Ad astra per aspera
Dear Friend,
Ad astra per aspera.
The Kansas state flag bears this motto, which translates to “to the stars through difficulties.” As Tuesday marks the 152nd birthday of our great state, we remember that Kansas was born in the defense of freedom, life, and liberty. We remember that times have not always been easy in Kansas, but even when times are tough, we do not give up. It is in our blood to stand for the Truth – no matter the cost.
In your Washington, D.C. office we have a print of the John Brown mural that is in the Kansas State Capitol. It is a constant reminder to us not only of Kansas, but of the persistence to put everything on the line for what is right – even when doing so draws criticism. It is common for many in Washington these days to avoid real solutions, especially if the alternative might mean a bad news story or a political challenge. That type of mentality is what has led to the nation’s fiscal crisis and the deterioration of the family in society. For me, it’s the old adage – take the job seriously, but not yourself.
Taxpayers, the Next Generation Deserve Follow-Through
No new debt without spending decreases. Sounds simple enough, right? Unfortunately, that common sense idea did not resonate in Washington this past week.
On Wednesday, the House passed legislation to lift the debt limit and to allow the U.S. Treasury to borrow unlimited funds to cover obligations through May 18, 2013. I could not support an increase in the debt limit without any spending cuts. But, the irresponsible Senate Democrats have not passed a budget for nearly four years, and President Obama has refused to provide any solutions to Washington's overspending problem. So, House Republicans have been left to provide the only fiscal leadership in our nation's capital. While voting No on this measure, I was still encouraged by House Republican leadership's commitments to pass a balanced budget this spring that balances at least within ten years.
It is my every intention to make sure that leadership is held accountable for this promise – and others. Today’s taxpayers deserve it. The next generation is counting on it.
Thank you to our Pro-Life Warriors
This week marked the 40th Anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade decision. My wife, Angela, and I have been active in the pro-life movement for years (including as the adoptive parents of four children), and we would like to thank the millions of Americans who every year march in Washington or in their state capitals to mark the solemn occasion. Thank you for standing strong and for your efforts to spread the culture of life. After 40 years battling for the lives of unborn children, we are now also fighting for the constitutional rights of all Americans. By forcing Americans to pay for abortions and abortion drugs and funneling millions of taxpayer dollars to the largest abortionist in the world - Planned Parenthood - President Obama and Secretary Kathleen Sebelius are assaulting our first and most basic right: religious liberty.
Please take a few minutes to watch a very brief floor statement I offered to discuss our experiences with adoption and the need to protect the unborn:
Military Academy Nominations Announced!
I am honored to nominate the following distinguished men and women to attend our nation's military academies. Each has shown a tremendous dedication to his or her school work and extracurricular activities as well as to their communities. These young men and women have bright futures ahead of them, and I have no doubt that they will serve our country well. Academy nominees include:
- Eric Albers (Oakley), son of Chris and Terri Albers; Nomination to USAFA
- Gabrielle Briggs (Salina), daughter of Dauane and Laura Briggs; Nomination to USAFA, USMA, USNA
- Nicholas Deterding (Lindsborg), son of Todd and Christine Deterding; Nomination to USNA
- Bryce Divis (Great Bend), son of Stephen and Dixie Divis; Nomination to USNA, USAFA, USMA
- Cory Donley (Salina), son of Clay and Jana Donley; Nomination to USNA, USAFA, USMA
- Grant Garst (Inman), son of Billy and Tamara Garst; Nomination to USAFA
- Jacob Gesling (Sublette), son of Michael and Karen Gesling; Nomination to USNA, USAFA, USMA
- Jared Hachmeister (Natoma), son of Kenneth and Sheila Hachmeister; Nomination to USNA
- Matthew Helm (Norcatur), son of Michael and Deb Helm; Nomination to USNA, USAFA, USMA
- Nicholas Herren (Alma), son of Terry and Patricia Herren; Nomination to USNA
- Brevin Irvin (Garden City), son of Steven and Kathryn Irvin; Nomination to USNA, USAFA, USMA, USMMA
- Peter Jang (Junction City), son of Sang Wook and Soon Boon Jang; Nomination to USMA
- Tyler LaSalle (Garden City), son of Roger and Jennifer LaSalle; Nomination to USMA
- Andrew LeValley (Salina), son of Mark and Clementina LeValley; Nomination to USAFA, USNA
- Matthew McAllister (Americus), son of Lynn and Melissa McAllister; Nomination to USNA, USAFA
- James Meehan III (Dodge City), son of James, Jr. and Cathy Meehan; Nomination to USNA, USAFA, USMA
- Greta Peters (Garden City), daughter of Timothy and Shawn Peters; Nomination to USNA, USAFA
- Cayley Reeves (Junction City), daughter of Oscar and Amber Alvarez; Nomination to USAFA
Upcoming Town Hall Schedule
I hosted a town hall meeting in Cimarron on Thursday. Thank you to everyone who attended. I invite those of you in other parts of the state to visit one of the seven town halls I will host this upcoming week.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Pottawatomie County Town Hall
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Wamego Telecommunications Company
2nd Floor Conference Room
1009 Lincoln St., Wamego
NEW! Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Barton County Town Hall
10:30am-11:30am
Barton County Community College
Fine Arts Building - Room F-30
245 NE 30 Road, Great Bend
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Cheyenne County Town Hall
8:00am – 9:00am
Cheyenne County Courthouse
212 E Washington St., St. Francis
Rawlins County Town Hall
10:00am – 11:00am
Rawlins County Courthouse
607 Main St., Atwood
Decatur County Town Hall
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Decatur County Courthouse, Courtroom
120 E Hall St., Oberlin
Norton County Town Hall
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Town & Country Kitchen
East Hwy 36, Norton
Graham County Town Hall
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Graham County Courthouse
410 N. Pomeroy, Hill City
Sincerely,
Tim Huelskamp
Member of Congress