It’s been a busy few weeks in Kansas and Washington. I’m pleased to fill you in on what I’ve been working on and what it means for Kansans.

Greensburg Fifth Anniversary

Five years ago, hours after the storm hit, I headed to Greensburg with emergency responders. There were no words to describe what we saw; the total devastation; the loss of life. The town had literally been blown off the map. We went to work that day. All of us on the local, state and federal level pledged to the city that we’d work with them to bring Greensburg back.

We were pleased to help expedite emergency assistance, as well as rural development grants and funds for public facilities. Piece by piece and with great resolve, it has happened thanks to so many who refused to give up.

As Greensburg continues to mourn those who were lost on that tragic day, they also have reason to celebrate how far they have come. Greensburg continues to be stronger, better, greener, and an example to cities throughout the country that are rebuilding in the face of tragedy.

2012 Farm Bill Moving Forward

The Senate Agriculture Committee just recently passed a bill out of its jurisdiction that will affect every single American – and save billions of dollars.

The Farm Bill, which directs federal spending on farm programs and nutrition programs, expires in September. So, as the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’ve been hard at work with members of the committee drafting a new one that reduces spending on agriculture programs by over $23 billion, strengthens the safety net for producers in need and streamlines nearly 100 redundant and costly programs.

The Farm Bill affects the way Kansas farmers and ranchers do business – which eventually rolls over to your dinner plate. It includes things like food assistance, crop insurance and rural development. You can click here to watch a short behind the scenes clip from the day the legislation was passed out of the committee.

Thanks to our farmers and ranchers for their tremendous input as we drafted this bill. We’ve performed our duty to taxpayers by cutting deficit spending while at the same time strengthening and preserving the programs so important to agriculture and rural America. And we’ve done it in a bipartisan fashion with a strong vote by Republicans and Democrats on the committee.

We also had an array of support from farm groups including Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Farmers Union, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Livestock Association, Kansas Soybean Association, Kansas Corngrowers, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers and Kansas Pork Producers.

Is this bill perfect? No. For example, I personally think we could have found more savings in some areas of the bill, but we didn’t have enough votes in the committee. I expect debate on the Senate floor to explore additional options for more spending reductions.

I encourage Senator Reid to bring the bill before the full Senate for debate as soon as possible. Our farmers and ranchers – and all of us – are depending on it.

Meeting with Kansans

Many thanks go to those who stopped by my office in Washington this week to share thoughts, ideas and updates on happenings in Kansas, including the two Kansas youngsters who won the 2012 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for their volunteer work. The winners, Grace Schram from Leawood and Saajan Bhakta from Wichita, are pictured below with their parents.

It is always nice to see Kansans. And everyone is always welcome. You can click here for more pictures from the last few weeks.

Looking Forward

In just a few weeks, the Senate will head into its Memorial Day Congressional work period. I’m looking forward to being home and making many stops throughout the state. On Memorial Day, I’ll be attending a ceremony at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery in Topeka to honor those men and women who died serving our country. I hope you’ll join me in remembering our fallen heroes.

Later that week, I’ll be holding town hall meetings in Neosho, Bourbon and Miami Counties to hear what is on your mind. I often take your advice and counsel back to the Senate and share it with my colleagues in committees, on the Senate floor and with the Administration.

During that week, I’ll also be visiting with the Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Spirit Airlines, Parsons Rotary, and the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, as well as making other stops throughout the state. More details to come. I hope to see you many of you along the way.

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.