Hello,

The blizzards in Kansas hit hard (although the moisture was certainly welcome). In Washington, it’s been a storm of scare tactics from the Obama Administration as we prepared for the sequester. Here’s an update: 

Sequester Scare Tactics

Washington should be more than capable of cutting less than three percent of the nearly four trillion dollar federal budget. In fact, considering our staggering national debt and the dramatic increase in federal spending under President Obama, we should be able to cut more. However, the Obama Administration can and should choose to make spending cuts without jeopardizing public safety by threatening to shut down meat inspection or reducing air traffic safety personnel.

When Kansas families sit down to determine their budgets, they choose to pay the electric bill and pass on the lattes. Not so in this Administration. They have decided to let the lights go out.

I am disappointed the President won’t work with Congress to find more responsible alternatives to the sequester. We can do this by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse and making sensible cuts to auto-pilot spending. I voted on legislation this week to do just that – the president’s demand for higher taxes is not the answer.

I wanted to share with you the editorial in today’s Topeka Capital-Journal on this topic: HERE

Father Emil Kapaun to Receive Medal of Honor
Late last week, after working many years to help bring this to fruition, I was pleased to join both current and former members of the Kansas congressional delegation in announcing that Father Emil Kapaun will receive the Medal of Honor for his service and sacrifice during the Korean War.

It is a quintessential American story: Father Kapaun, from Pilsen, Kansas, served as an Army chaplain during the Korean War where he was taken prisoner along with other American soldiers. While in the prison camp, he cared for sick soldiers, washed them, shared his food with them, and inspired them with his unfailing faith and acts of generosity until his death in May 1951. Fellow soldiers who benefitted from or witnessed the many examples of Father Kapaun’s service shared the stories of his heroism after their release.

I have been especially moved by the stories of those who served with Father Kapaun and witnessed his acts of extreme valor. These soldiers have been waiting for this award for a long time, and now we have confirmation that the Medal of Honor will be posthumously awarded to their friend and hero. I am honored to have been a part of effort.

NBAF Takes Another Big Step Toward Completion
This week I was thrilled to help announce that the Department of Homeland Security awarded the construction contract for the Central Utilities Plant (CUP), a critical step forward for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas.

This was the next step in a long process we have all been working hard to achieve and moves us closer towards NBAF’s reality as the nation’s premier animal health research laboratory. We will continue to monitor each step in the process to ensure NBAF remains a top national security priority. Construction of the CUP is expected to be completed in two and a half years.

Voting Against Jack Lew for Treasury Post
I voted against the confirmation of Jack Lew, the President’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Mr. Lew’s failure to answer the most basic questions about his investments in offshore accounts or his tenure on Wall Street was deeply disturbing.

Most startling to Kansans, however, was Mr. Lew’s inability to explain this Administration’s hypocrisy with regard to general aviation. At campaign stops, President Obama repeatedly decries general aviation as a tool for ‘corporate fat cats’ but in response to questions, Mr. Lew acknowledged these aircraft are used by lower level employees to increase efficiency and to facilitate key business functions. Mr. Lew himself benefitted from increased efficiency of General Aviation when he worked in the private sector. As our economy continues to struggle, the top post at Treasury is immensely important and with regret, I don’t believe Mr. Lew is the best fit for this post.

The Washington Post column sheds some interesting light on this nomination: XXX

Click Here to Watch

1,400 Days and Counting
Wednesday marked the 1,400th day since the Democrat-controlled Senate passed a budget. 1,400 days without a budget is 1,400 days without leadership. This President won’t submit a budget worthy of a single vote, and the Senate Majority Leader prefers to handle major decisions behind closed doors. Our economy is faltering, our job creators have no certainty, a devastating drought is withering our crops, and Majority Leader Reid is obstructing Congress’ ability to set its priorities, establish baselines and craft long term solutions. This lack of leadership may provide political cover, but it is a dysfunctional way to run a government. The American people are paying the price. They deserve better.

Kansas Town Halls a Huge Success

I want to thank all of the Kansans who made it out to my town hall meetings last week. We just beat the snow and were able to meet with great crowds in Iola, Garnett and Ottawa. I particularly enjoyed teaming up with my colleagues Senator Jerry Moran and Congressman Kevin Yoder for a joint town hall in Olathe.

Listening to Kansans is one of the most important aspects of my job. I always take what folks tell me at my town halls back to Washington with me as I craft new legislation and cast votes on your behalf. Thank you again to everyone who made it, and if we couldn’t connect this time, visit my website soon for the next town hall dates and locations.

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.