Listening is Key

John Marshall, the longest serving Supreme Court Justice in history, once noted that, "To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well." Indeed, throughout my time in Congress, I have believed you can learn a lot more by listening.

That's why I enjoyed travelling the Sixth Congressional District throughout the month of August. At every stop, dozens of people were ready with their suggestions and ideas on how to make things better in our country.

Along the way, I held numerous Town Halls and Forums to hear your thoughts, take your questions, and update you on what House Republicans are doing to revive our economy, get government out of the way, and repeal Obamacare.

I met with business owners from Lee's Summit to Louisiana who are concerned about the crushing burden of limitless regulations and an uncertain tax system. I also held a Small Business Committee field hearing in St. Joseph about the management of the Missouri River, to hold the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accountable for its actions.

Throughout all of this travel, it was abundantly clear that the people of the Sixth District are paying close attention to what is happening in Washington. As a result, there is a lot of frustration and anger out there because Washington does not appear to be listening.

I take these opportunities to travel the district seriously because they put me in touch with so many people at once. I find that your comments are critical in developing a legislative agenda that truly reflects the values of our state, and I will keep them in mind as Congress begins its work again this September.