This Week In Congress

Statement

Dear Friend,

Welcome to "This Week in Congress." This week's headlines are:

* KU Establishes New Center for International Trade and Agriculture
* Obama Administration Must Keep Working to Bring Peace to Sudan
* Addressing the Radiant Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting in Fredonia
* Congratulating University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little
* Visiting with Maple Hill Residents
* Invitation for 2010 Congressional Arts Competition Reception
* In the Office

KU Establishes New Center for International Trade and Agriculture

On Friday, I was honored to deliver the keynote address at the launch of The Center for International Trade and Agriculture at the University of Kansas School of Law. The program honored retiring Professor Keith Meyer, who joined the law faculty in 1969 and has taught agricultural law at KU since 1975. During my visit, I talked about my opposition to Cap and Trade legislation, my recent efforts to increase trade with Cuba and the need for Congress to take action on the Estate Tax. As a senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture, it is important that I create a better awareness and understanding in Congress of the challenges farmers experience on a daily basis. Protecting and preserving farms and ranches is vital for the survival of our state's economy and our Kansas way of life.

I am confident the Center will make an important contribution to agriculture in Kansas and throughout the country. Thank you to Professor Meyer for the kind invitation and congratulations to him on a distinguished career of academic service.

Obama Administration Must Keep Working to Bring Peace to Sudan

This week, I joined several colleagues in urging Secretary of State Clinton to address a number of urgent priorities in Sudan. The country is in the process of holding its first multi-party elections in nearly a quarter century and early next year it will hold a referendum on the independence of South Sudan. The Obama Administration must stay engaged so that neither the election nor the referendum become a flashpoint resulting in new mass violence.

Another priority for our government is that we focus on resolving the Darfur conflict. I have traveled to the Darfur region of Sudan to see firsthand the results of a government that allows violence, hunger, disease and dislocation to be used as a weapon against its own people.

Addressing the Radiant Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting in Fredonia

All across our state, many Kansans who live in rural areas join electric cooperatives to supply their energy needs. Electric cooperatives are private, independent electric utilities, owned by the members they serve. This week, I spoke to the members of Radiant Electric Cooperative during their annual meeting in Fredonia. Radiant Electric supplies energy for many Kansas residents and businesses in Southeast Kansas.

I spoke about our shared commitment to preserving the rural way of life. The decisions being made in Washington undermine our way of life and threaten the places we call home. As parents and grandparents, we look to provide opportunities for our children and grandchildren. These opportunities become fewer when those in Washington mortgage our children's future through reckless spending today. This is especially true in rural America. I went to Washington to fight for our way of life, and I am honored that you have allowed me to do so. Thanks to cooperative president Don Songer, the Board of Trustees, and all of the employees of Radiant Electric Co-Op for their hospitality. A special thanks to Leah Tindle for arranging my visit.

Congratulating University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little

On Sunday, I attended the official inauguration of Bernadette Gray-Little as the 17th chancellor of the University of Kansas. The ceremony was held at the Lied Center in Lawrence. Chancellor Gray-Little began her tenure last August by succeeding Robert Hemenway, and previously served as the executive vice chancellor and provost at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the past few months, I have gotten to know Chancellor Gray-Little and believe she will be a valuable leader at the University of Kansas. I look forward to continue working with Chancellor Gray-Little.

Visiting with Maple Hill Residents

I have enjoyed being home in Kansas while Congress has been out of session for a spring district work period. Spending time in small towns across Kansas reminds me of what I loved about growing up in a small town -- the sense of community. This week, I stopped in Maple Hill to meet with residents and visit local businesses. I enjoyed conversations with residents at City Hall, Stockgrowers State Bank, Maple Hill Senior Center, Hier Insurance, the post office, Dave's Electric and Maple Hill Elementary School. We discussed current issues and recent legislative activity in Congress. I always enjoy hearing directly from the Kansans I represent, because I gain a better understanding of their views and the ways I can serve them in Washington.

Invitation for 2010 Congressional Arts Competition Reception

I would like to invite all Kansans to join me at a reception to recognize the winning entry for the 2010 Congressional Arts Competition, and the many students who shared their talents. The reception will be held at the Carnegie Center for the Arts in Dodge City on April 18 at 2:30pm. This event will mark the opening of the First Congressional District of Kansas Congressional Arts Competition Gallery Showing, which will run from April 18th to May 2nd. For more information about the competition reception, please contact my Hays office at 785-628-6401.

In the Office

Several Kansans stopped by my office to visit the nation's Capitol this week, including Ralph and Doloris Geist of Sterling, Harold and Karen Davidson of McPherson and Pat Sumearll of Plainville. Judy Huffman of Emporia, Justin Huffman of Admire and Shirley Manning and Gary Coats of Osage City were also in for tours.

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