Kansas Common Sense - Deficit Reduction Committee Fails to Reach Agreement

Statement

Kansas Common Sense - Deficit Reduction Committee Fails to Reach Agreement

Dear Friend,

Welcome to "Kansas Common Sense." Thank you for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.

Robba and I joined many Kansans this week in celebrating Thanksgiving with our family. I hope you and your family also enjoyed time together and had a chance to reflect on all we have to be thankful for as Americans.

Deficit Reduction Committee Fails to Reach Agreement

On Monday, the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction announced their failure to reach a deficit reduction agreement. I share the tremendous disappointment of many Americans as another opportunity to solve our nation's debt crisis passed us by. But, the inability of the super committee to find common ground is nothing new for a Congress that often puts political party above love of country. When I opposed the deal that formed the super committee in August, I did so in part because I believe each member of Congress was elected to make difficult decisions -- and that those decisions should be debated in the light of day.

The super committee's inability to identify $1.2 trillion in savings means that beginning in 2013, that amount will be cut from the budget in defense and domestic programs. While some spending reductions are planned to take place, tackling our country's fiscal problems takes more than a committee; it takes courage. Now more than ever, Congress and the President must work together to address our country's greatest threat: our government's habit of reckless spending. The failure to do so will jeopardize the future of our country and the American dream for the next generation.

Comment on:

Boeing Announcement Regarding Performance Study on Wichita Facility

This week, Boeing announced the company is studying the future of its Wichita facility, and among the options being reviewed is the potential closure of the Wichita site. I was very disappointed to learn this news because of the negative impact the closure would have on hundreds of Kansans at both Boeing and the many companies in Wichita who support their work.

Earlier this year, Boeing was awarded the contract in the U.S. Air Force tanker competition. This was a big win for Kansans because the contract would help bring thousands of jobs to our state. In fact, Boeing has promised publicly and repeatedly in writing that the success in winning the tanker contract would mean "7,500 jobs' in Kansas, including several hundred jobs at Boeing-Wichita for the Tanker Finishing Center. I, along with Governor Brownback and members of the Congressional delegation expect the company to honor that commitment.

Kansans are the right team with the right tools to make Boeing's continued operations a success for many years to come. Moving forward, we will continue to work with Boeing's leadership and employees, as well as state and local officials, to get more information and to develop a plan so it will be easier for Boeing to remain in Kansas.

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