Defending Patient Privacy Under Obamacare
One of my paramount concerns with the catastrophic Obamacare roll-out is the impact the disastrous HealthCare.gov website will have on private patient health and financial information. That’s why I have called for a full accounting of security measures for the collection and storage of personal health and financial data in the Obamacare exchange.

We know medical doctors have to safeguard this private information. It is part of the doctor-patient relationship. If a doctor or insurer acts inappropriately with your personal health information, there are serious consequences. But what happens to your personal health records within a vast federal website that doesn’t work? Who is looking at that data? Who has access to it? Who is accountable if patient privacy is violated?

If Edward Snowden can access and leak some of our most classified intelligence, we must be concerned about the government’s ability to safeguard personal health information. In addition, we have to ask what the IRS is going to do with it. Doctors take an oath to protect their patients’ privacy. It’s a sacred trust. Who in the federal government has taken a similar oath? Every patient deserves answers to these questions. I will fight to get answers.

Calling for Secretary Sebelius to Resign
It’s been just over a month since the failed launch of the Obamacare exchanges, and I renew my call for  Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius to resign for gross incompetence leading to the complete failure of the exchange to enroll millions of Americans in health care plans as promised.

How long do we let this failed exchange continue to operate? From the very beginning of the bill’s passage, I have said this cannot work. Today we know the problems with the exchanges are systemic, profound and indisputable. And yet the Secretary won’t shoot straight with the American people. In the absence of a full repeal of Obamacare, which is my preference, we need new leadership from top to bottom. I continue to call on the Secretary to resign.

On Wednesday, Secretary Sebelius will testify in front on the Finance Committee to answer questions about the failed Obamacare rollout. If you have a question you would like to ask the Secretary, tweet them to me @SenPatRoberts on Twitter, Facebook them to me at www.facebook.com/senpatroberts or email them to me using our webform at Roberts.Senate.Gov.

Click Here to View

Farm Bill Conference Committee Convenes
The Farm Bill conference committee has begun meeting, and as we continue to work toward a Farm Bill over the next few weeks, I look forward to representing the views of Kansas farmers and ranchers. I want certainty for producers and will fight to protect crop insurance and programs critical to livestock producers who are still suffering due to drought.

We’ve heard consistently from producers in all regions that crop insurance is their number one priority. Our producers are willing to put their own skin in the game to protect themselves from disaster. Entering conference, however, I do have concerns with several Senate crop insurance provisions that unnecessarily duplicate regulation on farmers’ practices and restrict producers’ coverage.

Regarding nutrition and the SNAP Program, the House passed reforms similar to legislation I’ve offered that tightens federal eligibility standards, closes state loopholes and ends wasteful and duplicative programs, without harming benefits to those that most need assistance. Unfortunately, the Senate bill barely scratches the surface with around $4 billion in savings over ten years - from an $800 billion program that was held exempt from sequestration. I will push to achieve real, responsible reforms to the SNAP program in the final legislation.

It’s important we resolve difficult differences in the House and Senate Farm Bills in order to provide certainty and a forward-thinking Farm Bill that is responsible to Kansans, farmers, ranchers, consumers, and taxpayers.

Honor Flights and Veterans
One of the highlights of my service to Kansas is the privilege I have of welcoming World War II honor flight veterans who come to Washington to visit the capital, most especially their World War II Memorial.

For me, the senior Marine Corps veteran in the Senate, to be able to greet the veterans of the Greatest Generation is both an honor and a privilege. I especially enjoy visiting with these veterans personally. We talk about their service career, where they served and the experiences they all remember with a great deal of reverence.

Most of the time World War II veterans don’t talk about what they did to preserve our freedoms and liberties, but when they visit the World War II Memorial, they share their personal stories and memories with their fellow veterans. That time is special to me personally.

I always tell them that when they return home to Kansas, I hope they will share those memories with their friends and families. We need to be reminded of their service and sacrifice.

Every generation must understand that the responsibility to protect our freedom and liberty falls to them. We must, we can and we will do this.Â

This coming Veteran’s Day, look a veteran in his or her eyes, shake their hand, and thank them for what they have done to keep America free. God bless our veterans and God bless our great country.

Spring Intern Application Deadline November 15
My Washington, D.C., office offers internships throughout the year, and our deadline for spring intern applications is November 15th. The internship program provides a unique opportunity for students to work closely with me and my Senate staff while experiencing 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. Visit my website HERE to learn more and apply.

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 Twittersites.

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