When reading about Senator Marshall’s surprise visit to Hutchinson, I had to wonder why was the visit a surprise? If he is planning to visit 50 counties, his itinerary is surely planned out. You would think he would want to visit with as many people as possible. Is he afraid people will ask questions? Doesn’t he want to hear our opinions? One of the most important duties of a representative is to listen to their constituents. It is not enough for a senator to tell people what a good job he thinks he is doing; it is incumbent that he listens to their thoughts and concerns as well.
Some of the questions I would like to ask are:
The One Big Beautiful Bill makes it harder for people to qualify for Medicaid, yet allocates $50 billion for rural hospitals because they are going broke. Wouldn’t it be better to use that money to help more people get insurance so they can pay for their care? What are you doing to address the health care crisis in this country?
In light of the rising number of measles cases in this country, do you regret voting to approve RFK Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, as secretary of health and human services?
My great-grandparents were immigrants. Immigrants helped build this country, as many immigrants are today. Why are you allowing peaceful, hard-working immigrants that have been in this country many years to be deported instead of giving them a path to citizenship? Why are you allowing ICE to detain and deport immigrants without due process? The 14th Amendment guarantees due process to all persons.
Why are you allowing the administration to impose tariffs unilaterally and recklessly on friend and foe alike when tariffs are Congress’ responsibility and authority? These tariffs are having a terrible impact on agriculture. They are increasing costs for Kansas manufacturers. They are causing increased prices for groceries.
Why are you not supporting Ukraine so it can defend itself from Russia’s unprovoked, brutal invasion? History shows appeasement did not work before World War II. It will not stop Putin today.
Why are you not defending the Constitution against an overreaching executive branch? The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Donald Trump and the Department of Justice have filed numerous lawsuits against individuals and newspapers simply because they didn’t like what they were saying. This is wrong. The First Amendment guarantees the right to peaceable assembly. ICE tactics of tear gas and aggression against protesters is meant to inhibit that right.
Why have you not spoken out against Trump’s call to eliminate mail-in ballots? Article 1, Section 4 says states are to determine how elections are conducted. This would make it hard, if not impossible, for many elderly people to vote.
The legislative branch of government is supposed to be a check and balance to the executive branch. Congress is not doing its job.
Senator Marshall, how about having a real town hall meeting? I believe voters will ask good questions in a dignified manner without shouting and disruptions. The question is, are you willing to listen?
– Earl Wetta, Andale