Happy Independence Day! As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we also honor 250 years of freedom, faith, and the enduring promise of our nation. May we never take for granted the liberties we enjoy or the sacrifices made to preserve them. God bless Kansas, and God bless the United States of America. #America250 #FourthOfJuly

I've secured $23.99 million in grant funding to improve travel and strengthen the connection between Junction City and Fort Riley. The U.S. Department of Transportation confirmed the award to reconstruct Grant Avenue, a major gateway into the city. Congratulations to Mayor Terry Butler, State Representatives Shawn Chauncey and Nate Butler, KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed, city staff, local supporters, and the citizens of Junction City for making this project possible.

Today, I received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Transportation that Junction City is being awarded a $23.99 million BUILD grant to reconstruct Grant Avenue, the city's "front door" connection to Fort Riley. This project will make an enormous positive contribution to the community and will particularly benefit the many people who travel between the Fort and Junction City each day. I am an enthusiastic supporter of this effort and have been happy to help and advocate successfully for these funds. Congratulations to Mayor Terry Butler, State Representatives Shawn Chauncey and Nate Butler, and all the city staff and local supporters who brought this need to my attention and worked so hard to make this project a reality. Thanks also to KDOT Secretary Calvin Reed, whose support and advice have been invaluable. Most importantly, congratulations to the citizens of Junction City who love their great community and are excited to see this improvement happen!

Girls' sports are for biological girls. Common sense prevailed today at the U.S. Supreme Court, and female athletes are the winners.

America is the greatest country in the world because of its strong founding principles - and because of the people who bring those ideals to life every day. Looking forward to celebrating #America250 this weekend!

Great meeting with the Kansas State Nurses Association to discuss strengthening the nursing workforce, expanding access to care, and supporting priorities, including maternal health, veterans' health, mental health, and more. Thank you to Kansas nurses for sharing your insights and for the essential care nurses provide to our communities every day.

Thank you to the Kansas Music Educators Association for stopping by my office to discuss education priorities affecting music programs across our state. I appreciate your advocacy and dedication to supporting music education for kids in Kansas schools and communities.

Enjoyed meeting with Leo Norman, this year's Congressional Art Competition winner and a recent graduate of Pittsburg High School. The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide contest that recognizes and encourages the artistic talent of high school students across the country. Leo's outstanding artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year, representing Kansas’s second district. Congratulations, Leo, on this well-deserved achievement!

Had a great meeting with Kansans active with the American Horse Council to discuss important issues affecting horses and the people who care for them. We talked about protecting horses from abuse, addressing veterinarian shortages, updating import rules for competition horses, and preparing for animal health threats like screwworm. Thank you for the thoughtful discussion and for your continued support of America's horse industry.

The House passed the bipartisan Main Street Competes Act c-span.org/clip/us-house-of-…

Democrats blame fuel costs for Spirit Airlines declaring bankruptcy. @RepDerekSchmidt explains that antitrust enforcers were aware jet fuel was the SAME PRICE in 2022 when the merger was proposed and rejected under the Biden-Harris Administration.

Big win for Main Street. Yesterday, the House passed my bipartisan Main Street Competes Act, helping Congress better understand the marketplace challenges small businesses face and identify ways to create a more level playing field. Small businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen our communities. I'm hopeful the Senate will take up our bill and pass it.

I enjoyed meeting with Kansans involved with Clean Fuels Alliance America to discuss renewable fuels and how they support American energy production, farmers, and rural communities. We also talked about legislation to expand the use of cleaner fuels in cargo ships and other large ocean-going vessels, as well as sustainable aviation fuel. Thanks for the productive conversation.

In communities big and small across our 2nd District, I hear the same concern: we need more affordable, quality housing for working families. Too often, outdated federal programs and unnecessary red tape stand in the way. Tonight, the House took an important step forward. On a bipartisan vote, we gave final approval to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the most significant modernization of federal housing programs in a generation. The bill streamlines regulations, updates outdated policies, and helps remove barriers to new housing construction. No bill is perfect, but this legislation will make it easier for builders and developers to invest in our communities and create more housing opportunities for Kansas families. I'm grateful Congress came together to get this done, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.

Good news for small businesses. The House just passed my bipartisan Main Street Competes Act. Small businesses are the foundation of our economy, and they deserve a fair chance to compete. This bill will help Congress better understand how we can level the playing field for small businesses. Proud to work with @RepScholten on this effort.

Kansas farmers and ranchers need reliable access to USDA services. The bipartisan USDA Field Office Stability Act, which I introduced with @RepDavids, helps keep local USDA offices open and staffed so rural communities aren't left behind.

Good visit and discussion at the Pittsburg Police Department. I back the blue and am grateful for those who serve to keep our communities safe.

Great to see everybody this weekend at the SEK Inc. legislative dinner. From expanded child care options to new housing to more opportunities for career and technical education, good things are happening in Southeast Kansas! Thanks to all who are working so hard to benefit our communities.