U. S. SenatorKansas
A fourth generation Kansan from Dodge City, Senator Pat Roberts' service to the people of Kansas spans more than two decades. First as an eight-term congressman from the First District and now in his second term as United States Senator, Roberts has built a reputation as a leader in national security and defense issues, agriculture and health care.
As a new member of the Senate Finance Committee in the 110th Congress, Roberts gains the opportunity to give Kansans increased leadership on legislation ranging from taxes to trade, health care, Medicare and Social Security -- issues impacting all Kansas families. Roberts' record shows his long-standing concern for Kansas communities, businesses and families. In agriculture, Roberts' work on behalf of America's farmers and ranchers is well-known. Additionally, he is committed to increasing Kansas' investment in math, science and technology, urging schools and universities to remain highly competitive by investing in research infrastructure. He also played a key role in strengthening Kansas' military missions despite nationwide base closings - bringing thousands of new jobs to Kansas.
Born in Topeka April 20, 1936, Roberts is the son of the late Wes Roberts, Chairman of the Republican National Committee under President Dwight Eisenhower. Following graduation from Kansas State University in 1958, Roberts served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years, then worked as a reporter and editor for several Arizona newspapers. He joined the staff of Kansas' U.S. Senator Frank Carlson in 1967. In 1969, Roberts became Administrative Assistant to First District U.S. Congressman Keith Sebelius. Roberts was elected to Congress in 1980, succeeding Sebelius upon his retirement. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996 following the retirement of Senator Nancy Kassebaum (Baker) and won re-election in 2002. Roberts and his wife, Franki, have three grown children - David, Ashleigh and Anne-Wesley.