Beatrice, Carmel, Hana, Joshua, Kitenge and Nyembo Morisho of Wichita
Michael and Sara O’Keefe of Lenexa
William Schimke of St. George
Connie and Mike VanCampen of Turon
Academy of General Dentistry
Cynthia Sherwood of Independence
American College Emergency Physicians
Bryn Deksosky of Overland Park
Shannon Loeck of Wichita
American Society for Radiation Oncology
Melisa Boersma of Prairie Village
Ahmed Nawwar of Kansas City
Kelly Rhodes-Stark of Overland Park
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
Melissa Liddle of Leawood
Mallorie Suffield of Olathe
Community Bankers Association
Jody Barker of Osawatomie
Alison Clutter of Wichita
Matthew Engel of Oakley
Blake Heid of Osawatomie
Shawn Mitchell of Topeka
Margaret Nightengale of Ulysses
Marco Reyes of Ulysses
Rex Reynolds of Mount Hope
Joseph Rottinghaus of Wichita
Thomas Sheik of Bern
Jesse Smail of Paola
Steven Sullentrop of Wichita
Amanda Williams of Wichita
Immune Deficiency Foundation
Rebecca Bowman of McPherson
Institute for Portfolio Alternatives
Brian King of Olathe
Kansas Aqueduct Coalition and Southwest Kansas Groundwater Management District
Randy Hayzlett of Lakin
Jason Norquest of Garden City
Clay Scott of Ulysses
Kansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Isaiah Bartel of Park City
Larry Finley of Emporia
Brittany Grabill of Wichita
Ashley Guzikowski of Prairie Village
Cassidy Helena of Andover
Jeremy Salsbury of Wichita
Phoebe Williams of Kansas City
Kansas Association of School Boards
Jamie Borgman of Shawnee
Jodie Dietz of Overland Park
Curt Herman of Manhattan
Brian Jordan of Topeka
Shannon Kimball of Lawrence
Lillian Lingenfelter of Emporia
Emily Riner of Lecompton
Rod Stewart of Washington
Kansas Electric Cooperative
Mike Brewer of Ulysses
James Brungardt of Hays
Carol Dorr of Burlingame
Kirk Girand of Norton
David Light of Rolla
Pat Morse of Dodge City
Nolan Numrich of WaKeeney
Michael Rogers of St. Francis
Kansas Emergency Nurses Association
Elizabeth Gerhardt of Holton
Mike Hastings of Olathe
Allison Lyda of Overbrook
Kansas National Education Association
Jill Johnson of Newton
Brian Skinner of Newton
Kansas Rural Letter Carriers Association
Mike Phillis of Mound City
Cathy Wood of Manhattan
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
Susie Carson of Lawrence
Adam Courtney of Lawrence
Paul Davis of Lawrence
Gene Dorsey of Lawrence
Brad Finkeldei of Lawrence
Sarah Plinksy of Lawrence
Shannon Reid of Lawrence
NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association
Luke Bunker of Dodge City
Cade Dewitt of Madison
Troy Dierking of Caldwell
Benjamin Foster of Miltonvale
Brent Garvie of Medicine Lodge
Rhonda Goddard of Lenora
Shelly Hansel of Wichita
Todd Houseman of Dodge City
Kim Humphrey of Caldwell
Jill Kuehny of Caldwell
Evie Lazzarino of Lawrence
Bonnie Lowe of Lawrence
Rob McDonald of Madison
Chris McMullen of Everest
Sunee Mickle of Lawrence
Samuel Morris of Lenexa
Catherine Moyer of Ulysses
David Nance of Caldwell
Jason Pettit of Council Grove
Kristine Polian of Lawrence
Amber Sellers of Lawrence
Jason Smith of Everest
Ty Sorenson of Lenexa
Eric Tabor of Miltonvale
Jimmy Todd of Lenora
Mike VanCampen of Medicine Lodge
Candace Wright of Home
United Ways of Kansas
Patrick Sallee of Kansas City
May 4, 2026
Hello,
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Honoring Fallen Kansas Police Officers
On Friday, I spoke at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony to pay tribute to four Kansas law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty last year.
Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann, Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic, Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Elijah Ming, and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Brandon Gaede were heroes who defended their communities and Kansans. As the words on the National Law Enforcement Memorial say, “it is not how these officers died that makes them heroes, it is how they lived.” These men left behind a legacy of kindness, integrity and commitment to service, and their loss is a heartbreaking tragedy for all Kansans. While we can never repay their sacrifices, we have a duty to honor their lives and make certain their legacies are remembered.
You can read more about the ceremony from KAKE here.
Prior to the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony, I met with the families of Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann and Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic. Last year, I introduced Senate resolutions with Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to honor the service and sacrifice these men made, and I appreciated the opportunity to speak with their families in person.
Sen. Marshall and I also introduced Senate resolutions to honor the memory and sacrifices of Undersheriff Brandon Gaede and Deputy Sheriff Elijah Ming. I am continuing to pray for the Heimann, Simoncic, Ming and Gaede families, and the entire Kansas law enforcement community during this difficult time.
New Milestone for Wichita: Opening the Bell Textron Assembly Center It was great to be in the Air Capital of the World on Monday to participate in the opening of Bell Textron’s Wichita Assembly Center for the MV-75 Cheyenne fuselage. This investment marks a significant milestone for Wichita and underscores the critical role Kansans play in supporting our national security. Wichita has deep roots in aviation and defense, and Bell Textron’s presence in the community further solidifies that legacy as dedicated Kansas workers help produce the next generation of military aircraft.
As the U.S. Army seeks to replace the aging Black Hawk helicopter, the MV-75 Cheyenne aircraft will provide revolutionary capability as it can fly twice as far and twice as fast as the current fleet. Bell began manufacturing operations at the facility in October 2025 with the first of six test fuselages expected to be delivered to the Army this summer. As a senior defense appropriator, I have long supported this critical program and the Army’s efforts to accelerate its production. I am pleased that Bell Textron has chosen Kansas for this investment, a decision that will strengthen our national security while expanding opportunities for Wichita’s highly skilled workforce.
Special thanks to U.S. Army Under Secretary Mike Obadal for participating in Monday’s celebration and thank you to Bell CEO Danny Maldonado and Senior Vice President and MV-75 program director Ryan Ehinger for their leadership. Thank you also to Governor Laura Kelly, Sen. Roger Marshall, U.S. Rep. Ron Estes and Wichita Mayor Lily Wu for joining me at the event.
Reviewing the President’s FY27 Budget Request for NASA On Tuesday, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I led a hearing to review the President’s FY27 budget request for NASA with testimony from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. During the hearing, I congratulated Administrator Isaacman on the successful Artemis II mission and thanked him for recently visiting Kansas to tour local aerospace manufacturers and the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson. I also questioned him on America’s efforts to beat China back to the Moon and emphasized the importance of NASA’s Landsat program in providing critical data to support Kansas and American agriculture. Finally, I asked Administrator Isaacman about NASA’s efforts to reclassify Pluto as a planet and restore credit for its discovery to Kansan Clyde Tombaugh from Burdett. I appreciate Administrator Isaacman appearing before the committee, and I look forward to working with him and NASA throughout the appropriations process to make certain America remains the global leader in aerospace and science, research and technology.
You can watch my opening statement here, and my questioning of Administrator Isaacman here, here and here. You can read more about efforts to reclassify Pluto as a planet from USA Today here.
Leading Hearing to Review Pending Veterans Legislation with VA & VSOs
During the hearing, I questioned VA representatives about the closure of half of the intensive care unit and surgical beds at the Leavenworth VA Medical Center and VA’s plans to rectify this situation. I emphasized the importance of VA promptly notifying Congress about staffing and workforce issues. This issue directly ties into my legislation, the Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act, which would require VA to develop, maintain and provide Congress with a strategic human capital plan that aligns staffing levels with current and future projected demand for VA services and increase transparency with Congress in advance of significant staffing changes or a reduction in force.
I am grateful to all of our witnesses who came to testify on this important legislation that would improve VA services for veterans and their families.
Watch my opening statement here and my questioning of VA here.
Confirmed: ATF Director Robert Cekada
I spoke on the Senate floor this week in support of Robert Cekada’s nomination to serve as Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Through my role as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I have worked closely with him in his role as Deputy Director of the ATF and had the opportunity to get to know Rob and his commitment to ATF’s mission.
Last year, I welcomed him to Kansas to highlight the relocation of ATF’s Wichita Field Office to Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus, where a new Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory will soon open. This investment will bolster ATF’s ability to support state and local law enforcement, including here in Kansas. ATF plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and I look forward to continuing to work with Director Cekada to make certain the agency has the tools and resources it needs to carry out its mission.
You can watch my full remarks on the Senate floor here.
Discussing Academic Research with the KU Chancellor & University Presidents On Tuesday, I participated in a fireside chat with University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod at the American Association of Universities (AAU), alongside presidents and chancellors from leading research universities across the country. During our discussion, we spoke about the importance of sustained federal investment in research, and the role universities play in advancing discoveries that matter to the American people, including cancer research, space exploration and strengthening civil discourse. We also discussed the importance of supporting students and expanding opportunities through higher education.
I appreciate Chancellor Girod and the AAU leadership for the conversation and for their continued commitment to advancing research and opportunities for students in Kansas and across the country.
Meeting with Oceanographer Dr. Bob Ballard
On Wednesday, I met with my friend and Wichita native, Dr. Bob Ballard. Dr. Ballard is an oceanographer who worked with the Office of Naval Intelligence during the Cold War. He is most renowned for his work in discovering the wrecks of the Titanic, the Bismark and the USS Yorktown, as well as his work in mapping the Black Sea and founding the Center for Ocean Exploration and Archaeological Oceanography. We spoke on the importance of ocean exploration research for items like rare earth minerals. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I oversee funding of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Education program to enable ocean exploration. We also discussed his upcoming visit to Wichita later this month to tour and lecture at the Exploration Place’s “Finding Titanic: The Secret Mission” special exhibit. Thank you to Dr. Ballard taking the time to meet with me.
Meeting with Knowmadics CEO Paul Maguire
This week, I met with Paul Maguire, CEO of Knowmadics, a technology company specializing in cybersecurity for government organizations and businesses. Last summer, Knowmadics announced the move of its headquarters to Wichita, a remarkable investment and testament to what our dedicated workforce has to offer. We discussed issues facing the tech and cybersecurity industry, and how Knowmadics is working to bolster U.S. national cybersecurity. Special thanks to CEO Paul Maguire and Caroline Canfield for meeting with me, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and industry partners to make certain Kansas is continuously highlighted in these operations.
Meeting with Kansans Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
This week, I met with members of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to discuss priorities for the Lawrence community, including the future of Haskell Indian Nations University. Haskell plays a unique and important role in Kansas and across Indian Country, and I remain committed to making certain the university has the leadership, resources and stability it needs to serve its students. During our conversation, I provided an update on my recent meeting with U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Doug Burgum, where I raised ongoing concerns about delays in appointing permanent leadership at Haskell and emphasized the need for stronger support from the Department of the Interior. I also reiterated the importance of long-term governance reforms, including my legislative efforts to transition Haskell’s governance over from the Bureau of Indian Education to a tribally-appointed Board of Regents. I will continue working with the Lawrence community, Haskell leadership and DOI to advocate for solutions that support the long-term success of Haskell.
Thank you to Shannon Reid, Gene Dorsey, Sarah Plinsky, Brad Finkeldie, Susie Carson, Adam Courtney, Paul Davis, Bonnie Lowe, Evie Lazzarino, Sunee Mickle, Kristine Polian and Amber Sellers for meeting with me and their continued advocacy on behalf of Haskell and the city of Lawrence.
Kansas Electric Cooperative
On Tuesday, I met with members of the Kansas Electric Cooperatives (KEC) to discuss the importance of maintaining a reliable and affordable energy supply for Kansas communities. We covered key issues facing electric cooperatives and their customers, including the need to modernize infrastructure permitting and streamline disaster recovery efforts. We also discussed the importance of dependable mail service and ways to support economic growth in local communities. A secure, affordable electrical grid is essential for Kansas families, businesses and infrastructure, and I appreciate KEC’s continued partnership and advocacy.
Thank you to KEC Manager of Administrative Services Carol Dorr, James Brungard of Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Pat Morse and Megan Evans of Victory Electric Cooperative, Nolan Numrich of Western Cooperative Electric, Michael Rogers and Kirk Girard of Prairie Land Electric Cooperative and David Light and Mike Brewer of Pioneer Electric Coop for meeting with me.
The Rural Broadband Association
It was great to meet with Kansas rural broadband providers from The Rural Broadband Association to speak about their efforts to connect Kansans. We discussed my questioning of U.S Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the Broadband Equity Access and Development (BEAD) Program during a recent hearing I led as chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. We also spoke about our ongoing shared efforts to support rural broadband through the Federal Communication Commission’s Universal Service Fund (USF), as well as my work as a member of the bipartisan USF Working Group to strengthen and improve USF and make certain it is financially viable into the future.
Thank you to Candace Wright of Home; Troy Dierking of Caldwell; Jill Kuehny of Caldwell; Rob McDonald of Madison; Catherine Moyer of Ulysses; Jason Smith of Everest; Benjamin Foster of Miltonvale; Todd Houseman of Dodge City; Cade Dewitt of Madison; Brent Garvie of Medicine Lodge; Ty Sorenson of Lenexa; Samuel Morris of Lenexa; Kim Humphrey of Caldwell; David Nance of Caldwell; Jimmy Todd of Lenora; Rhonda Goddard of Lenora; Chris McMullen of Everest; Shelly Hansel of Wichita; Mike VanCampen of Medicine Lodge; Jason Pettit of Council Grove; Eric Tabor of Miltonvale; and Luke Bunker of Dodge City for meeting with me.
Kansas Association of School Boards
This week, I met with members of the Kansas Association of School Boards to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing schools across our state. During our conversation, we discussed the importance of supporting students through programs like special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We also spoke about ongoing efforts to strengthen workforce development and expand access to quality STEM education, particularly in rural communities. I highlighted my support for initiatives like the CAPS Rural Educator Professional Learning Fund, which helps equip educators with the tools they need to prepare students for future careers.
Kansas schools have a critical role in preparing the next generation. Thank you to Shannon Kimball, Jodie Dietz, Emily Riner, Lillian Lingenfelter, Jamie Borgman, Curt Herman, Rod Stewart and Brian Jordan for their work to provide students across our state with quality education.
Meadowlark Hills
On Thursday, I met with Parkinson’s Disease advocates from Meadowlark Hills retirement community in my Manhattan office building as a part of their “Pig Out for Parkinson’s” campaign to support Parkinson’s awareness in the Flint Hills region. As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Parkinson’s Disease and senior member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the National Institutes of Health (NIH), I have long advocated for the need to advance medical research on life-altering diseases such as Parkinson’s to improve diagnosis and treatment as we strive for a cure. I supported passage of The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, which was signed into law in July 2024. This federal initiative aims to improve early diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cures for Parkinson’s over 10 years. Additionally, the FY26 appropriations bills included $5 million for implementation of The National Plan to End Parkinson’s. Thank you to Michelle Haub, Gail Johannes and David Gadwood for their time and conversation.
Capitol Tour Groups
It’s always great to meet Kansans visiting our nation’s capital! I enjoyed speaking with several Kansans before their Capitol tours this week and hearing about their trips to Washington, D.C.
Thank you to Mike and Connie VanCampen of Turon; Mike and Carolyn Kleiber of Hillsboro; Alan and Susan Boeh of Troy; and Michael and Sarah O’Keefe of Lenexa. A special thank you to Dr. Robert Ballard of Wichita for visiting with us and sharing about his work as a Navy officer and underwater archeologist.
Thank you also to Larry and Becky Jones of Garden City and their grandchildren Sam and William for taking the time to visit with me.
Visiting Frankfort High School
I enjoyed touring Frankfort High School this week and meeting with students, faculty and staff as their school year comes to a close. I appreciated learning about the programs Frankfort High School provides to prepare students for their future. Thank you to Principal Dean Dalinghaus and students Johanna Studer, Ashlyn Dalinghaus, Wes Anderson and Jennifer Schneider for hosting me and for a great tour.
Celebrating Former Kansas Senator Pat Roberts’ 90th Birthday
On Monday, I joined many of my colleagues in celebrating the 90th birthday of former Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts. During his time in the Senate, Sen. Roberts served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for six years, overseeing the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and numerous other agricultural priorities. At the event, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) honored Sen. Roberts with an official portrait that will be hung in the Senate Agriculture Committee room. Thank you to Sen. Roberts for his dedicated service to Kansans, and I wish him all the best as he celebrates this remarkable milestone.
Celebrating National Space Day
On Friday, our nation celebrated National Space Day, a time to recognize the astronauts, scientists and innovators who have contributed to America’s pioneering spirit in space. From the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, which inspires and educates the next generation of space explorers, to the contributions of NASA astronaut Nick Hague from Hoxie and astronomer Clyde Tombaugh from Burdett who discovered Pluto – the road to space has been paved by Kansans.
Photo: Sen. Moran with Kansan NASA Astronaut Nick Hague in 2020.
Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 18, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
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