate.
 

Earlier this month, the Senate passed the Farm Bill with a vote of 86-11. This was a historic vote, our bill received more votes than any other Farm Bill at this stage. I am pleased this important legislation, which provides certainty and predictability for farmers, passed with such strong bipartisan support. I will continue working to ensure the 2018 Farm Bill becomes law before the current legislation expires in September.

This month, I also discussed the Farm Bill with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. During our meeting we also discussed the agriculture economy and trade.

Receiving Washington International Trade Association Award
 

Earlier this month, I was honored to receive the Congressional Leadership Award from the Washington International Trade Association for my contributions to international trade.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and as a senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, which has jurisdiction over trade, I have been outspoken on the benefits of increased access to foreign markets for American farmers and ranchers. 

Just last year, the total value of U.S. agricultural exports was more than $138 billion. That’s a roughly 200 percent increase from when NAFTA took effect. Clearly, free trade is not only good for U.S. agriculture, it is absolutely essential. 

I believe we should be aggressively seeking new agreements and trade opportunities around the world and then work to meet that demand. I have actively taken my concerns regarding today’s trade issues straight to President Donald Trump, U.S. Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. 

Supporting Judge Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court
 

Last week, I met with Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Following the meeting, I announced my support for Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court.

Judge Kavanaugh has a great legal mind and a solid reputation. After meeting with him, I am confident he will uphold the values of the Constitution to the highest standard. 

Aside from discussing his work during the past 12 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, we also discussed our coaching backgrounds. Judge Kavanaugh currently coaches basketball for both of his daughters, and I coached basketball for both of my daughters! I appreciated that special time in my life and was pleased to learn of his enjoyment for coaching and his fondness for seeing his girls succeed. 

Judge Kavanaugh is a good man, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to meet with him and vote on his merits, instead of obstructing his nomination because they do not like the President.

KC-46 Tankers Heading to McConnell Air Force Base
 

This month, I had a great discussion with U.S. Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson where we discussed the first new KC-46 tankers that are heading to McConnell Air Force Base this fall.

McConnell Air Force Base is scheduled to receive the first four Boeing KC-46s for delivery and will be home to a total of 36 of the aircraft. 

Since 2001, I’ve been leading the charge in Kansas to replace the Air Force’s aging tanker fleet with an American-made plane. 

The KC-46 replaces the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a fleet of aircraft more than 60 years old. 

Accepting Intern Applications for Fall 2018
 

My office in Washington, D.C. offers internships throughout the year and we are now accepting internship applications for fall 2018. The internship program provides a unique opportunity for students to work closely with my staff and assist my office in representing Kansans in Congress and experience the federal government in action.

Interns in Washington, D.C. carry out responsibilities such as researching legislation, attending hearings, conducting tours of the U.S. Capitol, assisting with constituent concerns and mail, answering phones and providing support to the administrative and communications staff. 

If you are interested in learning more about our internship program, click here. 

The deadline for fall applications is August 15, 2018. 

Roberts’ Website, YouTube and Facebook Sites for Updates

Keep up to date with Senator Roberts online by following him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. It’s a great place to find photos, interviews, videos, speeches, and hearings.