Kansas Common Sense – 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.

In This Issue:

• Honoring Fallen Kansas Police Officers
• New Milestone for Wichita: Opening the Bell Textron Assembly Center
• Reviewing the President’s FY27 Budget Request for NASA
• Leading Hearing to Review Pending Veterans Legislation with VA & VSOs
• Confirmed: ATF Director Robert Cekada
• Discussing Academic Research with the KU Chancellor & University Presidents
• Meeting with Oceanographer Dr. Bob Ballard
• Meeting with Knowmadics CEO Paul Maguire
• Meeting with Kansans
• Visiting Frankfort High School
• Celebrating Former Kansas Senator Pat Roberts’ 90th Birthday
• Celebrating National Space Day
• Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
• Honored to Serve You in Washington

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

This week, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing to discuss 25 pieces of legislation with witnesses from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Wounded Warrior Project, American Veterans and Military Officers Association of America. I introduced four of these bills: the Optimizing the VA Workforce for Veterans Act, the Disabled Veterans Dignity Act, the National Veterans Strategy Act and the Veterans STAND Act.

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.

Very truly yours,

Jerry

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.

Chairing Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing with Commerce Secretary Lutnick
On Wednesday, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS), I led a hearing with Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss the President’s FY27 budget request for the Department of Commerce. I questioned Secretary Lutnick on the status of the department’s efforts to implement the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, as well as its plan to utilize the program’s $21 billion in leftover allocations. I also emphasized the importance of these allocations being spent for the purposes of deploying broadband services across the U.S. to customers who would not otherwise be served.

During the hearing, I also asked Secretary Lutnick about the department’s efforts to modernize the NOAA’s Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite system to improve NOAA’s ability to provide accurate, lifesaving weather forecasting and monitoring data. Following the recent severe weather that has impacted communities across Kansas, I spoke to Secretary Lutnick about the importance of maintaining full staffing and 24/7 weather monitoring at National Weather Service (NWS) offices around the country to provide critical public safety information to communities. I also highlighted for the Secretary the important work being done at Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus through their pilot training program partnership with the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, preparing the next generation of students for careers operating aircraft for scientific research and environmental surveying.

You can watch my opening remarks here, as well as my questioning of Secretary Lutnick here and here.

Discussing USDA FY27 Budget Request with Secretary Rollins
On Wednesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to discuss UDSA’s operations and the department’s FY2027 budget request. I spoke with her about the importance of continuing to fund international food aid programs such as Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, which use American-grown commodities to feed the hungry worldwide. We also discussed my efforts to move Food for Peace permanently to USDA, and how the department is temporarily taking on the program.

We also spoke about the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, or NBAF, and how Congress can work with the administration to make certain full operation and staffing of the facility is achieved in a timely manner. Last November, I urged USDA to pursue an exemption from the federal hiring freeze to hire necessary staff at NBAF. I am pleased that they responded to this call and are working to make certain NBAF is ready to take on the mission of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.

We discussed the work USDA is doing to increase fertilizer access for producers, and I emphasized the importance of Congress and the administration working to help lower the cost of inputs. Finally, I asked that Secretary Rollins and USDA continue to engage with her colleagues in the administration to quickly finalize the 45Z tax credit to allow farmers and fuel producers to benefit from the production of biofuels made from home-grown feedstocks.

I appreciate Secretary Rollins appearing before the committee, and I look forward to working with her and USDA throughout the appropriations process and this year on ways to benefit rural America.

You can watch my questions to Secretary Rollins here.

Read more about my conversation with Secretary Rollins in The Topeka Capital Journal here.

Questioning HHS Secretary Kennedy on Bolstering Rural Health Care

This week, I participated in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) hearing with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to discuss the challenges facing our nation’s health care system and efforts to support rural health care.

During the hearing, I emphasized the workforce shortages that continue to impact hospitals in Kansas and across the country. I have visited every hospital in Kansas, and in my conversations with health providers, the most consistent challenge they face is the ability to recruit and retain doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. This issue is especially pronounced in rural communities, where access to care often depends on having the workforce in place to keep hospital doors open.

In my questioning, I also highlighted the Rural Health Transformation Program, which I worked to establish through the Reconciliation Bill. This program provides an opportunity for states like Kansas to invest in long-term solutions that strengthen the health care workforce, expand access to care and support rural providers.

In addition, I highlighted our work as part of the bipartisan 340B Working Group to find a path forward that strengthens and sustains the program for the patients and providers who rely on it. I will continue working to support policies and investments that help address workforce shortages and make certain Kansans have access to quality health care close to home.

You can watch my questioning of Secretary Kennedy here.

Questioning U.S. National Guard Leadership on KC-135 Tanker Fleet Modernization

On Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Defense heard testimony from General Steven Norsdhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau; Lieutenant General Robert D Harter, Chief of the Army Reserve; Rear Admiral Richard Lofgren, Acting Chief of the Naval Reserves; Lieutenant General Leonard F. Anderson IV, Commander of the Marine Corps Reserve; and Lieutenant General John P. Healy, Chief of Air Force Reserve.

I questioned General Nordhaus about the KC-46A mission and the Air Force’s plans to replace the KC-135 with the more modern KC-46A. Currently, the KC-135 is based at the 190th Air National Guard Refueling Wing in Topeka. The KC-135 is an aging fleet; most aircraft are over 60 years old. As the Guard and Reserve forces are becoming increasingly relied upon for both homeland and international missions, we must supply our Guard and Reserve forces with the necessary equipment to support the joint force.

As a senior member of the subcommittee, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the National Guard and Reserve leadership to best equip the Guard and Reserve with resources that allow them to mirror their active-duty counterparts and defend our country.

Watch my questions to General Nordhaus here.

Update on U.S. Military Operation in Iran

I continue to monitor developments in the Persian Gulf. President Trump this past week extended the original two-week ceasefire as efforts continue to resume direct negotiations while the United States maintains the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the blockade, the extension of sanctions waivers on Russian oil sales is a mistake. The relief for American consumers is minimal, and it enriches the Kremlin at a time when Moscow had begun to feel economic pressure during its war against Ukraine. Further, I am concerned by reports of significant drawdowns in key munitions during this war that could leave our country unprepared to fight a sustained war elsewhere. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, my colleagues and I have sought to address this problem by strengthening our defense industrial base and increasing the speed of munitions output. It remains imperative that the administration provide Congress with up-to-date information on the war’s progress and the path to a durable peace.

The U.S. Needs Our NATO Allies Now More Than Ever
The ongoing U.S. military operation in Iran has created numerous consequences for both the U.S. and our NATO partners in Europe. High gas prices, heightened security threats and stalled trade through the Strait of Hormuz have led to frustrations that extend far beyond our borders.

Alliances are never free of frustrations as each member country prioritizes its own interests and foreign policy. But we should be careful to not overlook the ways our allies are quietly assisting the U.S. in the conflict against Iran.

The U.S. is stronger because of the willing and able partners in Europe with whom our global interests largely align. At a time when our nation’s own budgetary pressures and backlogged industrial base limit our ability to sustain force in multiple theaters simultaneously, we cannot afford to take them for granted. Indeed, we need them now more than ever and should treat them accordingly — as the valued allies they are.

You can read my full op-ed in The Hill here.

Discussing Haskell University with Interior Secretary Burgum
I met with Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum this week to discuss the future of Haskell Indian Nations University and how we can work together to provide long-term stability at the university. I emphasized the need for consistent leadership and highlighted my legislation to transition Haskell’s governance to a Board of Regents, which would strengthen accountability and continuity. I also encouraged the department to engage more directly on this effort and to support robust funding for Haskell in the upcoming budget cycle. I appreciate Secretary Burgum for meeting with me to discuss this important topic.

Receiving an Update from Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche
This week, I spoke with Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) priorities, including the importance of timely FY26 grant funding for Kansas law enforcement entities that rely on these resources to keep their communities safe. We also discussed the opportunity to establish a federal law enforcement training facility in Kansas, and I encouraged continued engagement from DOJ leadership to keep this effort moving forward. Thank you to Acting Attorney General Blanche for the conversation. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I look forward to working with him and DOJ on continuing to support law enforcement in Kansas and across the country.