These last few weeks have been quite busy, but rest assured we are working around the clock to make sure Missouri's fourth district has the strongest representation in our nation's capital.

We have been hard at work within the Small Business Committee standing up for small businesses. 

We are excited to share that in committee, we unanimously passed legislation we introduced, the SBA Rural Performance Report Act. This act requires two reports from the SBA, ensuring that the interests of rural small businesses are advancing. The first report this bill requires is on the Office of Rural Affairs (ORA) within the SBA. The second report this bill requires is on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the SBA and Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Along with the SBA Rural Performance Report Act passing through committee, we introduced the Congressional Access to Bureaucratic Offices (CABO) Act. The CABO Act would allow Members of Congress, along with their staff, inside the headquarters of any federal agency during regular business hours. Members who sit on committees of jurisdiction should be allowed in agencies and this bill could answer the question that many are asking--why are there staggering numbers of federal workers who are still working remotely?

During our hearings in the Small Business Committee, we held a hearing titled "Energy Independence: How Burdensome Regulations are Crushing Offshore Energy Producers." In this hearing, I expressed how deeply disturbing, outrageous and criminal that $400 billion of taxpayer money was lost to fraud during the pandemic.

Lastly, I want to share with everyone that I host a radio show/podcast in DC with various members of congress every week. This offers a unique opportunity for you to meet the fantastic people I'm working with daily to shape America's policies. It gives you a look into the behind-the-scenes action, sharing the stories, news, and legislation that helps you better understand day-to-day operations in DC. Check out our latest episode with Rep. Ashley Hinson: here.

Our community, like so many others, woke up to heart-wrenching news this past Saturday. Like many of you, I was taken aback by the devastating headlines that met us Saturday morning. On one of the holiest days of the year, Israel, a nation we proudly call our ally, was blindsided by a horrific terrorist attack orchestrated by Hamas.

The images and accounts that have emerged from this assault are nothing short of heartbreaking. 

Innocent lives taken, families shattered, and a nation left in mourning. 

The indiscriminate killings of men, women, and children showcase the abhorrent brutality of Hamas and those extremists that are backed by Iran. 

Current Situation:  

- Over 1000 Israelis are tragically deceased.

- 2,400 individuals are wounded.

- Among the casualties, we deeply mourn the passing of 11 American citizens.

This is not just an attack on Israel; this is an assault on peace, stability, and the shared values that bind us as democracies.

Our Dual Responsibility:

1. We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Israel - its leaders, its defenders, and its citizens.

2. As we send our prayers to the Israeli people, Congress must take definitive action. America needs to be prepared to supply our friends with anything they need to accomplish this goal.

Immediate Assistance for MO-04 Residents:

If you or someone you know from our district is currently in Israel and requires assistance, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem at:
🚨 02-630-4000 | 833-890-9595 | 606-641-0131

Fox Business

I joined Mornings with Maria to discuss how the Biden administration is continuing to allow in millions of illegal immigrants, housing them in 4-star hotels while our troops live in filthy conditions in military barracks.

Watch here.

Newsmax

I joined Newsmax to discuss how our money is being spent in Ukraine. I urge the Biden administration to provide Congress with a clear outline for Ukraine's future before allocating any further funds. Congress must decide whether the recovery of lost territories, including Crimea, is worthwhile.

Watch here.

I joined Newsmax again to talk about how the House Republican's impeachment inquiry is allowing us to continue to find truth for the American people.

Watch here.

KSHB 41 Kansas City

We held a Farm Bill listening session in Sedalia. I got to talk with and hear concerns from the farmers and ranchers. This is crucial so that I can continue to stand strong with them and support their hard work.

Watch here.

Town Hall Tour

We had an incredible Town Hall Tour in 4 days with 12 stops, and countless memories made.

We heard your voices, concerns, and questions. We are working around the clock to address these issues and ensure that Missouri’s 4th has the strongest representation in DC.

We ended our Town Hall Tour at Arrowhead Stadium with old friends and meeting new constituents!

➤ Warrensburg ➤Butler ➤ Nevada ➤ Hermitage ➤ Bolivar ➤ Buffalo ➤ Marshfield ➤ Lebanon  ➤ Osage Beach ➤ Versailles  ➤ Arrowhead Stadium 

Purple Heart Ceremony

It was an honor of a lifetime to be able to present the Purple Heart award to Michelle Betz in recognition of her grandfather, Sgt. Merl Houlihan at Whiteman Air Force Base.

Staff Sgt.Houlihan was wounded on Okinawa Japan in 1945. He earned the Purple Heart but never actually received it. His service records were handed down through the family and his granddaughter, Michele Betz discovered the papers for the award and contacted our Congressional office to help. Our senior case worker, Grace Townsend worked for three months through emails and phone calls to the DOD and the Army to get this Purple Heart to the family, and today it finally happened.

I’m so proud of Grace and so inspired by Michele’s tenacity and spirit.

I’m so honored to have this job where we can truly make a difference for the people of the 4th Congressional district.

During our visit to Fort Leonard Wood, we had the privilege of meeting with the leadership from the Army Transportation School, including Colonel Zetterwall who oversees the entire program. Under him, Lt. Colonel Robinette and Command Sergeant Major Rice manage the segment at Fort Leonard Wood.

The Transportation School at Fort Leonard Wood, is led by the 58th Transportation Battalion and the Motor Transport Operator Course (MTOC) where it trains the 88M Motor Transport Operator MOS—the Transportation Corps’ largest MOS—with an average annual training load of nearly 5,000 Soldiers. 

It is important that Congress supports our military installations within our district to ensure that our armed forces are equipped with the resources they need.

Mondays With Mark

In Raymore at our District Office

This week, we got to get back to Mondays with Mark at our Raymore office!

We discussed a wide range of topics and issues with constituents. It was important to hear everyone's thoughts and to hear what's on their hearts and minds.  

My team and I got this cool chance to check out the Bagnell Dam up close and personal. Our guides for the day, Matthew Forck and Travis Hart from Ameren Missouri, were professionals and filled us in on all the information and knowledge.

As we walked around, it was clear to see how this dam is a powerhouse for our community, literally.

The Bagnell Dam plays a crucial part in our district's infrastructure, serving as a source of energy needs. Its importance, however, extends far beyond our district.

The dam is a pivotal resource for the state of Missouri.

Maxion Wheels Visit

Since 1978, right here in Sedalia is the Maxion Wheels' light vehicle steel wheel plant which has the capacity to produce ten million wheels a year, and is alive and well.

Today the plant serves Ford, General motors and Stellantis.

We had the privilege to tour their facilities and see how it all works. Seeing these facilities helps my team and I craft policies that will support American businesses everywhere.

Thank you to Scott Woolery and his team for having us and all their hard work. 

If anyone you know needs assistance with any agency of the federal government, please contact my team in Raymore, Columbia, or Lebanon. Whether it's the IRS, Social Security, passports, veterans’ affairs, or anything else related to the federal government, please give us a call at one of the following numbers:

• Raymore: 816-441-6318
• Columbia: 573-540-6600
• Lebanon: 417-532-5582

Meanwhile, if you have questions about legislation going through Congress, my office in Washington, D.C. can take care of you. My team in D.C. can be reached at 202-225-2876.

My number one job in Congress is to help folks here in Missouri. Please do not ever hesitate to call my offices at the numbers listed above.

I truly care about and will always be working for you.