EC from DC - September 6th, 2013

Kansas City is definitely on a roll! This week we welcomed U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to the city to make a huge transportation announcement. The city has been awarded a $20 million grant for streetcar development. This is a very competitive process and Kansas City was given the largest awarded amount in this round of grants.

The awarding of this grant comes after strong support from city, state, and federal officials. And it is a tremendous vote of confidence for what we are doing in Kansas City. Previous efforts, including the Green Impact Zone, continue to get national recognition, and are paving the way for future funds as our city moves forward.

This grant will assist in supporting the construction of a streetcar route that will connect the River Market area, the Crown Center/Union Station area, the Central Business District, and the Crossroads Arts District. The project will mean the growth of business, jobs, and the economy – keeping and bringing more prosperity to our community. Completion date is anticipated in 2015.

I recently held a town hall regarding the issue of Syria. What should we do there? What should we not do? It is extremely important to me to hear the thoughts and concerns of my constituents in Missouri's Fifth District – to really listen to what you have to say. That was my sole purpose in holding the town hall and I appreciate all who came. We had a standing room only crowd and everyone, as far as I know, who wanted to speak, got the opportunity to do so.

I also appreciate everyone who has reached out through email, social media, and by calling my office to share your opinions. I believe it is not only the responsibility, but the true privilege of those of us in elected office, to be in close communication with the people we represent. It is truly one of the most important decisions we, as a country, make – when deciding upon military action.

I applaud the President for his decision to come to Congress for approval on what should be done in Syria. I am a strong proponent of enforcement of the War Powers Act and believe he is doing the right thing by seeking a vote by Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The opinions expressed, on both sides of this issue, during the town hall were informative, heartfelt, and obviously very emotional. It might interest you to know that members of the media covering the town hall, who came to Missouri's Fifth District from other parts of the country and the world, told me how impressed they were with the respectful nature in which the crowd treated those with differing opinions. I explained that courtesy is one of the many wonderful qualities of the people in Missouri's Fifth District.

If I had to take a vote today, I would vote no on military action in Syria. I have many questions that have not yet been answered. And I have many concerns about taking such an action and involving our military. I am looking forward to returning to Washington next week, so I can participate in briefings and gather more information that should be available to Members of Congress. I will continue to share my thoughts and views with you on this issue as Congress moves toward taking this critical vote. And I also encourage you to continue to share your thoughts with me.

There was a time when disinvestment in Kansas City's east side meant dilapidated buildings, loss of jobs, and in some cases, a loss of hope. But that is not the story any longer. Giant strides have been, and continue to be made, inside the Green Impact Zone. This is a 150-square block area in Kansas City, where federal funds are helping create new jobs, new business opportunities, job training, the weatherization of homes, new construction, new sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and increased energy efficiency.

We now celebrate the opening of the Blue Hills Business Center and Contractor Incubator at 5008 Prospect in Kansas CIty. This is a development that will allow area residents to walk in with an idea and hope - and walk out with solid skills and a plan for the future. There is so much there to offer, and it is such a wonderful sign of progress, I hope everyone will take the opportunity to visit.

This week was a very important week for me -- it marked the official opening of our new Congressional office in Higginsville. This is something I have been looking forward to for months. Not only will it allow me to have a physical presence that is closer to constituents in the new part of Missouri's Fifth District, it will hopefully provide them with a place they like to visit for assistance in any number of areas.

It was a delight to visit with area residents who came to see the new office, talk with one another, and ask questions about important issues we are all facing. And beyond discussing the critical issues, it was nice to have the opportunity to enjoy a meal together, swap stories about our families, and share a laugh.