by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran

This Is the Moment for Emergency Global Hunger Programs

Currently 45 million people across 43 countries are on the brink of famine. This week, I spoke on the Senate Floor to bring greater awareness to one of the most pressing consequences coming out of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine: hunger.

Food stability is essential to political stability. Ukraine is a large grain-producing country, not just in wheat, but ranking as a top ten global exporter of corn, sunflower oil and other commodities. As Russia’s tyranny continues, countries around the globe will teeter over the edge, falling further into widespread hunger. As we have seen in the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Afghanistan and the developing crisis caused by this invasion of Ukraine, it is critical to utilize every tool at our disposal to combat this worsening hunger crisis.

As the co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus and as a member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee which funds the Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Program, the United States should work quickly to provide the necessary commodities through sale or donation to meet countries’ unsatisfied food and commodity needs. This includes releasing the resources within the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust – an emergency international food assistance program to combat global hunger in instances of “exceptional need” – in instances as this one requires. Watch my remarks here or below.

Read my op-ed discussing food security in The Hill by clicking here.

We Must Provide Ukraine with More Timely Security Aid

Human spirit defies all expectations, and the Ukrainian people are a testament to that resilience. Failure in our obligations as a country to assist Ukraine would be immoral, deadly and not in our national interest.

Promised aid means nothing. We must provide Ukraine the resources to not just survive, but to win. Watch my remarks on the U.S. Senate Floor here or below.

Celebrating National Ag Week & Welcoming Ag Leaders to Washington

Crops don’t grow unless they are sown. To the farmers, ranchers, agriculture workers and all who steward our land and waters, thank you.

Recognizing all you do to feed, fuel and foster the United States and the world this past National Agriculture week.

4-H Students

Members of 4-H are invested in their communities and represent the future of Kansas. Thanks to Annika of Wamego, Corey of Girard, Sukesh of Kingman, Katrina of Wichita and Jaden of Sylvan Grove for representing our great state and for speaking with me in the Capitol this Ag Week.

Hilmar Cheese
I also met with Hilmar Cheese CEO David Ahlem this week to continue discussions about the company’s plan to build a new cheese facility in Dodge City. Once completed, the new facility is expected to create 750 new jobs in the region and attract five new dairies to supply the plant. To facilitate the new plant, I am working with Dodge City officials to help see this opportunity realized. Mr. Ahlem, who is also president of the International Dairy Foods Association, also discussed issues facing the dairy foods industry, including the Food and Drug Administration Standards of Identity, supply chain disruptions and concerns regarding the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed climate rules. I appreciate Hilmar’s investment in Kansas and look forward to working with the company in the future.

Speaking with Educators and Students

Kansas Delegates for the U.S. Senate Youth Program
On Tuesday, I spoke with Will Rues of La Crosse and Gerrit Dangermond of Oskaloosa, this year’s U.S. Senate Youth Program Kansas delegates. I am pleased they have the opportunity to represent our state and learn more about government and the legislative process here in our nation’s capital.

Council for Opportunity in Education Seminar
This week, I addressed the Council for Opportunity in Education’s Annual Policy Seminar, a gathering of more than 1,000 federal TRIO program educators, students, and supporters. Federal TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, college and career counseling, financial aid advising and personal mentoring that enables low-income students, students with disabilities, adult learners and veterans to achieve their goal of becoming the first in their families to earn a college degree. There are 53 TRIO projects in Kansas serving over 14,000 students. I was glad to speak to the group about how TRIO programs and services can assist individuals in unlocking opportunity through education. I thank Kurt Peterson, Director of Student Support Services at Garden City Community College, for introducing me, as well as the many Kansans in attendance.

Kansas TRIO
I also was pleased to meet and speak personally with Kansas TRIO students and educators to hear about the positive impact federal TRIO programs have in equipping Kansans to effectively pursue higher education. Education is one of the greatest sources of opportunity in the United States, and TRIO programs assist first-generation and low-income students, as well as veterans and students with disabilities, in preparing for, and attaining, success in higher education. As a first-generation college student, I have long been a supporter of TRIO programs and work each year to see that they receive increased support through my role as an appropriator for the Department of Education. I appreciate these Kansas TRIO students and educators for taking the time to share their insight on the value TRIO programs have in providing opportunity in higher education.

Jefferson West
Thanks to Jefferson West seniors Brooklyn, Kierstyn and Mellany, and to government teacher Shawn Dolezilek for showing me around your school this week. I appreciate all Kansas educators who make our state a better place for the students who show up to learn.

Advancing Air Mobility

This week, the Senate passed my bill that would facilitate collaboration between federal agencies and civil aviation industry leaders when developing policies regarding advanced air mobility (AAM).

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Coordination and Leadership Act would instruct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead a working group comprised of members from multiple government agencies to engage and work with the civil aviation industry. The working group would review policies and programs to help advance the maturation of AAM aircraft operations and create recommendations regarding safety, security and federal investments necessary for the development of AAM. American aviation is entering a new era of innovation and growth, and industry leaders should have a seat at the table as the federal government creates programs to advance the development of this technology and sets safety and operation standards. Passing this legislation in the Senate puts it one step closer to being signed into law and will help Kansas aviation leaders have a role in developing policies designed to shape this new chapter in aviation.

Speaking at Ceremony for the 35th Infantry Division Headquarters Building

This week, I spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the 35th Infantry Division Headquarters Readiness Center at Fort Leavenworth – the intellectual center of the Army – where training capacity will increase from 13,000 square feet to over 100,000 square feet. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I helped kick-start this initiative by securing nearly $50 million in federal funding in FY2017 and FY2018 appropriations bills for the construction of these needed facilities.

I’m pleased soldiers stationed at and visiting Fort Leavenworth will continue to receive first class combat readiness instruction through these improvements as they meet the mission objectives of the 35ID Headquarters. Thank you to Major General David Weishaar, Kansas Adjutant General, for the invitation to participate, and congratulations to the leadership of the Army and National Guard for effectively training our citizen soldiers as they prepare to protect and defend our nation.

Improving VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers

On Tuesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee conducted a hearing on improving the VA’s program of comprehensive assistance for family caregivers. The VA is expected to see a significant increase of veterans with long-term care needs. To prepare for this increasing trend, the department has routinely told Congress and veterans that it is shifting the focus of long-term care from institutional care settings to home and community-based settings. Family caregivers play an integral role in making certain our veterans can remain at home and are central to the success of VA’s efforts to shift care to home and community-based settings. It is important to make certain that these frontline heroes are adequately supported in their work caring for our nation’s veterans. This week’s hearing was both timely and necessary as we work to make certain the laws we pass are implemented in ways that work as Congress intends. We have a duty to see to it that VA faithfully executes these laws and is investing resources as intended into family caregivers.

Evaluating the Semiconductor Industry

Semiconductors control every electronic device you own, from your stove to your car to your smartphone. There is an ongoing global semiconductor shortage that is negatively impacting many economic sectors and increasing prices on many consumer goods. Ramping up production of semiconductors to meet demand is made more difficult by the lack of U.S. semiconductor production capabilities, particularly for the newest, cutting-edge chips.

On Wednesday, I participated in a Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing about the health of the U.S. semiconductor industry. I questioned the CEOs of Intel, Micron, Lam Research and PACCAR about the importance of building a strong semiconductor ecosystem in the United States and about federal research programs that might assist the industry. As the lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds many of the federal government’s research programs, ensuring that the US is a leader in semiconductor research is a priority of mine. I am looking forward to working with the firms represented at the hearing, as well as our Kansas semiconductor companies, to ensure that our semiconductor industry is a leader not just in innovative chip research and development, but also in chip manufacturing, assembly, packaging and testing.

Passing of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the first woman to represent our nation in that role. She was an inspiration to all, including women around the world, and generous in her support of young people pursuing public service careers. She was a giant in her field and always gracious to me in the conversations we had. Throughout her distinguished career in public service and after she left the State Department, she worked to address global hunger, advocated for education and worked to increase our country’s security through diplomacy and tackling the root causes of conflicts abroad. I offer my condolences to her loved ones on behalf of a grateful nation.

Visiting Eastern Europe

This weekend, I traveled with a bipartisan group of my Senate colleagues to Eastern Europe to gain further insight on the needed military and humanitarian support for Ukraine. We met with NATO foreign officials and American military leaders, visited a refugee center on the Ukrainian-Polish border to witness firsthand the humanitarian crisis this attack has created, and I had the opportunity to speak with Kansas soldiers stationed in Europe.

Discussing What I Saw with America Reports
This afternoon, following my return to Washington, D.C., I joined Fox News to discuss my visit to Poland and Germany. As Vladimir Putin continues his tragic and immoral invasion, the United States and the rest of the world must do everything it can to ensure that Ukraine can not only fight back, but can win.

Click here or below to watch my discussion with America Reports.

Bipartisan Press Conference Following Visit 

This afternoon, I also joined my Senate colleagues to discuss our visit. What I saw was inspirational, tremendous leadership from President Zalenskyy and a country that is willing to die in sacrifice for freedom and liberty.

This visit was also a reminder that the stakes are massive. If freedom and liberty do not mean something in Ukraine, where will we decide that it is valued? Every day matters in this fight against Vladimir Putin’s aggression. Our slow, bureaucratic march to provide aid is not keeping up with the Russian forces bearing down on Ukrainian cities. We can’t just provide support for the Ukrainians to get by; we ought to make certain the Ukrainian people have the tools to defend their freedom and win.

Refugee Center
On the Ukrainian-Polish border, I visited a refugee center with our bipartisan delegation. Over three million refugees have had to flee their homes, including 700,000 student-aged children, and many are coming to Poland for help. This is the most rapid refugee exodus ever recorded. These Ukrainians’ lives have changed drastically in a matter of weeks, and it was devastating to see families torn apart as we heard of fathers, brothers and sons staying behind to fight for their country.

We also attended a humanitarian briefing to hear about how nations, non-governmental organizations and volunteers are coming together to provide much-needed aid to those displaced and received an update on how the humanitarian aid Congress approved last week is supporting their mission. I was thankful for the opportunity to visit with these leaders and thank volunteers for their work around the clock to care for so many in this time of crisis.

The circumstances these people have found themselves in – forced to leave their homes, their family members and adopt refugee status – are the result of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked decision to attack a sovereign nation. However, the strength and resiliency of the Ukrainian people was evident in every refugee I spoke with; it was inspiring and only furthers my resolve to do everything we can as Americans to continue to stand firmly with Ukraine.

Meeting with American Troops Stationed in Poland
In Poland, my Senate colleagues and I also visited with servicemembers from the 82nd Airborne Division, where the United States is offering support. Major Gen. Christopher LaNeve and Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue briefed us on a tactical level, as Russian forces continue to move towards Kyiv, and as strong Ukrainian resistance has caused failure for the Russian military.

Because of my role in the Senate as an appropriator for the United States’ defense and intelligence, I was able to receive classified briefs from our intelligence services in Europe.

I appreciated hearing from our military leaders, as well as our NATO partners. As Russia’s unprovoked war with Ukraine threatens European stability, a unified NATO is essential to deterring further threats and preserving American peace and prosperity.

Thanking Kansas Soldiers
In Germany, I met with troops from the 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions. Big Red One Commanding General Douglas Sims provided an overview of their mission and current training exercises, and soldiers provided my colleagues and I with an operational brief. We had the chance to view live fire training where tanks maneuvered to stop enemy targets and provided cover fire for soldiers on the ground. This demonstration was led by SFC Javelin Mills of Pomona; I appreciated speaking with him, and I thanked him for his service as he remains far from home.

Thank you to MG Sims for his continued leadership. I greatly appreciated being able to speak with Big Red One soldiers, and I thank them for the sacrifice and commitment they make for their country and for the American people. Their presence in Europe demonstrates to our NATO allies that the United States is here, and we are committed.

Briefing at Wiesbadan Army Airfield in Germany
On Friday morning, I visited Wiesbadan Army Airfield (WAAF) in Germany where I was briefed by General Christopher Cavoli, USAREUR-AF Commanding General. He updated me and my Senate colleagues on the Army’s current operations throughout Europe and Africa. This Special Operations Command Europe brief also covered the latest on Putin’s assault on Ukraine and an overview of the NATO response, including the humanitarian efforts that are occurring at the Polish border.

At WAAF, I also visited with two Kansans: Sergeant First Class Kevin Jensen from Manhattan and Private Efren Benitez from Maize. Our servicemembers’ mission while stationed in Europe has taken them far from their families as they assist partner nations before and after Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. They stand ready as a key deterrent to our adversaries, and I appreciate their dedicated service.

Joining the Senate NATO Observer Group
Ahead of traveling to Eastern Europe, I was appointed by the Senate to join the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group, which serves as a bridge between the U.S. Senate and NATO allies. As Russia’s unprovoked war with Ukraine threatens European stability, a unified NATO is essential to deterring further threats and preserving American peace and prosperity. Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have regularly met with NATO military leaders stationed throughout Europe, and I am pleased to now join this group to continue strengthening this transatlantic alliance. Through this bipartisan group my colleagues and I will track the implementation of NATO initiatives, assess its military capabilities and review NATO defense spending to protect democracy and safeguard freedom for the U.S. and our NATO allies.

President Zelenskyy’s Address to Congress

President Zelenskyy’s address to Congress on Wednesday morning was a powerful and moving reminder that the United States must continue to take action to aid Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s unprovoked attack, assist refugees fleeing Ukraine, support our NATO allies and make certain Vladimir Putin pays for his aggression. The United States has the capability to provide further resources to Ukrainians through defensive military equipment, food aid and medical supplies, and we must demonstrate through our actions that we stand with Ukraine and our European allies in the fight for democracy. America should do what America does best – protect freedom and liberty for our own citizens and for people around the world.

Following President Zelenskyy’s address, I spoke at a press conference regarding the war in Ukraine. The United States of America needs to do more today than what we’ve done to date. Watch my remarks here or below.

I recently saw this Ukrainian orphan’s story on the news, and he has been on my mind since.

America has a special role in this world. Sometimes it’s easy to look away. But we must not. When we do, we often leave the world a much more difficult and deadly place.
My Legislation Honoring Women of Six Triple Eight Signed Into Law

On Monday morning, President Biden signed my legislation to award the Six Triple Eight – the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II – with a Congressional Gold Medal.

The women of the Six Triple Eight have earned a special place in history for their service to our nation, and as of today, their sacrifice is enshrined into law with the highest distinction Congress can bestow. Though the odds were set against them, the women of the Six Triple Eight processed millions of letters and packages during their deployment in Europe, boosting troop morale and helping connect World War II soldiers with their loved ones back home – like my father and mother. Our nation will always be grateful to the members of the Six Triple Eight and now, nearly 80 years after their service and during Women’s History Month, we are finally able to recognize these extraordinary women on the national stage.

It has been an honor to meet members of the battalion and help lead this effort to soon award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress.

Thank you to the President for acting quickly to sign this legislation into law, to Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Congressman Jake LaTurner for leading this effort in the House and to Col. Edna Cummings for her tireless work advocating for the Six Triple Eight to be honored on behalf of a grateful nation.

Urging the U.S. Mint to Expedite Production
Following the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act being signed into law, I asked the U.S. Mint to expedite production to make certain the remaining six women who served in the World War II Six Triple Eight battalion can accept this medal on behalf of their fellow soldiers. Read the full letter here.

Meeting with Kansas Community Leaders

National League of Cities
I met with officials from Lawrence, Mission and Clearwater this week on behalf of the National League of Cities to discuss issues facing Kansas municipalities. The community leaders discussed the importance of the federal COVID-19 funds provided to state and local governments, as well plans for infrastructure investments in the future. Thank you to the Lawrence, Mission and Clearwater city officials for visiting with me in our nation’s capital.

Wichita
I also met with leaders from Wichita to discuss issues facing the city, including infrastructure investments and transportation priorities, such as the Heartland Flyer. These investments would provide new opportunities for surrounding businesses and residents, and I look forward to continue advocating for them. Thank you to Mayor Brandon Whipple, Vice Mayor Becky Tuttle and local Council Members for meeting with me.

Lenexa
Additionally, I met with leaders from Lenexa to discuss issues facing their city, including infrastructure, COVID-19 funds and mental health services. I appreciated learning more about investments the city is making to attract new businesses, as well to improve the daily lives for Kansans living in the area. Thank you to Mayor Mike Boehm, Council Members Dan Roh, Melanie Arroyo, and Julie Sayers and Assistant City Manager Mike Nolan for coming by.

Announcing a Grant to Support K-State Ag Research Initiatives

This week, I announced research grants awarded to Kansas State University by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The three research initiatives will focus on early detection and containment of African swine fever as well as improving hard red winter wheat pathogen diagnostics.

Agricultural biosecurity is increasingly important to our farmers and ranchers in Kansas, as well as the larger American economy. These federal resources will support Kansas State University’s efforts to expand our capability to effectively respond to biothreats in crops and livestock, or prevent them altogether. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over USDA, I will continue to advocate for programs that improve our agricultural biosecurity.

Urging SkyWest to Continue Service to Kansas Airports

Last week, SkyWest announced it would be ending air service to Dodge City, Hays, Liberal and Salina in the near future. Following this news, I, along with Senator Roger Marshall and Congressman Tracey Mann, urged U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to require SkyWest to continue its contracted level of service to four Kansas airports until a new carrier can be secured.

Given the urgency of this situation, we requested continued communication with our regional airport authorities on the ongoing efforts to find a new carrier to replace SkyWest Airlines. Additionally, we conveyed our support for the DOT’s requirement that SkyWest retain their contracted level of service until the conclusion of the Essential Air Service selection case and for the DOT to uphold their commitment to bar SkyWest from ending its contract until replacement carriers can be found. Read the full letter here.

Banking Committee Nominations 

Advancing Jerome Powell’s Nomination to be Federal Reserve Chair
On Thursday, I joined my colleagues in voting Jerome Powell out of the Senate Banking Committee to be considered for Chair of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors before the full Senate. Since being nominated by President Trump in 2018, Chair Powell has resisted attempts to politicize the Federal Reserve. The American people deserve a central bank focused on its dual mandate of low unemployment and stable prices, not political issues outside of its jurisdiction.

Sarah Bloom Raskin Nomination Withdrawal
Due to bipartisan opposition, Sarah Bloom Raskin withdrew her nomination to be the Federal Reserve’s Vice Chair for Supervision. This sends a clear message to the Biden administration: Americans deserve apolitical nominees to lead the supervision of our financial system and institutions.

It is inappropriate for unelected bureaucrats to advocate using the power of an apolitical institution to achieve political ends. The Senate Banking Committee did its job in vetting a nominee for one of the most powerful posts for financial regulation. Read my op-ed on recent federal reserve nominees from the Washington Examiner here.

High Fertilizer Prices

This week, I led a letter with U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann and Cindy Axne, along with 83 of our Congressional colleagues, to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) Chair Jason Kearns regarding the price and supply situation for fertilizers in the United States. We urged the ITC to reconsider the duties placed on phosphate fertilizer products imported from Morocco and suspend the current process to impose new duties on urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer from Trinidad and Tobago. Skyrocketing input costs, and particularly record-high fertilizer prices, are damaging Kansas farmers’ ability to grow a crop and earn a living. This commonsense solution would increase the availability of fertilizer products and provide needed relief for Kansas producers.

Meeting with the National Association of Development Organizations

Last week, I met with Randall Hrabe, the Executive Director of the Northwest Planning and Development Commission and member of the National Association of Development Organizations, to discuss what the federal government could be doing to improve economic development in Kansas. As the Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Economic Development Administration, I understand the important role the federal government has played and will play in local economic development projects in Kansas. I look forward to continuing to work with Randall and other Kansans who are working to boost local economies and provide opportunities for our people.

Veterans’ Affairs Committee Work

Introducing the Elizabeth Dole Act
This week, I introduced the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Services Act with several of my Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee colleagues. The legislation expands access and invests for much-needed resources into VA programs designed to keep homebound veterans in the community as long as possible. These alternative home-based programs help delay the need to institutionalize veterans for long-term care and enables veterans to maintain their independence in their own homes and communities.

More specifically, the Elizabeth Dole Act would increase the amount VA is allowed to pay for alternative programs to non-institutional care, establish partnerships to conduct certain home and community-based care programs, expand access to these programs to veterans living in U.S. territories and native veterans enrolled in tribal health programs, among other things. This legislation is named after honorary Kansan, Sen. Elizabeth Dole, who has worked as an advocate to honor and recognize our veterans and their caregivers.

Welcoming Kansas Students to the U.S. Capitol
It was a beautiful day to visit with students from Frontenac Junior High and Eisenhower Middle School on the Senate Steps on Wednesday. I always look forward to speaking with Kansas students here in our nation’s capital.