Closing the Door on Health Care Negotiations is Unacceptable
Despite strong opposition to their plans for a government takeover of health care Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) were able to narrowly pass their misguided plans. Before legislation can become law, both the House and Senate have to agree to the exact bill. Typically, when the chambers pass legislation that has differences, members from the House and Senate are appointed to a conference committee to work out those differences.

Unfortunately, Democrat leaders have proven over the past year that they do not always like to follow the rules. From buying votes to forcing through legislation without allowing sufficient time for review, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid have proven they will go to nearly any length to pass their agenda. This time is no different. Earlier this week, it was announced that they are bypassing the traditional conference committee process, denying a request from C-SPAN to televise the final negotiations and are planning to finalize the health care bill behind closed doors.

I have worked to increase transparency in the legislative process this year because I believe government functions best when it is accountable to the American people. It is unacceptable that Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid are shutting everyone out of this final debate. I will continue fighting for responsible reforms to bring down health care costs and ensure folks have access to care, and I will do so without cutting deals or shutting out the folks who sent me to Washington to represent them.

Hosting a Veterans Resource Fair
The men and women who serve our nation in the Armed Forces and their families sacrifice much in order to protect us from harm, and they deserve our support when they return home. That’s why I am hosting a Veterans Resource Fair next Saturday, January 16, at the American Legion Post 400 on Highway 24 in Topeka. We will be there from 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m. to ensure our veterans and their families know what resources are available to them. There will be representatives from organizations to assist with housing, health care, job-assistance and others. I look forward to meeting many of our veterans and their families. For more information about the Veterans Resource Fair, visit my website at www.lynnjenkins.house.gov or call my Topeka office at (785) 234-5966.

Seeking Nominations for National Medal for Museum and Library Service
Libraries across Eastern Kansas are hidden jewels in the communities they serve. From hosting story-hours for young children and other educational programs to providing access to information and other resources, local libraries deserve to be recognized for their outstanding public service. The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the highest medal a public library can receive, and I am seeking nominations from Kansas libraries to submit one of our own for this distinguished award. For more information about the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, click here or call my Topeka office at (785) 234-5966.

Spending Time in Kansas
Between the snow storms that have hit our state over the past few weeks, I have enjoyed getting out to visit with folks across eastern Kansas. Earlier this week I attended the Douglas County Farm Bureau meeting to hear from their members about issues affecting Kansas farmers and ranchers. I also took some time to visit the Kansas Soybean Association at the 2010 Soybean Expo that was held at the Topeka Farm Show. Today I will be in Southeast Kansas attending the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce legislative breakfast. Then I will head to Iola to tour the Gates Corporation facility. Before heading back to Washington next week, I will also visit the Federal Home Loan Bank in Topeka to discuss banking issues.
FOLLOW ME ONLINE




This email address is unattended. To email Congresswoman Jenkins please click here.