Good News: Kansas Hospitals & Providers Receive $80 Million Federal Investment On Friday, 39 Kansas hospitals and health care providers were awarded nearly $80 million in the first round of federal resources provided through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program that was created through last year’s reconciliation bill. This marks a major milestone for the future of rural health care in Kansas. Last year, I worked to establish this program to better identify the root challenges facing rural providers and make critical investments to improve outcomes. Kansas will receive $222 million in the program’s first year, making our state the sixth-highest recipient. Over the next five years, Kansas providers are estimated to receive approximately $1 billion from the RHT Program.
These resources will allow hospitals and providers in small towns across Kansas to purchase modernized technology, invest in new capabilities and expand care for surrounding communities. I look forward to continuing to work with Kansas health care providers and state leaders to find solutions that strengthen and improve the future of rural health care in our state.
You can learn more and find the full list of Kansas recipients here.
Welcoming USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg to Kansas This week, I hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg in Manhattan to visit with industry stakeholders on the importance of trade and international food aid, along with U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS-01). We toured the Hal Ross Flour Mill, part of Kansas State University’s Milling Science and Management Program. K-State is the only university in the U.S. that provides a four-year degree in milling science. We then met with Carlos Campabadal, the Associate Director of the IGP Institute. IGP provides a dedicated space for training stakeholders and international partners in the grain milling industry, and members of the institute travel internationally to promote U.S. commodities.
We also held a roundtable discussion with Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Soybean Association, Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Department of Agriculture, U.S. Wheat Association and National Sorghum Producers to discuss the important role Kansas plays in international food aid and our state’s long legacy of supporting this mission. We discussed USDA’s trade promotion programs, including the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, both authorized through the Farm Bill. With Under Secretary Lindberg’s leadership, USDA has temporarily taken on administration of Food for Peace from the Department of State and is working to bring the program back to its core focus – using U.S.-grown commodities to feed a hungry world. I will continue working with my colleagues to make certain my legislation making this transfer permanent is included in the Senate Farm Bill.
Thank you to Under Secretary Lindberg for joining me, as well as Kansas State University and Kansas Association of Wheat Growers for hosting us at their facilities.
Discussing Under Secretary Lindberg’s Visit & Food for Peace on RFD-TV Earlier on Wednesday, I joined RFD-TV to discuss hosting USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg in Kansas and the importance of permanently transferring Food for Peace to USDA. Kansas has a legacy of supporting international food aid programs – particularly Food for Peace. I introduced legislation to permanently transfer the program to USDA to provide certainty and strengthen markets for producers while bolstering our commitment to help feed the world.
Breaking Ground on the New Hexcel Applications Center at WSU On Wednesday morning, I joined Hexcel Corporation and Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Hexcel Applications Center at NIAR’s Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (ATLAS). This new facility represents a major investment in Kansas aerospace manufacturing and reinforces Wichita’s role as the Air Capital of the World.
The building will house an Automatic Fiber Placement (AFP) machine and a large Autoclave, a $10 million donation by Hexcel, in addition to office space for the Hexcel and NIAR collaboration. Hexcel’s partnership with NIAR will create an integrated environment for advanced composite materials research, automated manufacturing and aerospace innovation. The new Applications Center will strengthen Kansas’ leadership in aerospace and defense manufacturing while helping accelerate the development of next-generation composite technologies and skilled workforce here in Kansas.
I appreciate Hexcel’s decision to continue investing in Kansas and partnering with NIAR to advance aerospace manufacturing and support our national security. This collaboration will create new opportunities for innovation and further solidify Wichita’s reputation as a global leader in aviation and advanced manufacturing. Thank you to Hexcel Chairman, CEO and President Tom Gentile, NIAR Executive Director John Tomblin, ATLAS Director Waruna Seneviratne, Greater Wichita Partnership President Jeff Fluhr and all of the industry, academic and community leaders, including Sedgwick County Commissioners Jeff Blubaugh and Pete Meitzner, who joined us to mark this important milestone for Wichita and the future of aerospace manufacturing in Kansas.
Discussing Kansas Wildfire Recovery Efforts & CRP Legislation on SWKS Radio I joined SWKS Radio’s Josh Roesener on Friday to discuss the recovery efforts underway following wildfires that spread across Meade and Clark Counties. I recently visited with community members, volunteers and first responders from those counties to receive updates and learn more about how I can assist in the recovery process.
We also discussed the CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act, legislation I introduced with Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) to improve USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). By allowing for cost-sharing for water and fencing infrastructure, the bill would make grazing a more viable option for land management, and keeping livestock on the land can help in reducing the fuel for future grassland fires. Additionally, this legislation would allow for emergency haying of CRP land affected by drought, which would both reduce the risk of fires and provide feed to cattle in other areas facing forage loss. I’m working with my colleagues to make this bipartisan legislation a part of the Farm Bill and will continue working on solutions to reduce the risk of wildfires while encouraging working lands conservation programs.
Thank you to Josh for having me on to discuss this important topic. You can listen to my full interview on SWKS Radio here.
Update on U.S. Military Operations in Iran Tensions remain high in the Persian Gulf as the U.S. and Iran continued to trade attacks last week, which could result in an end to the still-observed ceasefire. Both sides continue to exchange edits to reach an agreement for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which is anticipated to resume the flow of commercial ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and alleviate pressure on global commodities prices. While this will be welcome news for Americans, I am intent to learn the specifics of the Memorandum as President Trump pushes for a deal that makes certain Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. I am especially concerned that Iran could receive significant sanctions relief and thereby ease pressure on the regime before it is warranted. By law under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, any sanctions relief must be renewed by Congress, and I will engage with my colleagues to conduct oversight.
Honoring U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree On Friday afternoon, I was pleased to participate in a portrait unveiling ceremony in honor of U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree. Judge Crabtree and I were classmates at the University of Kansas School of Law. He was my first district court nominee selection as a U.S. Senator, and I supported him because I had confidence that he would serve Kansas well on the federal bench.
One of the most important responsibilities of the U.S. Senate is providing advice and consent on Presidential nominations, and I take that responsibility seriously. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to help select every sitting district court judge appointed in Kansas during my time in the Senate, as well as two circuit court judges. Throughout Judge Crabtree’s career, he has earned respect across our state. His time in public service has been defined by a commitment to justice and the rule of law and a deep understanding of the responsibility entrusted to the role of a federal judge.
I appreciated the opportunity to join in recognizing a career dedicated to service and to upholding the principles enshrined in our Constitution. Kansas and our country have been changed for the better because of him, and I congratulate him, his wife, Maureen, and his daughter, Colleen. Thank you as well to Chief Judge John Broomes, Judge Nancy Moritz, Judge Rich Federico, Senior Judge John Lungstrum, Senior Judge Eric Melgren, Judge Holly Teeter, Judge Toby Crouse, U.S. Attorney Ryan Kriegshauser, U.S. Marshal Ron Miller, Judge Robinson and Monsignor Swetland and all who attended.
Visits Across Kansas Flint Hills Technical College
On Thursday, I was in Emporia to announce $320,000 in federal support I helped secure for Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) through the FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill to support the college’s workforce training program.
These resources will help FHTC purchase advanced robotics equipment used by manufacturers across east-central Kansas and expand hands-on workforce training opportunities for students and current employees of local industry partners. Technical colleges play a critical role in preparing Kansans with the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy while helping businesses find the trained workforce they need to grow in Kansas.
During my visit, I learned more about Flint Hills Technical College’s “Advancing Tomorrow” initiative and the college’s ongoing efforts to strengthen advanced manufacturing and industry education programs in the region. Investments like this help create opportunities for students, support innovation and strengthen rural communities across Kansas. Thank you to Instructor Kyle Hayes for providing a demonstration of one of the robotics trainers. I appreciate President Caron Daugherty’s leadership, and Flint Hills Technical College’s continued commitment to expanding workforce training and preparing the next generation of skilled Kansans.
Mercy Hospital
This week, I visited Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg and announced that Mercy Hospital Pittsburg will receive a $681,711 award through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program. I worked to establish this program through last year’s reconciliation bill to provide states with resources to strengthen the stability of rural health care systems, support providers and improve access to care.
Ahead of my visit, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced that Mercy Hospital Pittsburg will receive a $681,711 award through the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program. I worked to establish this program through last year’s reconciliation bill to provide states with resources to strengthen the stability of rural health care systems, support providers and improve access to care.
Mercy Hospital serves as an important regional health care provider in southeast Kansas, caring for patients across a broad service area and helping ensure access to emergency, in-patient and specialty care close to home. During my visit, we discussed the importance of maintaining a strong health care workforce and making certain hospitals have the resources necessary to continue providing high-quality care for Kansans.
I appreciated meeting with Dave, Jeff, Janelle and the entire Mercy Hospital team, and I am grateful for their commitment to serving the people of Pittsburg and surrounding communities. Thank you as well to Pittsburg City Manager Daron Hall, Chamber President Blake Benson and hospital board member Kevin Mitchelson for joining me during my visit.
You can read more from The Pittsburg Morning Sun here.
Hill City Rotary Club
I visited the Hill City Rotary Club on Tuesday to honor legendary Hill City High School coach and teacher Keith Riley. Coach Riley retired as the head basketball coach for the Hill City Ringnecks after 58 years. He won over 800 games and three state championships as the head basketball coach. Throughout his career, he also won six state championships as the track and field coach. While he has achieved many wins and state titles throughout the years, his true legacy can be seen in the lives he changed along the way.
I recently delivered remarks on the Senate floor to pay tribute to his decades of coaching, teaching and mentoring Hill City students. During the meeting, I presented the Congressional Record to Coach Riley and his wife, Merriel, and congratulated them both on a well-deserved retirement.
Thank you to Hill City Rotary President Debra Tremblay and Club Treasurer Melissa Atkins for welcoming me. Thank you also to Jim Logback and USD 281 Board Clerk Christy Keith for joining me in this celebration.
O’Malley Farms
While in southeast Kansas, I visited the farming operation of Jason O’Malley in Cherokee County to learn more about the opportunities and challenges facing producers in the region. During my visit, we discussed current crop production conditions, the rising cost of seed, fertilizer, fuel and equipment and the financial pressures these input costs place on family farming operations. We also talked about the importance of maintaining strong trade relationships and expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products, particularly for producers who rely on stable export markets.
Our conversation included the effectiveness of existing farm safety net programs and the role federal agriculture policy plays in helping producers manage risk during periods of market uncertainty, severe weather and fluctuating commodity prices. I appreciated hearing directly from Jason about the day-to-day realities of operating a farm in southeast Kansas and the importance of policies that support rural communities and agricultural economies.
Thank you to Bruce Thornton of Community National Bank, who previously worked as a Financial Services Officer for Frontier Farm Credit for 35 years, for joining me during my visit and for the work he does to support southeast Kansans. Thank you also to Jason’s son, Kieran, and Jason’s farm employee, Kevin Crawford, for joining us in our discussion.
Fort Scott Community College
On Friday, I visited Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) to meet with new FSCC President Dr. Jack Welch. During our meeting, we discussed his work to make certain students have the resources they need to succeed and how I could be helpful through my role in the U.S. Senate. Thank you to Dr. Welch for his time and leadership, and I look forward to working with him to support FSCC’s mission to provide high-quality education for the southeast Kansas community.
Recognizing Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day
I recently joined my colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating May 29, 2026, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day. Farmers and ranchers in Kansas, along with their families, face challenges, stress and uncertainty as a part of their daily work. At a time when farmers and ranchers in Kansas recently faced devastating wildfires and financial strain is impacting producers across the country, it is critical that our producers have access to the mental health resources and support they need. By spreading awareness and sharing that care is available, we can help to make certain those who are hurting know there is always hope.
I have long worked to support mental health care and expand resources for those that need them, especially for those in rural America who may face unique challenges and stresses that come with farming and ranching. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health care, resources can be found here.
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 you
Jerry
Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
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