Many years ago, I attended a meeting with then-Senator John F. Kennedy.  I will always remember Kennedy standing before us and saying, "If you stay close to the people, the people will stay close to you."  Kennedy's words resonated with me that day, leaving a lasting impression and guiding me as I began my career of public service.  And now, many years later, as I look forward to the opportunities and challenges we face in the Congress, I am yet again reminded of that day and of the wise words that Kennedy shared with us.
   
          During my time in Congress, I have worked hard at staying in touch with the people I represent.  During the month-long Congressional Recess, I visited extensively throughout the Show-Me State, stopping by farms, small businesses, schools, and hospitals.  I spoke with business leaders, visited with farmers, met with doctors and nurses, and hosted Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Congressman Collin Peterson, the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.  As a representative for rural Missouri, I always appreciate speaking with Fourth District residents who know first hand how the laws we establish in Congress impact life back home.  But, in addition to listening to your concerns when I am home, I need to receive your letters and phone calls.  When issues of interest are being considered by Congress, I want to hear from you.

 There are a number of ways to get in touch with me.  I can be reached by e-mail through my official website.  By e-mail, residents of Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District may contact me at their convenience 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  If you contact me using e-mail, please include your full name and postal mailing address along with your e-mail message so that I can respond by regular mail.

 You can contact my office in Washington, D.C. by phone at 202-225-2876 or by fax at 202-225-2695.  You can also contact me through my Fourth Congressional District offices located in Blue Springs (telephone: 816-228-4242), Sedalia (telephone: 660-826-2675), Jefferson City (telephone: 573-635-3499), and Lebanon (telephone: 417-532-7964).

 In addition, I encourage constituents to visit my website to view my current news releases, weekly columns, and for other federal government information.  You may also follow what is happening in the House Armed Services Committee by visiting its website.

 If you have a question about an issue pertaining to the federal government, or if you experience a problem with any federal agency, please contact me for information or assistance.  All inquires, including letters, phone calls, faxes, and e-mails are acknowledged by regular mail.  It is difficult to answer all of these communications as quickly as I would like, but I am dedicated to responding to everyone.

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