Moving USDA Research Offices to Kansas City

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced it selected Kansas City as the new location for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). I am excited USDA selected Kansas City as the new home for ERS and NIFA. Agricultural research is a critical function of USDA, and I am committed to ensuring we continue to support and strengthen the research mission that our U.S. producers rely on. Kansas City is an obvious choice, as many other USDA agencies in the area partner closely with stakeholders. The vital research that will occur at the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF) and already occurs throughout the KC Animal Health Corridor makes Kansas City a natural fit. I am pleased that USDA recognizes the rich resources the heartland provides.
 

As USDA was finalizing its decision on which of three finalists would become home to ERS and NIFA, I hosted the Kansas City Area Development Council in my office for a meeting with members of the Kansas and Missouri congressional delegations including Senators Jerry Moran, Roy Blunt, Josh Hawley and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler. We discussed why Kansas City would be the perfect home for these research arms of USDA. Click here to read more about this selection and what it means to the Kansas City area.

Remembering Former Congresswoman Jan Meyers

Congresswoman Jan Meyers was a trusted colleague, but most importantly a friend. I always looked up to Jan and depended on her advice and counsel during my time serving alongside her in Congress. As the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas, she set a great example for future generations. She was kind, caring, honest and extremely well respected in not only the 3rd district, but the entire state. Franki and I are praying for the entire Meyers family during this difficult time.

Meyers represented Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District from 1985-1997. Before being elected to Congress, she served in the Kansas Senate from 1972-1984.

State Flood Tour

While touring NE Kansas recently I was joined by Colonel Douglas Guttormsen, Commander of the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, David Schemm, FSA State Executive Director and Doniphan County producers for a flood tour in White Cloud. From Four State Lookout, you could see how widespread the flooding is in Northeast Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa. 

We then went to Taylor Seed Farm, where local farmer Jason Taylor showed us a levee break and the impact the flooding is having on his farm.

Following the tour, Congressman Steve Watkins and I hosted a floor forum in Highland, where nearly 100 people came to ask questions about the flooding.

Disaster Declaration

Kansas has not only seen devastating flooding in the recent months, but also damaging tornadoes. I sent a letter to President Trump urging him to swiftly add the counties impacted by last month’s tornadoes to the federal disaster declaration. I was pleased to see President Trump approved the Kansas Disaster Declaration and ordered federal assistance for counties that were experiencing devastating flooding throughout the state and added the counties impacted by tornadoes.

Read the full letter here. 

Oskaloosa Town Hall
 

While in Oskaloosa recently, I visited with friends and constituents at a town hall meeting. We discussed agriculture, flooding, health care and trade. The crowd was engaging and asked great questions. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a wonderful event, I always enjoy visiting with my fellow Kansans.

Memorial Day at Fort Riley

Every Memorial Day we take the time to remember all the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I was honored to attend and speak at the Fort Riley Memorial Day Ceremony this year to pay tribute to those our nation has lost.

75th Anniversary of D-Day

For the 75th anniversary of D-Day, I attended the anniversary ceremony at the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer near Normandy, France. As a Marine, it was an honor to visit Normandy and pay tribute to the brave service members who lost their lives during this operation that changed the course of WWII. Without their bravery and sacrifice, the world might be a very different place today. 

This military operation, which is the largest and most complex military invasion in human history would not have been possible without the valiant leadership of Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower, an Abilene, Kansas, native. I’m extremely thankful for Ike’s leadership in France 75 years ago and I look forward to dedicating the Eisenhower Memorial on the National Mall next year, on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, so people from all around the world can pay tribute to Kansas’ favorite son. The D-Day anniversary ceremony was attended by more than 150 veterans, President Trump, French President Macron, U.S. elected officials, U.S. armed service members and dignitaries from our allied partners. To read more about this ceremony, click here. To watch a video about Eisenhower’s leadership during D-Day, click here.

Combating Robocalls

Great news for Kansans came last month when the Senate passed the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act with my support. This crucial legislation provides regulators and law enforcement additional tools to prevent illegal robocalls and punish illegal robocallers. It is time we crack down on robocall fraudsters and block deceptive calls that have bombarded just about every single person I know.

Increasing Nationwide Vaccination Rates

Recently, Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and I introduced the VACCINES ACT, legislation to increase vaccination rates by raising vaccine awareness through a national campaign to combat misinformation. There are currently hundreds of people throughout the country suffering from measles, a disease that is 100% preventable thanks to modern medicine. However, misinformation regarding vaccines has led many to opt out of vaccinating their children, which is causing these illnesses to come back at alarming rates. This legislation will help push back at that misinformation and provide scientific evidence on why everyone should be vaccinated. 

According to the CDC, as of May 17, 2019, there are 880 cases of measles nationwide since January. Measles was declared eliminated in 2000, and this is the highest number of cases since 1994. It is a highly contagious disease and the majority of infected individuals were unvaccinated.

View my remarks on the legislation here.

Committee Hearing on Climate Change

The Senate Agriculture Committee, which I chair, held a hearing recently titled “Climate Change and the Agriculture Sector.” Fellow Kansan, Debbie Lyons-Blythe of Blythe Family Farms in White City gave valuable testimony regarding conversation in agriculture about climate change. From employing genetic testing to determine superior traits that enhance meat quality, feed efficiency, and growth while lessening environmental impact – to implementing grazing management strategies to improve grassland biodiversity, decrease weeds and invasive species, optimize wildlife populations, and reduce erosion – Debbie’s family farm is continuing to identify challenges and proactively address them head on.

View Lyons-Blythe’s testimony here. 

View my opening statement here.

Honoring Colonel Bob Dole

 

I recently attended Bob Dole’s Honorary Promotion Ceremony at the World War II Memorial. The entire Kansas delegation, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Senator and former Secretary of the Navy John Warner attended the wonderful event. Senator Dole was presented with the act of Congress promoting him from captain to colonel in the U.S. Army. There’s no one more deserving of this promotion than Senator Dole, who is a lifelong public servant. Read more about Sen. Dole’s honorary promotion here.

Check Senator Roberts’ Website, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter 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.