Davids Pushes Back on Trump Administration Cuts, Promotes Kansas Agriculture

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Rep. Sharice Davids is mounting opposition to what she calls harmful cuts by the Trump administration while promoting initiatives to support Kansas farmers and families.
The Democratic congresswoman has launched a multi-front campaign criticizing federal funding reductions that she says threaten cancer research, firefighting resources and early childhood education programs across her district.

Cancer Research Concerns

Davids visited the University of Kansas Medical Center last week to sound alarms about Trump administration cuts to medical research funding. The administration has terminated more than 2,600 National Institutes of Health awards totaling nearly $9 billion since January, including seven grants to University of Kansas institutions.
"These aren't just numbers in a spreadsheet — these are cancer patients waiting on treatment, students preparing to be the next generation of doctors, and parents hoping for a cure," Davids said during her visit.
The cuts include a proposed 37% reduction to cancer research. Davids has co-sponsored the Prevent Halting of Active Research Act, which would force NIH to honor existing agreements and prevent future politically motivated cancellations.

Firefighting Funds Withheld

Davids has demanded the U.S. Forest Service and Office of Management and Budget release federal investments owed to the Kansas Forest Service. Despite congressional approval nearly five months ago, the Trump administration has not distributed resources needed for rural fire departments and wildfire prevention.
The Kansas Forest Service depends on federal funding for 60-80% of its annual budget. Without the appropriation, the agency faces potential layoffs and service cuts affecting training for over 1,500 firefighters statewide.
"While this administration sits on these critical investments it is required to spend, firefighters across Kansas are worried about the impact this will have across the state," Davids wrote to federal officials.

Head Start Program Defense

At El Centro's Head Start program in Kansas City, Kansas, Davids highlighted her opposition to threats against early childhood education. Government investigators found the Trump administration illegally withheld Head Start funds last week, and President Trump has proposed eliminating the program altogether.
"Programs like Head Start are about more than just learning — they're about making sure parents can go to work knowing their kids are safe, supported, and on track to succeed," Davids said during her visit.
Research shows Head Start students are 25% more likely to graduate high school and four times more likely to complete bachelor's degrees compared to non-Head Start students.

Agricultural Supply Chain Tour

On a more positive note, Davids completed a supply chain tour across Kansas' Third District to highlight support for local farms and food businesses. The tour included visits to Courage Farms in Fontana, K-State Olathe's kitchen incubator and Franklin General Store in Shawnee.
"When we invest in our local food systems, we're not just supporting farmers and producers — we're lowering costs at the checkout line, creating good-paying jobs, and making sure families in Kansas have access to fresh, healthy food," Davids said.
Local food systems create 13 jobs per $1 million in sales compared to three jobs for non-local systems, according to sustainable agriculture research cited by Davids' office.
The congresswoman has supported legislation including the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act and the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act as part of her efforts to reduce grocery prices for Kansas families.
Davids represents Kansas' Third District, which includes parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area and extends south through several rural counties.