Graves: Congress seeks ways to curb regulatory overreach

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves said regulatory overreach is more than a nuisance — it’s a threat to the separation of powers set up in the U.S. Constitution.

Graves, a Republican from Tarkio, was in Canton on Wednesday for a town hall-style meeting with constituents at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. He said the Obama administration has directed federal agencies to create rules that failed to pass in Congress.

“We’re seeing this particularly with the EPA,” Graves said.

Congress did not approve a proposed law a few years ago that would have allowed the Environmental Protection Agency to control waters outside of navigable waterways. But the EPA now is seeking the power to control water not only in navigable waterways, but also “next to a jurisdictional water” or near a “significant nexus.”

That broad and vague wording is intentional, Graves said.

“It would give them the power to control any water, anywhere,” he said.

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Graves, leaders voice support for ‘right to farm’

A congressman gathered with agricultural leaders and producers Thursday in St. Joseph to assist a campaign toward guaranteeing the right to farm in Missouri.

North Missouri Congressman Sam Graves joined a chorus of officials from the region to promote Amendment One, a proposal set to appear on the state’s Aug. 5 primary ballot. The measure seeks to offer protection to farmers engaged in growing crops and ranchers raising livestock. A presentation on the amendment and campaign kickoff was held at the Buchanan County Farm Bureau office on South Woodbine Road.

 

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Congressman visits Northland

The Education and Opportunity Town Hall series hosted by U.S. Rep. Sam Graves made a stop in the Northland last Thursday, April 24, as the congressman sat down with constituents in Liberty. A small but inquisitive group of 13 individuals attended the event at Liberty High School that focused on the quality of Missouri education.

 

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Graves discusses ag issues with panel

Congressman Sam Graves expressed satisfaction Friday afternoon that a recently passed Farm Bill holds numerous benefits to enhance agriculture.

Mr. Graves, a Republican from Tarkio, stopped for an hourlong visit at the East Hills Library. The purpose of his U.S. 6th District stopover was to update progress on a variety of issues related to agriculture and other events coming out of Washington, D.C. The audience largely was composed of an agriculture advisory committee from the region.

 

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Graves helps retrieve Purple Heart medal

Sue Winslow believes her late husband would not have enjoyed the ceremony held on his behalf Thursday.

“He wouldn’t have been happy for this spotlight,” the St. Joseph woman said.

Mrs. Winslow, family members and a number of elected officials stood in the atrium of the Buchanan County Courthouse and watched as Congressman Sam Graves presented a Purple Heart medal that Bob Winslow earned during the Korean War.

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Congressman Graves’ Town Hall Draws Crowd in Hannibal

(Hannibal)–U.S. Congressman Sam Graves held his third Town Hall Meeting of the day before a packed house at the Hannibal Nutrition Center.

Before arriving in Hannibal Thursday afternoon, Graves held Town Halls in Kirksville and Canton. His district covers 36 counties in the northern third of Missouri. Graves plans to reach out to as many constituents as possible during summer recess before Congress reconvenes in September.

Graves holds out hope that the House and Senate can go to conference and hash out a Farm Bill by September 30th.

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Graves Makes Stop In Trenton

Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves was in Trenton on Wednesday afternoon to discuss government regulations and their effects on small business and agriculture. The event took place at the Trenton Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Accompanying Graves was Missouri Farm Bureau President Bruce Hurst, who addressed agriculture issues. Approximately 20 area residents attended the event, which was one of several stops Graves is making throughout the district to address

Sam Graves | Kirksville, MO

Graves touts small business work during first visit to Kirksville

KIRKSVILLE, MO. — A longtime northwest Missouri representative to the U.S. House made his first visit to Kirksville and met with small business owners as he campaigned Monday to retain his seat in a newly-formed congressional district.

Rep. Sam Graves (R-6), of Tarkio, Mo., visited Steve’s Garden Deli, Dave’s Art Studio and the Wooden Nickel Restaurant during a 45-minute walk of downtown Kirksville before traveling to Rosie’s Northtown Cafe for lunch. He was scheduled to meet with university and health care administrators in the afternoon before holding an evening fundraiser event with Missouri House hopeful Nate Walker.

The veteran congressman is seeking his seventh term in Washington D.C. He has represented the 6th District of Missouri since 2001, but for the first time – due to redistricting after the U.S. Census – Graves will need to gain voters in northeast Missouri. The new 6th District encompasses all of northern Missouri, from the state’s eastern to western borders.

“This is the biggest district Missouri has ever had now,” Graves said. “It’s big. I’m looking forward to it.”

Northeast Missouri had been represented by Republican Blaine Luetkemeyer, who has filed to seek election from the 3rd District.

Graves will face primary challenges from Bob Gough and Christopher Ryan. Democrats Kyle Yarber, Ted Rights, W.A. (Bill) Hedge and Ronald William Harris are vying for their party’s nomination. Libertarian Russ Lee Monchil will also be on the November ballot.

Graves is the chairman of the House Committee on Small Business and serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He is also a member of the subcommittees on Aviation, Highways and Transit, and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

He said he enjoyed his visit in Kirksville, touring small businesses that he said are the key to U.S. economic growth. He sees his role in Washington as getting “government out of their hair.”

“Right now, [small businesses are] faced with a lot of uncertainties out there. They don’t know what the health care bill is going to cost them, they don’t know what their taxes are going to be because the whole tax code is going to expire at the end of this year, they don’t know what the regulatory environment is going to be because we’re seeing this administration continue to pile on more, and more, and more, and more regulations coming from the departments themselves,” Graves said. “A lot of small businesses are just holding back, waiting to see what happens, and they’re not expanding. If you’re not seeing expansion, particularly when seven out of every 10 jobs are small business jobs, you’re not seeing that expansion and growth in the economy.”

U.S. Congressman visits Kirksville

KIRKSVILLE, MO — A Heartland Congressman makes a stop in Kirksville.

U.S. Representative Sam Graves made a campaign stop downtown Monday for informal visits to local businesses on the square, including Steve’s Deli. Graves is the Chairman of the Small Business Committee in Washington.

 

If re-elected, Graves will represent the new Sixth Congressional District which will include 36 counties along the top one-third of Missouri including Adair County. With the changes, Graves will have district offices in Hannibal and St. Joseph along with mobile offices to get as much feedback as possible.

“Folks can come by and visit and see if there is something we need to do. So they will have access to my office,” Graves said.

 

Graves said he enjoys going out and meeting people.

 

“This is what I enjoy more than anything else, just getting out there and meeting folks, know individuals, see small businesses,” Graves said. “The Sixth District is expanding to 36 counties. I think it’s fantastic because it is rural and has the kind of people I know. I’m enjoying the process of meeting people.”

Graves also attended a lunch event at Rosie’s Northtown Café with local officials and supporters.

While in Kirksville, Graves also met with the presidents of Truman State University and A.T. Still

 

University and visited Northeast Regional Medical Center.

His last event of the day was a fundraiser for Third District State Representative Candidate Nate Walker.

 

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US Rep. Sam Graves to Headline Macon Co. Lincoln Dinner

US Rep. Sam Graves to Headline Macon Co. Lincoln Dinner

MACON – United States Congressman Sam Graves, R-Tarkio, will headline the Macon County Lincoln Dinner on Thursday, March 15, 2012. The event is sponsored by the Macon Co. Republican Central Committee as a fundraiser to support local candidates. All area Republicans are encouraged to attend.

The annual fundraiser will be held at United Trinity Church, 31592 Lily Street, just north of the Coke Plant on Highway 36 east of Macon. A meet and greet will begin the evening at 6:00 P.M. with a Prime Rib Dinner to be served at 6:30 P.M.
 
Graves is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and the incumbent congressman in Missouri’s 6th Congressional District. New maps approved by the legislature last year put all of North Missouri into one district; Macon was previously represented by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer.
 
Other candidates to attend will include those running for US Senate, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General and Treasurer. Local legislators Sen. Bill Stouffer, Sen. Brian Munzlinger and Rep. Randy Asbury are also special invited guests.

Tickets for the program and prime rib dinner are $30 and must be purchased in advance through Jane Thompson, Committee Treasurer, at  jane55@cvalley.net or (660) 651-6280.

Sponsorship levels include $500 dinner sponsors receiving eight tickets, $250 Gold sponsors receiving four tickets and $100 hosts receiving two tickets.

Those unable to attend can send their financial support for local Republican candidates to Macon County Republicans, 1103 E Briggs, Macon, MO  63552.

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