Kansans in the Office Capitol Tour Brian Desch of Topeka Melinda Desch of Topeka Kevin Hufford of Shawnee Margie Greenlee of Overland Park Dennis Vogel of Overland Park David Hornick of Leavenworth Karen Hornick of Leavenworth St. Francis Xavier Church Anne Gagel of Shawnee Mission American Association of Colleges of Nursing Jane Carpenter of Topeka Debbie Isaacson of Topeka Cheryl Giefer of Pittsburg Ken Giefer of Pittsburg Alliance to End Hunger Yvonne Montoya of Salina Benedictine College Stephen Minnis of Atchison Kevin Vance of Atchison Bartlett Bill Webster of Prairie Village Navy League of the United States Ward Cook of Prairie Village       Dangerous Times Around the World Joining Fox News I joined Fox News to discuss America’s role in supporting Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East, in their fight against Hamas. I stressed the importance of taking a firm stance against Iran and their proxies, who have openly attacked both our allies around the world as well as American bases in Syria and Iraq. The Biden administration needs to respond to these acts and cannot simply look on as Iran, Russia, China and other adversaries impose their authoritarian overreach. You can watch my full interview with Fox News here. Questioning the Secretary of State & Defense Secretary On Tuesday, I questioned Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the President’s emergency supplemental appropriations request. I take seriously Congress’ constitutional responsibility to determine how the United States spends its resources. To that end, I will not rubber stamp the President’s request but will work with my colleagues on the Senate Committee on Appropriations to determine how to best ensure the safety and security of the American public. Ensuring those things starts with secure borders. Although Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas is expected to testify at a later hearing, I relayed to the cabinet secretaries present that I expect the administration to work with Congress on substantive policy changes to deter and mitigate the harms caused by illegal immigration. I also relayed to Secretaries Austin and Blinken that it is in our interest that Ukraine is successful in its defense against Putin’s unjust and illegal invasion. Any other result makes the world a more dangerous place. The United States must continue to send the message that we are faithful to our partners and allies to deter not just Russia, but China, Iran, and Hamas from causing harm to the free world. You can watch my full questions here. Joining CNBC’s Squawk Box On Thursday, I joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to address the important issues currently threatening our national security. The Senate Committee on Appropriations has been tasked with creating a funding package that will address the national security crisis happening at our southern border and help to bolster our Israeli and Ukrainian allies in their time of need. This vote will be one of the most consequential votes that we as a Congress will have to address, therefore it is necessary the United States stands strong in the face of adversity. I will continue working for Kansans and the American people to defend our great nation during this challenging time. See the rest of my See the rest of my interview here. Breaking Ground in Leavenworth On Monday before returning to Washington, D.C., I was in Leavenworth to announce the construction of the new Federal Correctional Institution. More than 125 years ago, the federal government broke ground on what is now the oldest facility in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Ever since then it has served as the flagship facility of the Bureau of Prisons. Generations of Kansans have served as correctional officers and staff at the facility and in doing so, have made invaluable contributions to the Department of Justice’s law enforcement mission and the public safety of our communities. Over the past several years, I have used my role as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Bureau of Prisons to appropriate more than $500 million for the construction of a new Federal Correctional Institution and satellite Federal Prison Camp. This is the second-largest federal investment in Kansas history. The new facility will be built on undeveloped, federally-owned land, adjacent to the existing facility. Construction is expected to take approximately three years, with the current contract completion anticipated in May of 2026. I would like to thank the Director of the Bureau of Prisons Collette Peters, Sen. Roger Marshall, Governor Laura Kelly, Leavenworth Mayor Jermaine Wilson, and Warden Don Hudson for joining me in making this announcement. Read more about the groundbreaking in the Kansas Reflector, here.

Mitigating Risks of Artificial Intelligence
AI has tremendous potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government, in addition to the potential positive impacts on the private sector. However, it would be naïve to ignore the risks that accompany this emerging technology, including risks related to data privacy and challenges verifying AI-generated data. Recognizing these risks, Congress directed the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop an AI Risk Management Framework that organizations, public and private, could employ to ensure they use AI systems in a trustworthy manner. This framework was released earlier this year and is supported by a wide range of public and private sector organizations, but federal agencies are not currently required to use this framework to manage their use of AI systems. This week, I introduced the Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act with Sen. Mark Warner to require federal agencies to utilize these reasonable AI risk management guidelines that have already been created by NIST. It is important for the federal government to mitigate risks associated with AI, while still benefiting from new technology. I urge my Senate colleagues join Sen. Warner and I in support of this commonsense approach to ensure there are sensible guardrails in place on federal AI use.

Read more about the bill in POLITICO, here.

Meeting with the American Legion National Commander
This week, I met with the new National Commander of The American Legion (TAL), Daniel Seehafer, who was elected to his position in August of this year. I applauded Commander Seehafer for his dedicated work in ministry and service to our country, first, in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves and, now, through TAL. I let him know how appreciative I am of TAL for the work they do in Kansas and throughout the nation and for their steadfast support of my efforts in Congress to care for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. I am particularly grateful for TAL’s support for my bipartisan Veterans’ HEALTH Act, which would make it easier for VA to provide veterans with timely, high-quality health care in VA medical facilities and through VA’s partners in the community. Commander Seehafer and I discussed common goals and priorities, which we both have, which include preventing veteran suicide, helping veterans achieve success after their service by providing them with a seamless transition from military to civilian life, and expanding access to care across the country. It was a privilege to meet with him, and I look forward to continuing to work with him and with Legionnaires everywhere to better the military and veteran communities we both serve.

 

Discussing Resources for NASA
On Thursday, I met with the NASA Administrator Bill Nelson to receive an update from NASA and the needs of the agency. As the lead Republican of the Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over funding NASA, I remain interested in ensuring NASA has the resources needed to meet our nation’s goals within the space domain. NASA also plays a diverse role within our state from providing satellite imagery, to impacting our agricultural community by providing innovative research to our aviation community. I remain committed to ensuring the agency has the resources needed to advance our nation’s space goals, while also meeting the needs of Kansans.

Discussing Army Morale with Gen. Randy George and Secretary Wormuth
This week, I had a productive meeting with the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Christine Wormuth, and the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy George. Amid one of the most challenging national security environments of my lifetime, the Army will continue to have a critical role in defending our nation’s freedoms. I also highlighted the need to continue to expand programs in our schools, like JROTC and STARBASE, especially in rural communities, to foster early connections to service, leadership, and other important skills. Lastly, we discussed the challenging times we are facing. With the aggressive stance of Russia and the attacks faced by our ally Israel, we discussed the importance of supporting defense funding for Ukraine and Israel. These actions are more than a gesture of solidarity; they are crucial to strengthening our international leadership and commitment to global democracy.

I am acutely aware of the challenges our servicemembers face, particularly when resource constraints impact morale and the well-being of their families. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus, I am committed to ensuring our armed forces are sufficiently equipped to meet recruitment goals and operational demands. I look forward to hosting General George at Fort Riley in the near future like I have with many of his predecessors. I am thankful to both of these individuals for their steadfast service to our nation and look forward to continuing to support the Army’s critical mission.

Meeting with Benedictine College Leadership 
On Wednesday, I met with Benedictine College President, Stephen Minnis and Director of the Center for Constitutional Liberty, Kevin Vance, to discuss ongoing initiatives and updates at the college. President Minnis shared an update on their ongoing library construction project, which will improve the educational experience students receive in Atchison and will also become a tourist attraction for Kansans seeking to learn more about our nation’s founding. Along with the addition of a new state-of-the-art library, Benedictine plans to expand its current engineering program and make various other facility improvements on campus.

Thank you to President Minnis and Kevin Vance for taking the time to meet with me and for ensuring students receive a quality education and rewarding college experience at Benedictine.

Visits Across Kansas
BSA Troop 74 Annual Pancake Feed
On Saturday morning, I visited the Boy Scouts of America Troop 74 for their Annual Pancake Feed in Manhattan. Troop 74 has been serving the area for years and continues to raise up young men dedicated to helping their communities. Thank you to Troop 74 and their leaders for hosting a successful Pancake Feed this weekend.

Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems
On Friday, I toured the Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems in Beloit. I was able to meet with hospital board members and tour the facility with hospital staff. Keeping rural hospitals staffed, funded and up-to-date is a top priority of mine, and I will continue to find ways to support these establishments.

Thank you to all the local and state leaders, as well as hospital staff and directors for joining me on the tour.

Hill City High School
Later on Friday, I toured Hill City High School. There, I met with students, teachers and staff who showed me around their building. It was great to see how the individuals at Hill City High School pour into their students and encourage them to pursue various vocational interests. One exceptional student from Hill City High School is Pamela Presley, who revived a competitive alternate nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy from me in October. Thank you Principal Alan Stein, Superintendent Dale Deighton, and Dillon Gansel for giving me a tour.