Sam Brownback News

Video: Brownback speaks on the Senate floor regarding Health Care Bill

2009-11-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

Brownback to Hold Town Hall Meeting in Olathe

2009-11-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback on Tuesday, November 24th, will hold a town hall meeting at the Olathe City Council Chamber. Brownback will discuss health care reform and other issues of the day.

Johnson County Town Hall

November 24th, 2009

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Central

Olathe City Hall

100 E Santa Fe Street

Olathe, KS 66061

Video: Brownback Floor Speech on Health Care Reform (Part 1)

2009-11-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

Video: Brownback Floor Speech on Health Care Reform (Part 2)

2009-11-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

Brownback Decries Abortion Funding in Senate Health Insurance Mandate Bill

2009-11-19T06:10:00.000-08:00

Bill released by Senate Democrats doesn’t include House passed Stupak-Pitts Amendment

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback tonight commented on abortion provisions in the Senate health insurance mandate legislation. The health insurance mandate legislation was finally released today by Senate Majority Leader Reid. The Senate bill does not include language that was passed by the House that would prevent taxpayer funding to be used to fund abortions.

“It is totally unacceptable that Senator Reid and his colleagues have decided to reverse over 30 years of bipartisan recognition that the American people overwhelmingly do not want their taxpayer dollars funding abortions,’ Brownback said. “The Stupak-Pitts amendment, agreed to in the House, will guarantee that federal dollars will not subsidize abortion.”

The Senate bill will mandate health insurance for Americans, create a government-run plan, and will cost $850 billion over ten years. The Democrat’s plan will partially be paid by taxing Medicare and some private insurance plans.

Brownback continued, “This is a bad bill that spends way too much money while our national debt is skyrocketing. This bill does nothing to lower insurance premiums, forces people to buy insurance, creates a government-run plan that will run private carriers out of business, raises taxes on insurance plans, robs Medicare, and forces American taxpayers to pay for abortions. Health care reform is a critical issue today, and I support targeted incremental reforms, but the bill released today is unacceptable and is not a step forward.”

Audio: Brownback Radio Interview on WTO Ruling

2009-11-18T13:43:00.000-08:00

Brownback Comments on Record Breaking National Debt

2009-11-18T13:03:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today commented on the news that the national debt now exceeds twelve trillion dollars.

“With the national debt breaking a record and topping $12 trillion, it should be obvious to everyone in Congress and at the White House that it is ridiculous to initiate a multi-trillion dollar health insurance entitlement program,” said Brownback. “The national debt is eating us alive. We cannot afford this huge entitlement expansion.”

The national debt passed the $12,000,000,000 mark on Monday which works out to be roughly $42,000 per U.S. citizen. Since the end of June the national debit has been growing at an annualized rate of nearly 9%. While the final version of the Senate health care reform bill has not yet been scored by the Congressional Budget Office, it is thought the cost will near $1 trillion.

Video: Brownback Urges Defense Dept. To Consider WTO Ruling

2009-11-18T12:18:00.001-08:00

Brownback, Others Call on Defense Department to Consider Recent WTO Ruling

2009-11-18T08:26:00.001-08:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today was joined by a bipartisan group of lawmakers and representatives from policy organizations calling on the Defense Department to level the playing field in its defense procurement policy.

“The WTO ruling confirms what we have long suspected: Europe illegally subsidizes the development of large aircraft, forcing U.S. competitors out of business and putting Americans out of work,” said Brownback. “DoD should not feign ignorance of the policies defended by our trade representative, especially when the WTO has ruled in our favor. It’s odd that although the WTO agrees with the U.S. Trade Representative that European aircraft subsidies are illegal, DoD disagrees with USTR. It’s disconcerting that such an incongruity can exist within the federal government.”

At today’s press conference, Brownback encouraged the Air Force to revise its defense procurement policy in light of September’s World Trade Organization rulings that the European Union has illegally subsidized development costs of aircraft. In September, the WTO issued an interim ruling that the EU has illegally subsidized the development of numerous Airbus aircraft. Airbus is currently competing for an Air Force contract to replace aerial refueling tankers.

Brownback Applauds Committee Passage of Bill to Disarm Rebel Group in Uganda

2009-11-18T06:14:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded the Foreign Relations Committee for passage of the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI), and co-sponsored by Brownback, calls for a multilateral plan to disarm the Lord’s Resistance Army, a rebel group in Northern Uganda.

“The United States must work with the international community to bring Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army to justice,” said Brownback. “The legislation passed by the Foreign Relations Committee calls on the Administration to develop and execute a strategy to disarm the LRA while simultaneously protecting civilians. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this crucial piece of legislation as soon as possible.”

Since the 1980’s, the LRA, led by Joseph Kony, has terrorized Northern Uganda. It is estimated that the LRA has kidnapped more than 66,000 children and forced them to fight as child soldiers. The United Nations reports that in 2009, the LRA has killed more than 1,500 people, abducted more than 1,800, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Central African Republic, Congo, and southern Sudan. The Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act requires the United States to work with multilateral partners to develop a viable path to disarm the LRA, while ensuring the protection of civilians.

Brownback, who traveled to Uganda in 2004, is an original co-sponsor of the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act.

Brownback Applauds Senate Passage of MilCon Appropriations Bill

2009-11-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today applauded Senate passage of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Bill.

“I was pleased that the Senate passed this important bill that includes funding for vital Kansas military installations,” said Brownback. “I am proud of all of our men and women in uniform who are serving the country, and I know they deserve the best installations and training facilities we can provide. America has the finest military in the world, and I remain committed to ensuring it has the facilities worthy of that reputation.”

The following projects were included in the Military Construction bill:

Improvements to the Army National Guard’s taxiway, ramps, and hangars at its Salina aviation facility, $2,200,000
Upgrade Estes Road access point at Fort Riley, $7,100,000

Bipartisan Group to Praise WTO Ruling on Aircraft Subsidies

2009-11-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

Group of lawmakers to call on Defense Department to level playing field and fully consider recent WTO ruling when requesting bids for the Air Force refueling tanker

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Patty Murray (D-WA), and Congressmen Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Todd Tiahrt (R-KS), along with others will host a press conference on Wednesday, November 18, at 10:00 a.m. They will be joined by a bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers encouraging the Air Force to revise its defense procurement policy in light of September’s World Trade Organization rulings that the European Union has illegally subsidized development costs of aircraft. In addition, representatives from policy organizations will discuss the impact of the WTO ruling.

In September, the WTO issued an interim ruling that the EU has illegally subsidized the development of numerous Airbus aircraft. Airbus is currently competing for an Air Force contract to replace aerial refueling tankers.

WTO Press Conference

Wednesday, November 18^th

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Eastern

Russell Senate Building, room 385

The following people are scheduled to speak at the event:

Senator Brownback (R-KS)

Senator Murray (D-WA)

Senator Kit Bond (R-MO)

Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS)

Representative Jay Inslee (D-WA)

Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)

Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)

Representative Jerry Moran (R-KS)

Representative Norm Dicks (D-WA)

Representative Henry Brown (R-SC)

Representative Phil Hare (D-IL)

Representative Lynn Jenkins (R-KS)

George Landrith, President, Frontiers of Freedom

Jim Arkedis, Director, National Security Project, Progressive Policy Institute

Brownback, Tiahrt Send Letter to Secretary Gates Seeking Answers on Acquisition of LAAR Aircraft

2009-11-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback and Congressman Todd Tiahrt yesterday sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates regarding the possible acquisition of Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance aircraft.

Following is full text of the letter:

"Dear Secretary Gates:

Recent reports suggest that the United States and Brazil are negotiating an agreement that would include U.S. acquisition of at least 100 Super Tucano aircraft made by Brazil-based Embraer. We write to voice our strong and unequivocal objection to any such agreement.

We contend that an agreement with Brazil involving U.S. acquisition of Super Tucano aircraft is inappropriate for several reasons.

First, such an agreement would supersede, or at least pre-judge, an ongoing Air Force review of platforms which may be capable of performing a Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) mission.

Earlier this year, the Air Force initiated a formal Analysis of Alternatives (AOA) to review aircraft that might be able to perform an LAAR mission. We were informed that this review, in turn, would inform the Air Force budget request for FY2011. We fully support the Air Force’s careful study of this capability, and we believe that an agreement to purchase light attack aircraft from a foreign country would undermine the integrity and value of this effort.

Furthermore, the United States Government has made a substantial investment in the development of a U.S.-produced LAAR platform, the Hawker-Beechcraft AT-6B. For the Government to now refuse to allow this U.S. manufacturer to even compete for the LAAR or any similar contract will certainly draw strong objections from Congress and the American people.

Second, an international agreement like this would contravene the language included in both the Senate and House Appropriations Committees’ reports to accompany the FY10 Defense Appropriations bill. Page 6 of the Senate report includes the following:

The Committee is also aware that the Quadrennial Defense Review may help inform the fiscal year 2011 budget decisions on [light attack aircraft]. The Committee expects that any fiscal year 2011 request for light attack aircraft funding will be based on validated requirements, a documented concept of operations, and capabilities demonstrations that have been coordinated across the military services.

The Committee also encourages the Department to conduct a full and open competition for the lease or purchase of light attack aircraft. The reported agreement between the United States and Brazil clearly would not have the benefit of QDR analysis, nor would it permit the military services to develop valid requirements and demonstrate required capabilities. In addition, it would eliminate the possibility of a full and open competition to produce an LAAR aircraft by sole sourcing LAAR production to a foreign company. This would demean the integrity of the acquisition process and violate the trust the American public has placed in the Department of Defense.

Third, and most important, the reported agreement would harm U.S. companies and workers, as well as weaken the industrial-base and stifle innovation. In this current aviation manufacturing crisis, it would be unconscionable for the Department to take any steps towards procuring or leasing a foreign aircraft when a U.S.-made option is readily available for any competition that may result from the AOA.

In light of these concerns, please provide thorough answers to the following questions:

Has the U.S. had, or does it intend to have, any discussions with Brazil regarding the lease or purchase of the Embraer Super Tucano?

If so, what authority would the U.S. use to acquire the foreign-produced Super Tucano?

What effect would such an agreement have on the Air Force assessment of LAAR requirements and capabilities?

Does the Department of Defense intend to conduct a free and open competition to procure a LAAR aircraft that ensures American companies can compete and win?

What would be the impact to the U.S. industrial base for a foreign competitor instead of a U.S. manufacturer to secure this contract for a LAAR aircraft?

Finally, we invite you to join us in Wichita to examine the AT-6B aircraft and production line. This would give you an opportunity to meet the dedicated aircraft workers and see first-hand the capability this aircraft will provide the warfighter.

Thank you for your attention to this matter."

Brownback to Honor Nation’s Veterans in Kansas

2009-11-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback on Wednesday, November 11, will attend events in Kansas, including the Leavenworth Veterans Parade.

Leavenworth Veterans Parade

Wednesday, November 11

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Central

Parade begins at 4th and Cherokee Streets

Leavenworth, Kansas

OPEN TO PUBLIC AND MEDIA

Presentation of Bronze Star to Private First Class Alan Olsen

Wednesday, November 11

2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Central

Senator Brownback’s Overland Park office

11111 W. 95th Street, Suite 245

Overland Park, Kansas

OPEN TO MEDIA

Audio: Brownback on KFDI on Health Care

2009-11-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

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.