This Week in Congress

Statement

Discussing Wichita Aviation with Industry Leaders

Aviation is an important industry in Kansas. About 20 percent of our state's manufacturing employment is based in the industry. Tens of thousands of Kansans work to produce the best aircraft in the world. On Friday, I participated in a roundtable discussion with leaders of aircraft manufacturing companies in Wichita. We discussed the current state of the aviation industry and how Congress can help support this important sector of our economy. I enjoyed visiting with many leaders in the field, including Bill Boisture Jr., Chairman and CEO of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation; Jack Pelton, President, Chairman and CEO of Cessna; Jeff Turner, President and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems; David Coleal, Vice President and General Manager of Bombardier Learjet; and Steve Wade, Site Executive, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. I greatly appreciate the time each attendee took to provide me with valuable insight into the challenges facing aviation companies.

Some of the challenges we discussed included: how to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration is equipped to properly support and regulate a 21st century aviation industry, the need to reform our nation's air traffic control system and improving the relationship between the aviation sector and the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

Israel and Palestinians Invited to Resume Peace Talks

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced Friday that the U.S. has invited Israel and the Palestinian Authority to resume direct Middle East peace talks on September 2nd in Washington, D.C. Although past efforts to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians have been unsuccessful, Israel has demonstrated both a willingness and sincere desire for peace. In 1979 and 1994, Israel made peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, respectively. In addition, Israel has previously made peace offers to the Palestinians, though they were not accepted.

I am hopeful that an agreement can be reached that results in lasting peace and guarantees Israel's security. To achieve this goal the U.S. must work closely with our ally Israel and refrain from imposing any peace plan. In addition, Arab states should support negotiations by recognizing Israel's right to exist.

During the 20 months since Israeli and Palestinian leaders last met for direct negotiations, Israel has worked to facilitate peace talks by helping the Palestinian Authority improve the quality of life for Palestinians in the West Bank. Israel has removed many West Bank checkpoints and roadblocks and is working with the Palestinian Authority to enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of Palestinian security forces in the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also put in place a 10-month moratorium on the construction of new homes in the West Bank.

Excessive Federal Regulation Threatens Production Agriculture

On Wednesday, I was in Girard to speak at the annual meeting of the Crawford County Farm Bureau. I shared with the group the latest news from Washington, D.C. and talked about the numerous pending federal regulations that could adversely impact agriculture. The biggest threat to production agriculture and other small businesses is over-regulation by the federal government. I will continue to fight further intrusion by the federal government into the operations of Kansas farms and ranches. Thanks to the board and members of the Crawford County Farm Bureau for inviting me to the annual meeting. A special thanks to President Darrin Delange and County Coordinator Mary Ann Schull for their hospitality during the event. Thanks also to the FFA students for joining us.

Speaking to Kansas Adult Care Executives

In order for our state to thrive, Kansans must have access to comprehensive health care networks within their own communities and adult care services are an integral part of that system. On Friday, I was in Wichita to speak at the 38th Annual Kansas Adult Care Executives (KACE) Convention. KACE focuses on challenges faced by administrators in the long-term care industry. I spoke about the relationship between seniors' and veterans' access to quality health care services and the survival of Kansas towns. If we support access to adult care services, Kansans can remain in the communities they love and their kids can return to the places where they grew up to raise their own families.

I also expressed my concern that the new health care law will jeopardize health care access in Kansas because the law fails to reduce health care costs, and Medicare cuts contained in the law are unrealistic and unsustainable. I commend KACE members for their commitment to our communities and appreciate their insight on federal legislation. Thanks to Kansas Representative Bob Bethell for inviting me to this event and thanks to Sara Sourk, Phyllis Kelly, David Haase, Chris Rea and other KACE board members for coordinating the event.

Celebrating East Kansas Agri-Energy's 5th Anniversary

On Saturday, I participated in the 5th anniversary celebration of East Kansas Agri-Energy in Garnett. Over the last five years, East Kansas Agri-Energy has added quality jobs to the Garnett area, while adding value to local grain markets. The plant has also been at the forefront of finding more efficient ways to produce its products. During my remarks, I spoke about the prominent role of biofuels as a component of the U.S. transportation fuel sector. Last year, biofuels displaced billions of dollars in crude oil imports. This is money spent in rural communities rather than in countries unfriendly to the U.S. Thanks to Steve Gardner for the invitation and hospitality during the event.

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