Sam Brownback News

Video: Brownback Speaking at House Call Health Care Rally

2009-11-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

Brownback Applauds Senate Passage of Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill

2009-11-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback applauded last night’s Senate passage of the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill. The bill now heads to a conference with the House.

"The CJS Appropriations bill contains many important projects for Kansas, from aviation research at Wichita State University, to improved fingerprint technology for Kansas law enforcement officials, and improved communications for Kansas first responders, among other projects,” said Brownback. “I am pleased my Senate colleagues saw the importance of funding these Kansas projects."

The following Kansas projects were included in the bill:

Southeast Kansas Regional Collaborative Fingerprint and Palmprint Identification System, Southeast Kansas Regional Law Enforcement Group, $500,000

Butler County, Butler County First Responders Radio System Project, $500,000

Wichita, National Center for Advanced Materials Performance, National Institute for Aviation Research, $600,000

Shawnee Mission, Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students), National Center for Fathering, $900,000

Kansas City, Kansas Anti-Trafficking Coalition, Veronica’s Voice, $300,000

This CJS Appropriations bill funds several agencies, including the Department of Justice, NASA, and the Department of Commerce.

Brownback, Other Senators Introduce Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Act

2009-11-05T12:07:00.000-08:00

Legislation would relocate American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), John Cornyn (R-TX), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), David Vitter (R-LA), and Jim Bunning (R-KY) today introduced the Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Act, legislation which would relocate the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Brownback said, “This week I spoke to the Jerusalem Conference about the need for introducing this important piece of legislation at a time when Israel faces so many existential threats. The city of Jerusalem has more than 3,000 years of historical, religious, and cultural significance for the Jewish people. Israel is a staunch democratic friend and ally of America and it is long overdue for America to recognize the sovereign right of Israel to choose Jerusalem as its capital city.”

Inhofe said, “I am pleased to join Senator Brownback in co-sponsoring this legislation that would pave the way for the U.S. Embassy in Israel to be relocated to Jerusalem. For political reasons, our embassy is currently located in Tel Aviv instead of the in the nation’s capital city. Israel is our strongest ally in the region, and a true friend of democracy. As with other nations around the world, we should locate our embassy in the same city as their seat of government, Jerusalem.”

Cornyn said, “It is long past due for the U.S. Embassy to be relocated to Jerusalem. The United States has no greater friend in the Middle East than Israel, and it’s important that we recognize their national capital and its significance by moving our Embassy there."

Vitter said, “Our embassies throughout the world are located in the host country’s capital city and it should be no different in Israel. As one of our closest allies in the war against terror, Israel and America enjoy a unique relationship. Moving our embassy to Jerusalem would serve as a long-overdue sign of our friendship and respect.”

Bunning said, “Jerusalem is a holy city that brings together both Christians and Jews. I believe Israelis have the right to make Jerusalem their Capital and America should recognize that by housing our embassy there.”

Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for 3,000 years, and has served as the seat of the State of Israel’s government, parliament, and Supreme Court since 1950. Israel remains the only democratic country in which the United States does not place its embassy in, nor does it recognize, the city designated as the capital by the host country.

Video: Senator Brownback on the Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

2009-11-04T14:43:00.001-08:00

Brownback Introduces General Aviation Depreciation Legislation

2009-11-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today introduced the General Aviation Depreciation bill, which would provide special depreciation allowance and recovery period for general aviation aircraft. The legislation is designed to boost sales of general aviation aircraft and encourage job growth in the industry.

“I am pleased to introduce common sense, pro-growth legislation which has a proven track record of spurring the purchase of general aviation aircraft and putting people in the industry back to work,” said Brownback. “General aviation is a key industry in Kansas, and across the country, that has been heavily impacted by the economic downturn. My colleagues in Washington should focus on enacting legislation that will put fuel in the tank for economic growth and help general aviation, a key industry and source of highly skilled jobs, to soar again.”

In the economic downturn, general aviation sales have significantly declined; as a result, thousands of general aviation workers have been laid off over the past year. In the Wichita area alone, 13,000 aviation-related jobs have been lost. Nationally, general aviation companies have laid off 19,000 workers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, for every one general aviation worker on the production line, three jobs outside the immediate company are created, in manufacturing, engineering, supply, or support.

Sens. Brownback, Roberts, Inhofe, and Rep. Jenkins: Authority for Treece Buyout Headed to President’s Desk

2009-10-30T07:47:00.001-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS), Pat Roberts (R-KS), and U.S. Representative Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) announced that Congress has approved legislation, to be signed into law by President Obama, to provide the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to buyout Treece, Kansas. The legislation will allow the EPA to protect and improve the lives of residents living with the daily threat of contamination and health related risks from long abandoned lead and zinc mining should a federal buyout be initiated.

Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senators Brownback and Roberts’ amendment was included in the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior Appropriations Conference Report approved yesterday by both chambers. The bill now heads to the President’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law by Saturday.

“I’m glad that Congress is taking action to begin the process of relocation for the residents of Treece, who have experienced a lot of hardship,” Brownback said. “While a victory, today’s legislation is only the first step in a very long process. I will continue to work to ensure the rest of the process goes smoothly.”

“With this important first step, I look forward to working with Administrator Jackson and her team on a long term solution for residents of Treece,” Roberts said. “I applaud the EPA for going the extra mile, sending representatives to the area to listen to residents firsthand, and then understanding their special hardships. Together, I think we can now give these folks a little hope.”

“I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues from Kansas to clear the way so that residents of Treece are properly taken care of,” Senator Inhofe said. “Now that this bill is on the way to the President’s desk, the residents of Treece are a step closer to relocation assistance similar to what I worked to secure for the residents of Tar Creek in my home state of Oklahoma.”

"Providing Treece residents with the assistance they need has taken a team effort to get to this point in,” Rep. Jenkins said. “After years of unsuccessful attempts, I am pleased we were able to successfully lay the legislative foundation for a buyout to commence."

In August, Administrator Jackson honored Senator Roberts’ request and immediately sent key officials to Treece including: Mathy Stanislaus, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Bob Sussman, Senior Policy Counsel to the Administrator, and William Rice, Acting Region 7 Administrator. Representative Lynn Jenkins hosted officials through the town and held a town listening session where residents could relay their concerns.

Following this visit, in September, EPA began blood-lead level and air quality testing at the request of residents.

Brownback Press Conference to Announce Relocation of Research Lab to Manhattan, Kansas

2009-10-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback on Monday, November 2, will attend a press conference to announce the relocation of the Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Laboratory to Manhattan, Kansas.

Brownback will be joined by Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins; Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr; Mayor Bob Straw; Kansas State University President Kirk Schulz; Linda Weis, Chair of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce; Steve Kelly of the Kansas Department of Commerce; Tom Thornton of the Kansas BioScience Authority; and Will Blackburn of the United States Department of Agriculture.

ABADRL Press Conference

Monday, November 2^nd

9:00 a.m. Central

City Commission Room

Manhattan City Hall

1101 Poyntz Avenue

Manhattan, Kansas

Brownback Applauds Senate Funding for Restoration of Colonial Fox Theatre

2009-10-30T05:50:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded Senate passage of the Conference Report to the Interior Appropriations bill, which included funding for the Colonial Fox Theatre in Pittsburg, Kansas.

"I am pleased to secure funding for the restoration and preservation of the Colonial Fox Theatre,” said Brownback. “This theatre has a long, proud history in Pittsburg and throughout southeast Kansas. Its preservation for future generations of Kansans will enrich the state and the Pittsburg community."

The Conference Report includes $500,000 for the restoration of the Colonial Fox Theatre, which opened in 1920. In 2007 it was placed on the register of Historic Kansas Places, and in 2008 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Brownback Applauds Construction of New Fort Riley Hospital

2009-10-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

Facility will provide high quality health care for soldiers, veterans

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback applauded today’s groundbreaking for the new hospital to be built at Fort Riley, Kansas.

“This new medical facility will improve the quality of life for soldiers, military families, and retirees,” said Brownback. “My colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee worked hard to ensure that the new Fort Riley hospital received the necessary funding, and I’m glad to see this important project get underway. We owe our soldiers and military families the best medical attention, and this hospital will help us provide superior care for decades to come. Fort Riley has undergone some major changes in the last few years, and is emerging as one of the Army’s best places to live, work, and train.”

The new hospital is being built to replace the current 50 year old hospital which is not equipped to handle the growing Fort Riley community. When construction of the new hospital is completed in the spring of 2012, the facility will support a population of 35,000 people. Funding for the project was provided in the FY2008 Supplemental Appropriations bill.

Brownback sits on the Appropriations Committee, and is a member of the Military Construction Subcommittee.

Brownback Opposes Sudan Policy

2009-10-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today voiced his opposition to the Obama Administration’s newly announced policy toward Sudan.

“I strongly oppose the Administration’s policy toward Sudan that gives incentives and rewards to a genocidal regime headed by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, an indicted war criminal,” said Brownback. “Such a policy is engagement to the extreme, and blind to fundamental principles of justice. This new policy sends the wrong message to tyrants around the world, that they will not be brought to justice, and instead may even receive American concessions. While all parties in Sudan must fully implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the ends cannot justify the means.”

This week, the Obama Administration outlined its policy toward Sudan. The policy offers incentives to Sudan if it works to improve the situation in Darfur, but the Administration will not make public what these incentives are.

Brownback continued, “Not so long ago, the United States declared a genocide taking place in Sudan under our watch. That declaration brought real responsibilities and obligations, not the least of which was to pursue justice against the perpetrators of brutal violence, as we did for Charles Taylor, Radovan Karadzic, and Heinrich Himmler.”

In the course of the six year genocide in Darfur, as many as 300,000 people in Darfur have died; as many as 3 million have been forced to flee their homes.

Five years ago, the United States Congress unanimously declared that the government of Sudan committed the crime of genocide. The Bush Administration affirmed this determination. In March of this year, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Bashir is the first sitting head of state sought for detention since the ICC's establishment in 2002.

Brownback Announces Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act Signed into Law

2009-10-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded the signing into law of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act. The legislation secures funding for veterans’ health care one year in advance of the regular appropriations process.

“Veterans service organizations have asked for a budget that is timely and predictable,” said Brownback. “I am proud to have co-sponsored a bill that removes the threat of late-funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our veterans deserve nothing less than reliable, quality health care.”

The Veterans Administration is currently funded year-by-year, which has resulted in late funding for twenty of the past twenty-three years. Advance funding will be provided to three Veterans Health Administration accounts - medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities - and takes effect with the fiscal year 2011 budget. The bill will ensure transparency in the funding process by requiring public reports and Government Accountability Office audits on VA’s funding forecasting.

Brownback, Roberts applaud Senate passage of DHS Appropriations Bill

2009-10-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Final bill includes initial funding for NBAF relocation to Manhattan, Kansas

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) today applauded Senate passage of the Conference Report to the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill. The bill includes $32 million of funding for the new National Bio-Agriculture Facility to be relocated in Manhattan, Kansas. The Conference Committee report is the final bill that was negotiated to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions of the legislation. The House has already passed the conference report and the bill now heads to the president to be signed into law.

“The passage of this final bill is a huge step in relocating NBAF to Kansas and provides $27 million for design and planning and $5 million to begin construction of the lab,” stated Brownback. “There is no better place for NBAF than in Kansas, which is already the center of the world’s best animal health research, and this lab is vitally important to protecting our nation’s food supply.”

Senator Roberts said, “The Congress has made a significant investment to the new NBAF in Kansas. I want to thank Senator Brownback for his hard work in Committee and look forward to working with the State and the Department of Homeland Security as the $32 million in design and construction funding is spent.”

Brownback is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the subcommittee on Homeland Security, and was a part of the conference committee negotiations. Roberts is the honorary chair of the NBAF Task Force and spearheaded the effort, beginning in 2005, to bring NBAF to Kansas.

The aging NBAF lab on Plum Island, New York, is being phased out and moved to Manhattan, Kansas. The NBAF lab, sometimes referred to as the CDC for animal science, will ensure public health and the safety and security of our national food supply. It will provide integrated research, response, and diagnostic capabilities to protect animal and public health.

It is estimated that over a twenty year period, NBAF will have a $3.5 billion impact on the Kansas economy. The proposed site is a $451 million, 500,000 square foot building and will create as many as 500 high-paying, scientific federal jobs in Kansas and will bring additional jobs in research partnerships to the state.

Of the $32 million appropriated for NBAF, $27 million can be used immediately upon the president’s signature for design, planning, technical assistance, engineering, site preparation, and overhead. The $5 million designated for construction will be release upon completion and review of a risk mitigation assessment, an emergency response plan, and an outline on working with the USDA on the required permits to conduct FMD research.

Earlier this month in the Agriculture Appropriations bill, Congress approved $1.5 million for researchers to begin NBAF work already certified to be done at Kansas State University at current campus facilities prior to construction of the new NBAF lab. The president is scheduled to sign into law the Agriculture Appropriations bill tomorrow.

Brownback Applauds Senate Passage of Conference Committee Report to Energy and Water Appropriations

2009-10-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded Senate passage of the conference report to the Energy and Water Appropriations. The bill now heads to the president to be signed into law.

“This Appropriations bill funds numerous statewide water infrastructure development projects in Kansas that protect citizens and property from potential flooding,” said Brownback. “I’m especially pleased the bill includes funding for research projects at Kansas State University and Wichita State University. Furthermore, it is great news that the bill includes $4 million in funding for scientific equipment to further enhance Kansas University’s application for a National Institute of Health cancer center designation. Such a designation will lead to better treatment of cancer patients in Kansas and neighboring states, and will provide a significant economic boost.”

The following Kansas projects were included in the bill:

Energy Projects:

Cancer Research Equipment, Kansas University, $4 million
WSU National Institute for Aviation Research, Advanced Materials Research, $1.5 million
K-State Center for Sustainable Energy, $500,000

Flood Protection Projects:

Turkey Creek, Kansas City, $2.822 million
Equus Bed, Wichita, $1.5 million
Brush Creek, Kansas City, $217,000
Upper Turkey Creek, Kansas City, $90,000

In addition to these specific projects, dozens of lakes in Kansas receive annual funding through this appropriations bill.

Video: Brownback on Cap and Trade at Senate Energy Committee

2009-10-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Op-ed: Getting Tougher on Iran

2009-10-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

by Sen. Sam Brownback and Sen. Bob Casey
From the Philadelphia Enquirer

"President Obama recently announced that Iran has been secretly constructing a nuclear facility south of Tehran. Sadly, this revelation was not surprising, given that the Iranian regime has spent years lying about its nuclear program, sponsoring terrorism, and oppressing its own citizens. Whatever one thinks about the prospects of diplomacy, it's time for tougher measures to constrain the regime's ability to acquire weapons of mass destruction before it's too late.

One promising approach is targeted divestment from Iran's energy sector. Analysts have estimated that the country requires $20 billion a year in investments in its oil and natural gas sector, which is increasingly dominated by the innermost operatives of the regime. Currently, dozens of corporations around the world cover these investments, which provide crucial funding streams for Iran's nuclear program and its support for terrorism. Furthermore, the regime's recent bloody postelection crackdown and widespread censorship suggest a massive - and costly - apparatus for domestic repression.

Because of the regime's stubborn commitment to these dangerous and belligerent activities, doing business in Iran is an increasingly risky proposition. Due to existing sanctions, credit restrictions, and other international efforts, pension-fund managers are taking extraordinarily high risks with people's money if they invest it in Iran. Moreover, there can be little doubt that the regime will cease its destructive behavior only when it is compelled to pay an economic price for it.

To avoid aiding the regime and to protect against risky investments, 18 states have passed legislation divesting state pension funds from companies that invest in Iran's energy sector. Pension funds can replace these companies in their portfolios with those that engage in legitimate business without hurting the performance of the funds.

Modeled after a similar movement that responded to the genocide in Sudan, the Iran divestment movement has gained momentum. But it still lacks one key element.

In passing divestment laws, state governments are operating in a legal fog, unsure if the laws will get struck down under the doctrine of federal preemption. To address that, we introduced the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act in the Senate in May. This bipartisan bill, which has 34 cosponsors, would grant federal authority and provide guidelines for states to divest from Iran's energy sector. It would also provide safe harbor for fund managers to carry out divestment without fear of being sued.

In the previous Congress, then-Sen. Barack Obama joined us in introducing similar legislation. He was right then, and he would be right now to sign this bill into law if it's approved by Congress.

We are entering a new phase in President Obama's strategy of engagement with the regime in Tehran. On Oct. 1, Iranian officials met with representatives of several major powers, with both sides agreeing to hold further negotiations. But Iran's history of concealing nuclear facilities should serve as a guide for what we can expect from this regime.

The regime needs to understand that noncompliance has consequences. Congress and the president should act swiftly to pass divestment legislation so that state and local governments can move ahead with efforts to slow the march of Iranian aggression."

Brownback Comments on Finance Committee Passage of Baucus Health Care Bill

2009-10-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today commented on the health care bill sponsored by Senator Baucus (D-MT) that passed Senate Finance Committee today.

“I have very serious concerns about the bill that passed out of committee today,” Brownback stated. “Health care reform is a critical issue today, and I support targeted incremental reforms. The president’s initial goal was to lower health care costs. This hugely expensive bill will not lower costs and will not cover all uninsured. There is an outcry from my constituents in Kansas against this trillion dollar bill that amounts to a government takeover of health care and will take money from Medicare to do it while leaving 25 million people uninsured. I will be aggressively involved in this debate when it comes to the floor.”

Brownback has previously proposed several ideas to lower health care costs and improve access to health care:

Tort reform will help bring down costs for all patients. While patients should maintain a basic right to pursue legal action when medical malpractice occurs, there should be some limitations on pain and suffering damages. Doctors practicing defensive medicine to avoid lawsuits results in billions of dollars in unnecessary tests, referrals, and prescriptions. Malpractice insurance costs have skyrocketed, and those costs are passed on to patients in the form of more expensive care.

Level the playing field for the self-employed and others who purchase their own plans. Currently, only employer-based benefits are exempt from personal income taxes. Allowing everyone the ability to purchase health insurance with pre-tax dollars will make insurance more affordable for millions of people.Additionally, this would put more power in the hands of the individual to choose his or her own coverage.Even those who have employer-based coverage could then shop around for a better deal, and still receive the same tax benefits they currently receive with their employer-based coverage.
Allow consumers to purchase insurance across state lines to give them greater choice and the flexibility to choose a plan that best suits their specific needs and budget.

Price transparency will give consumers the ability to know the costs of their care before they get the bill. This will allow them to shop around for the best prices for certain procedures.

Tax-free health savings accounts put control back in the hands of patients to decide how best to spend their health care dollars.

Fully refundable tax credits for health insurance premiums would provide support for those who are unable to afford insurance.

Make it easier for those with pre-existing conditions to obtain insurance coverage through multi-state risk sharing pools.

Brownback Applauds USDA Loan to Greensburg Wind Farm

2009-10-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Money to be used to build wind tribunes in Greensburg, Kansas

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today congratulated Greensburg Wind Farm for the $17.4 million loan it will receive from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The money will be used to build ten wind turbines which will provide power to the community of Greensburg, Kansas.

“This is great news for the city of Greensburg,” said Brownback. “Kansas ranks third in the nation in total wind capacity potential and is ready to lead our nation towards a future of cleaner, renewable energy. I support a federal Renewable Electricity Standard in the comprehensive energy bill recently reported out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. By pursuing a robust energy strategy that utilizes all forms of energy, both conventional and renewable, our country will one day achieve true energy independence.”

According to the USDA, the total project cost is estimated at $23.3 million. Approximately, $17.4 million will come in the form of a loan to Greensburg Wind Farm, LLC, a subsidiary of John Deere Renewables. The loan will support the 10 wind turbine project that will generate 12.5 MWs of electricity that will serve the electric needs of the City of Greensburg and other rural communities through the Kansas Power Pool. Since Greensburg’s devastating tornado in 2007, USDA Rural Development has provided an estimated $20 million in financing to help with the community rebuilding efforts.

Brownback Applauds Senate, House Passage of Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report

2009-10-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded Senate Passage of the Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report, which passed the House yesterday. The bill now heads to the president for his approval.

“I am pleased Congress has completed this year’s Agriculture Appropriations process,” said Brownback. “This bill has many projects important to the state of Kansas. I’m especially pleased about the funding for NBAF-related transitional research at Kansas State University, and the funding to move the Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Laboratory to Manhattan. Kansas is clearly the worldwide leader in animal health research, and continues to expand its leadership.”

The following Kansas projects are included in the bill:

Polymer Research at Pittsburg State, $2 million
ABADRL funding to transition lab to Manhattan, $1.5 million
Veterinary Technology Satellite Programs at Colby Community College, $1 million
Phosphorous Reduction Research with the Kansas Livestock Association Foundation, $1 million
Yankee Tank Dam funding in Lawrence, $1 million
NBAF Transitional Funding for Research at K-State, $1.5 million
Great Plains Grain Sorghum Research at K-State, $1 million
Wheat Genetic Research at K-State, $1 million
Preharvest Food Safety Research at K-State, $500,000
Water Conservation Research at K-State, $500,000
National Ag Biosecurity Center at K-State, $500,000
Kansas Biobased Polymer Initiative with the Kansas Bioscience Authority, $750,000
Kansas Farm Bureau Foundation’s Kansas Hometown Prosperity Alliance, $250,000.

Brownback continued, “In addition to construction funding in the DHS bill, the Agriculture Appropriations bill contained $1.5 million for Kansas State University to begin NBAF-transitional research. While construction on the new NBAF facility gets started, the important work of NBAF must continue; I’m pleased to see this funding that will help with the transitional process.”

Audio: Brownback Media Teleconference on NBAF

2009-10-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

Audio: Brownback on NBAF Funding Passing Conference Committee

2009-10-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

NBAF Funding Passes Conference Committee

2009-10-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts, along with Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, today announced Conference Committee passage of funding for the new National Bio and Agro Defense Facility to be located in Manhattan, Kansas. The committee appropriated $32 million which will be used to finish design and begin construction of the lab next year.

“I am pleased we were able to keep NBAF funding in the final bill,” said Brownback. “As a Conference Committee member, it was an honor to sign the final report and I am thankful to the other committee members for working with me to get this done. A modern lab dedicated to protecting our food supply is critical for our nation and there is no better place for this lab than in Kansas.”

Roberts stated, “I am pleased critical planning and construction funding for the new NBAF has been approved,” Senator Roberts said. “It is a clear indication the Congress understands the importance of building a new lab to protect the nation’s food supply and supports moving ahead with construction of the lab in Kansas. This is an important step forward.”

Congresswoman Jenkins said, “From the day I cast a no vote on the House bill because it failed to include NBAF funding, I've worked with Senator Brownback and Senator Roberts to ensure the conference committee chose America's security over politics. I could not be more pleased that NBAF funding is on the verge of passage.”

This year’s request for NBAF was funded in the Senate bill but was not included in the House bill. The Conference Committee, which is an ad hoc committee comprised of House and Senate Appropriations Committee members, reconciles the differences between the two different bills and presents a unified bill to both chambers for a final vote. Upon passage in the House and the Senate, the bill heads to the president to be signed into law. Brownback is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the subcommittee on Homeland Security. Senator Roberts is the honorary chair of the NBAF Task Force and spearheaded the effort, beginning in 2005, to bring NBAF to Kansas.

The current NBAF lab on Plum Island, New York, is aging and is being phased out and moved to Manhattan, Kansas. The lab, sometimes referred to as the CDC for animal science, will ensure public health and the safety and security of our national food supply. It will provide integrated research, response, and diagnostic capabilities to protect animal and public health.

It is estimated that over a twenty year period, NBAF would have a $3.5 billion impact on the Kansas economy. The proposed site would be a $451 million, 500,000 square foot building and will create as many as 500 high-paying, scientific federal jobs in Kansas and will bring additional jobs in research partnerships to the state.

Brownback Co-Sponsors Legislation to Increase Congressional Transparency, Accountability

2009-10-07T10:14:00.001-07:00

Legislation would require bills to be posted online, scored by CBO

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today co-sponsored the 72 Hour Transparency Resolution, a bill which would require Congress to make available to the general public information about all pending legislation.

“Lawmakers in Washington vote on many pieces of legislation which have long-lasting effects on the daily lives of Americans,” said Brownback. “Congress must act responsibly as it considers important legislation, and be held accountable for its actions. The American people deserve to know exactly what Congress is debating; this bill would provide greater Congressional transparency.”

The 72 Hour Transparency Resolution, introduced today by Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY), requires that all pending Congressional legislation be posted online, and fully scored by the Congressional Budget Office, 72 hours before consideration by a committee or the full Senate. In the case of emergency legislation, the rule could be over-ridden with a 2/3 vote of the Senate. According to a recent poll, 83% of U.S. voters say legislation should be posted online, in final form, and available for anyone to read before it is voted on by Congress.

Brownback, Dorgan Applaud Senate Passage of Native American Apology Resolution

2009-10-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND) today applauded Senate passage of the Native American Apology Resolution, which offers an apology from the United States government to American Indians.

“The Senate’s action today is a big step for the relationship between the federal government and Native Americans,” said Brownback. “The resolution seeks reconciliation and offers an official apology to Native Americans for the hurtful choices the federal government made in the past. With this resolution we acknowledge previous failures and express sincere regrets.”

Dorgan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, joined Brownback as co-sponsor of the amendment.

Dorgan said, “It is difficult to know the history of the First Americans and the destructive policies our government has too often followed regarding them, and not be filled with both sadness and regret. It is appropriate that we, as a nation, express that sorrow and regret with this apology resolution.”

The Native American Apology Resolution today passed as an amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill. The resolution extends a formal apology from the United States to tribal governments and Native American people nationwide. The resolution of apology does not authorize or serve as a settlement of any claim against the United States and does not resolve many challenges still facing Native Americans. The Native American Apology Resolution has been introduced in previous Congresses, and passed the Senate in 2008, but was not signed into law.

Video: Brownback on Stopping Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program

2009-10-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

Brownback Applauds Launch of Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation

2009-10-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded the launch of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation. The foundation will focus on reducing obesity in Kansas and the nation.

“I am proud to support the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation,” said Brownback. “By lending a voice to one of the most pressing health care issues, the HWCF will provide positive contributions to the national dialogue on reducing obesity while promoting healthier living in America.”

The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation is a coalition of representatives from food and beverage manufacturers, retail stores and non-government organizations. In an effort to foster healthy lifestyles in children, the Healthy Schools Partnership integrates nutrition education and physical education through a school-based curriculum. The program will expand to additional schools in the Overland Park, Kansas, as well as in Kansas City, Missouri, and several other cities across the nation.

Brownback continued, “Kansas is focusing more on the prevention of childhood obesity, and I applaud the HWCF for beginning demonstration projects in Kansas.”

American obesity rates have increased 37 percent between 1998 and 2006, with the average adult 23 pounds overweight; collectively, adults in the U.S. are 4.6 billion pounds overweight. Approximately 12 million children and adolescents are obese.