From the office of Sen. Roger Marshall

Marshall Touts Legislative Wins, Criticizes Democrats During Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON — Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., used his weekly newsletter to highlight recent legislative victories and criticize Democrats over the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 10th day as of Oct. 10.

In a letter to constituents, Marshall said Democrats have voted against funding troops and key programs despite the House sending a clean continuing resolution. He said Senate Democrats need 60 votes to pass spending measures and accused Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of telling the press that "every day is getting better" during the shutdown.

Marshall praised the Trump administration's plan to use tariff revenue to fund the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children during the shutdown. He called the WIC program essential for pregnant women, new mothers and young children, saying it's "shameful that Democrats are willing to jeopardize the health of mothers and children to score political points."

The senator highlighted Senate passage of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes increased funding for Fort Riley. Kansas will receive $26 million for a new air traffic control tower, $13.2 million for an automated infantry platoon battle course and $16 million for new barracks at the legendary First Infantry Division.

The NDAA also authorizes a 3.8% pay raise for military members, with junior enlisted soldiers receiving a 14.5% increase. It includes $50 million for Department of Defense assistance to educational agencies affected by military enrollment, $10 million for impact aid payments for children with disabilities and $20 million for local educational agencies serving areas with high concentrations of military children with severe disabilities.

Marshall also celebrated Senate passage of his Retire through Ownership Act, which provides legal and regulatory clarity for forming employee stock ownership plans. He said ESOPs "promote stability, boost wages and build real retirement security for working families."

At The Hill's Health Next Summit, Marshall — the only member of Congress to run a hospital — criticized the Affordable Care Act's cost structure. He said the original subsidies differed significantly from additional COVID-era subsidies and argued that regardless of government actions, "premiums are going to go up 20%."

Marshall also introduced an amendment to the NDAA prohibiting any flag other than the American flag from being flown on federal buildings, with certain exceptions. The "One Flag for All Act" passed as part of the defense bill.

"No flag that divides or politicizes should ever be flown on a federal building," Marshall said.