Hello,

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.

Debating the 2012 Farm Bill

With one out of every five jobs in Kansas related to agriculture, debate on the farm bill takes on added significance. This week, as the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I kicked off debate on the Senate floor for this legislation. This bill represents the final product of numerous hearings (including one I held in Wichita) and months of discussions as we’ve worked to write a new Farm Bill during the most difficult budget climate in our nation’s history.

I am proud to say that Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and I put together a bipartisan bill that strengthens and preserves the safety net for our farmers and ranchers and rural America. Most importantly, we provide $23.6 billion in deficit reduction while consolidating or eliminating at least 100 programs. This is truly a reform bill. No other committee, in the House or Senate, has voluntarily undertaken programmatic and funding reforms and budget savings at this level in this budget climate. Farm country really stepped up to the plate to help with deficit reduction.

That’s why I encourage my Senate colleagues to join with me in passing this bipartisan bill. You can click here to watch my statements on the Senate floor or click here to watch my brief statements at a press conference on the Farm Bill earlier this week.

Honoring Our Fallen

On Memorial Day, I had the privilege of attending a ceremony at the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery in Topeka to honor our fallen Americans who paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our freedoms. It was a beautiful day in Topeka, and I appreciate all those who joined me in honoring the more than one million American men and women who have given their lives for their country since our nation’s founding.

Not a day goes by when I don’t think of the more than 23 million living veterans – who span generations. And we can’t forget to thank the families of those who have or are serving.

Town Hall Meetings

Later that week, I headed to eastern Kansas, where I attended a variety of events, including three town hall meetings in Neosho, Bourbon and Miami Counties to hear what’s on your mind.

The prevalent topics discussed by your friends and neighbors included construction of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), the Farm Bill and the over burdensome regulations our government is placing on your lives and pocketbooks. I value your opinions and thoughts and take them back to the Senate and share it with my colleagues in committees, on the Senate floor and with the Administration. So, I appreciated all those who stopped by to share thoughts, feedback and to fire off questions. More of these meetings are being planned around the state, so stay tuned. Or, you might join one of my tele-town hall meetings, which I hold via conference call when I am working in Washington. Don’t be surprised when I call and ask you to join me. Tele-town halls are on-going all year.

Out and About in Kansas

I also attended a number of events throughout the state over the Memorial Day congressional work period, including the dedication of a new facility at McConnell Air Force Base, where we honored Kansas native son and former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. His name is now placed on the new 184th Intelligence complex at McConnell AFB. It was an honor to be there for this prestigious commemoration.

I was also pleased to catch up with old and new friends with the Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Parsons Rotary, Spirit Aero Systems, CVR Energy, Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, and the Lowell Milken Center. It’s always nice to see so many of you along the way. You can click here for more pictures from these stops.

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.