Hello,

It’s been a busy few weeks in Washington and Kansas. I’m pleased to fill you in on what I’ve been working on and what it means for Kansans.

Well-wishes

First, my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Harveyville and those affected by the storms. Staff from my Topeka office was on the ground in Harveyville that morning, and we stand ready to help Governor Brownback and local officials.

There were a number of other tornado-like storms around the state that night. I am glad the damage there was less devastating. I know we all feel for our neighbors in Missouri as well as those in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and other states who were hit hard again.

At Home in Kansas

I spent much of February during the President’s Day Congressional work period speaking at events, visiting an elementary school, talking with many of you at town hall meetings and touring local businesses. I even managed to squeeze in a great high school basketball game in Dodge City. I travelled across the entire state listening to what you have to say about your daily lives and how the federal government can help, or in many cases, just get out of the way. I enjoyed seeing so many of you. You can click here for more pictures from my week.

Reading to 3rd graders from Jefferson West Elementary

Townhall meeting in Hiawatha

Kansan Testifies Before Senate on Farm Bill

I invited Hoisington area farmer Dean Stoskopf to testify before the Senate Agriculture Committee this past week. The hearing was about Farm Bill conservation programs, and Mr. Stoskopf discussed the importance of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to Kansas. Mr. Stoskopf is a wheat farmer and a leader in both state and national producer organizations. We appreciated his insight on CRP and what it means for us in regards to the 2012 Farm Bill, especially with the recent drought. I enjoyed meeting with him and his family beforehand. They are the true definition of hard working Kansans. You can click here to listen to Mr. Stoskopf’s testimony.

Post Office News

Good news for Kansas – especially for our postal workers. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has recently announced its decision to consolidate the Central Repair Facilities in both Topeka and Grand Prairie, Texas. This means that after the current contracts expire at the end of 2012, both facilities will be consolidated into one – at the Topeka location.

At a time when USPS is under great pressure to reduce, restructure, and reform their processes, I am delighted to hear good news for our hard-working Kansans. I will continue to monitor the postal service and its review of all facilities.

Good News for Hawker

You may have seen in the news that the Air Force has agreed to review a contract it awarded for a light air support plane. Hawker Beechcraft had been excluded from the competition late last year – without ever being told why. That just didn’t make sense. So, I along with Senator Moran and Congressman Pompeo, pushed for Hawker to get a full debrief from the Air Force on the situation.

With the Air Force’s decision this week to investigate the process for the contract, I’m confident Hawker Beechcraft will get the answers the company deserves. At the end of the day, every competitor wants to know the process was fair. I think with this decision, we are closer to that goal for everyone.

Kansas Agriculture Week

I’m pleased to announce that Governor Brownback has proclaimed March 4 to 10 as Kansas Agriculture Week to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by Kansas agriculture. It will fall in conjunction with National Agriculture Day on March 8.

As the top Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee, providing our farmers and ranchers with the tools they need to be successful is one of my top priorities.

A variety of activities are being held by various agriculture groups throughout the state to commemorate the week. You can click here for more information on Kansas Agriculture Week.

Friends from Kansas

I’ve had a lot of Kansans stop by my D.C. office over the past week. It is always nice to see them. And everyone is always welcome.

American Legion of Kansas

Children’s Mercy Hospital

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.