Roberts Report

The 115th Congress is well underway. We have held several confirmation hearings in the Senate, confirmed Cabinet positions, introduced numerous pieces of legislation, and inaugurated a new president. I am looking forward to working with President Trump and a Republican majority in Congress to make effective change for Kansans and improve the lives of all Americans.

It’s been great to hear from so many Kansans this month on all of these important issues. The phones have been busy, but don’t forget you can always email me or reach me on social media (Facebook or Twitter).

Confirming Supreme Court Nominee Neil Gorsuch

I congratulate Judge Neil Gorsuch on his nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. The American people voted in November knowing the responsibility of the next president to fill the Supreme Court vacancy. President Trump has selected a person who he believes will carry on in the tradition of Justice Scalia and uphold the values of the Constitution to the highest standard. I believe that is exactly the type of justice we need. I look forward to meeting Judge Gorsuch and hope for a swift confirmation.

Reducing Burdensome Regulations

Relief from burdensome and costly Obama-era regulations is in sight. In addition to President Trump’s rollback and the Senate’s work to block last minute Obama administration regulations, I have introduced a bill to prevent future regulatory abuse. My bill requires cost-benefit analysis of regulations and ensures that stakeholders have plenty of chances to weigh in on regulations that affect their businesses and livelihoods. It gets rid of loopholes exploited by the Obama Administration to ignore public comment, which allowed them to ram through a political agenda at the expense of our economy and jobs. Farmers, ranchers and other businesses up and down Main Street should have a partner in government, not an adversary.

I wrote a letter to the editor on this issue, which you can read in the Topeka Capital-Journal.

Meeting with Fort Leavenworth Command General Michael Lundy

It was an honor to meet with Lieutenant General Michael Lundy, Commanding General at Fort Leavenworth and the Combined Arms Center. He gave me an important update on what’s happening at the base and in the Army.

Catching up with K-State President Gen. Richard Myers

I also had the pleasure of meeting with my friend and now K-State President General Richard Myers. It was great to hear what is going on in Manhattan, his priorities as president, and of course talk K-State basketball. I look forward to visiting campus later this month. Go Cats!

Beginning the Process of Repeal and Replacing Obamacare

The Senate voted last month to begin the process of repealing and replacing Obamacare. It is important to make clear that even if Congress and the incoming administration were to do nothing amending or repealing parts of the Affordable Care Act, the law is not working.  The prices are unaffordable and the markets are nearly nonexistent - with few to no options in several states and counties.

Now, we have the opportunity to do something about it. We have been saying for seven years that we would fight this law. The Congress has listened to the American people. We can do better, and we will do better. I’m proud to sit on both the Senate Finance Committee and the HELP Committee, where we will work towards solutions that move health care away from Obamacare and toward a more affordable system where health care decisions are made by patients and their doctor. I will fight to ensure patients and providers are left with a system that make sense and improves access to care for all Americans.

Getting Started on the Farm Bill

I’m honored to serve as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee again this Congress. It’s time to get to work on one of the most important things we do in this committee – the Farm Bill. We’re heading straight to the heartland in a few weeks to talk directly to producers. I can’t think of a more appropriate venue to hold this hearing than Manhattan, Kan., the home of Kansas State University, the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and Kansas Farm Bureau. Our producers have had time to employ the programs in the current Farm Bill, and they have a lot to say. We need clear direction on what is working and what is not working in farm country, and we will be listening to see what needs to be adjusted. I will put farmers and ranchers first in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

I also had the opportunity to meet with former Gov. Sonny Perdue, the president’s nominee to be Secretary of Agriculture. We have had several good conversations, and I look forward to his confirmation hearing.

Ending Taxpayer Funding for Abortion

Approaching the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I introduced the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.” This bill would establish a permanent, government-wide prohibition of taxpayer funding for abortion. The legislation also requires all plans offered under Obamacare to disclose whether they cover elective abortion procedures. Too many Americans unknowingly pay for abortion services covered under their health care plan. This bill protects the rights of consumers to choose a plan that is in line with their beliefs and values.

Mike Pompeo Confirmed as Director of Central Intelligence

Kansans can be proud Mike Pompeo will lead the Central Intelligence Agency. He has the experience, knowledge and judgment the CIA needs. At a time when democracy and freedom are under assault by radical elements fueled by hatred, our intelligence gathering services must have a strong leader who will guide their mission and ensure the safety of the American people – and not be swayed by political interference. Mike Pompeo is that kind of leader.

I introduced Director Pompeo at his nomination hearing and spoke on the Senate floor prior to his confirmation vote. Congratulations, Director Pompeo!

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 my YouTube page. 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.