Fort Leavenworth Town Hall Meeting

Over the Memorial Day Congressional break, Senator Roberts held a town hall meeting in Leavenworth attended by more than 250 Kansans who shared their strong opposition to the President’s decision to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (Gitmo), possibly placing terrorists at Ft. Leavenworth. The residents were overwhelmingly concerned about putting their community at risk. Roberts listened to their views and answered questions regarding the suggestion to house terrorists at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks (USDB). "The opposition was loud and clear from local leaders, members of the prison workers’ union and residents of Leavenworth and surrounding towns. President Obama and the Gitmo Task Force need to be aware of the implications of any decision to transfer terrorists to the heart of a community in Kansas," Roberts said after the meeting.

Senator Roberts toured the USDB at Ft. Leavenworth before the town hall meeting, further validating his opposition to house terrorists there due to the external threats to those who live and work there, including 1700 school children, and the people of the greater Leavenworth area. Roberts, a former Marine, has also visited the detention center at Guantanamo Bay in 2005.

Senator Roberts recently launched an online petition to convey to the Obama Administration the widespread opposition of Kansans to the closing of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the transfer of terrorists to American communities like Leavenworth, due to the unnecessary risks it presents to all Americans. Kansans can join Senator Roberts in opposing the closing of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the transfer of terrorists to American communities such as Leavenworth, Kansas, by visiting the Senator’s homepage and clicking on the "Gitmo" button on the lower left side at the following web address: https://www.roberts.senate.gov/ .

As a member of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, Senator Roberts recently stood up for military members and their families’ voting rights at a hearing, to ensure the votes of servicemembers and their families are counted while they serve the nation on deployment. Senator Roberts represents more than 37,000 military men and women stationed in Kansas and said the process needs improvement at the recent hearing: "I find it disappointing that with all the incredible technology we have today, we ask our military to vote the same way they have since World War II. They can check their e-mail, video conference with their families, and even upload YouTube clips while deployed. Despite these advances, we ask them to rely on a disparate system of state rules and requirements, and the mail system to track them down if they want to have a say in our elections. Our servicemen and women deserve more. In fact, I don’t think anyone would disagree with the idea that the men and women defending our freedom deserve the right to have their votes counted. Let’s give them the tools to vote, and once they perform this civic duty, let’s make sure their votes are counted."

Senator Roberts observed Memorial Day in Wichita addressing the Resthaven Cemetary service. At the ceremony, Senator Roberts said, "Let us be reminded of all of our nation’s heroes from current and past battles and honor their sacrifice, as well as their loved ones. We owe them our heartfelt respect and gratitude. And we always will. It is a debt that can never be entirely repaid."

In addition to Wichita, Senator Roberts had several more events over the Memorial Day Congressional break. He attended the groundbreaking of the University of Kansas (KU) School of Pharmacy on the West Campus in Lawrence. Senator Roberts spoke to the Topeka Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting about the latest issues facing Congress to affect the area. Baker University hosted a tour for Senator Roberts and other local officials to see progress on the Baker Wetlands mitigation work that is included in completion of the South Lawrence Trafficway (SLT), which would enhance Kansas’ high-tech corridor between Johnson County and Manhattan. Senator Roberts strongly supports this corridor and secured federal funding to get the process started.

Last week, Senator Roberts visited the University of Kansas Cancer Center and was briefed by Cancer Center Director Dr. Roy Jensen and Director of the Office of Therapeutics, Discovery and Development Dr. Scott Weir, on efforts to achieve the National Cancer Institute - Cancer Center Designation in the coming years and to receive an update on the latest happenings at the Cancer Center. Achieving the designation will improve the cancer care and treatments available to Kansans from Goodland to Pittsburg and many points in between through the Midwest Cancer Alliance which serves the region. Instead of traveling out of state, Kansans could stay closer to get cutting edge treatments. It will be a catalyst in working to bring new research and massive economic development opportunities to this area, particularly when combined with the university’s existing pharmaceutical research and development. Roberts also had the opportunity to view cutting edge drug research and production in the pharmacy at the University of Kansas Hospital. Senator Roberts plans to lead efforts in Washington to promote the Cancer Center’s bid to achieve the National Cancer Institute designation.

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