Congressman Derek Schmidt

For #NationalPoliceWeek, I participated in a productive roundtable discussion in Congressman Tom Emmer’s office alongside several law enforcement stakeholders. Conversations like these are essential to shaping policies that support law enforcement personnel at every level and ensure they have the resources needed to serve our communities effectively.

Today, the House passed funding for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs for next year, investing $157 billion in military infrastructure and mandatory programs. This legislation fully funds veterans’ health care and benefits, sustains support for research and mental health programs, and provides $2 billion for improvements to VA medical facilities and four national cemeteries. Our veterans and service members deserve nothing less.

THE RESULTS ARE IN: More than 60 million taxpayers claimed at least one of the new tax relief provisions passed into law in the Big Beautiful Bill. Republicans are focused on making life more affordable for America’s hardworking families—and we’re not done yet.

Thanks to the Topeka law enforcement officers who made the trip to Washington, D.C., this week. We had a great meeting during #NationalPoliceWeek, discussing public safety issues and how I can help. I am grateful to those who serve and will always support law enforcement and community safety.

#NationalPoliceWeek is a special time to honor all who wear the badge, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Last night, I had the opportunity to pay my respects to Officer Scott Heimann, Officer Hunter Simoncic, Deputy Brandon Gaede, and Deputy Elijah Ming, all of whom were killed in the line of duty protecting Kansans last year. Thank you to all in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.

Tonight, the House passed the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which will allow — not mandate — the year-round sale of E15 gasoline. This will open additional markets for Kansas farmers, keep money in Kansas by adding value to corn, and give retailers the certainty they need to expand the offering of E15, which can cost 30-40 cents less per gallon than E10. I was proud to work with Kansas farm organizations and my colleagues as a cosponsor of this bill and hope the Senate will soon take it up and send it to President Trump's desk.

I’m proud to cosponsor legislation that protects businesses and communities from retail crime. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which passed the House this week, expands federal enforcement of criminal offenses related to organized retail and supply-chain crime. Retail crime affects everyone, and addressing it requires strong partnerships with law enforcement.

#NationalPoliceWeek, I’m proud that my bipartisan bill to strengthen background checks for law enforcement officers passed the House last night. This legislation will help ensure law enforcement officers always meet the requirements set by law and will help maintain the public’s trust. Click here to learn more: schmidt.house.gov/media/press-re…

Today, the House passed my bipartisan Criminal History Access Act to strengthen background checks for law enforcement officers. This commonsense bill gives state hiring agencies access to the criminal history information they need to properly screen and certify officers - helping maintain professionalism and public confidence in law enforcement. I was proud to work with @RepDeborahRoss on this legislation, and I look forward to the Senate voting on this bill soon.

This week is #NationalPoliceWeek. Let's take a moment to honor the brave law enforcement officers who work every day to keep our communities safe. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and thank all officers and their families across Kansas and the nation for their service and dedication.

Happy Mother's Day!

Last week, the House passed the Farm Bill - legislation focused on strengthening American agriculture, supporting rural communities, and protecting our food supply. I was proud to lead or co-sponsor several measures included in the bill, including efforts to: • Strengthen oversight of foreign investment and ownership in U.S. agriculture and farmland to protect national security, supply chains, and food security. • Support collaborative USDA and HHS research to expand domestic production of crops used for natural food color additives. • Expand USDA energy-efficiency programs to help agricultural cooperatives lower costs and improve operations. • Allow livestock auction owners to invest in small, regional packing facilities. • Raise FSA loan limits to better reflect today’s agricultural production costs. • Transfer the Food for Peace program to USDA to streamline international food assistance efforts. • Strengthen the Farm Credit Administration’s oversight authority to improve regulation of agricultural lending institutions. These are commonsense priorities that support producers, strengthen rural America, and protect the long-term security of our agricultural economy. I’m hopeful the Senate will move quickly to get this legislation across the finish line.

Numerous Kansans have told me about staffing shortages at local USDA offices. That's why I recently joined 14 House colleagues in asking USDA to address the problem. I'm optimistic they'll do what is right and make the necessary changes. Reliable, timely service is essential. Local producers depend on it.

The Farm Bill delivers real support for Kansas farmers and ranchers. I was proud to vote for it, and I’m hopeful the Senate will move quickly so this legislation can start making a difference for rural America.

I strongly support year-round E15. It’s a game changer for Kansan farmers and our biofuels industry. The House is expected to vote on it next week, and I look forward to backing it. This would be an important step forward and a big win for our producers.

I spoke with Secretary Pete Hegseth during last week’s House Armed Services Committee hearing on the conflict in Iran, focusing on concussions and traumatic brain injuries affecting our service members. We owe our troops the highest standard of care when they return home. Secretary Hegseth confirmed these injuries are being closely tracked and that the Department has proposed $70 million to expand research into brain injuries and improve treatment for those who have served.

Farmers and producers in Kansas need certainty, and they need it now. The House passed a bipartisan Farm Bill last week, and it’s time for the Senate to act. I’m optimistic we can come together, get this done, and send it to the President’s desk. Our farmers are counting on us to deliver the stability they deserve.

During my first year in Congress, I secured $20,731,975 that will support seven communities in our 2nd District for water infrastructure, public safety, health care, and education initiatives. As Congress begins working on FY27 appropriations, I look forward to continuing to advocate for Kansas needs and priorities.

This #SmallBusinessWeek, I’m proud to recognize the hardworking entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses that power communities across Kansas. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m focused on supporting job creators and making sure Main Street has the opportunity to thrive. That means ensuring small businesses can compete and grow. Thank you to the small business owners who take risks, create jobs, and strengthen our local economies every single day.

The Farm Bill the House passed last week can give Kansas farmers the ability to plan for years to come--no more year-to-year uncertainty. That's why I supported it. There's plenty of risk inherent in production agriculture, so we need to control what we can control.