From the office of Rep. Tracey Mann

Kansas Rep. Mann Blames Democrats for Government Shutdown, Honors Local Agriculture Volunteers

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Mann, representing Kansas' Big First District, said in a newsletter this week that a government shutdown entering its second week is the result of Democratic opposition to a Republican continuing resolution.

Mann said House and Senate Republicans voted Sept. 19 to pass a seven-week continuing resolution to maintain current funding levels, but Senate Democrats blocked the measure. He accused Democratic leadership of demanding restoration of health care coverage for undocumented immigrants and $1.5 trillion in additional spending related to COVID-era health care policy.

"These political games put some of our most vulnerable and brave Americans at risk," Mann wrote. "Make no mistake—this shutdown is Washington Democrats' to own."

Mann's offices in Washington, D.C., Manhattan and Dodge City remain open during the shutdown to assist constituents with services including passport assistance, federal agency issues and veterans benefits, according to the newsletter.

The congressman announced that applications for spring internships in his office are open through Oct. 24, 2025. Mann said the internships offer college students experience learning about public policy and congressional operations.

In a separate newsletter, Mann honored Ann and Hal Sankey of Kansas as his agricultural heroes of the month for their volunteer work supporting the Kansas State Fair and state agriculture.

The couple, both Kansas State University agricultural economics graduates, spent careers in the beef industry, including 32 years with Cargill for Hal Sankey. They returned to Kansas to raise their family and maintain connections to their agricultural roots.

Ann Sankey serves on the Kansas Fairgrounds Foundation board and chairs the Grand Drive Committee. The couple has volunteered extensively for fair operations and helped establish the foundation's Hats & Horses fundraiser.

"Ann and Hal Sankey have led by doing—shaping generations of youth exhibitors and ensuring that the Kansas State Fair remains a cornerstone of our state's agricultural identity," Mann wrote.