From the office of Rep. Derek Schmidt

WASHINGTON — With hours remaining before the Sept. 30 government funding deadline, Rep. Derek Schmidt warned constituents that Senate Democrats are pushing a $1.5 trillion spending wish list instead of passing a clean continuing resolution.

The House passed a bill more than a week ago to keep the government funded, but the Senate has not acted, according to the newsletter sent Tuesday.

Schmidt emphasized fiscal responsibility, citing the $37 trillion national debt and noting that a reconciliation bill passed this summer included $1.2 trillion in spending reductions over 10 years. He said appropriations bills have decreased spending by $30 billion from FY25 levels.

VIOLENT CRIME HEARING

The House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight held a field hearing in Charlotte, North Carolina, to address rising violent crime. The hearing featured testimony from crime victims and their families.

Recent incidents cited include the assassination of Charlie Kirk and a stabbing on a Charlotte train. Four Kansas law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in the past four months, the newsletter stated.

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, all Bronze and Catastrophic plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act exchanges will qualify as HSA-eligible plans under reconciliation bill provisions passed this summer.

The Council of Economic Advisors estimates an additional 10 million Americans will be eligible for HSAs next year, allowing Kansas families to save hundreds of dollars using pre-tax money for healthcare expenses.

MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT

The Association of the United States Army released a graphic novel featuring Fr. Emil Kapaun, a Kansas Medal of Honor recipient and native of Pilsen in Marion County.

Fr. Kapaun, the most decorated chaplain in Army history, showed courage during the Korean War as a prisoner of war camp chaplain. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013. His remains were identified in 2021, 70 years after his death. He is interred at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita and is under consideration for sainthood. The Kansas Legislature passed a bill to install a statue of Fr. Kapaun in the State Capitol in Topeka.

SHUTDOWN

Rep. Derek Schmidt, R-Kan., informed constituents that the federal government shutdown began at midnight Wednesday, Oct. 1, after funding authorization expired. Schmidt blamed Senate Democrats for refusing to pass the House's bipartisan bill to fund the government through Nov. 21, saying they are demanding inclusion of a $1.5 trillion "wish list" instead.

Office Operations Schmidt's offices in Washington, D.C., Topeka and Pittsburg remain open. His staff can assist with federal agency issues by calling (785) 205-5253 or through his website. Flag orders and U.S. Capitol tours will be limited during the shutdown.

Services Affected:

• Social Security: Payments will continue, but benefit verifications and disability claims may face delays
• Medicare/Medicaid: Services will operate normally
• Veterans Affairs: All VA medical centers, outpatient clinics and vet centers remain open. Benefits including compensation, pension, education and housing will continue. Regional benefits offices, the GI Bill hotline and career counseling will be closed
• Postal Service: No interruptions expected
• TSA: Operations continue but with potentially longer wait times
• Passports: Processing times of four to six weeks may increase; Schmidt recommends applying soon
• Consular Services: Will continue for Americans abroad

Schmidt recently met with State Farm agents in Topeka and gave Coffey County constituents a Capitol tour.

This summary is based on Rep. Schmidt's constituent newsletter.