Hello,

First, I want to wish a very happy birthday to Kansas’ favorite son, Senator Bob Dole...a great leader for Kansas and our country. Happy Birthday, Bob!

And now, here’s an update on what I’ve been working on recently and what it means for Kansans:

Raising the Debt Ceiling

The debt ceiling debate rages on in Washington. I was very disappointed that the Cut, Cap and Balance bill, which I cosponsored, was defeated on a procedural vote in the Senate today. We have a spending problem in this country -- and we have to cut spending now. Cut, Cap and Balance would have gotten us on the path to fiscal discipline. Over the weekend, discussions among the congressional leaders and the president will continue. We'll be back next week for more votes.

I recently spoke on the Senate floor about our spending problems, saying "It should come as no surprise that the American people in general, and Kansans in particular, reject spendthrift policies. I’m right there with you: I opposed TARP; I opposed bailouts; I opposed the Stimulus; I opposed Dodd-Frank; I opposed Obamacare; and I oppose any increase in the debt limit without real, tangible cuts in discretionary spending and meaningful, structural reform to mandatory spending.

"Every generation confronts a unique set of challenges. The challenge we face today is the $14.3 trillion debt. We have met the enemy and he is us. The enemy today is our unsustainable debt. I am hopeful that we can close ranks to confront this enemy – we owe the American people and our fore bearers no less than a victory in this fight."

You can click here to watch the speech or press play below.

Over-the-Counter Medicines Bill with Jenkins

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins and I have introduced bipartisan legislation that would repeal a portion of the new health care reform law that prohibits people from using their medical savings accounts from buying over-the-counter (OTC) medications without a prescription.

This prohibition takes away choice and flexibility from individuals about how to manage their health care expenses and adds yet another burden to physicians. Rather than promoting cost-effectiveness and accessibility, this provision directs people to potentially more costly, less convenient, and more time-consuming alternatives.

Our bill would enable the millions of Americans who participate in medical savings accounts, such as Flexible Savings Accounts, to use those funds to purchase OTC medications without the added inconvenience and cost of a visit to the doctor just to buy things like cough syrup or allergy medicine. A law that claims to reform our broken health care system should not take away our right to spend our money as we see fit.

Drought Assistance for Kansas Producers

These extreme drought conditions are taking their toll on our farms and ranches. Our producers are running out of forage to support their herds, and without additional forage, the producers would be forced to liquidate. Earlier this week, in an effort to help, I sent an urgent letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking Secretary Vilsack to approve my request for emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) CP25 acreage. This acreage will provide an important feed option for Kansas producers during this year’s extreme drought.

I’m pleased to announce that just a few days later I received word Secretary Vilsack granted this additional relief for producers in Kansas. I thank him for his swift action and hope it provides some help for Kansans who need it.

Contact your local FSA office for details by clicking here.

Missouri River Working Group

While one side of our state is experiencing the worst drought since the Dust Bowl days, the other end is facing hardships of their own with the Missouri River overtopping.

Senators from states up and down the Missouri River formed a group called the Missouri River Working Group to figure out how to manage the flooded waterway and its effects on those who live near it.

We had our first official meeting recently where we discussed FEMA, flood control and flood insurance issues. We also met with Major General William Grisoli and Brigadier General John McMahon from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss events leading to the flooding, the Corps authorized purposes, and the river forecast through the end of July.

The meeting was somewhat unique with a group of 14 bipartisan senators working together around the table on an issue of tremendous importance to the people of our states. That doesn’t always happen in Washington. I considered the meeting a success.

I also introduced a bill this week that I hope helps with future flood events. My bill would require the Army Corps of Engineers to take into account all precipitation data from this year's record levels in making any future plans to help reduce the risk of future flood events.

NBAF Developments

Last week in Shawnee, Kansas, Governor Sam Brownback made a announcement with me about a special committee he is putting together to help with the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan. I’m honored that he has asked me to chair the newly created NBAF Steering Committee. Together we’ll coordinate the state’s efforts in building NBAF in Kansas and transitioning research currently at Plum Island to Manhattan. I'm pleased to have Sam back home keeping a watchful eye on NBAF’s developments. Together we’ve been immersed in efforts to bring NBAF to our state for a long time, and I am honored to continue being a driving force in that effort.

I have no greater priority than ensuring our food, farms, ranches, and communities remain safe from biological attack. Our national security is always foremost in my mind. Our national security is always foremost in my mind. As we continue to move forward with the developments of NBAF, I look forward to the day when we can finally climb on that pile of dirt next to the bulldozers and celebrate.

Kansans Visit Washington

When I'm working for Kansas in Washington, I appreciate that Kansans take the time to visit. Let me highlight just a few of my recent meetings:

First up, thanks to the new Commanding General at Fort Riley, Major General William Mayville, for stopping by. I had a good visit with the Kansas native, and I look forward to another visit soon.

I was pleased to talk with Susan Eisenhower, a long time friend, and granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. We had a good visit about her grandfather – the leadership he brought our country, the eight years of peace and prosperity (we could sure use that again!), and his love for Abilene. We also talked about the work of the Eisenhower Commission to bring the monument to Ike to life.

I also met recently with Kansans representing the Kansas Soybean Association. They updated me on the latest issues important to the soybean industry in Kansas and across the country. We discussed the budget, biodiesel tax credit, free trade agreements, waterways, and onerous new regulations related to agriculture. As we begin to move forward with the next Farm Bill, it’s good to have their feedback and input.

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.