Senate Passes SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act
This week, the Senate approved historic health care for our nation’s veterans through the SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act, passing with a vote of 86-11. I introduced this bipartisan legislation, advocated for it and voted for it because our veterans have waited long enough for care and benefits. I look forward to the President signing this important legislation into law this week.

This is an historic moment for our nation’s veterans. My legislation with Sen. Tester will provide comprehensive relief for all generations of veterans, from Agent Orange to the 3.5 million post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits during their deployments. Our nation’s veterans and their families will no longer have to fear being turned away from the VA for illnesses related to toxic-exposures. Thank you to SFC Heath Robinson’s family and all the veterans and advocates for their input and commitment to get this long-overdue bill passed through Congress.

I spoke on the Senate floor regarding the SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act shortly before the bill’s final passage. You can watch my full speech here.

Voting to Oppose Senate Democrats’ Tax and Spending Bill
I voted to oppose the Democrats’ tax and spending bill. The idea that spending more money and increasing taxes will be helpful in combating inflation is false and confirmed by the Congressional Budget Office. Rather than taking steps to curb spending and expand energy production, the so-called Inflation Reduction Act will raise taxes on small businesses and working families, including by hiring 87,000 more IRS agents to target more Americans with tax audits. Instead, the Senate should be focused on pro-job, pro-growth policies to reduce the cost of gas, goods and services for Kansans.

Meeting with the Kansas National Guard
On Tuesday, I met with Major General David Weishaar, the Adjutant General of the Kansas National Guard. As the Adjutant General, Major General Weishaar serves as the Commander for 7,000 Airmen and Soldiers in the Kansas National Guard and oversees their training and readiness. MG Weishaar is also responsible in assisting more than 100 county emergency managers and 2,300 state and federal employees, all aligned toward the mission of providing rapid response to crises and security in Kansas. Our conversation this past week centered on the military’s current recruiting concerns which has the potential to greatly impact the readiness of the Kansas National Guard.

I remain committed to finding solutions to the military’s recruiting crisis and will continue to advocate for sound policies that maintain the high standards to serve in our military while working to bring testing requirements into the 21st century. We also discussed the incredible work of the 284th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) and their Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen that provide critical support in coordinating aircraft, fires and aerospace operations for the Joint Force. Many thanks to MG Weishaar for his leadership of our Kansas National Guard and thank you to all of our brave men and women who continue to answer the call to serve our country.

Meeting with National Association of Police Athletic Leagues Youth Summit
On Thursday, I met with Detective Elaine Moore, Officer Rodney Boston, members of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, as well as four young Kansans who were in Washington, D.C. attending the National Association of Police Athletic Leagues Youth Summit. During our meeting, we spoke about the work the Police Athletic League of Kansas City is doing to provide our youth with positive interactions with members of law enforcement and the positive impact it has on their lives. The Police Athletic League of Kansas City offers interactive programs for youth and members of the Kansas City Police Department. Five full-time officers, two sergeants and a captain are dedicated to building lifelong relationships with encouragement and commitment to the children they serve every day. I remain committed to assisting the Police Athletic League of Kansas City Kansas and other youth-focused organizations with their work of providing young Kansans with opportunities. Thank you to the Police Athletic League and all the officers who are involved for your dedication to making a better life for many.

Meeting with Colombian Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzón
This week, I met with Ambassador Juan Carlos Pinzón of Colombia again to discuss maintaining strong relations between our two countries and the challenges currently facing Colombia. I sponsored legislation that promotes economic growth, strengthens security cooperation and advances peace and democratic governance. All of this is crucial as China and Russia expand their influence in Latin America and other countries in the region are ruled by authoritarians. Colombia has recently elected a new president, and Ambassador Pinzón will be returning home. I have appreciated the insight he has provided during his visits to my office, and I look forward to continuing to build relationships that serve the interests of the United States and our friends in Colombia.

Voting to Admit Finland and Sweden into NATO
Finland and Sweden have long been our partners in Europe, and this week I supported admitting them into NATO to further strengthen the alliance. These countries joining NATO will enhance defense and security cooperation in Europe and beyond.

Meeting with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Mark Milley
On Wednesday, I met with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, to discuss the military issues facing our nation today. I especially appreciate the interest General Milley has taken in Kansas, when I hosted him at Fort Riley and during his visits to Fort Leavenworth. During our meeting, I asked General Milley about the military’s recruiting crisis and expressed my commitment to continue working with my colleagues in the Senate to assist in finding solutions to these issues. We also discussed at length the war in Ukraine and how Vladmir Putin has destroyed the rules-based order established to maintain peace between sovereign nations. In addition, we discussed the growing competition between the U.S. and China and the risks posed to our national security by China’s continued aggression towards Taiwan. As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I will continue to support and advocate for funding to increase the readiness of the Joint Force to protect our country at home and abroad. Thank you to General Milley for your service and leadership of our country’s military.

These photographs are provided by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – Public Affairs as a courtesy and may be printed by the subject(s) in the photograph for personal use only. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not otherwise be disseminated, reproduced, or broadcast without the written permission of the CJCS – Public Affairs Officer. These photographs may not be used in any commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement by the Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the Joint Staff.

Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband Hearing
On Tuesday, I attended a Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband hearing about the future of spectrum policy in the U.S., including the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) expiring spectrum auction authority. Spectrum is a critical resource that allows you to talk on your cell phone, enables music to play on the radio and ensures weather satellites are able to track storms. Congress has authorized the FCC to allocate portions or “bands” of spectrum for specific uses, like cellular communications, and to auction licenses to these bands to companies for their exclusive or shared use. These spectrum auctions raise revenue for the federal government and, if Congress has specifically authorized the sale of the band, Congress may have a say in how the funds are spent. Unfortunately, the number of spectrum bands that Congress has specifically authorized and will have a say in how the funds are spent is small.

This year, at the end of September, the FCC’s spectrum auction authority given to it by Congress will expire. During Tuesday’s hearing, I stated that Congress should authorize the FCC’s spectrum auction authority for 18 months to allow time for a “pipeline” of spectrum bands to be specifically authorized by Congress. This will make certain that Congress has a say in how the auction proceeds are spent and will provide certainty to industry stakeholders that are working to increase access to 5G. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Commerce Committee to maintain the FCC’s spectrum auction authority and to increase the availability of advanced communications networks across the country.

Speaking at the Commercial Drone Alliance Reception
This week, I spoke to a gathering of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry leaders in Washington, D.C. The gathering was a great opportunity to celebrate U.S. leadership in advanced aviation. For nearly 100 years, Kansans have promoted and embodied a culture of innovation in aerospace, which is more crucial today than ever before if the United States is to maintain our superiority in aerospace development. The innovation happening within industry and academia back home is critical for our future, and it was great to have the opportunity to highlight this fact to the more than 250 industry representatives in the audience.

Announcing Federal Investment for Pittsburg State University
On Monday, I joined Pittsburg State University President Dan Shipp to announce a $3 million federal investment to establish a new Center for Commercialization at the National Institute for Materials Advancement (NIMA) at Pitt State. The Kansas Polymer Research Center and NIMA are internationally-recognized research facilities in the world of polymers and plastics, leading cutting-edge projects that could revolutionize the plastics industry. The new center will provide opportunities for the innovators at the university to take their work and turn it into job-creating businesses. I appreciate Pitt State’s commitment to ensuring that the advancements made in the lab make it out into the world to benefit our local and regional economy. It was great to meet PSU President Dan Shipp for the first time, and I know he will do an excellent job in his role. Thank you to President Shipp and Shawn Naccarato for your hospitality, and to Daron Hall and Jay Byers at the city and Blake Benson with the chamber of commerce for the community’s support of Pitt State in their efforts of remaining a global leader in polymers and plastics.

Visiting the Girard Medical Center
Also on Monday, before heading back to Washington, I had the opportunity to visit the Girard Medical Center, where I toured their facility and met with the center’s medical staff and administration. It was great to meet members of the faculty and learn more about their experiences working in a small-town Kansas medical center. With the negative impacts from the pandemic, supply chain issues and workforce shortages, I appreciate the dedication of health care providers now more than ever. Thank you to the center’s CEO, Ruth Duling for the warm welcome, and to everyone at Girard Medical for your continued efforts to provide southeastern Kansas with exceptional care.

Announcing New Federal Resources for Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Earlier this week, I announced new federal resources for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. As the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, it is my priority to support our law enforcement and provide officers and departments with the resources they need to keep our communities safe, including our more rural areas. I look forward to working with Sheriff Groves and law enforcement leaders across the state to continue bringing these crucial public safety tools to Kansas. Thank you to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Dave Groves, and County Commissioners Lorie Johnson, Myra Carlisle Frazier and Cory Moates for joining me for this announcement.

Touring Key Apparel in Fort Scott
While in Bourbon County, I toured Key Apparel in Fort Scott, a clothing wholesaler that manufactures durable workwear from men, women and children. This local Kansas business first opened in Fort Scott in 1908 and has expanded throughout the years as it rapidly gained a reputation for producing quality work apparel. Known for their iconic bib overalls worn by farmers, ranchers and blue-collar workers, Key Apparel was announced as the official clothing supplier of the Kansas FFA earlier this year. This company also partners with the Kansas State Fair. Thank you to President and CEO Chris Barnes for providing a tour of the facility and for sharing how consistent, long-term policies are important to him and other business owners to provide stability as they navigate markets and government regulations. Special thanks as well to Rob Harrington, Bourbon County Economic Development Director, Katie Harrington, Fort Scott Mayor, and Kelly Zellner, Fort Scott City Manager for joining us.

Meeting with Kansans in Washington, D.C.
Kallisti Mandanis from Andover High School
During this past summer, Kallisti Mandanis has been serving as my Senate page in Washington, D.C. I appreciate her hard work throughout her time here in the Senate, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her as she returns back to Kansas this fall. I hope her time in the Senate, learning about our federal government and serving Kansans, has been a valuable experience for her.

Capitol Tour Groups
Visiting with Kansans during their trips to Washington, D.C. is a highlight for me. This past week, I met with several groups during their visits to my office for Capitol tours. It is always great to meet with these folks and to speak with Kansans about the issues that are important to them.

This great group below includes visitors from many areas: Barbara Gatewood (Manhattan), Deborah Marsh (Rostraver, PA), and Karrah Timko (Elizabeth, PA); Marcia Williams (Topeka), Kim Williams-Gaston (Topeka), and Jaelyn Gaston (Topeka); Dustin and Ashleigh Mengarelli and children, Cooper and Keaton (Topeka) and Jon and Desiree Gaul and son, Adler (Springfield, VA); Ellis and Karen Hutchison and foster son, Tommy Reynolds (Belton, TX).

Stendebach Family from Olathe
I enjoyed meeting Randy and Steven Stendebach from Olathe this week while they were Washington for a Capitol tour with my office.

Grandcolas Family from Leawood
It was great to meet with Gary and Margaret Grandcolas and their son David from Leawood during their visit to my D.C. office for a tour this week.

1st Infantry Division Soldiers from Fort Riley
It was great to visit with 1st Infantry Division soldiers from Fort Riley as they were getting ready for the Dodge City Days 5k & 1 Mile Shootout!

Veterans Need the PACT Act Passed Now
The most important business before the United States Senate is passing the SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act for our nation’s veterans. This weekend, I spoke with my Senate colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, veteran committee staff and veterans in Kansas about getting the PACT Act passed as quickly as possible. I introduced this historic bill, advocated for this bill, voted for this bill and I will work until we have this bill done and signed into law.

On Thursday, I spoke on the Senate floor urging my Senate colleagues to support the PACT Act. Veterans need this bipartisan legislation passed now. This is an issue that’s taken too long to resolve – delivering health care and benefits to thousands of veterans who are ill due to their exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances. For more than two years, I have worked with Sen. Tester, our colleagues in the House and Senate, multiple VSOs, veterans and their families to provide veterans with the health care and benefits they deserve.

As the lead Republican on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I have worked to make certain this bill is the best version that it can be. There are not many certainties when it comes to Congress, but I assure our veterans, we will get this bill passed; and we will get it signed into law.

You can watch my full speech here.

Unveiling Amelia Earhart’s Statue in the U.S. Capitol
This week, I joined members of the Kansas delegation and Congressional leadership in unveiling a statue of our state’s very own Amelia Earhart in the U.S. Capitol. Her statue now joins President Dwight D. Eisenhower representing Kansas as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection. With Dwight D. Eisenhower and now Amelia Earhart, Kansas officially has two of the most iconic and recognizable American heroes representing any state in the United States Capitol.

Amelia Earhart is someone who is recognized for her historic renown as an aviator, but also someone who broke barriers, created opportunities for others and captivated the attention of the world with her adventurous spirit. Between two and three million people from around the world visit the U.S. Capitol every year. It is my hope that this statue of Amelia Earhart will encourage other girls and boys from small towns across the country to dream big and work hard to achieve their dreams. And for those who can’t travel to the U.S. Capitol, they can visit the Amelia Earhart Hanger Museum in Atchison where a replica statue will be on display of a determined young woman with short cut hair, a curious smile, a bomber hat in hand and a sunflower on her belt buckle.

I want to thank a few people who attended the ceremony this week, and without their hard work, the Amelia Earhart statue would not have been possible: Jacque Pregont, Karen Seaberg and Rick and Reed Berger with the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation. Thank you for never giving up on Amelia and leading the effort to bring this statue to the United States Capitol.

You can watch my full speech during the Amelia Earhart Statue Dedication Ceremony here.

Fox News Interview on Sen. Schumer’s Tax and Spending Spree
On Saturday, I joined Fox News before the Dodge City Days Parade to discuss Sen. Schumer’s reckless tax and spending spree. In Dodge City, folks are worried about the rising costs of everything and are saying times are tough for us and that Congress needs to get spending under control.

With inflation at a 41-year high and two consecutive quarters of negative GDP, Sen. Schumer wants to spend more money, raise taxes and attack American energy production. This makes no sense.

Kansas is an energy-producing state, and I’m for an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes oil, gas, ethanol, wind, solar and electric. We need pro-growth policies, not more spending and higher taxes.

You can watch my full interview here.

Meeting with Kansans in Washington, D.C.

Kansas Grain and Feed Association
On Wednesday, I met with the 2022 Tomorrow’s Agribusiness Leaders class, a leadership and professional development program for members of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association. During our meeting, we discussed issues facing producers and grain handlers, including difficulties in shipping products to market. They conveyed the importance of crop protection products for growing high-yield crops, as these products help make it possible for farmers to feed the world. We also discussed Farm Bill priorities, such as the working lands conservation program, which encourages good land stewardship and soil health while keeping land in production. I look forward to advancing our shared priorities in the upcoming Farm Bill and continuing to advocate for producers in Washington, D.C.

Pittsburg State University
This week, I was pleased to meet with Professor Amy Hite from the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing at Pittsburg State University (PSU) during her visit to Washington, D.C. for the Nurse Practitioner Consortium Conference. Amy spoke with me about the Kansas Nurse Practitioner Residency Program, a partnership among PSU, Ascension Via Christi, Girard Medical Center, and the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, a topic she presented on during the conference. We also discussed the important role of medical education partnerships with local health care providers in addressing the health care workforce shortage, which is especially prevalent in Kansas’ rural communities. Without proper education and training for future medical professionals, our rural towns will struggle to strengthen our health care workforce. It is local efforts like PSU’s that will truly make the difference. Thank you to Professor Hite for taking the time to speak with me during your visit to D.C. and for your work to train our future generations of nurse practitioners.

American Legion Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet with young Kansans visiting D.C. who are participating in the American Legion Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation, both selective, educational programs for high school juniors. Through these respective programs, high school students learn about government, public service and civic responsibility and have opportunities to exercise leadership skills and participate in the political process. These young men and women were each elected by their peers from these respective programs to represent Kansas in Washington. While in the nation’s capital, they receive valuable educational and leadership experience as they learn about the structure and function of the federal government.

We also discussed the value and responsibility of public service. Visiting with our future leaders is always a highlight for me, and I know these young people will go on to do great things for our state and country in the future. Thank you to Konnor Quinn-Coleman from Leavenworth, Lukas Haas from Overland Park, Grace Malin from Lawrence and Isobel Li from Overland Park for meeting with me.

Boyd Family from Mission Hills
I was pleased to meet Rick and Gayle Boyd, along with their children, Georgia and Hampton, during their visit to my Washington, D.C. office for a Capitol tour led by my staff.

Springer Family from Lenexa
I also enjoyed meeting Steven and Jessica Springer and their children, Grace, Faith and Christian, when they visited my D.C. office for a Capitol tour.

Attending Dodge City Days
This weekend, while attending Dodge City Days, I was especially honored to meet Jean Lantis, a 104-year-old resident of Dodge City who, along with her late husband Bob, has raised horses and cattle in the area for years. It was great to hear about all the ways she has invested in the local community throughout the years.

Dodge City Western Days Parade
A highlight of the festivities in Dodge City this weekend was the Dodge City Western Days Parade. It is always good to see familiar faces and to visit with Kansans, and this weekend’s parade was no exception. Thank you to all who came out and participated in this great event. It was also great to visit with AG Derek Schmidt, Melanie and Gary Harshberger and Dr. Scott and Mark Fischer during the parade.

Hilmar Hamburger Feed
While in Dodge City, I also attended the Hilmar Cheese Hamburger Feed where Hilmar CEO David Ahlem and members of his team provided hundreds of hamburgers for the event. Last year, Hilmar Cheese announced they will be building a new, state-of-the-art cheese factory in Dodge City. I have long been an advocate of expanding dairy and dairy processing in western Kansas, and I am pleased to see Hilmar’s efforts to establish operations here and to support the community.

Announcing Apache Digital Twin at Wichita State University’s NIAR
On Friday, I was in the Air Capital of the World to help announce the creation of the Apache Digital Twin at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). This important program will extend the useful lifespan of the world’s most advanced, proven attack helicopter as the U.S. Army advances our nation’s security interests. As a Defense Appropriator, I am pleased that Pentagon leadership continues to solidify the important role NIAR plays in the defense of our nation. Thank you to Wichita State President Rick Muma and Senior Vice President for Industry & Defense Programs John Tomblin for their continued leadership in this crucial field. Thank you also to Major Generals Todd Royar and Wally Rugen as well as Brigadier Generals Rob Barrie, Jr. and Francisco Lozano for participating in this important announcement.

Recruiting Efforts Successful to Wichita – Operations Center and Corporate Headquarters
While I was in Wichita, I also joined Novacoast, a national leader in cybersecurity development, to announce its decision to relocate its corporate headquarters to Wichita from California. This exciting announcement comes shortly following the news of Novacoast opening its new Security Operations Center in downtown Wichita earlier this year. This move by Novacoast is further confirmation of the crucial role Wichita plays as a thriving hub for business, and solidifies opportunities for regional Kansas leaders in cybersecurity technology research and development, including Wichita State University, Friends University, Butler Community College and the 177th Information Aggressor Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base.

Our state continues to be an important leader in this field, and South Central Kansas is quickly becoming a pipeline for some of our nation’s most talented cybersecurity professionals. Novacoast’s presence is creating many rewarding partnerships, along with well-paying technology industry jobs for our community. Congratulations to Greater Wichita Partnership CEO Jeff Fluhr and his team for leading this successful recruitment effort. Special thanks to Novacoast CEO Paul Anderson for his leadership and for making Wichita home for his company and employees.

More Physician Education in Kansas! 91 Students Started Today
On Friday evening, I spoke at the grand opening of the Kansas Health Science Center’s Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM). Headquartered in downtown Wichita, KansasCOM is our state’s first osteopathic medical school. Here, students will participate in a program that combines innovative, integrative and holistic teaching methods that prepare them to meet the health care needs of patients. A foundational part of this college’s mission is to address disparities in health care access between urban and rural regions of Kansas. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and member of the Appropriations Committee, I remain committed to developing policy and identifying resources to assist this college in fulfilling its mission to serve Kansans. Thank you to the local and state leaders who attended this grand opening in support of this school. Special thanks to Dr. Tiffany Masson, President of Kansas Health Science Center, Dr. Vadim Levitin, Chair of the Kansas Health Science Center Board and Dr. Michael Horowitz, President of TCS Education System, for their leadership and the work they have done to bring this health care resource to our state.

Recognizing Tyler York as Distinguished Young Professional of 2022
This weekend, I had the opportunity to present Tyler York with the award for Distinguished Young Professional of 2022, recognition he earned from the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce. Tyler’s dedication to our state and heart for public service have been apparent to all throughout the years he has spent working tirelessly on behalf of Kansans in my office. I was honored to be there to present him with this award and to celebrate his accomplishments, as well as the positive influence he has had on his community.