Border Security is National Security
On Sunday, border patrol agents apprehended almost 9,000 migrants at the southern border and numbers released by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) showed a record amount of encounters at the southern border in August. This week, I called on the Biden administration to take action to increase security at the southern border and for the Senate to pass the Secure the Border Act as thousands of migrants cross the border, including migrants with ties to ISIS and the Chinese Community Party. President Biden must act to ensure a stricter enforcement of our immigration laws, reinstate the construction of a wall or fencing in areas that are largely unprotected, and the administration must send a message loud and clear that our border is closed to unlawful entrants.
You can listen to my floor remarks here.
Addressing Failure at VA Crisis Line
On Wednesday, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing on suicide prevention among veterans, progress on implementation of my legislation the Commander Hannon Act, and recent issues with the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). Although VA continues to claim suicide prevention is its top clinical priority, it is clear from the hearing, the department needs to do more in providing veterans with quicker access to high-quality mental health care, as well as make key improvements to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. This suicide prevention grant program endeavors to extend the VA’s reach into communities and provide veterans with non-clinical wrap-around support services. As Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, suicide prevention and making certain our veterans have access to the best mental health care remains one of my top priorities.
You can read more in Fox News here and watch the hearing here.
Meeting with Mental Health Advocates
On Tuesday, I was honored to receive the 9-8-8 Crisis Response Champion Award from leaders of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). After receiving the award, we discussed the barriers still facing individuals in need of mental health care and how we can ensure that Kansans, veterans, students and all Americans have access to critical suicide prevention and mental health services. I will continue to support funding for mental health and suicide prevention services through my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Recognizing National Service Dog Day
This week the Senate passed my bipartisan resolution designating September 20 as National Service Dog Day. Service dogs provide life-saving assistance, help veterans with disabilities regain their independence and offer companionship and support to our nation’s heroes. There are estimated to be thousands of service dogs working across the United States assisting individuals with a wide-range of disabilities and ailments. I appreciate my colleagues unanimously passing this resolution to recognize National Service Dog Day. It was great to celebrate the passage of the resolution with K9s for Warriors, an organization that trains and pairs these dogs with veterans at no expense to the veteran.
Preparing for AI Innovation
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Intelligence held an open hearing on artificial intelligence and the national security implications of its development and use. The intelligence community has been a leading innovator and adopter of such technology for decades, but recent advances have changed the scale and scope of AI’s implications for national security associated with these technologies. I asked our witnesses about the importance of continuing to attract foreign talent through the Startup Act, legislation I introduced with Committee Chairman Mark Warner. I also inquired about the National Science Foundation’s National Artificial Intelligence Research Institute’s success and how it fits with research in the private sector. Artificial intelligence will have significant consequences on our future, and this was an important hearing to address how to keep Americans safe and competitive.
Meetings with Kansans
Livestock Marketing Association
On Tuesday, I met with Kansans from the Livestock Marketing Association during their trip to our nation’s capital. Livestock Marketing Association represents over 80 percent of all viable, regular-selling livestock markets in the United States. Livestock sale barns provide important market opportunities for producers, as well as help ensure robust price discovery in cattle markets. During our conversation, we spoke about efforts to incentivize prompt payments through electronic payments for quick, reliable money transfers. We also discussed traceability and current market trends. Thank you to Mason Winter of Winter Livestock and David and Heidi McComb of Cherokee Sales Company for visiting with me about the key issues impacting the livestock marketing industry today.
Kansas Bankers Association
Last week, I was pleased to welcome the Kansas Bankers Association to Washington. The group held productive meetings with federal regulators and members of the Kansas delegation. During our meeting, we spoke about the concerns bankers have about new rules issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as the impact of higher interest rates on lending. I recently joined a resolution of disapproval of the CFPB’s rulemaking on Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires banks to collect sensitive personal information on all small business loans. Additionally, we spoke about the importance of passing the ACRE Act, bipartisan legislative I introduced with Sen. King (I-ME) to lower the cost of credit for farmers and rural homeowners. I will continue working to build broad support for this critical bill in the Senate.
A special congratulations to Leondard Wolfe of United Bank and Trust in Marysville, Kansas, who is this year’s recipient of the American Bankers Association’s Bruning Award. This award recognizes the lifetime achievement of agricultural bankers for their outstanding leadership and dedication to providing credit and financial guidance to farmers, ranchers and businesses in rural America.
Leadership Kansas Farm Bureau Class
It was great to visit with the 2023 Leadership Kansas Farm Bureau Class this week in my Washington, D.C. office. Kansas Farm Bureau created Leadership KFB with the purpose of developing their members as grassroots leaders. This year-long program focuses on creating influential, thought-leaders who will choose to engage, create change, and look for solutions, not only in agriculture, but in counties and communities across the state. I enjoyed speaking with Kansas leaders, especially those who are dedicated to preserving our rural way of life. Thank you to Jacob Brubaker of Rawlins Co; Kylee Geffert of Allen Co; Leanna Hook of Rice Co; Haley and Jason Nelson of Jewell County; Kylee Stout of Douglas County; Abby Wimer and Craig Dinkel of Ellsworth County for the conversation.
Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Calvin Reed. The secretary was appointed to his new role this summer having spent over 15 years with KDOT. Our discussion involved an update on the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, which builds on Kansas’ history of investing in infrastructure programs. We also addressed a variety of infrastructure needs across the state including highways, bridges, public transit, aviation, rail, and pedestrian/bike needs. As a member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I have secured almost $120 million in funding to go directly to Kansas infrastructure and look forward to continuing to work together with KDOT to bolster Kansas infrastructure and support economic growth in our communities.
Kansas FASD Support Network
I met with members of the Kansas Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Support Network in my Washington, D.C. office. During our meeting, I was updated on the Support Network’s efforts to provide support and educational resources to those living with the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, as well as their advocacy for the FASD Respect Act which I cosponsored. This bill would expand grant programs and education efforts at the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health to specifically include fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Thank you to Kathryn and Hannah White of Olathe and Chris Melfi and Kathryn Meinhardt of Topeka for meeting with me and for their leadership on these important efforts.
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
Last week, I met with the representatives from the Topeka Chamber of Commerce who were in Washington to discuss their priorities for Congress, including workforce challenges, immigration, and economic development opportunities. Specifically, we discussed efforts to make the Topeka airport a hub of economic activity for the community and how the federal government could be involved in this effort. The aviation industry in Kansas is strong, but there are always new growth opportunities to target, and I appreciate Topeka’s pursuit of opportunities that could lead to job growth and economic activity in their community. As the lead Republican on the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to work with local leaders in Topeka to pursue their aviation and economic development goals.
Thank you to Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek, Stan VanOstran, Curtis Sneden, Yana Ross, Molly Howey, Lisa Stubbs, and Josh Gonzales for meeting with me during your time in Washington.
Overland Park Chamber of Commerce
On Wednesday, I spoke to members of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce about challenges they are facing, including issues with local postal service and workforce development. We discussed the importance of technical education and how businesses could engage with local community colleges and technical schools to fill open positions, as well as the importance of having a skilled workforce available to attract business investments to the community. I look forward to continuing the discussion with Overland Park leaders about how the federal government can help the city strengthen the local economy.
Thank you to Chamber President and CEO Tracey Osborne Oltjen, Chamber EVP and Chief Policy Officer Kevin Walker, Chamber Board Chair-Elect Cindy Rock, Chamber Board 1st Vice Chair Josh Beck, Chamber Public Policy Committee Co-Chair Reagan Cussimanio for your time last week.
Kansas Tour Group
A group of 51 Kansans from Overbrook, Scranton, Lebo and more took the time to meet me near the Senate chambers before beginning a tour of the Capitol. On the tour were members of the Kansas State Bank who have been contributing to the banking industry in rural Kansas for years. It was great to visit with these Kansans, and I hope they all had a memorable trip to our nation’s Capital.
Vetting FTC Nominees
Last week, I attended a Senate Committee on Commerce hearing to evaluate nominees for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These independent federal agencies have important consumer protection functions that they must execute, without acting outside of their Congressionally-provided authorities. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from the nominees and will continue to evaluate their qualifications to be members of the FTC or CPSC.
You can watch the full committee hearing here.
Receiving the Congressional Leadership Award
This week I was honored to receive the Congressional Leadership Award bestowed by the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF). Established by the NAHF Board of Trustees, the Congressional Leadership Award pays homage to American leaders whose dedicated public service has bolstered the nation’s strength and significantly propelled advancements in aviation and aerospace. General aviation alone in Kansas, supports almost 40,000 jobs, and produces an annual GDP contribution of almost $4 billion. This relationship dates back to World War II when south-central Kansas manufactured the B-52 bombers. However, our state would not have the rich history in aviation it does today, nor hold the “Air Capital of the World” title had it not been for the aviation pioneers before us – like Kansan Russ Meyer, who was enshrined into the Hall of Fame in 2009. I was honored to accept this award and look forward to continuing to advocate to ensure this industry continues to thrive within our great state.
Meeting with National Bison Association
On Wednesday, I met with members of the National Bison Association to discuss their legislative priorities. We discussed the upcoming Farm Bill and the need for funding to support the manufacture, promotion, and distribution of the USDA ARS-developed bison vaccine to fight to Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) virus. The vaccine is essential as bison ranchers seek to increase the population and develop new markets.
Touring New Century AirCenter Center
Last Monday, before heading to Washington, I toured the New Century AirCenter (IXD) in Gardner. The New Century AirCenter is home to more than 2,700 accessible acres with a runway, FAA air traffic control tower, various instrument landing systems, and a fire station. In the Senate Transportation appropriations legislation, I procured funding to replace the aging air traffic control tower at IXD. If the money is secured, these funds will be critical to update infrastructure and technology to improve safety, accessibility, as well as increase passenger capacity. Thank you to Executive Director of Johnson County Airport Authority Bryan Johnson and Assistant County Manager Aaron Otto for the tour.
Touring Gardner Edgerton High School
I always appreciate the opportunity to visit schools in Kansas and see the great work being done by our teachers, faculty and students. It was great to stop by Gardner Edgerton High School to meet with Superintendent Dr. Brian Huff and Principal Frank Bell. Our Kansas schools equip the next generation with the skills and values necessary to contribute to their families, livelihoods, and communities. Thank you to Brian, Frank and all the staff and students who invest in our education system.
Visit with Lt. General Robert Durbin
I met with retired Lt. Gen Robert Durbin, his wife Diana and their guest Angelica Padrone. Robert is a retired member of the United States Army and a dear friend. I would like to thank him for his service to our country and for taking the time to visit me in Washington D.C.
