Dear Friend,
After spending the first six weeks of the new session of Congress in Washington, it was good to spend an in-district work week traveling and meeting with the citizens of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District again.
In Henry County, I toured Kansas City Power & Light's Montrose power plant, which is in the process of closing one of its three towers, largely as a result of burdensome EPA regulations. The plant's two remaining towers are also slated to be shut down by 2021 for the same reasons. The Montrose facility generates about 700 megawatts of power for Missourians. The plant is looking at alternative ways to keep the plant open, but at this time see the cessation of burning coal at the plant as the only viable option.
It is a shame to see such a great place struggle due to the administration's attack on coal. I will continue to fight against these regulations and attacks on America's most abundant source of energy. Plants such as Montrose play an integral role in a true "All-of-the-Above" energy strategy and create valuable jobs for the area. I want to do all I can to support their efforts and will continue to look for opportunities to roll back these onerous regulations so we can keep energy affordable for the hardworking families in MO-4.
Congresswoman Hartzler tours the Montrose Power Plant with Kevin Noblet
A trip to Laclede County afforded me the opportunity to speak to the Lebanon Rotary Club about the issues we are dealing with in Washington. I spoke about how the House has been advancing the American Opportunity Agenda focusing on removing the barriers to job creation such as stopping overregulation to businesses, repealing the costly healthcare plan imposed on Americans by this Administration, and encouraging the exports of American-made energy. I feel confident that as we remove these barriers, jobs will be created and hardworking Americans will see their paychecks increase.
I also addressed some of the issues surrounding terrorism, ISIS, and the situation in the Middle East. Our national defense is our number one priority and we must fully fund it to meet the growing challenges facing our nation and world. It was great to speak with a group of engaged citizens such as this one. I always enjoy and value feedback on the issues facing our nation.
Congresswoman Hartzler addresses the Lebanon Rotary Club
Another highlight involved meeting a special soldier who recently returned from service in Kuwait. Sergeant Chris Reeves is not only an assistant principal at Lebanon High School; he is also a citizen soldier. While serving with the Missouri National Guard, he was placed on active duty in June of 2013 and deployed to Kuwait. I was glad to meet with him and his wife and to thank him for his service on behalf of all the good people in MO-4.
Congresswoman Hartzler meets Sergeant Reeves (right) and his wife, Tammy (center).
While I spent time in district this week, I continued to weigh in on important issues pending in DC. One issue of increasing importance is our homeland security. As you may be aware, the Department of Homeland Security will run out of funding on February 27th.
My colleagues in the House and I acted promptly in January to pass a bill that fully funds the Department of Homeland Security. This bill is a good bill. It strengthens our border by providing for the largest operational Customs and Border Patrol force in history. It strengthens our detention program by providing almost $6 million for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It fully funds FEMA, keeping Americans safe in the event of a disaster. The list goes on, to include defunding the President's illegal actions on immigration.
Senate Democrats, including Senator McCaskill, continue to block this bill from being debated on the floor and allowing it to go through the legislative process. I am hopeful the senators will take up and support this important bill before time runs out. The House bill funds our homeland security. It ensures America's voice is heard. It is time for the Senate to act.
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Vicky Hartzler
Member of Congress
