From the office of Rep. Tracey Mann

Rep. Tracey Mann returned to Washington, D.C., for a week of legislative activity, committee hearings and meetings, emphasizing his commitment to fighting for Kansas rather than serving as a caretaker during America's challenges. He participated in a House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee hearing examining how different states administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Mann discussed the benefits and drawbacks of various state processes with food assistance experts, focusing on how to restore integrity and efficiency to SNAP while being good stewards of tax dollars.

Mann participated in a Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee hearing analyzing the implementation of the Water Resources Development Act passed in 2024. This bipartisan legislation included several priority items for Kansas, including support for the Manhattan levee project, a study for the Ogallala Aquifer, and a change in storage contracts that saved Kansans nearly $41 million. The legislation delivered significant benefits for the Big First District and improved the nation's resources infrastructure.

The congressman participated in voting on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which funds and implements what he describes as a "peace through strength agenda" in the military. The legislation provides funding to secure borders, speed up delivery of innovative technologies to the Department of Defense, and includes a 3.8% pay raise for service members. Mann emphasized that these changes help support warfighters and maintain the status of what he calls "the greatest military the world has ever seen."

During his time in Washington, Mann met with numerous Kansas organizations and stakeholders in his office, including the Greater Topeka Area Chamber of Commerce, Meat Institute, Kansas Automobile Dealers Association, Kansas Pork Association, Growth Energy, Viega, Kansas Hospital Association, and Kansas University Health Center. These meetings allow him to stay connected with various sectors important to Kansas's economy and address their concerns directly.

Mann highlighted his work on several key legislative priorities, including the Fiscal Year 26 Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which invests in modernizing nuclear weapons infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity for the electric grid, and blocking adversaries like China and Russia from accessing U.S. energy systems. He also supported the bipartisan Uyghur Policy Act, taking a stand against Chinese Communist Party human rights abuses and supporting the closure of reeducation camps targeting Uyghur people.

The congressman emphasized his work on healthcare cost reduction through cosponsoring H.R. 4317, the PBM Reform Act, which aims to increase transparency and ban abusive pricing tactics by Pharmacy Benefit Managers. He also supported the Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 to address the FAA's shortage of air traffic controllers and the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act to combat drug trafficking and hold China accountable for its role in the fentanyl crisis affecting American families.

Mann celebrated Kansas heritage by participating in the Kansas State Fair and announcing the Legislative Showmanship competition alongside Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation Board Chairwoman Mary McCurry. He praised the dedication of FFA and 4-H students who demonstrate livestock care and agricultural commitment. During his August district work period, he visited all 60 counties in the Big First District, meeting with constituents who expressed appreciation for legislative wins preventing tax increases and supporting working families.

The representative concluded by emphasizing constituent services, noting his offices' readiness to help with federal agency issues, passport assistance, and Capitol tours. He highlighted his role in nominating students for military academy applications, with a deadline of Sept. 29, 2025. Mann also met with Kansas Bankers Association representatives and Douglas County community leaders regarding Haskell Indian Nations University, discussing tribal governance and Native education strengthening for future generations.