American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Rana Aliani of Prairie Village
Tara Chettiar of Overland Park
Hannah Eckstein of Kansas City
Phoebe Fyffe of Overland Park
Christopher Graber of Salina
Melissa Hague of Wichita
Jessica Hyde of Wichita
Leah Kemble of Topeka
Abigail Proffer of Mission
Selina Sandoval of Leawood
Kimberly Swan of Shawnee
Laura Tatpati of Andover
Brianna Long of Lenexa
Kansas State Council of Firefighters
Matt Jackson of Junction City
Bob Wing of Kansas City
James Wing of Kansas City
Matt Schulte of Andover
National Humanities Alliance
Karin Westman of Manhattan
Pediatric and Family Dentists
Dr. Nick Rogers of Arkansas City
Dr. Andrew Medlin of Kansas City
Celiac Disease Foundation
Dave Stubler of Kansas City
Joint National Committee for Language
Katrina Carey of Olathe
Karen Gipson of Lawrence
Amanda Mendoza of Emporia
Heather Potter of Wichita
National Brain Injury Association
Heather Carbaugh of Lawrence
Heather Matty of Overland Park
New York Life Insurance
Shane Grau of Topeka
Ben Schlafer of Shawnee
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
Sheila Barnett of Goodland
Craig Leabo of Pittsburg
Ty Lewick of Liberal
Bradley Gamber of Winfield
National Oilseed Processors Assoc Board of Directors
Cody Nichols of Cherryvale
Ed Prosser of Goodland
Kansas Soybean Commission
Andy Winsor of Topeka
Dennis Hupe of Topeka
Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association
Chris Arnold of Wichita
Ron Oberg of Wichita
Chase Oberg of Wichita
Brad Ballou of Wichita
Hugh O’Reilly of Overland Park
Janez Lomshek of Overland Park
Kevin Raven of Lenexa
Scott Redler of Wichita
Tony Suellentrop of Wichita
Adam Mills of Wichita
Travis Sartain of Wichita
American Diabetes Association
Donald Feltham of Leawood
March 16
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.
Kansas Servicemembers on the Frontlines The Kansas Air National Guard’s 190th Air Refueling Wing, out of Forbes Field in Topeka, was deployed in early March in support of U.S. military operations in the Middle East, and the Kansas Army National Guard’s 130th Field Artillery Brigade, headquartered in Manhattan, was deployed last summer and is currently supporting operations in the Middle East.
The members of these units selflessly answered the call to protect and serve our country in uniform, and they represent the very best of Kansas. Both divisions have a long legacy of sacrifice and dedication, stretching back decades, helping to support our nation’s readiness. With roots dating to before World War II, the 190th Air Refueling Wing and 130th Field Artillery Brigade have been a critical part of the mission to serve, protect and defend our country for generations. We owe a lot to these men and women in uniform for their dedicated service and selflessness.
I am in contact with the acting Adjutant General, Brigadier General Paul Schneider, and the leadership of the Kansas National Guard regarding the deployment of the 190th Air Refueling Wing and 130th Field Artillery Brigade’s roles in supporting ongoing U.S. military action in the Middle East. Robba and I are praying for the safety of all our Kansas servicemembers deployed overseas across all branches of the military, as well as peace and comfort for their families and loved ones. May God bless our Kansas National Guard and bring them home safely.
Update on Military Operations in Iran Over the past week, the U.S. and Israel have continued to conduct military operations against Iran. U.S. forces have carried out strikes targeting missile systems, drone facilities, and naval assets used by the Iranian regime to threaten U.S. personnel in the region and Isreal. An Iranian strike on a U.S. logistics site in Kuwait killed several American servicemembers and additional military operations in the region have claimed the lives of even more servicemembers, underscoring the sacrifices and risks our servicemembers face in the Middle East and across the world every day. The conflict has also widened beyond Iran’s borders. Iranian backed groups and Hezbollah have attacked Israel and neighboring countries, further increasing the risk of broader escalation.
My focus remains on the safety of our Armed Forces serving in harm’s way; the impact this conflict is having on the global supply chain due to Iran’s pressure on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz where a significant portion of the world’s energy supply moves each day; and the consequences of sustained elevated energy prices that could benefit Russia and harm the Ukrainians’ ability to defend themselves against Putin’s invasion.
Urging Congress to Pass DHS Funding
With ongoing U.S. military action in Iran, the FBI’s counterterrorism and intelligence teams have been placed on heightened alert to monitor potential threats. This week I requested a briefing with the FBI to better understand what efforts are being taken here at home to keep Americans. I appreciate the FBI’s work to ascertain threats and keep our nation safe.
For more than three weeks, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been operating under a partial government shutdown. The lapse in funding is impacting agencies like the TSA, FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard. As a result, roughly 120,000 DHS employees are continuing to work without a paycheck, including the TSA officers responsible for screening passengers at airports across the country.
Nearly 95% of TSA employees remain on duty, but the financial strain has led to staffing shortages and longer wait times at many airports as spring break travel begins. The FY26 DHS appropriations bill already includes many of the reforms requested during negotiations, including $20 million to equip ICE and Border Patrol officers with body cameras, support for de-escalation training for officers interacting with the public and increased resources for the DHS Office of Inspector General to strengthen oversight and accountability.
These funding challenges come at a particularly sensitive time for national security, and Congress must act to pass legislation to fund these key agencies so they can continue their work of protecting American here at home.
PASSED: Legislation to Support Affordable Rural HousingThis week, the Senate unanimously passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which included my bill, the Streamlining Rural Housing Act of 2025. My legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a memorandum of understanding to simplify the regulatory process for developers by aligning housing standards between the two agencies. The package also incorporates two additional bills I cosponsored to expand housing access in rural communities and reduce unnecessary bureaucracy within federal housing programs.
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents the most significant bipartisan housing reform effort in decades – focused on expanding housing availability, cutting red tape and lowering costs for families working to achieve the dream of homeownership. The legislation now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.
Supporting Kansas TRIO Program On Wednesday, I attended the annual Kansas TRIO breakfast and met with students and alumni who have benefited from TRIO programs. Throughout my time in Congress, I have supported TRIO and other initiatives that expand access to education. The FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill maintains robust funding for TRIO programs to support college access and success for low-income and first-generation students.
I am a first-generation college graduate and know firsthand that education can offer many opportunities. Programs like TRIO help open doors for students who may otherwise face barriers to higher education. It was inspiring to hear the success stories of TRIO students and alumni. Thank you for sharing your stories and for the work you are doing to help the next generation of students achieve their dreams.
Urging the Administration to Prioritize Farmers in Final 45Z Rule This week, I joined my colleagues in urging the administration to prioritize farmers, biofuel producers and the agricultural community in the finalized guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production tax credit, in order to provide clarity, bolster consumer confidence and make certain farmers receive the intended benefits of the tax credit. In the FY26 reconciliation legislation, Congress extended the 45Z credit through 2029, allowing biofuels producers to receive up to $1 per gallon of fuel produced based on reductions in carbon intensity. A major component of achieving this reduction is through on-farm practices such as no-till planting and utilizing cover crops. The letter urges the administration to provide the agricultural industry with the tools needed to quantify these benefits, allowing for greater utilization of the credit. The 45Z tax credit can reward farmers for conservation and regenerative practices on their operations and help increase production of biofuels throughout the U.S., and I look forward to continuing to work with the administration to deliver these benefits for the agriculture and fuel industries.
Requesting an Update from BIA on Search for New President of Haskell University This week, Congressman Tracey Mann and I asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to provide an update on the nationwide search for a permanent president of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence. Haskell holds a unique and historic role as the only four-year, federally operated postsecondary institution under the Bureau of Indian Education and has educated generations of Native students from Tribal Nations across the country. In recent years, Haskell has experienced significant leadership turnover, and the university is currently being led by interim leadership following the resignation of its most recent president in 2025. Establishing steady, permanent leadership is critical to providing the stability the university needs to continue fulfilling its important mission.
Last year, Congressman Mann and I also introduced legislation aimed at reforming Haskell and addressing long-standing challenges facing the university. I remain committed to working with Tribal leaders, students, faculty and federal officials to make certain Haskell has the leadership and resources necessary to succeed for generations to come.
You can read more about this from the Lawrence Journal-World here.
Applauding VA Community Care Scheduling Announcement This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it would be making the external provider scheduling (EPS) program available at all VA medical facilities across the nation. EPS allows VA to view the schedules of health care providers in the community, making it easier and faster to schedule community care appointments for eligible veterans, reducing wait times and helping veterans access the care they need. In EPS’ testing stages, pilot sites found 65% improvement in the timeliness of community care scheduling and markedly increased productivity among VA schedulers who went from scheduling seven appointments a day to more than 20. One of those test sites was the Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita.
The success there and elsewhere is why I introduced legislation with my colleagues Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Tedd Budd (R-N.C.) to permanently authorize and expand EPS so that veterans in Kansas and across the country continue to benefit from it. No veteran should have to wait weeks or months to obtain the care and services they have earned through their service, and I appreciate VA Secretary Doug Collins for taking the initiative to make certain EPS is available to veterans coast-to-coast.
You can learn more about EPS and my legislation here.
Meeting with Kansans KU Dole Institute of Politics
On Tuesday, I met with Audrey Coleman, Director of the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. The institute plays an important role in preserving the legacy of Senator Bob Dole while promoting civic engagement and public service for future generations. Bob Dole was a true American hero whose life of service continues to inspire Kansans and Americans across the country. His commitment to Kansas values, leadership and dedication to public service set an example for those who follow in his footsteps.
In the FY2026 appropriations legislation, I secured more than $5 million for the Dole Institute to support efforts to preserve and digitize Sen. Dole’s extensive audiovisual collections. These resources will help make certain that future generations can learn from his life, leadership and lasting contributions to our state and nation. I appreciate the work Audrey and the team at the Dole Institute are doing to honor Sen. Dole’s legacy and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Kansas Bankers Association Later in the day, I met with members of the Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) to discuss ways we can strengthen our banking system and expand access to capital for individuals and businesses. The community bankers emphasized the need to revisit outdated regulatory thresholds that have limited their ability to lend effectively. We also talked about the growing challenge of financial fraud and how the federal government can better protect Kansans’ from increasingly sophisticated scams. Thank you to KBA President and CEO Doug Wareham, KBA Chairwoman Julie Hower, Vice Chairman Kyle Campbell, Chairman-elect Kendal Kay and Former Chairman D. Gene Dikeman and all the KBA members for taking the time to travel to Washington and share their insights with me.
Kansas Farm Bureau On Wednesday, I spoke to members of the Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) as a part of their 2026 Leaders Engaged and Acting in D.C. trip. We discussed the economic conditions facing Kansas producers, and I provided an update on my work in the Senate, including efforts to permanently move the administration of Food for Peace to USDA to make certain the program fulfills its mission of feeding the hungry, creating important markets for farmers and bolstering our national security. I also spoke about the importance of securing year-round E15 to provide greater market access for corn growers, as well as my Securing America’s Fuels Act, which would provide a greater incentive to produce sustainable aviation fuel under the 45Z tax credit. Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy efforts allow its members to be actively engaged in policy at all levels, and I always appreciate conversations with Kansas farmers and ranchers on how we can improve the agriculture industry. Thank you to Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland, Vice President Glenn Brunkow and all the KFB members who made the trip out to D.C.
Kansas Soybean Association This week, I met with Andy Winsor and Dennis Hupe from the Kansas Soybean Association (KSA) to discuss the state of the farm economy and the challenges producers are currently facing. We talked about the need for additional economic support for farmers as input costs continue to rise, as well as the importance of expanding market opportunities for soybeans through biofuels, animal feed and their role in our food supply. KSA also emphasized the critical role of renewing the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, given that these countries remain the largest importers of Kansas agricultural products. I appreciate the work Mr. Winsor does on behalf of the Kansas Soybean Association and in his role as a Board Director for the American Soybean Association.
National Oilseed Processors I met with the Board of Directors for the National Oilseed Processors Association, who visited my office this week to advocate on behalf of the soybean, canola, flaxseed, safflower seed and sunflower seed crushing industries. Our conversation focused on the importance of the EPA finalizing the Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) rule for 2026–2027 and releasing timely, workable guidance for the 45Z tax credit. I also appreciated hearing updates on crushing facilities across Kansas and the critical role they play in creating local markets for Kansas commodities. Thank you to Cody Nichols of Cherryvale and Ed Prosser of Goodland for joining our conversation.
Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association On Thursday, I met with the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association (KRHA) to discuss the challenges facing industry stakeholders. Our conversation focused on opportunities to reduce costs for Kansas businesses and strategies to streamline workforce recruitment. I remain committed to supporting local hospitality professionals so they can continue to thrive and play a vital role in the communities they serve. Thank you to KRHA Chair Tony Suellentrop, Chair-elect Janez Lomshek, Treasurer Chris Arnold, Ron Oberg, Chase Oberg, Brad Ballou, Hugh O’Reilly, Kevin Raven, Scott Redler, Adam Mills and Travis Sartain for taking the time to meet with me.
Kansas State Council of Firefighters
This week, I met with members of the Kansas State Council of Firefighters to discuss issues affecting firefighters across our state and the communities they serve. Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect Kansans, and it’s a priority of mine to make certain they have the resources and equipment necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively. During our conversation, we discussed growing concerns about harmful chemicals found in firefighting gear and the potential health risks associated with repeated exposure. Firefighters regularly face dangerous conditions, so it’s critical that the equipment designed to protect them does not pose additional long-term health risks. We also discussed ways Congress can support research to better understand these risks and help develop safer equipment for firefighters in Kansas and across the country. Thank you to Matt Jackson of Junction City, Bob and James Wing of Kansas City and Matt Schulte of Andover for the work they do to keep Kansans safe.
Devin, April and Ruby Wendt of Manhattan
On Thursday, I met with Devin, April and Ruby Wendt of Manhattan before their tour of the U.S. Capitol. I appreciated visiting with them and hearing about their time visiting our nation’s capital.
Visits Across Kansas Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems & Sheriff’s Office It was great to visit Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems to announce federal resources I helped secure for the hospital and for Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office. Through my role as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I helped secured federal resources for the sheriff’s department to purchase new equipment and resources to help Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems with the construction of a new emergency department and physical therapy and occupational therapy departments.
Special thank you Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems CEO Janelle Kircher for hosting me, and to Mitchell County Sheriff Tony Perez for his continued service to his community. Thank you to Beloit Mayor Tom Naasz, City Administrator Mandy Lomax, State Representative Dawn Wolf, Mitchell County Commissioners Tom Claussen, Mike Riemann and Cole Eberle, Dr. Craig Concannon and former State Representative Susan Concannon, Economic Development Director Emily Benedick, Curt Frasier and Mark Noah for joining us at the event.
Salina Area Technical College After my stop in my Mitchell County, I visited Salina Area Technical College to announce federal resources I helped secure for Salina Tech’s Industrial Maintenance and Automation Program. This investment will help to provide a trained workforce to meet the needs of Salina area manufacturing businesses, providing opportunities for Kansans to pursue successful careers right here in our state. Thank you to Salina Police Chief C.J. Wise, State Senator Scott Hill, State Representative Dawn Wolf, Saline County Treasurer Tony Newell, former Saline County Treasurer Jim DuBois and Saline County Economic Development Director Mitch Robinson for hosting me and for their efforts to support the next generation of Kansans.
CloudCorp This week, I made a stop at CloudCorp to learn about the current efforts to grow the communities in Cloud County. I appreciated meeting Tim Beims, Executive Director of CloudCorp, to discuss the various economic development opportunities CloudCorp is supporting to bolster local businesses and improve the quality of life for Kansans across the North Central Kansas Region. Thank you to Tim for hosting me and thank you to Concordia City Manager Amy Lange and Cloud County Commissioner Dannie Kearn for joining me on my visit.
Remembering Ron Rahjes
I am saddened by the passing of my friend Ron Rahjes, who I knew for more than 30 years. His life is an example of the difference one person can make in their community and in the lives of others. Born and raised in Kensington, Ron was passionate about preserving the rural way of life in Kansas, working on the family farm, supporting the agriculture community and graduating in the very first class of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program. He was a man of faith, a devoted member of his church and a beloved husband and father. Ron never met a stranger, and he treated everyone with respect and kindness. Robba and I are praying for his wife Cynthia and their children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.
National Agriculture Week
In Kansas, agriculture isn’t just an industry – it’s the cornerstone of our way of life. During National Agriculture Week, we extend our gratitude to the ag producers and communities in Kansas and across the nation who work tirelessly to keep agriculture thriving. Thank you for your commitment to feed, fuel and clothe the world.
Now Accepting Summer 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the Summer 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Summer Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 22. You can learn more about the Senate Page program here.
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
To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.
Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
.png "Blue_and_White_Veterans_Day_Instagram_Post_(1).png")
.png "legislation_website_graphics_(10).png")
.JPG "National_Oilseed_Processors_(2).JPG")
