The trade deadline clock struck midnight recently, and Kansas Senator Roger Marshall had some thoughts to share on the plethora of trade deals that were signed and the ones that still remain in limbo. Tuning in to the conversation felt a bit like watching a suspenseful movie where the protagonist races against time to save the day. Suffice it to say, there was plenty of action as Senator Marshall broke down the current trade landscape, shedding light on both successes and challenges.

First up on the agenda was the impressive performance of President Trump, who has managed to strike trade agreements with eight of America’s top ten trading partners. Senator Marshall was quick to highlight this as a significant win for the country, though Taiwan and India have somewhat lagged behind. The Senator illustrated how Trump has essentially put China in a tight corner by constructing strong alliances with countries across Asia and beyond. According to Marshall, things are on track, and by August 12th, they expect a favorable deal with China. He confidently stated that goods from Kansas are still making their way smoothly to Canada and Mexico, except for a few hiccups with dairy, which they hope to sort out sooner rather than later.

Yet not all was smooth sailing. A challenging court ruling threatened to hinder President Trump’s ability to impose tariffs without Congress’s approval. Senator Marshall expressed his frustration over these judicial decisions, arguing they are getting in the way of what the American people—a whopping 78 million voters—want. The Senator emphasized that it’s crucial for Congress to grant the president more power to enforce protective measures that would safeguard American jobs and influence foreign policy without exhaustive delays.

Switching gears, the conversation turned towards an upcoming package of rescission cuts that the administration is reportedly planning to roll out. Senator Marshall remarked on the wide array of potential targets for budget cuts, highlighting how spending could be trimmed down significantly. He acknowledged Senator Joni Ernst’s efforts leading the charge on this issue and pointed to a previous rescindment of $8 billion from a $40 billion aid package as a step in the right direction. The Senator indicated that addressing waste and fraud, particularly in Medicare and Medicaid, might offer some fruitful areas to explore.

Finally, the Senator addressed something that hits close to home: the reinstitution of the presidential fitness test in schools, thanks to an executive order from Trump. As a physician, Senator Marshall took a holistic approach to the issue, noting the alarming rates of childhood obesity and related health concerns. With 20% of children on medication and many battling chronic illnesses, he expressed a desire for kids to reconnect with fitness and competition. He reminisced about his own experience in school, recalling how the fitness test instilled a sense of achievement in students. Sure, nowadays kids might use their smartphones more than their legs, but Marshall believes this initiative could inspire children to step away from screens and get active—perhaps even finding joy in fishing and hunting, like he did.

So, as the trades get renegotiated in Washington and children get motivated to move more, it’s clear that Senator Marshall is making his mark. Whether discussing trade deals, budget cuts, or the importance of staying healthy, he wrapped it all in a reminder that America has a knack for competition and resilience. Perhaps we all will see a healthier, more prosperous nation by embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.