Kansans in the Office

Capitol Tour

John Fizthum of Onaga

John Fitzthum, Jr. of Onaga

Julianne Fitzthum of Onaga

Heidi Harper-Wamser of Hays

Kenleigh Johnson of Wichita

Tori Johnson of Wichita

Lacey Ledwich of Wichita

Amy Mayo of Hays

Kristy Newland of Thayer

Wade Newland of Thayer

Ronald Page of Wichita

Joseph Prister of Chapman

Jill Shields of Manhattan

Mark Shields of Manhattan

Chris Sramek of Hays

Janet Stramel of Hays

Edward Stegeman of Manhattan

Laurie Stegeman of Manhattan

Andrew Velleca of Olathe

Cooper Velleca of Olathe

Laney Velleca of Olathe

Ruby Velleca of Olathe

Stacy Velleca of Olathe

Devin Short of Maize

Gavin Short of Maize

Jamie Short of Maize

AFGE Local 85

Shannon O’Donnell-Hadley of Leavenworth

Megan Perrin of Leavenworth

Rebecca Reinhold of Leavenworth

Samantha Simanowitz of Leavenworth

AFGE Local 477

Alisa Kilick-Davis of Towanda

Andre Harris of Wichita

Kristin Zenishek of Wichita

AFGE Local 1748

Jefferson Suchman of Kansas City

AFGE Local 3928

Jeff Mathes of Overland Park

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Ashley Beying of Melvern

American Institute of Architects

Dana Williamson of Dodge City

Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas

Kyle Kessler of Topeka

Colby Community College

Seth Macon Carter of Colby

Arlen Leiker of Colby

Community Care Network of Kansas

Neil Dean of Emporia

Aaron Dunkel of Topeka

Danielle Hallgren of Junction City

Renee Hively of Emporia

Robert Kraft of Salina

Teresa Lovelady of Wichita

Matthew Schmidt of Newton

Robert Stiles of Topeka

Competitive Carries Association

Daron Jamison of Kansas

Habitat for Humanity

Danielle Johnson of Wichita

Quang Nguyen of Wichita

Ann Patterson of Wichita

Valerie White of Wichita

Shawna Williams of Wichita

ITC Great Plains

Patrick Woods of Topeka

Johnson County Community College

Kate Allen of Overland Park

Chad Carroll of Olathe

Geoff Holton of Lenexa

Valerie Jennings of Shawnee

Tony Miksa of Overland Park

Greg Mitchell of Overland Park

Dawn Rattan of Shawnee

Kansas Agricultural Aviation Association

Rebecca Burns of Wichita

Steve Hitchcock of Lawrence

Kansas City Kansas Community College

Donald Ash of Kansas City

Linda Hoskins Sutton of Kansas City

Greg Mosier of Kansas City

Nathan Solano of Kansas City

Kansas City Regional Clean Cities

Djessicka Saintil of Kansas City

Garden City Community College

Merilyn Douglass of Garden City

Steve Douglass of Garden City

Ryan Ruda of Garden City

Shanda Smith of Garden City

Kansas Principals Association

Heath Henderson of El Dorado

Cara Ledy of Topeka

Eric Sacco of Clifton

Kurt Seiler of Independence

Kelly Whittaker of Ottawa

Main Street America

Casey Woods of Emporia

National Association of Student Financial Air Administrators

Lacey Ledwich of Wichita

Vanessa Rodriguez of Garden City

Patricia Runion of Manhattan

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Brien Darby of Kansas City

Jen Mayer of Salina

Kelsey Whitting of Salina

Salina Regional Health Center

Rob Freelove of Salina

Ashley Hutchinson of Concordia

Diane Mahoney of Olathe

Joel Phelps of Salina

Alan Wheat of Kansas City

SHAPE America

Jennifer Bechard of Kansas City

Michelle Grimes of Pittsburg

Kim Morrissey of Pittsburg

Special Olympics Kansas

Keith Hartner of Manhattan

John Lais of Mission

Connor Lee of Kansas City

Jacob Micka of Wichita

Susan Micka of Lawrence

Ryan Warren of Mission

Swope Health

Jeron Ravin of Kansas City

United Nations Foundation United to Beat Malaria

Gerald Briscoe of Gardner

Nipam Ravel of Overland Park

University of Kansas Engineering

Kyle Christian of Overland Park

Mary Rezac of Lawrence

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.

Questioning NTSB Chair on Investigation into DCA Midair Collision
On Thursday, during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing, I questioned National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy following the conclusion of the NTSB’s year-long investigation into the deadly midair collision at Reagan National Airport (DCA) that claimed 67 lives on January 29, 2025. During the hearing, I questioned Chair Homendy about the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) lack of a standardized definition for near misses, the circumstances that kept the safety concerns of air traffic controllers and other FAA employees from being relayed to FAA leadership and the status of aviation safety improvements near DCA since the collision.

In December, the Senate unanimously passed the ROTOR Act, which I introduced with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to improve aviation safety, particularly in congested airspace like that of DCA. The NTSB has again affirmed that passing and implementing the ROTOR Act would have saved lives on January 29. Congress must not delay in turning the recommendations of the NTSB’s investigation into action. I look forward to working with my colleagues to make certain that a tragedy like the January 29 midair collision never occurs again.

You can watch my opening remarks and questioning of NTSB Chair Homendy here and here.

Government Funding Update

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY2026 funding bill, which funds critical agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and federal law enforcement, advanced out of the Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support. This week, the full Senate failed to pass the bill, resulting in a partial lapse in funding. While the reconciliation bill enacted last year included supplemental resources to continue supporting some of DHS’s functions during a shutdown, the Senate must continue working in a bipartisan fashion to reach an agreement and restore full funding to the federal government as quickly as possible.
 

Questioning the Secretary of Commerce on Broadband Deployment
On Tuesday, I led a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies hearing with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to conduct oversight of the Department of Commerce’s broadband deployment efforts.

During the hearing, I questioned Secretary Lutnick on implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program by the Department of Commerce and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). I emphasized to Secretary Lutnick the importance of successfully delivering all of the resources authorized under the BEAD program to states in order to achieve the objective of the program: connecting unserved and underserved Americans to reliable internet service.

In December, I called on the NTIA to preserve the ability of states to use broadband infrastructure funds as intended by Congress, and I appreciated Secretary Lutnick’s commitment during the hearing to uphold congressional intent in implementing the BEAD program. I look forward to working with him and NTIA to make certain that Kansans and Americans receive the access to broadband promised by BEAD.

You can watch my opening remarks here, and questions for Secretary Lutnick here and here.

Leading Hearing to Review VA Community Care Network Modernization
This week, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) to discuss proposed changes to VA’s community care program. In December, VA issued a Request for Proposals for a new Community Care Network contract, which aims to improve the delivery of care in the community, increase competition and innovation and deliver higher quality care to veterans.

There are many things I find encouraging about how the VA is approaching these new contracts, including its focus on innovation, competition, accountability and addressing persistent challenges in the current community care program that I hear about from Kansans every day. However, these contracts must do more than look good on paper. Instead, they must deliver real results for veterans, VA staff, community care providers and taxpayers by leading to real, measurable improvements in access, choice, outcomes and costs. The conversation at this week’s hearing was productive, and I look forward to learning more about how the VA plans to utilize and implement these changes moving forward.

You can watch my opening remarks here. You can watch my questioning of the witnesses here and here.

Questioning Witnesses on Modernizing Broadcast Ownership Rules
On Tuesday, during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing, I questioned representatives of the broadcast and news media industries about the importance of modernizing outdated Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations currently governing broadcast ownership. I discussed the complex regulatory framework that broadcasters must navigate to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape, including a rule preventing broadcasters from reaching more than 39% of U.S. television households.

Last May, I led my colleagues in encouraging FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to modernize outdated broadcast ownership rules to empower local news and broadcasters to compete with today’s multimedia giants. I urge the FCC to act to modernize these rules to better equip broadcasters to serve their communities, support local journalism and benefit the public interest.

You can watch my full questioning of the witnesses here.

Receiving Updates from NATO Allies
Italian Ambassador to U.S.
This week, I met with the recently appointed Italian Ambassador to the United States, Marco Peronaci, to discuss the important role the U.S.-Italy relationship plays in advancing American interests abroad. Italy remains one of our closest allies in Europe and a critical partner in NATO, supporting regional security and economic cooperation. As the U.S. continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, including Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and the instability in the Middle East, strong coordination with allies like Italy is critical.

During our conversation, we discussed energy security, defense cooperation and the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic relationships. As a member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the State Department, I remain committed to making certain our diplomatic missions are well-resourced and focused on advancing American security. Thank you to Ambassador Peronaci and his team for visiting my office and taking the time to learn more about Kansas.

Greek Ambassador to U.S.
On Monday, I met with Ambassador Antonis Alexandris, the new Greek Ambassador to the U.S. The transatlantic partnership between America and Greece is significant to preserving our nation’s security both at home and abroad. I thank Ambassador Alexandris for meeting with me and look forward to working together to bolster efforts to maintain peace and security in America and abroad.
 

Announcing Federal Support for Freeman Field Airport in Junction City
On Friday, I visited Freeman Field in Junction City to announce that it is receiving $4 million in federal resources for safety improvements and repairs to the runway. The airport plays an important role in the Geary County community and economy, and I helped secure these resources for its safe operation for years to come.

Special thank you to Junction City Public Works Director Ray Ibarra, Junction City Mayor Terry Butler, City Clerk Ariana Lorenzo De Barreto, City Parks and Recreation Director Josh Gray, City Finance Director Jamel Wilcox, City Commissioner Pat Landes, City Attorney Britian Stites, City Assistant Police Chief Cory O’Dell, City IT Director Andrew Darrow, VP of Benesch Engineering Brad Waller, as well as Terry Heldstab and Richard Schmidt for joining me during my visit.

You can read more from the Manhattan Mercury here.

Good News: Food for Peace Provision Included in House Farm Bill
On Friday, I was pleased to see the House Agriculture Committee’s draft Farm Bill text included legislation that I led with Representative Tracey Mann to permanently move administration of the Food for Peace program to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Rep. Mann and I introduced this bill last year, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to move this provision forward in the Senate. This move will help to reduce waste, support U.S. and Kansas agriculture and bolster the fight against world hunger.

Celebrating Presidents’ Day
On Presidents’ Day, we recognize the service of our nation’s presidents. This year, I’m reflecting on the life and legacy of Kansas’ own President Dwight D. Eisenhower. His service to our country as a five-star general in the U.S. Army and as the 34th President exemplifies the best of Kansas and the United States of America. I encourage everyone in Kansas to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, and if you are visiting Washington, D.C., I recommend visiting the President Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial.

Monitoring Western Kansas Wildfires
Strong winds have created dangerous conditions across Kansas and fires are forcing evacuations in western Kansas. I’m tracking the current conditions and am in contact with local officials. Please stay updated on wildfire conditions through the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and local weather channels. Thank you to the first responders and all the Kansas emergency departments working to keep everyone safe.

Now Accepting Summer 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 Summer 2026 session are due Sunday, March 8. 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 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 

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