E-Newsletters
An old English proverb says "An empty belly hears nobody." While you can probably relate to a similar scenario, the US Department of Agriculture just doesn't seem to get it.
New USDA school lunch guidelines were meant to fight childhood obesity and get kids more fruits and vegetables. But leave it to Washington to take good intentions and turn them into a massive government overreach. In reality, students are seeing smaller portions, reduced servings of protein, and strict calorie limits. Kids across the country are complaining about being hungry.
Earlier this month, the United States reached a milestone never before seen in our history. Unfortunately, this event was not something to celebrate. On September 4, our national debt surpassed $16 trillion.
It seems that in Washington the mere mention of "fiscal restraint" is like uttering a vulgarity. This attitude has led us to our current predicament where our debt is equal to more than $50,000 for every man, woman, and child in the United States.
Many noteworthy figures in American history hail from the Sixth Congressional District. Jesse James was notorious throughout Northwest Missouri, and today there are museums in St. Joseph, Kearney and Liberty that remember his exploits. Walt Disney developed his love of drawing in Marceline, and J.C. Penney got his start in Hamilton.
Repaying our military veterans has long been a proud American tradition. During the Revolutionary War, the Second Continental Congress enacted the first legislation providing for the long-term care of America's disabled and elderly warriors. Those hurt defending the United States would receive half pay for the duration of their injuries. Later, Congress extended pensions to all veterans who had faithfully and honorably served their terms of enlistment.
Pencils are sharpened, backpacks are packed, and summer is coming to an end. As we send our kids back to school, I'm reminded of the landmark education legislation passed by Congress more than a decade ago that put an emphasis on accountability. It was a way to measure our schools and make sure that our children were learning. It also allowed states to pinpoint schools and curriculums that need extra attention.
Our Second Amendment states "A well-regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." In 1789, this and the other original amendments were drafted by James Madison. Known as the Bill of Rights, they were ratified 1791 and still hold true today.
Our Second Amendment states "A well-regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." In 1789, this and the other original amendments were drafted by James Madison. Known as the Bill of Rights, they were ratified 1791 and still hold true today.
According to Congressman Joe Baca, "The Postal Service's unmatched ability to reach every household and business in America six days a week is a vital part of the nation's infrastructure." I agree and also think a small town post office can often serve as the backbone of a community.
In an effort to save money, the Postal Service had proposed closing thousands of post offices predominantly located in rural areas. The backlash from our rural communities was enormous. The USPS has backed off its plan to close these facilities and instead wants to reduce hours at most of them.
It's a phrase most Americans are familiar with. Inscribed outside the James A. Farley Post Office Building in New York City, one can read, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of theirappointed rounds."
It seems now we have to ask, what about lack of money?
For the first time ever last week, the United States Postal Service was unable to make a $5.5 billion payment for retiree health benefits.
Missouri farmers are working tirelessly through this hot drought just hoping to have a harvest this fall. But no matter the weather each year, the job of planting and of harvesting always takes a lot of time and effort. That's why we need to keep Washington from passing rules that make it more difficult.