Hello,

It’s been a busy month. I’m pleased to fill you in on what I’ve been working on and what’s been happening around Kansas.

Attacks on U.S. Embassies

My thoughts and prayers are with the families and all those affected by the attacks on the U.S. consulate in Libya. The murder of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three Americans serving our country in Benghazi is a tragedy and should be regarded as an act of war.

This attack also reminds us that we must remain vigilant against our adversaries and that our fight against terrorism certainly is not over. Unfortunately, hatred towards the American way of life persists in too many parts of the world. We have lost four more patriots and must not allow the enemy to take another.

I have repeatedly said we need a national security reset. We will not protect Americans serving our country and our national security with apologies. The Arab Spring has evolved into a Muslim Brotherhood nightmare that demands strong resolve and action. I am at least gratified the administration followed their statement of apology by sending in the Marines.

Remembering the Fallen

This week we recognized the 11th anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001. I simply want to say thank you. Thank you to the men and women who serve our country so valiantly. Thank you for fighting to keep our country safe – and free.

We remember the men and women who died on that fateful day 11 years ago. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Our prayers continue to go to their families and loved ones.

Our country is still under threat, and we must be vigilant. Our defense of liberty and our individual freedoms fall to every generation. I hope you’ll join me with a moment of silence to thank those who fight to defend our way of life and the security of this nation. You have the thanks of a grateful nation. You can click here to watch my video statement to Kansans.

Thoughts on Carbon Tax

Congressional Democrats introduced legislation right before the August work period to impose a “carbon tax” on the American people. We’ve been down this road before. It was a bad idea then, and it is now. Let me tell you why.

A carbon tax is an additional tax on the essential fuels that power our economy-- gasoline, diesel, natural gas and electricity. It would cause prices at the pump to increase, electricity rates to go up, and natural gas bills to rise. Because nearly everything we buy is transported by trains or trucks, or grown on farms that use diesel equipment, or derived from oil and gas, significant increases in energy prices will ripple throughout the entire economy.

A carbon tax would be a new tax burden added to commodities that are already over-taxed. The folks trying to sell this idea will spend a lot of time talking about how the revenues from this tax can be offset by reducing other taxes. That is nonsense. Proposed as a small tax, it would be hidden in a way that would make it easy to raise over time, like nearly every other tax.

A carbon tax would be a hardship for consumers and disastrous for the economy, but don’t be surprised if this new tax proposal gets a lot of attention in coming months. As a senior member on the Senate Finance Committee, I will fight this idea at every turn. You can read more about this issue in the Wichita Eagle here.

Visiting the Kansas State Fair

I enjoyed spending time in Kansas last weekend at the Kansas State Fair. If you haven’t made it there yet, rest assured that it is a good, tasty, time.

While at the fair, I spoke at the Farm Bureau Breakfast and held a lively discussion on WIBW with Former Ag Secretary Dan Glickman – we call it “The Pat and Dan Show.” If you missed it, you can click here to listen to the show.

If You’re Going to the Fair…

One more thing about the fair – if you’re wandering around the exhibits let me suggest a few stops you’ll want to make there:

First, come by my booth in the Meadowlark Building where you can find helpful information on the services we provide and meet some of my staff who work for you.

Likewise, I hope you stop by the prostate cancer screening booth hosted by the Hutchinson Clinic and the Prevent Cancer Foundation. My wife, Franki, and I have teamed up with these groups to be the honorary co-chairs of this screening. The clinic and foundation will offer free prostate cancer screenings every day of the fair. It’s a quick and simple test, and can detect one of the most common cancers in America for men. In fact, I got tested there last weekend. I’m smiling in this picture, so you know it didn’t hurt too bad.

On a serious note, this is a critical issue. One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. So this test just might save a life. The booth is located in the northwest corner of the Sunflower South Building.

Kansans in D.C.

This week in our nation’s capital, one of our own was honored as the “Experience Works Outstanding Oldest Worker.” Loren Wade from Winfield is 100 years old and has worked in the Walmart garden center there for the last three decades. Mr. Wade was delightful. His energy and sense of humor made my day. You can click here to view more pictures of my visits with Kansans from the last few weeks.

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.