From the office of Rep. Derek Schmidt

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt criticized Senate Democrats this week for blocking government funding measures, including a defense appropriations bill that passed the Senate Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support.

Four weeks after the House passed a bipartisan continuing resolution to fund the government, Senate Democrats continue to block the measure through a filibuster, Schmidt said. This week, Senate Republicans attempted to bring up a standalone defense appropriations bill that has broad bipartisan support, having passed the Senate Appropriations Committee 26-3 earlier this year, but Democrats blocked debate on the measure.

"This is completely unacceptable," Schmidt said.

The congressman noted that President Trump and Secretary of Defense Hegseth took "extraordinary measures" to ensure military personnel received their October 15 paychecks. Schmidt said he has cosponsored the Pay Our Troops Act, which would ensure military personnel continue receiving pay during government shutdowns.

Constituent Services Continue

Schmidt's offices in Washington, Topeka, and Pittsburg remain open despite the shutdown and available to assist constituents with federal agencies including the Veterans Administration, Social Security, and the Internal Revenue Service.

However, Schmidt acknowledged that some services may be limited, as many departments and agencies are not processing casework during the shutdown. He encouraged constituents experiencing issues with federal agencies to contact his office at (785) 205-5253 or submit information through his website so cases can be filed once federal funding resumes.

Small Business Support

As a member of the House Small Business Committee and the son and grandson of small business owners, Schmidt highlighted provisions for Main Street businesses included in the reconciliation bill signed into law by President Trump this summer. The bill made permanent the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction and provides immediate expensing for domestic research and development and capital investments.

The legislation also permanently extends Opportunity Zones, which incentivize economic growth in underserved communities, and increases and makes permanent the estate and gift tax exemption to help family farms and small businesses transfer to the next generation without estate taxes.

Schmidt also touted the House's passage of a bipartisan bill reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, which provide early-stage technology funding for small businesses. However, the Senate has not taken up the measure during the shutdown, and the programs have now lapsed.

Additionally, Schmidt championed an amendment in the House's National Defense Reauthorization Act that would make it easier for small businesses to contract with the Department of Defense. The Senate passed its own version of the NDAA last week, and negotiations are ongoing to resolve differences between the chambers.

Other Activities

Schmidt announced his support for a Congressional Term Limits Constitutional Amendment after being recognized by representatives from U.S. Term Limits.

The congressman also hosted several Kansas legislators visiting Washington for Capitol tours and met with constituents Stu and Amy Hite from Pittsburg.