Message from Rep. Tracey Mann. Having Trouble Viewing? Click Here. Fellow Kansan, Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! I’m excited to update you on 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 Spring 2023 Internship Applications Are Open! Working in a Congressional office is a unique opportunity for students to learn about the legislative process, the many functions of a Congressional office, and public service. It is my privilege to offer students this truly special experience. Applications for the Spring 2023 semester are now open. Students can apply to intern in my Washington, D.C., Manhattan, and Dodge City offices. The deadline to submit all required materials is October 31, 2022. Applicants are reviewed on a first-come basis. Click here to apply for a Spring 2023 Internship.   Mann.House.Gov House Republicans' Commitment to America A Nation that's Built on Freedom Our nation was founded on the principle of freedom. Washington Democrats, however, have continued to put their partisan wish list ahead of the needs of the American people and, as a result, the prosperity that flows from our freedoms has been compromised. When Republicans earn back the House, we are committed to: Recovering lost learning from school closures and empowering parents to protect their children. Personalizing health care to expand access to affordable, high-quality care delivered by trusted providers. Providing greater privacy and data security protections for Americans.  This is our Commitment to America. ICYMI: Listen to my full message on holding the government accountable and preserving our freedoms below. Learn more about the Commitment to America Policy Plan here.   Mann.House.Gov In the Office Legislation addressing Supply Chain Issues in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Last week, I introduced H.R. 9091, The VA Supply Chain Management System Authorization Act. The bill addresses medical supply chain issues within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that have been attributed to their outdated information technology (IT) systems. Previous projects aimed at replacing the IT systems have failed due to the scope of the projects being too large and not specifically suited to the VA. The VA Supply Chain Management System Authorization Act would modernize the VA’s medical supply chain management system to ensure that veterans can receive their medical care and prescriptions promptly. The bill also ensures that the new IT system has a specific and narrow focus to avoid repeating past mistakes. Veterans put their lives on the line in defense of our freedoms – they should not be left waiting to receive care due to antiquated IT systems. Letter asking questions about new CDL regulations On February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented new Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. Under these regulations, new drivers can only take a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam once they have been trained by an Entry-Level Training Provider certified by the FMCSA. This requirement has forced many small businesses to utilize third-party providers, which can cost thousands of dollars, take several weeks to complete, and has proven to be especially burdensome for agricultural and rural businesses. That is why I led 34 of my colleagues to send a letter to Robin Hutcheson, Administrator of the FMCSA, requesting clarification on the ELDT regulations and mitigating their negative impact while promoting safety on the roads.   Mann.House.Gov In the District Seaboard Energy Ribbon Cutting It was a pleasure to attend and speak at the Seaboard Energy ribbon-cutting ceremony in Hugoton. Seaboard Energy produces and supports the use of renewable energy. They now own and operate two biodiesel plants with a combined annual production capacity of 75 million gallons. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Biofuels Caucus, and as the representative for the Big First District, I support an "all of the above" energy approach in America that includes both fossil fuels and renewable energy, like biodiesel. The Big First is leading the way in bioenergy thanks to local producers like Seaboard Energy. K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus receives gift to Academic Program Last week, the K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus held an announcement ceremony where the Campus received a generous donation from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The donation will be used to construct the new General Atomics Aerospace Innovation Ramp, which will help students learn how to fly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The Innovation Ramp will be built on the south side of the K-State Salina campus, and the site will eventually be home to the Kansas Advanced Simulation Center, the K-State Salina Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence, the Aviation Maintenance Training Center, an advanced composites lab, and a state-of-the-art engineering teaching facility and model factory. Thank you, General Atomics, for your gift and investment in K-State Salina's mission to develop the aerospace workforce. Tour of Ducks Unlimited A huge thanks to Ducks Unlimited Conservation for showing me around their wetlands located in Sublette, Kansas. Ducks Unlimited is the world's leader in the restoration, management, and conservation of wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. I enjoyed getting to see their conservation efforts in Kansas and discussing best policies and practices. Producers at the local level know their communities best, which is why I have and will continue to support legislation that removes federal government overreach and allows organizations like Ducks Unlimited to care for our land.   Mann.House.Gov 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, would like more information about 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. All required materials must be submitted by November 1, 2022. Click here to learn more about Military Academy Nominations and how to apply. Tyler Engstrom, 2021 nominee selected to U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Ian Clark, 2021 nominee selected to U.S. Naval Academy. 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 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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