October 8, 2011

Hello,

It’s been a busy few weeks here in Kansas and Washington, and I wanted to give you an update on what I’ve been working on recently and what it means for Kansans:

Walk of Honor

Last week I was privileged to share a few words at a ceremony on the grounds of the statehouse honoring my good friend, Senator Bob Dole. He is the first Kansan to be inducted into a new initiative started by Governor Sam Brownback, called the “Walk of Honor,” which includes a newly dedicated plaque bearing his name. As a WWII hero, Bob Dole is a living legacy. As a member of the Greatest Generation, his incredible history is well known to fellow Americans nationwide. Bob set the bar high as the longest serving Republican Senate Majority Leader. He was known as a pragmatic Midwesterner who was respected on both sides of the aisle and a master consensus builder. He led by example, encouraging fellow members to express their convictions without hostility and allow for disagreement without declaring war on the floor of the Senate. It is only fitting that he is the first honoree of the Kansas Walk of Honor.

Interchange

In Shawnee, the roads are a little safer after last week’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the K-7 and 55th Street/Johnson drive Interchange. This project is a big deal for Johnson County. It is a critical investment in Shawnee; creating jobs, safer roadways, improved traffic flow, and economic development for the entire area. I understand the importance of infrastructure improvements to the quality of life in one of the fastest growing cities in the fastest growing county in the state. This project is another symbol of progress in Johnson County, and I am proud to have helped play a role in getting it done.

Trade Agreements

I’ve said all along that the pending trade agreements with Korea, Columbia, and Panama are critical to our economy. Finally, the President has heeded our call to create jobs by sending the trade agreements to the Congress for a vote.

As the aviation capital of the world, Wichita’s aviation companies and 17,000 workers have much to lose in trying to compete against the EU. The three pending agreements represent billions of dollars upon full implementation, and are expected to increase direct exports by $129.5 million dollars for Kansas Ag producers. The bottom line is U.S. companies must be able to compete in foreign markets to survive and create jobs.

We intend to pass them and provide a real jobs solution to the American people.

Visitors

This week, more than 100 veterans from Kansas came to the WWII Memorial as part of the Honor Flight program, which, as many of you know, Senator Bob Dole began. It was a beautiful, sunny day in Washington, D.C., and was made even better when Bob and Elizabeth Dole stopped by to say hello. Senator Jerry Moran was there too. It is always special to visit and chat with our nation's heroes at this very extraordinary monument, which has become a Mecca not really expected or predicted – where veterans whose heroic efforts and sacrifice preserved our freedoms – now come by the thousands. We were sure glad to have our Kansas veterans here this week.

Ask Pat

There’s a lot going on in Kansas and Washington these days, everything from trying to slash the national debt to putting together the next Farm Bill, and there’s much more happening in between. I know you have a lot of questions about everything that’s happening. So, in an effort to answer them, I’m launching a new Facebook feature called, “Ask Pat.” You can click here to learn more about it.

So, ask me anything you’re curious about -- what I think about repealing the new health care law, what’s in the next Farm Bill, or even what they’re dishing up in the Senate cafeteria today. I’ll do my best to answer via video as many of your questions as I can. Feel free to submit a question on the form listed here, or send me a video with your question. And stay tuned! You’ll find all my answers on my Facebook page.

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 www.youtube.com/SenPatRoberts. 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.

If you wish to contact me about an issue or want more information, please visit my website, roberts.senate.gov.