Remembering 9/11; The House is back in session; and more. Message from Rep. Tracey Mann. Having Trouble Viewing? Click Here. Fellow Kansan, Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I value the opportunity to talk with you about my work in Washington, D.C. and in the First District of Kansas. Please feel free to share this email with family and friends who may be interested. As always, if you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact my office - my staff and I are here and ready to assist you. Yours in service,   Mann.House.Gov Remembering September 11, 2001 21 years ago, our country was shaken to the core by the horrific events that resulted in Flights 11, 175, and 77 striking the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The brave Americans on Flight 93 gave their lives when they attempted to overpower the hijackers of their plane, which crashed in Pennsylvania, preventing what may have been a strike on the White House or the U.S. Capitol. Thousands of Americans lost their lives, and every citizen across the nation felt the impact of the deadly attack on our country. As we honor and remember the Americans who died on that tragic day, we must also remember the days that followed 9/11. Our country was faced with the decision to either surrender our freedoms or preserve them. Rather than buckle under the pressure of the attacks, Americans came together in unity in the days and months that followed. Because we believe that all men are created equal by God, who endows us with inalienable rights that cannot be derived from the government, America will always have enemies creeping in the shadows waiting for a chance to tear us down. We will be faced with a choice: to cower in fear in the face of tyranny, or remember the American heroes who went before us and honor their sacrifice. That is why we will never forget.   Mann.House.Gov The Week Ahead The U.S. House of Representatives convenes on Tuesday for a busy session week. The House will be in session for the next three weeks. Committee Overview: On Wednesday, the House Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing to discuss soil health practices and programs that support regenerative agriculture. On Thursday, the Committee will hold a hearing to review the broadband programs in preparation for the 2023 Farm Bill. The House Agricutlure Committee is also hosting a joint hearing with the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to review rail service challenges that impact agriculture. The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity will hold a hearing on Thursday to review veteran employment, as well as a full committee hearing focusing on abortions provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. House Floor Activity Overview: Typically, Congress passes annual appropriations bills to determine funding levels for the next fiscal year. With the end of the fiscal year approaching at the end of the month, however, Congress will likely consider a short-term continuing resolution to extend government funding at current levels and avoid a government shutdown. In the midst of record-high inflation, Washington Democrats are still trying to push through their partisan spending wishlist. I will continue to fight against reckless spending and work to relieve the economic strain burdening Kansas families and businesses. Legislation up for consideration on the House Floor: H.R. 7846 – Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act H.R. 7735 – Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act H.R. 8487 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2021 Meetings In the Office: Members of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas Wheat Association, and the Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) are visiting Washington D.C. this week. I'm looking forward to meeting with them and discussing issues important to the Kansans they are representing.   Mann.House.Gov In the Office Demanding Accountability from Biden Administration on Afghanistan Withdrawal Over a year later, Americans are still waiting for answers from President Biden about his botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. His failed leadership led to an unnecessary loss of life - including 13 U.S. servicemembers, deserted Americans and allies behind enemy lines, and billions of dollars in U.S. military equipment left in Taliban hands. My colleagues and I sent a letter to the President demanding that he provide long overdue answers to the American people and the 13 Gold Star families who lost their loved ones. Click here to view the full text of the letter. Blocking Federal Funding for Abortion Travel Expenses Even after the U.S. Supreme Court’s rightful overturning of Roe v. Wade, which leaves the issue of abortion up to the states, Washington Democrats are still trying to funnel taxpayer dollars into states where abortion services are offered. I joined several of my Republican colleagues to cosponsor the No Federal Funds for Abortion Travel Expenses Act of 2022, which will prohibit the use of federal funds for abortion services to individuals traveling into states that offer abortion services. Read more about the legislation here.   Mann.House.Gov In the District Kick-off to Kansas State Fair Pictured above: Representative Mann with Legislative Showmanship mentor Kirbe Koons of Lakin, KS, and members of the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive. Rep. Mann was named Reserve Showman. This past weekend, the Kansas State Fair kicked off at the state fairgrounds in Hutchinson. My family and I had a great time seeing all of the excellent showcases and visiting with Kansans from across the state. I was incredibly honored to participate in this year's Legislative Showmanship with Kirbe Koons and Brooke Stine as my mentors. This event allows youth to connect with and mentor a Kansas elected representative. As a former 4-H and FFA member, I was honored to participate and learn from two of the next generation’s agricultural leaders. Some of my fondest childhood memories are from participating in livestock shows during the fair season. My time in FFA and 4-H helped me grow in confidence, taught me responsibility, and encouraged me as I learned skills that have helped me throughout my life. Now, as the representative for the Big First District of Kansas, I’m honored to support efforts that give the next generation the same opportunities. Great job to both Kirbe and Brooke, and good luck to all other participants. Representative Mann and his family with this year's largest pumpkin entry, weighing 1280 pounds - a new state fair record. Representative Mann and his family with the Kansas State Fair Butter Sculpture. Kansas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting While at the Kansas State Fair, I spoke at Kansas Farm Bureau's annual meeting. It is always a pleasure to speak with the state's agricultural leaders and hear their input on the 2023 Farm Bill as Congress prepares for its reauthorization. It was a special pleasure to see Rich Felts, who has served as the President of KFB since 2014 and will be retiring at the end of the year. Thank you, President Felts, for your dedication and advocacy for Kansas agricultural producers.  It was also great to see Kansas State University President Dr. Richard Linton at the breakfast. K-State's innovative research and education programs are important to the future of Kansas agriculture, which is why I'm committed to ensuring the university's agricultural programs remain strong. 2022 Congressional Art Competition Winners Ceremony Staff in my Manhattan office and I hosted a ceremony for our 2nd and 3rd place 2022 Congressional Art Competition winners. They were each awarded a Congressional plaque for their artwork, which are on display in my district offices. Their artwork was selected out of 41 submissions from across the Big First District. I was honored to meet both Elle and Emily and congratulate them on their outstanding work and creativity! 2nd Place winner, Elle Retzlaff, from Rock Creek High School, St. George, KS. Her piece is titled, "Straight Out the Chute". 3rd Place winner, Emily Shaw, from Trinity Catholic High School, Hutchinson, KS. Her piece is titled, "Elephant in the Room". Kansas Eagle Scout Receives Congressional Award Bronze Medal I had the honor of presenting Eagle Scout Janis Curit, from Junction City, with the Congressional Award Bronze Medal. Through hours of community service during his time in Boy Scouts, along with dedication to personal development, physical fitness, and expedition and exploration, Janis achieved Bronze Medal status in the Congressional Award program. Janis also achieved an award from the Boy Scouts of America for Distinguished Conservation Service. It's a privilege to have young, dedicated community leaders like Janis in the Big First District. Wishing Janis the best of luck in all of his future endeavors! Interested in learning more about the Congressional Award program? Visit the website here: Congressional Award Program Manhattan Military Relations Committee Luncheon It was great being in Manhattan to speak at the Manhattan Military Relations Committee monthly luncheon. I spoke about my recent work on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and visited with members of the Fort Riley community. Our nation's heroes and their families deserve the highest quality of support, both in and out of the uniform, which is why I value getting to hear what's important to them. A special thank you to the Manhattan Relations Committee Executive Director, Janet Nichols, for her assistance and planning. Touring Ultra Electronics in Manhattan While I was in Manhattan, I met with the head of Ultra Electronics, Randy O'Boyle, and toured their facility. Ultra is a $20 billion-a-year company that manufactures aviation equipment for both Cessna and the Department of Defense. They have 65 employees in Manhattan and target hiring graduates of K-State. All of their current engineers are graduates of K-State! Many of their current issues stem from the ongoing broken national supply chain. This situation is critical - Congress must pass legislation to help alleviate the strains on small businesses across the country. I am committed to supporting policies that restore the supply chain, rein in inflation, and help Kansas businesses flourish.   Mann.House.Gov Since last January, my staff and I have corresponded with and assisted thousands of Kansans, and we are here to serve you too! Please call my Manhattan or Dodge City offices if you need assistance with federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you would like to share comments or concerns regarding current legislation, or are planning a visit to Washington, D.C., and would like a tour of the Capitol, please contact my Washington, D.C. office. Click here to visit my website. Manhattan Office 121 South 4th Street Suite 205 Manhattan, KS 66502 Phone: (785) 370-7277 Dodge City Office 100 Military Avenue Suite 203 Dodge City, KS 37801 Phone: (620) 682-7340 Washington D.C. Office 522 Cannon HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-2715 Military Academy Nominations As a member of Congress, it is my honor to offer service academy nominations for ten students in the Big First District who wish to pursue a career serving in our nation's military. My office is now accepting nominations for the 2022 class of Miltary Academy Nominations. Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT If you or a student you know is interested in attending one of the U.S. service academies, please visit my website for more information about the nomination process, or contact my Manhattan office at 785-370-7277. Click here to learn more about Military Academy Nominations. Tyler Engstrom, 2021 nominee selected to U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Ian Clark, 2021 nominee selected to U.S. Naval Academy. Click here to learn more about the 2022 Congressional App Challenge. Follow Me on Social Media: CONSTITUENT SERVICES     If I can do anything to help you, please reach out to my office. Sincerely,   Rep. 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