Kansans in the Office

Capitol Tour

Alfonso and Rachel Arreola of Lenexa

Chriss, Kassadi and Kerensa Bennett of Wichita

Becki, Lucy, Oliver and Vivi Bowman of McPherson

Daniel and Teresa Buchanan of Wichita

Brad and Liza Carver of Lenexa

Gretchen, Jordan, Margeret and Shannon McCauley of Olathe

Ken and Michelle Cotton of McPherson

Connie Gable of Shawnee

Dan and Jill Haight of Lenexa

Heidi and Stuart Heckman of Manhattan

Elizabeth, Kailey and Logan Howell of Olathe

Alexander, Jeremiah, Louis, Penelope and Stefanie Kempke of Hutchinson

Carla and Sean Kolega of Lenexa

Helon and Wayne Meyer of Wichita

Grayson, Jackson, Jonathan and Tina Roberts of Spring Hill

Marcia and Steve Slack of Bel Aire

David and Theresa St. John of Lenexa

ACA International

John McNamara of Atchison

American Frozen Food Institute

Danielle Reid of Edwardsville

Danielle Reid of Edwardsville

Coalition of Skin Diseases

Jolena Miller of Overland Park

Equipment Leasing and Finance Association

Eric Cable of Lindsborg

Jewish Federation of North America

Andrew Ernstein of Overland Park

Motorcycle Riders Foundation

Mitch Foley of Abilene

James Iverson of Lyons

Tony Railsback of Sterling

Tammy Railsback of Sterling

Tony Rawls-Riley of Kansas City

Ron Vawter of Salina

Joseph Williams of Topeka

National Association of Professional Employer Organizations

Erica Brune of Leawood

Bill Maness of Wichita

National Grocers Association

Stephanie Becker of Kansas City

Dan Funk of Kansas City

Jenny Osner Conway Springs

Colby Osner of Conway Springs

Stephanie Becker of Kansas City

Dan Funk of Kansas City

Jenny Osner Conway Springs

Colby Osner of Conway Springs

National Immigration Law Center

Catalina Palacios-Cisneros of McPherson

NATSO

Ted Augustine of Salina

Matt Mildenberger of Oakley

Misty Mildenberger of Oakley

National Association of Music Merchants

Amanda Rueter of Shawnee

United for Cures

Katie Fitzgerald of Shawnee

Andrea Guerra of Wichita

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.

Memorial Day: Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
On Memorial Day, we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, and we recommit ourselves to honoring their legacy and supporting the families they have left behind. Military service is family service. Our freedoms are made possible by the sacrifices of those who wear the uniform and by the families who stand beside them every step of the way. No one understands the full weight of that sacrifice more than Gold Star families, who carry the loss of a loved one every day.

Yesterday, I participated in the dedication ceremony for the new Gold Star Family Memorial in Independence. This new memorial will provide a place for families to remember and reflect on the sacrifices of their loved ones, while also helping to make certain that future generations learn the importance of service, sacrifice and the cost of the freedoms we enjoy. Thank you to U.S. Rep. Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), Kansas State Sen. Virgil Peck, State Rep. Doug Blex and Montgomery County Commissioners Mike Cordray, Robert Bever and Phil Clubine, Independence City Manager Kelly Passauer, Chamber Director Lisa Wilson, Mayor Dean Hayse, Tim White and Scott Smith for joining me.

I’m grateful to Gunner Way and the Veterans Freedom Square Committee for their work in establishing this memorial honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. To all who attended and helped make this ceremony possible, thank you. We honor your service, and we will never forget your sacrifice.

Photo Credit: Montgomery County Chronicle

Visiting Meade & Clark Counties After Fires to Support Rebuilding Efforts
Surveying Fire Damage in Meade & Clark Counties
As southwest Kansas continues to rebuild from the recent fires, I visited Meade and Clark Counties on Friday, including a stop at Darwin Ediger’s farm, to survey the fire damage and speak with local residents and first responders about the ongoing recovery efforts. When the Meade Lake Complex fire broke out after several dry lightning strikes and burned more than 90,000 acres, over 200 firefighters from across Kansas and other states came together to help contain the blaze. I appreciated meeting with Darwin and Roxanna Ediger, Meade County Fire Chief Branden Hageman, Assistant Chief Steve Salyer and all who took time to visit with me in Meade County.

Later on Friday, I met with firefighters, county commissioners and community members in Minneola to learn more about the challenges of mitigating dry and dense fuels across the county’s expansive rangeland and CRP areas. Thank you to Denny Denton for hosting our conversation, and special thanks to County Commissioners Dustin McPhail, Jaylin Johnson and Jim Daily, Sheriff Heath Heston, Minneola Fire Chief Brandon Hornbac and everyone else who shared their stories with me.

I want to say thank you to the more than 200 firefighters, including many volunteers, who answered the call to fight the devastating fires in southwest Kansas. More than 100,000 acres were destroyed due to conditions that allowed the flames to spread with alarming speed. I am thankful for the first responders on the front lines, as well as the volunteers and those who donated needed supplies and resources.

Resources for Those Impacted by the Southwest Kansas Fires
I continue to work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and our state partners to make certain that every impacted community receives the resources and support needed to recover from these destructive blazes. I appreciate USDA allowing emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land, which keeps cattle safe and fed when their typical feed sources are affected by disasters like the recent fires. While this allows further control of grass that could become a fuel source for future fires, only half the normal amount of cattle may be on the land during the primary nesting season, which lasts until July 15 for Kansas.

Last year, I joined Sens. Thune, Klobuchar and Smith in introducing the CRP Flexibility and Improvement Act after hearing from local ranchers on ways to improve the program. The bipartisan bill seeks to improve access to grazing on CRP land and expedite emergency haying in response to drought and disaster events such as wildfires. Allowing cost-sharing for fencing and water infrastructure as a part of CRP can make grazing a more attractive option for managing the land, and the opportunity to hay the land will cut down on overgrowth and allow ranchers to provide hay to others in need. I am working with my colleagues to include this legislation as a part of the Farm Bill, and will continue listening to ranchers and local community leaders to continue developing new solutions that can help prevent and lessen the impact of wildfires.

For more information on recovery resources, visit my website here, as well as the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) website here.

Hosting ATF Director for Grand Opening of Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Lab
On Monday, I welcomed ATF Director Robert Cekada to Wichita State University (WSU) for the grand opening of the ATF Forensic Crime Gun Intelligence Laboratory, which will strengthen forensic analysis capabilities for law enforcement agencies in Kansas and across the country. Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche also provided remarks virtually during the event and committed to visit Kansas to see the capabilities in Wichita firsthand.

Located on WSU’s Innovation Campus, alongside ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) National Correlation and Training Center, the new laboratory further positions Wichita as a national leader in forensic science and public safety. This partnership is a testament to Wichita’s leadership in advancing forensic science and bolstering the work of federal, state and local law enforcement, while giving students opportunities to gain real-world experience.

Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the World, but we are well on our way to one day soon earning a new title – the Law Enforcement Capital of the World. Because of partnerships like those between WSU and ATF, it will not be long before a law enforcement official across the country will be taking a fingerprint or ballistic evidence and will say, “Send it to Kansas; send it to Wichita – that’s where they have the capabilities to help us solve this crime.”

Thank you to ATF Director Robert Cekada, WSU President Richard Muma, Executive VP at WSU John Tomblin, U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Ryan Kriegshauser, U.S. Marshal for the District of Kansas Ronald Miller, Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Erik Smith, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Kansas State Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Sedgwick County Commissioner Stephanie Wise, Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan and WSU Police Chief Guy Schroeder for joining the event. Thank you as well to the many state and local law enforcement members who joined us to mark this significant milestone. You can read more from The Wichita Eagle here.

Holding a Hearing on FAA’s Implementation of Safety Recommendations After DCA Crash
On Tuesday, as the Chairman of the Commerce Aviation Subcommittee, I convened a hearing with testimony from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford to evaluate the FAA’s progress on implementing safety recommendations following the midair collision between Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter on January 29, 2025.

After conducting a year-long investigation into the midair collision that resulted in the deaths of 67 people, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued 50 safety recommendations, two-thirds of which were directed at the FAA. The investigation raised serious concerns regarding helicopter routes, airspace design, situational awareness and the FAA’s ability to identify and respond to risks in one of the nation’s most complex aviation environments.

At the conclusion of its investigation, the NTSB found that the accident was preventable. The U.S. maintains the safest aviation system in the world, but that record relies on constant vigilance, accountability and a willingness to act before warning signs become tragedies. During the hearing, we reviewed how the FAA is responding to the systemic safety concerns that were identified by the NTSB and whether additional reforms are needed. I am grateful to the Families of Flight 5342 for their advocacy for increased aviation safety measures, and I thank two of these family members – Rachel Feres and Audrey Patel – for attending Tuesday’s hearing. I am committed to continuing my work to pass aviation safety legislation, including the ROTOR Act, and secure stronger protections for the traveling public.

You can watch my opening remarks here and my questioning of Administrator Bedford here and here.

Chairing Hearing with Acting AG Blanche to Review the DOJ’s FY27 Budget Request
As Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I led a hearing to review the Department of Justice’s FY2027 budget request with testimony from Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche.

During the hearing, we discussed the department’s funding priorities and the importance of maintaining strong support for the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that work every day to keep Kansans and communities across the country safe. I also questioned the Acting AG on the creation of the DOJ’s anti-weaponization fund. I have serious concerns with the DOJ’s anti-weaponization fund. I have joined my Senate colleagues in voicing those concerns. Congress must conduct oversight of this use of taxpayer dollars and fully review, alter or eliminate the anti-weaponization fund.

You can watch my opening remarks here and my questioning of Acting Attorney General Blanche here and here.

Questioning Army Leadership During Defense Subcommittee Hearing
During an  Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing, I questioned Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and General Christopher LaNeave on the Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft program, now officially named the Cheyenne II. This project represents one of the Army’s most critical modernization investments, and I highlighted Wichita’s role in supporting this project with the fuselage assembly work being performed at Bell Textron. I also asked about the current acceleration timeline for the program, whether there have been any delays and how the Army is mitigating them. Kansas workers are helping build the future of Army aviation, and I will continue working to make certain this program has the resources and support needed to be successful.

As the Army fields the Cheyenne II, there will be a period where legacy platforms like the Black Hawk and Apache must carry the full operational load while the force transitions. During the hearing, I asked Secretary Driscoll and General LaNeave how the Army plans to integrate the Cheyenne II into future Combat Aviation Brigades and how they will manage risk to readiness and capacity during that transition window. Our men and women in uniform deserve aircraft that are mission-ready and safe, and I will continue to hold the Army accountable to that standard.

You can watch my questioning here.

Meeting with General Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau
On Wednesday, I met with General Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, for a productive discussion about his efforts to support those who serve in the Guard. We talked about the incredible service of the men and women of the Kansas National Guard and their role in protecting and serving our state and the nation. I appreciated his updates and our conversation about how I can support the work of the Guard by helping to make certain they have the resources and capabilities to continue serving Kansans at the highest level. I am committed to working alongside General Nordhaus to support the men and women of the Kansas National Guard, and I look forward to continuing our shared mission going forward.

Update on U.S. Military Operations in Iran
Negotiations continue with Iran to resolve the impasse over the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says slight progress has been made in reaching an agreement, and a small number of ships have managed to pass through the strait. While the ceasefire continues to hold, CENTCOM announced they conducted self-defense strikes within Iran early this morning. Last week, the President announced he had, at the request of our Gulf partners, halted planned military strikes against Iran to give more time for diplomacy to reach a breakthrough. I continue to seek more information from the administration on the war’s objectives and how additional military action would achieve them.

America’s Adversaries Should Not Buy Our Farmland
China and our adversaries have no business buying American farmland. Protecting our ranch and farmland is critical to national security both to protect our ability to produce food to feed the American people and make certain the Chinese Communist Party does not conduct nefarious activities here at home. I will continue to support restrictions to prevent our adversaries from buying American farmland and protect the livelihoods of our next generation of farmers.

Questioning NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on Biomedical Research
I participated in an Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) hearing with National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and several directors of NIH institutes and centers, including Kansan Dr. Joni Rutter, Director of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).

During the hearing, I highlighted the importance of biomedical research and the cutting-edge work being done in Kansas. I also invited the NIH leaders to visit Kansas and see firsthand the innovative research and partnerships taking place across our universities and health systems. Last November, I welcomed Dr. Bhattacharya to Kansas to visit the University of Kansas Cancer Center, the University of Kansas Health System and the University of Kansas Medical Center, and over the years, I have hosted several NIH institute and center directors in our state to see our capabilities.

I also questioned NIH officials about implementation of the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Disease, which Congress invested $5 million in through FY2026 appropriations and which is modeled after the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, an effort I have long supported in Congress. In addition, I asked about NIH’s ongoing research into congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), the most common congenital viral infection in newborns, and NIH’s efforts to establish more consistent standards for screening, testing and treatment. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for affected children and their families.

Biomedical research is critical to discovering the treatments and cures of tomorrow, and I remain committed to investing in research that improves and saves lives in Kansas and across the country. You can watch my questioning here.

Leading a Hearing to Review VA’s FY27 Budget Request with Secretary Collins
This week, I led a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing with testimony from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins and Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Richard Topping to review VA’s FY2027 budget request and FY2028 advanced appropriations request.

During the hearing, we discussed how VA’s budget requests would support its ongoing efforts to streamline care for veterans and their families by restructuring the Veterans Health Administration. We also focused on how efforts to deliver benefits to veterans and survivors more quickly through improvements to the disability compensation claims process. In addition, the hearing focused on how VA’s success relies on an empowered and motivated workforce, as well as ways we can best support the dedicated public servants who work there and overcome hiring challenges to attract new talent. I thank Secretary Collins and Mr. Topping for their efforts, and I look forward to our continued work in the future to support America’s veterans and their loved ones.

You watch my remarks during the hearing here and my questioning of Secretary Collins here.

Joining Elizabeth Dole Foundation to Support Veterans & Caregivers
This week, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation held its 11th Annual National Convening. More than 14 million Americans serve as caregivers for a veteran loved one, providing support and care often with little recognition. During the event, I had the opportunity to visit with one such caregiver, Kansan Dedra Reed. We discussed the importance of supporting those who work behind the scenes to make certain that veterans, especially those facing serious health challenges, receive the care and support they need.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is particularly special to me because it reflects the efforts of my friend and Kansan, former Sen. Elizabeth Dole, to care for our nation’s veterans and their caregivers. I am grateful for the foundation’s commitment to our shared goal of supporting veterans and their caregivers, reflected by the Congressional Caregiver Champion Award they presented during the event, and I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen support for the veteran community.

Speaking to the Aerospace Industries Association
On Wednesday, I spoke with members of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), which represents many aerospace companies in Kansas and across the country, about our shared efforts to support the industry and its workforce. I shared an update on my efforts to pass my aviation safety legislation, the ROTOR Act, and spoke about how investments in U.S. space exploration impact the entire aerospace industry.

I also reiterated my support for United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is up for review this summer, and the 1979 Trade Agreement, which gave the U.S. government authority to regulate international trade and eliminated tariffs on imported civil aircraft, engines and flight simulators. USMCA has provided many benefits to American manufacturers and workers, including strengthening supply chains and helping to keep them free of tariffs. As the joint review process unfolds, I am committed to working to make certain the U.S. workforce continues to receive the support and certainty that USMCA has provided.

During the AIA event, it was great to catch up with Scott Donnelly, Chairman of Textron, Tom Gentile, CEO and President of Hexcel, and Josh Foerschler, Facilities Development Director for Burns & McDonnell. Textron and Hexcel continue to make significant investments in the aerospace industry in Kansas, and I am grateful for their strong support of Kansas and our workforce.

Why the U.S. Needs the SAFEGUARDS Act to Bolster Airline Security
The 9/11 Passenger Security Fee was created by Congress in the aftermath of one of the darkest days in our nation’s history to strengthen aviation security, modernize screening technology and support the men and women tasked with protecting the traveling public. Since 2014, however, billions of dollars collected from passengers have been diverted away from aviation security to other areas of federal spending. When Congress imposes a fee with the agreement that it will help strengthen airport and airline security, those dollars should be dedicated to that purpose.

That is why I introduced the SAFEGUARDS Act, bipartisan legislation that would return much of the passenger security fees to their intended purpose of improving aviation security and bolstering the safety and efficiency of U.S. air travel. This legislation honors the commitment we made to travelers and makes certain that our aviation system remains capable of meeting the challenges ahead.

You can read my full op-ed in The Washington Times here.

Honoring Pastor Rex Petty of Liberal on the Senate Floor
This week, I gave remarks on the Senate floor to honor Pastor Rex Petty and congratulate him on his retirement after more than 40 years serving as pastor of Faith Tabernacle Church in Liberal. An involved member of the Liberal Ministerial Alliance, an organization that brings local churches together to care for the needs of the community, Rex has set a remarkable example of service that extends far into the community.

Rex’s wife, Eydie, like him, is a cherished member of the community, committed to investing in the lives of others through service as a teacher in the Liberal Public Schools. This summer, Rex and Eydie will celebrate 42 years of marriage. Together, they passed their desire to serve onto their family, and their son, Reid, works on my staff as a District Representative serving the people of Kansas. I congratulate Rex on his retirement and thank him and his family for their service to their fellow Kansans.

You can watch my full remarks here.

Touring Edwards County Medical Center
On Friday, I visited Kinsley to tour Edwards County Medical Center and speak with the healthcare providers there. During my visit, I talked with Dr. Clara Strunk, whom I first had the opportunity to meet when she was a resident at the University of Kansas School of Medicine–Salina in 2020. Dr. Strunk shared that all eight students in her class are now practicing in rural communities across our state, providing care to Kansans who otherwise might not have access to critical medical services.

Originally from Mulvane, Dr. Strunk chose to use her skills to strengthen the future of small towns across Kansas, and I am grateful for her dedication and service. Our conversation was a great reminder of the importance of investing in the training of rural health care professionals and a testament to the success that results from those investments.

Thank you to Dr. Strunk for her dedication to the community, and thank you to Alisha Herrmann, CEO of Edwards County Medical Center, for her leadership in caring for others.

2020 photo of Sen. Moran with then-University of Kansas School of Medicine-Salina Resident Clara Strunk, now a doctor at Edwards County Medical Center. Photo credit: Salina Journal.

Recognizing Renewable Fuels Month
I joined my colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution designating May 2026 as Renewable Fuels Month. Strengthening American energy independence means supporting innovation here at home, including the continued advancement of biofuels. Renewable fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) not only expand market opportunities for Kansas farmers by using homegrown commodities but also help deliver more affordable fuel options for consumers. I remain committed to promoting the production and use of biofuels and will continue showcase the important role they play in bolstering U.S. energy.

Discussing Biofuels Priorities with Bob Casper of POET in Wichita
This week, I stopped by POET’s Wichita office to meet with Bob Casper, Vice President of POET Biofuels and Marketing Operations, to discuss their operation and the work being done to support biofuels policy in Washington. POET is the largest ethanol producer in the country, and its work helps provide a market for farmers and lower cost fuel for consumers.

We spoke about the need to secure year-round availability of E15, as well as the importance of passing a Farm Bill to improve research and development on new biofuel technologies, such as ultra-low-carbon ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel. Thank you to Mr. Casper and the team at POET for having me. I appreciate POET’s presence in Kansas and the work it does to provide affordable fuel to drivers across the country.

Now Accepting Fall 2026 Internship Applications

My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.

Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the fall 2026 session are due Sunday, May 31, 2026. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.

Now Accepting Fall 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the fall 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. Fall 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, May 31, 2026. Click here for more information and to apply.

Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 18, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

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

Garden City
312 N. 8th Street, Suite B
Garden City, KS 67846
Phone: (620) 260-3025