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 the First District of Kansas. It is an honor to represent Kansans in the Big First District in the 118th Congress. 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, and I believe our brightest days are yet to come. Yours in service,   Mann.House.Gov The Week Ahead There's a lot of activity happening in Congress this week. Today, I led 27 of my colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation that would restore exemptions for family farms and small businesses on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You can read more about my legislation under the "In the Office" section. Last night, the House voted on H.Res. 132, Responding to the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023. I voted for, and the House passed this resolution mourning the loss of life, expressing Congress’ deep condolences to the families of the many victims, and applauding the service of rescue and humanitarian workers. My prayers are with the people suffering from this disaster in Turkey and Syria. The House is also scheduled to vote on H.R. 347, the REIN IN Act this week, which will require the Biden Administration to publish the inflationary impact of its executive actions before enacting them. I cosponsor this legislation and look forward to its swift passage in the U.S. Senate. Committees are also busy this week. Today, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing on inflation and burdensome regulation. I asked the witnesses about whether the current farm safety net could provide adequate risk management at a time of record-high inflation, how the Biden Administration’s proposed rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act will harm the American protein market, and how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture can work together on crop protection mitigation to support producers. Check my Facebook and Instagram this week to watch the full clips of my questions and remarks. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also held a mark-up today on several pieces of legislation including a resolution of disapproval regarding the Biden Administration's revised definition of the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) – the largest land grab in modern history and an egregious federal government overreach. Lastly, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing entitled “From Nothing to Something: The Story of the American Dream.” I am proud to represent the Big First on these three committees and in Congress. Meetings in the Office: Kansas State University and Kansas University Student Government Associations American Legion, Kansas Kansas Municipal Utilities Kansas Credit Union Association Boys and Girls Club of America Chamber of Digital Commerce Lineage Logistics Kansas Soybean Association International Fund for Agricultural Development   Mann.House.Gov In the Office Advocating for Students From Family Farms and Small Businesses Family farms and small businesses exemplify the American dream. When young people from these families are applying for higher education financial aid, the assets tied up in the family farm or the small business should not count against them. Today, I introduced the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act, which would ensure that students from family farms or small businesses would not be unfairly penalized in the FAFSA process. Producing food requires an enormous amount of capital investment, from farm equipment and outbuildings to the land itself, and no producer should be forced to mortgage their future to pay for their kids to go to college. For more than 30 years, these exemptions have been the standard, and it’s time to restore them before a new analysis formula goes into effect. This is one measurable way for Congress to support the families who help America thrive. Read more about the legislation here. Click here to listen to Agri-Pusle Daybreak highlighting the legislation. Urging USDA to Hire Agricultural Youth Organization Coordinator The U.S. Department of Agriculture has left the agricultural youth organization coordinator position vacant since June 2022; this is unacceptable. We invest in students today to ensure that agriculture thrives in the future. We will rely on the next generation to produce our food, take care of our land, and think creatively about meeting the challenges of delivering food, fiber, and fuel to a growing population. We must engage with young people now – motivating them to pursue careers in food and agriculture, assisting them with available resources, and involving them in discussions around agriculture and nutrition policy. There is a strong history of engaging the next generation in these policy discussions, like the one we are currently having around the next farm bill. Without someone spearheading youth initiatives at the Department, the next generation is missing from the table. USDA should immediately prioritize hiring the Agricultural Youth Organization Coordinator. The future cannot wait. Click here to read the full letter. Protecting U.S. Agricultural Producers From More Biden Administration Red Tape The Biden Administration has proven that they don’t care about the economic implications of listing animals on the endangered species list. The listing of the lesser prairie-chicken (LPC) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) disrupts the livelihoods of the people who feed, fuel, and clothe us all. The Listing Reform Act, which I cosponsor, would amend the ESA to prohibit its use against the agriculture and energy sectors by requiring the federal government to consider the severe economic costs that often result from the listing of an endangered species. Read more about the Listing Reform Act. Holding China Accountable For Their Intellectual Property Theft China’s theft of American intellectual property costs our country hundreds of billions of dollars every year. The Stop China’s IP Theft Act, which I cosponsor, would prohibit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State from issuing U.S. visas to senior Chinese Communist Party officials and their immediate family members; cabinet members of the Chinese government; and active-duty members of the People’s Liberation Army. These groups should be prohibited from receiving U.S. visas until Americans can be sure that China has ceased efforts to infringe on Americans’ intellectual property rights. Reining in Wasteful Government Spending House Republicans are wasting no time to rein in wasteful government spending, lower the deficit, address inflation, and get America back on track. I support the Audit and Return It Act, which would require the executive branch to audit COVID-related legislation and appropriations and then list the unobligated funds. The bill would then automatically rescind the leftover amounts for the sole purpose of lowering the deficit. We must do more than just talk about how the Biden Administration burns through money; we must take meaningful action that will reverse course for the sake of our economy. Read more about the Audit and Return It Act here.   Mann.House.Gov In the District Salina Student Selected for Appointment to West Point Military Academy Congratulations to Salina native, Riddick Goss on his selection for appointment to West Point Military Academy. I had the privilege of informing Riddick of this distinguished honor over the phone. Riddick applied for a military academy nomination through my office and participated in my nomination interview process last November. Connecting with students in the Big First and offering them leadership and education opportunities like military academy nominations is one of the best parts of my role in Congress. I was honored to recommend Riddick to West Point, and I'm excited to see what great things are in store for him as he pursues the core values of Valor, Duty, and Country. Congratulations again, Riddick! Are you, or is a student you know, interested in attending one of the U.S. Military Academies? Click here to learn more about Military Academy Nominations. Mann Listening Tour Last week, I hosted 14 town halls in 14 counties. Thank you to everyone who met with me. So far, I have hosted 29 town halls in 29 counties as a part of my 60-county Mann Listening Tour for 2023. Washington, D.C. is out of touch with rural America and desperately needs some Kansas common sense. I am grateful for all my opportunities to visit with Kansans, and I appreciate you all sharing your questions, comments, and concerns. It is the honor of a lifetime to serve you in Congress. On Friday, I'm hosting three more town halls in Ellsworth, Rice, and Pawnee counties. I hope to see you there! Click here to see details of this week's Mann Listening Tour. Visiting Kansas Small Businesses and Health Care Facilities Red Barn Enterprises Leoti, KS Red Barn Enterprises in Leoti and owners Matt and Jenny Long focus on the things that farmers can control by creating customized plans to help them achieve long-term goals, support their rural community, and ensure that the next generation of farming succeeds. Matt and Jenny’s small business not only supports fellow farmers and neighbors, but also strengthens the food security of our country. Thank you, Matt, Jenny, and everyone at Red Barn Enterprises for the work you’re doing to keep us fed, fueled, and clothed. Hoxie Implement Company Hoxie, KS Hoxie Implement Company is a family owned and operated small business that has been serving the agricultural community of northwest Kansas since 1962. Small businesses like Hoxie Implement are vital to farming and ranching operations in the community and help ensure that Kansas agriculture remains strong. Thank you to Ed Heim and all the Hoxie Implement staff for hosting me. 21st Century Bean Sharon Springs, KS Located in Sharon Springs, 21st Century Bean is a small business owned by Kansas farmers that processes wholesale dry edible beans grown in Kansas. President Alan Townsend, Vice-President David Leonard, board members Tracy Cox, Bryan McKinney, and Brian Linin, and their entire team strive to provide high quality beans through a modern and efficient cleaning and bulk packaging facility. Thank you to everyone at 21st Century Bean for meeting with me, showing me around your facility, and for all you do for the future of food and agriculture. Mill and Seed Company St. Francis, KS It was great meeting Randy Dinkel, owner of Mill and Seed Co., in St. Francis. Randy gave me a tour of their facility, and we discussed how the business supports local farmers and ranchers by providing quality feed products for all livestock. I am proud of the work you do, Randy! Mill and Seed Company St. Francis, KS I enjoyed visiting with Josh Woters, President of SurePoint Ag in Atwood. SurePoint Ag produces GPS technology and electronics to help agricultural producers apply the right product at the right time in the right place and at the right rate. Founded in 2007, this small business has grown and now employs more than 73 full-time employees. Thank you, Josh, for showing me around the facility and sharing about the great work SurePoint is doing to support Kansas agricultural producers. The Well Coffee Shop Atwood, KS I visited with Jerod and LeAnn, owners of The Well, and learned more about the mission of the coffee shop. In addition to serving delicious coffee, The Well is a non-profit small business that offers educational programs on mental and emotional health and connects individuals seeking counseling with trained volunteers and/or licensed professionals. The mission of this homegrown small business is inspiring. Thank you, Jerod and LeAnn, for your care and service to the community of WaKeeney and western Kansas. Bulldog Coffee Syracuse, KS Jordan Brockhaus Spears and Derek Spears own Bulldog Coffee and Bulldog Pizzeria in Syracuse. I spent time talking with them about issues impacting small businesses like theirs - including workforce shortages, equipment delays and costs, and more. We also spent time talking about the joys that come with creating business in rural communities. I’m honored to represent entrepreneurial small business owners like Derek and Jordan on the House Small Business Committee and in Congress. Colby Health and Rehab Center Colby, KS Health care facilities like Colby Health and Rehab are vital to rural communities in Kansas and across the country. Colby Health and Rehab provides a wide range of services for patients and strives to give them the best possible care. I’m proud to represent Colby Health and Rehab in Congress and will continue supporting legislation that addresses issues facing health care providers and patients, like the current nursing shortage and licensure reciprocity. Greeley County Hospital Tribune, KS Thank you to Trice Watts, CEO of Greeley County Hospital, and Kady Reynold, COO, for meeting with me. We discussed some of the great work that the hospital is doing to care for the Greeley County community and hurdles they are facing as they do so. Health care professionals are heroic servant leaders, and I will continue advocating for policies that strengthen rural health care in Kansas and across the country. Greeley County Hospital Tribune, KS I enjoyed visiting the Wallace County Community Care Center and meeting with members of the staff. The Center has been serving Wallace County and providing the highest quality of care to their patients since 1982. Thank you for hosting me! Highpoint Advocacy Center Colby, KS I enjoyed my visit to the High Point Advocacy Center and my meeting with their Executive Director, Sherry White, and Licensed Addiction Counselor, Joyce Kinderknecht. High Point Advocacy Center provides services to help individuals combat substance abuse and other addictions and provides the community with mental health resources. It offers licensed addiction counseling, certified peer mentoring, and family recovery and emotional support. The staff help with physical recovery and strive to provide caring, supportive resources for emotional health as well. Thank you, Sherry and Joyce, for meeting with me and for the incredible work you’re doing to help individuals and families.     Mann.House.Gov Summer 2023 Internship Applications Now Open My office is now accepting applications for Summer 2023 interns! Our internship program is one of the highlights of serving the Big First District. It is a privilege to offer Kansas students the opportunity to serve our state and learn more about the legislative process. Applicants may apply for the first session (May 22-June 30), the second session (July 3-August 11), or both. The deadline to apply for the Summer Internship session is March 12, 2023, at 5:00PM CT. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND TO APPLY. Questions about the internship program? Contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2715. Follow Me on Social Media: CONSTITUENT SERVICES     Manhattan Office 317 Houston Street Suite A 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 344 Cannon COB Washington, D.C. 20515  Phone: (202) 225-2715 If I can do anything to help you, please reach out to my office. Sincerely,   Rep. Mann | 344 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]