Fellow Kansan,
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. I am travelling throughout the Big First meeting Kansans across the district. If you would like more information on what I am working on this week, be sure to follow me on social media.
I do not serve in Congress to be a caretaker in the slow demise of America— I serve to fight and work to make it stronger. That’s what I am doing while believing our brightest days are yet to come.
Yours in service,
| | Click below to follow me on social media. | | Keeping Government Functioning | |
I voted to keep the federal government functioning and open as Congress returns to regular order and finishes the appropriations process. For years, elected officials have come to Washington, D.C. ringing the alarm on our national debt. I applaud President Trump’s bold leadership in being the first president to go line by line through the federal budget and evaluate how our tax dollars are being spent. Now, Congress has to do its part to get our spending under control by passing individual appropriations bills.
The consensus among too many in Washington is that they’d rather see President Trump fail than work together to keep the government functioning and funded responsibly. It is unfortunate that some prefer to grandstand and try to score political points rather than to do what’s best for the country. It is time to stop the political theatre and work together to get our fiscal house in order.
| | Honoring Charlie Kirk's Legacy | |
I spoke on the House Floor last week to remember the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk. Charlie often said that when we stop talking, that’s when violence happens. I don’t want to live in a society where we don’t talk to people we disagree with and instead resort to violence. Our country should carry on the mission that Charlie lived for of open debate in a free society. There is no place for political violence, and it is antithetical to who we are as Americans
To formally honor Charlie’s memory, the House passed a resolution I proudly cosponsored condemning his murder and recommitting to the values he stood for—free speech, faith, and respectful debate. Audrey and I continue to pray for Charlie's wife, Erika, their two young children, and all who knew and loved Charlie. As we look ahead to our nation’s 250th birthday, President Trump has invited Americans to dedicate one hour each week to prayer for our country. I hope we take that challenge seriously. It’s hard to hate someone when you pray with them and for them. In Charlie’s honor, may we each strive to live up to the promise of this great nation.
| | Investing in USDA Rural Development Programs | |
USDA Rural Development programs support infrastructure, economic growth, and access to capital in rural communities across the country. As the representative of 60 primarily rural counties in the Big First District, I know how essential these investments are to keeping our communities competitive and thriving.
During a House Agriculture Committee hearing examining the work of USDA Rural Development, I highlighted the important work Rural Development is doing under President Trump and Secretary Rollins' leadership. I emphasized the importance of providing rural communities with the tools they need to succeed and asked about ways to streamline USDA programs, including how counties could bundle smaller infrastructure projects into a single, coordinated application. This approach could make these resources even more effective and efficient for communities across Kansas.
| | Restoring the American Dream | |
At the heart of the American dream is homeownership and the ability to provide a safe, stable home for your family. Sadly today, nearly 75% of Americans feel that homeownership is out of reach for the average person.
As Co-Chair of the Real Estate Caucus, I introduced the bipartisan Saving the American Dream Act, which establishes an interagency task force to address some of the biggest barriers to homeownership and provide real, tangible solutions that lower costs, incentivize housing production, and restore the American dream for working and middle-class families.
I also cosponsor H.R. 3526, the Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act. This bipartisan bill increases the IRA withdrawal limit for first-time homebuyers from $10,000 to $50,000, reflecting the rising cost of housing across the country. By increasing the withdrawal limit, first-time homebuyers have more flexibility to put down roots, build equity, and plan for the future.
These are two commonsense steps to make homeownership more achievable for working families in Kansas and beyond.
| | Urging Fiscal Responsibility in Washington | |
Our national debt has surpassed $37 trillion—an unsustainable figure that threatens our future. If every household in America were responsible for paying off our debt, every home would owe nearly $289,000. That figure is more than the average mortgage. Kansans understand that this kind of reckless spending would never fly in the real world, and it shouldn't in Washington either.
At the start of his second term, President Trump paused federal spending and reviewed the budget line by line. It was a return to fiscal sanity that folks in the Big First welcomed. House Republicans are committed to passing 12 individual appropriations bills and restoring regular order, but too many in Washington remain focused on political games instead of responsible governance. It’s time to come to the table and do the hard work of getting our country back in order.
| | Deadline Approaching for Military Academy Applications | | Each year, I have the honor of nominating select students from the Big First District to join the ranks of the best and brightest in our nation’s service academies. If you or someone you know is interested in attending a U.S. Service Academy, my office is currently accepting military nomination applications through this Monday, September 29, 2025. For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit my website. | | Last week in Washington, I met with Kansans and industry leaders working in health care, agriculture, banking, and manufacturing. We discussed rural access to care, the future of Kansas agriculture, workforce challenges, and pro-growth financial policy. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from the people who keep our state strong and to bring their perspectives back to the halls of Congress. Thanks for the meetings! | | National Community Pharmacists Association | | Kansas Bankers Association | | Association of Christian Schools International | | Association of Equipment Manufacturers | | International Dairy Foods Association | | National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association | | Transportation Intermediaries Association | | Prairie Star Health Center | | National Head Start Association | | Boys & Girls Clubs of Lawrence | |
As fall begins and Kansans settle into new routines, my offices in Washington, D.C., and across the Big First remain ready to help. Whether you’re planning a trip to our nation’s capital, need assistance with passports or a federal agency, or want to request an American flag flown over the Capitol, we have resources available.
We’re also proud to assist Kansas veterans with accessing benefits and resolving issues with the VA. You can find helpful information and request services anytime at mann.house.gov, or feel free to call one of my offices in Washington, Manhattan, or Dodge City. My team and I are here to serve you.
| | Visiting Washington, D.C.? Contact My Office | |
One of my favorite parts of representing the Big First District in Congress is hosting Kansans when they visit our nation’s capital. If you are planning a visit to Washington, D.C., please contact my office. My staff and I can help schedule tours of the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and answer any questions that you may have.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit my website and submit a tour request form, or call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2715. We look forward to seeing you!
| | Please note: White House tour requests must be requested at least one week in advance. Space is limited and a tour request does not guarantee a spot. | |
Manhattan Office
317 Houston Street
Suite A
Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone: (785) 370-7277
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Dodge City Office
100 Military Avenue
Suite 203
Dodge City, KS 37801
Phone: (620) 682-7340
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Washington, D.C. Office
344 Cannon HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2715
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If I can do anything to help you, please reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
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