MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — U.S. Representative Tracey Mann says Congress is preparing for a busy stretch on Capitol Hill, with major legislation on agriculture, aviation safety and taxes moving forward.
Rep. Mann said a new federal farm bill is expected to reach the House floor soon after advancing out of committee with bipartisan support.
“There’s no perfect bill, but this is a really good bill for our ag producers,” Mann said. “It’s good for Kansas agriculture through and through.”
The legislation builds on provisions already passed in prior tax policy, including support for crop insurance and commodity programs. Mann said the upcoming bill will focus on additional priorities such as conservation programs, precision agriculture and research at land-grant universities like Kansas State.
One key provision involves the Food for Peace program, which Mann supports moving under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He said the shift would help ensure food aid is delivered as commodities rather than cash, benefiting both recipients and Kansas farmers.
“Let’s make sure we’re sending American-grown food, not just money,” Mann said. “That supports our producers and ensures the aid reaches people who need it.”
Mann also highlighted recent passage of the ALERT Act in the House, a response to a deadly aviation involving a flight originating in Wichita. The bill incorporates all 50 safety recommendations issued by the National Transportation Safety Board.
The legislation now heads to reconciliation with the Senate.
“We need to do all we can to make sure something like that never happens again,” Mann said.
On taxes, Mann pointed to changes included in last year's federal legislation, which he said prevented what would have been a significant tax increase for many Americans. Provisions included eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, as well as reducing tax burdens for Social Security recipients and family farms.
“If Congress hadn’t acted, the average Kansas family would have seen about a $2,000 increase in taxes,” Mann said. “Instead, many saw larger refunds than expected.”
Looking ahead, Mann said Congress is also preparing to take up a surface transportation reauthorization bill, which will impact highway funding and infrastructure projects nationwide.
He also encouraged students across Kansas’ 1st Congressional District to participate in the annual Congressional Art Competition, with submissions due soon through his district offices.
Mann represents Kansas’ “Big First” District, which includes Hutchinson and much of western Kansas.