Introducing Bill to Block Federal Intrusion on Local Education Decisions

I have introduced a bill to preserve state education autonomy by prohibiting the federal government from coercing states to adopt education standards, like Common Core.  Setting high standards for our schools, our teachers and our children is the right thing to do, but those standards should be decided in Kansas, without bribes or mandates from Washington. We need to get the federal government out of the classroom, and return community decisions back to where they belong - in the community.

My legislation, the Learning Opportunities Created At the Local (LOCAL) Level Act, would strictly forbid the federal government from intervening in a state’s education standards, curricula, and assessments through the use of incentives, mandates, grants, waivers or any other form of manipulation. Learn more about the bill by clicking here.

Sworn into Fourth Term in U.S. Senate

It was an honor and a privilege be sworn in this month to serve my fellow Kansans in the U.S. Senate. I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful to be able to continue that service.

From rising healthcare costs caused by Obamacare to the federal government’s out-of-control regulatory system to the battle against extremists, ranging from ISIL to Putin to North Korea, our nation is facing serious challenges. I intend to hit the ground running in the new Congress, to be productive and tackle these challenges head on. I look forward to solving problems, serving our country and representing the people of Kansas with a strong and  effective voice in the U.S. Senate.

Click Here to Watch Senator Roberts be Sworn into his Fourth Term on the Senate Floor

Elected to Serve as Senate Ag Committee Chairman

I am honored to work for America’s farmers and ranchers as the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. I am proud to bring Kansas leadership to the Committee. I look forward to an aggressive schedule with hearings providing much needed oversight of our farm programs, school meals, the United States Department of Agriculture, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency. I will continue to be a champion for rural Kansas.

Production agriculture must rise to face a daunting challenge: feeding a growing and hungry global population. I will work to see that the federal government is an ally, not an adversary, in this purpose. I will fight to ensure farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to advance American agriculture. I will fight barriers to trade opportunities and regulations that threaten our producers’ competitiveness. And I will continue my work to maintain the security of our food supply and ensure science based regulations govern our food and agriculture sectors.

Fighting Regs that Harm the Economy

In keeping with my campaign promise, I have introduced sweeping legislation to fight overly burdensome regulations issued by the Obama Administration that hurt the nation’s struggling economy. My bill, the Regulatory Responsibility for our Economy Act, would require all federal agencies to review their regulations, and propose a timeline to repeal those deemed burdensome, unnecessary or those that harm the economy or job creation.

As I visit communities across Kansas, there is one refrain echoed by nearly all small business owners, farmers, ranchers, home builders, community bankers, doctors, and pharmacists – the overly burdensome and costly regulations from the Obama Administration hurt job creation, stifle  growth, and generally make life more difficult on hard working Americans,

The federal government has overstepped its bounds, and it is time we rein in the bureaucrats and free the American entrepreneurial spirit from the death grip of the Obama regulators. This legislation forces the Administration to review these regulations and become a partner in America’s success rather than an impediment to it.

Click Here to Watch Senator Roberts Introduce His Bill to Fight Burdensome Regs

President Obama Releases More Gitmo Terrorists

President Obama’s decision to release five Yemeni terrorist detainees from Guantanamo last week was outrageous.  This decision is particularly offensive when the Obama Administration couldn’t even be bothered to show up in Paris to stand with the world against terrorism. The Obama Administration is also simultaneously attempting to rewrite history by refusing to use the term ‘extreme Islam.’ We have an extreme and murderous ideology on our hands, especially in Yemen, and until this President is willing to be the leader we need against this global threat, our nation is at risk.

That is why I was proud to cosponsor a bill to stop this Administration from further detainee transfers to ensure Al Qaeda, ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and other extremist groups are impeded, where possible, from recruiting more fighters. We face recidivism rates at over 30 percent. Now is the time to put national security above politics.

Just last week the FBI thwarted an ISIL inspired terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol. This act of terror, coupled with the terrorist attacks in Paris should be convincing arguments to halt the transfer of detainees.

Congratulating Governor Sam Brownback on Second Term

Franki and I were thrilled to be on hand in Topeka to celebrate Governor Brownback's Inauguration. It was great to see so many friends with such enthusiasm for the future of our state.

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.