{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"KS\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/edwards-county-listening-tour-kinsley", "Edwards County Listening Tour, Kinsley", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tour Stops \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas Listening Tour\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Stops\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tEDWARDS COUNTYFriday, December 29 at 11:30 a.m.Kinsley Drug CompanyKinsley", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/edwards-county-listening-tour-stop", "Edwards County Listening Tour, Kinsley", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/kiowa-county-listening-tour-greensburg", "Kiowa County Listening Tour, Greensburg", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tour Stops \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas Listening Tour\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Stops\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tKIOWA COUNTYFriday, December 29 at 1:15 p.m.City Council ChambersGreensburg", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/kiowa-county-listening-tour-stop-greensburg", "Kiowa County Listening Tour, Greensburg", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/jewell-county-listening-tour-mankato", "Jewell County Listening Tour, Mankato", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tour Stops \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas Listening Tour\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Stops\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tJEWELL COUNTYThursday, December 28Mankato City LibraryMankato", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/jewell-county-listening-tour-stop", "Jewell County Listening Tour, Mankato", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/smith-county-listening-tour-smith-center", "Smith County Listening Tour, Smith Center", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tour Stops \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas Listening Tour\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Stops\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tSMITH COUNTYThursday, December 28 at 4 p.m.Smith County CourthouseSmith Center", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/smith-county-listening-tour-stop-smith-center", "Smith County Listening Tour, Smith Center", "2017-12-28", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/ksnt-moran-visits-local-hospital-discusses-chip", "KSNT: Moran visits local hospital, discusses CHIP", "2017-12-27", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KSNT  Courtney Ryan TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT)  U.S. Senator Jerry Moran is back in Kansas while Congress is on the holiday break. On Wednesday, Moran visited the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus. How we deliver healthcare in Kansas determines a lot of about the future of our state, Moran said. Moran saidwhen he returns to D.C. hell continue to push Congress to find a long-termfunding solution for the CHIP program. CHIP is insurance forchildren whose parents dont qualify for Medicaid, but cant afford private health insurance.Kansas has enough money to fund the program through March. So we get ride of the uncertainty, no family oughtto be worried whether CHIP is going to be available for their children, said Moran. When it comes to theGOP tax plan, which mirrors part of the 2012 Kansas tax plan,Moran explained its effects areexcepted to bedifferent because the U.S. economy is better. What were after and what every city in Kansas and what every citizen of our country needs are more jobs, better paying jobs higher paying jobs, more secure jobs, and jump starting the economy can be so beneficial to so many people, he said. However,the Kansas Democratic Party doesnt agree. This essentially re-runs the same things that Governor Brownback tried and we know in Kansas it just hasnt worked. So there is very little reason to believe that itll work on the federal level, said Ethan Corson, the executive director for the Kansas Democratic Party. Moran also addressed the hold-up with Gov. Sam Brownbacks nomination to serve as Ambassador at-large for International ReligiousFreedom. Part of this has been the slowness of democrats in-particular to approve nominations generally, said Moran.I dont think there is any question about what he would be confirmed, but the process can take longer unless there cooperation from all Senators. Moran addedwhen the Senate gets back to work in 2018 one of the top priorities is finding a way to fund the federal government. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/kansas-farmer-kansas-legislators-introduce-bills-reforming-livestock-disaster-aid", "Kansas Farmer: Kansas legislators introduce bills reforming livestock disaster aid", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kansas Farmer  P. J. GriekspoorThe agricultural disasters of 2017 hit the livestock sector particularly hard. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires left thousands of head of livestock injured or dead, destroyed miles of fences and outbuildings, and wiped out stored hay and feed. Kansas was hit particularly hard in March of 2017 when the Starbuck Fire, the largest wildfire in the history of the state, burned more than 600,000 acres in Clark and Comanche counties. Two other fires in Oklahoma burned an additional 200,000 acres the same day.\r\nThe disaster occurred almost exactly one year after the Anderson Creek wildfire burned almost 400,000 acres, the largest wildfire in the state to that point.In the wake of those fires, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Rep. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., have introduced legislation to improve and reform the livestock disaster programs Kansas farmers and ranchers rely on in times of natural disaster. The legislation includes four bills to make changes to the USDAs Farm Service Agencys Livestock\r\nIndemnity Program (LIP) and Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) based on feedback from Kansas farmers and ranchers.Both the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Emergency Conservation Program were first authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill and made indefinite in the 2014 Farm Bill. Introducing reforms to them as free-standing legislation could bring much-needed help to farmers more quickly than waiting for it to come through changes to the title in the 2018 Farm Bill. It could also potentially make the appropriation for them part of disaster aid in an omnibus spending bill, rather than having to pay for them from a stagnant farm bill budget. That has been done before when times are tough in ag, says Roger McEowen, Farm Bureau professor of law at Washburn University. Getting additional funding in the 2018 Farm Bill could be difficult, given that other programs that include ag research and more help for cotton and dairy producers are also looking for money, and funding is likely to be stagnant. In cases of widespread disaster, its not unusual for the demand for disaster help to exceed the ceiling established for those programs. The result is either farmers and ranchers received aid of less than the program promises, or an additional appropriation for disaster relief has to be authorized, a process that is almost always time-consuming. Should the farm bill come up for reauthorization before the proposed legislation passes and is signed into law, however, it could be used as another route to making the changes in the law, Moran says. Sen. Moran continues to have conversations with colleagues about the aid these bills would provide for farmers and ranchers nationwide, and will be looking for every possible opportunity to move this legislation through the Senate and on to being signed into law, a spokesman for his office says. After several visits to survey the fire damage in southwest Kansas,I came away inspired bythe resilience of the folks whowere impacted, Marshall says.I also left frustrated by the way red tape and outdated regulations can interfere with a recovery. Through the experience of two wildfires in two years, we have found several areas where adjustments to programs would improve their delivery. These four bills represent a much-needed step toward making disaster programs more responsive to producers. Moran said his conversations with farmers and ranchers about the difficulties they had getting federal assistance following those disasters led him to try to find a way to help. I was not surprised that Kansans worked together as friends and neighbors to overcome many of the challenges they faced, Moran says. This legislation, based on feedback from Kansans, will provide greater financial assistance and ease the burden on farmers and ranchers who feed the nation, even during disastrous times. The changes to the LIP and ECP programs in this legislation will make certain that the FSA resources get to agriculture producers in need quickly and efficiently. Im pleased to work with Rep. Marshall on this vital legislation for our farmers and ranchers to help them to recover and rebuild during devastating times. The first of the four bills,H.R. 4211, would allow for LIP partial payments. The second, H.R. 4210, would double the LIP payment limit. The third, H.R. 4213, would create an ECP fencing option to allow for upfront payments. The fourth bill,H.R. 4212, would raise the ECP payment limit. H.R. 4211 would allow producers to receive a partial paymentthrough the LIP program in the event livestock were severely injured, but still salvageable. Producers would be able to receive disaster payments for the difference between what a producer would receive at a processing facility versus the LIP payment for the same animal. H.R. 4210 would double the LIP payment limit in an effort to make certain that ranchers who lose hundreds of their cattle in one disaster can have a chance at recovery. The current LIP payment limit covers about 70 cow-calf pairs. Severalindividual operations in Kansas lost over 500 head of cattle during the Clark County fires this year. The increased payment limit would also apply to the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program. A significant portion of ECP payments issued to farmers and ranchers following disasters go toward repairing and replacing damaged or destroyed fences. Construction requires large upfront costs for material and labor, but the current design of the ECP slows down the payment process. During the Anderson Creek fire, for example, it took more than a year in most cases for landowners to receive ECP payments. H.R. 4213 would give the USDA the authority to offer landowners the option to be paid upfront the fair market value of the portion of the fence that the USDA approves to be built or repaired under ECP requirements. H.R. 4212 would raise the ECP payment limits to better accommodate the costs of rebuilding fences. Natural disasters like fires can damage hundreds of miles of fence at a time, as they did during the Clark County fires. This bill would match the ECP payment limit to the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. As fences cost approximately $10,000 per mile to rebuild, the current ECP limit covers approximately 26 miles of fence at 75% cost-share, creating a significant gap between the fence covered by the ECP and the fence needed. This legislation would narrow that gap. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/mcpherson-sentinel-kansas-lawmakers-help-send-tax-bill-to-trump-s-desk", "McPherson Sentinel: Kansas lawmakers help send tax bill to Trumps desk", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "McPherson Sentinel U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts hailed final passage Wednesday of the sweeping rewrite of federal tax law that lowers individual rates and sharply reduces the corporate rate to provide a climate Kansas Republicans predict will inspire job creation. The House first approved a $1.4 trillion package Tuesday, but had to vote again Wednesday after the Senate made adjustments Tuesday night to the bill analysts expect to bloat the federal deficit by more than $1 trillion over the next decade. Moran said lowering individual tax rates, increasing standard deductions and expanding the child tax credit would benefit lower-income families. The Senate vote was 51-48, while the final vote in the House was 224-201. President Donald Trump pledged to sign the legislation.\r\nRoberts, who serves on the Senate Finance Committee, said lawmakers embraced much-needed tax relief to families and reset the business climate to promote job formation.Roberts said he was pleased the bill included repeal of the Affordable Care Act penalty on individuals who declined to obtain health insurance. Congressional Democrats attacked the bill by accusing the GOP of backing legislation that provided permanent tax reductions to corporations but temporary cuts for individual taxpayers. Democrats criticized the rushed process leading to adoption of the bill. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/senate-passes-moran-legislation-to-honor-fallen-educators", "Senate Passes Moran Legislation to Honor Fallen Educators", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) applauded the Senates passage of S. 167  legislation to designate the Memorial to Fallen Educators at Emporia State University (ESU) as a national memorial. Sen. Moran introduced this legislation in January of this year. Our countrys educators play an integral role in shaping the next generations of Americans, and their hard work and dedication to their students too often goes unrecognized, said Sen. Moran. The Memorial to Fallen Educators, which is located on the Emporia State University campus, commemorates the sacrifices made by educators who have lost their lives while performing their jobs. The Senates passage of my legislation to give the memorial status as a National Memorial will make certain it continues to recognize fallen educators whose passion and commitment to their students have benefitted us all. The ESU Campus is home to the Memorial to Fallen Educators in conjunction with the National Teacher Hall of Fame (NTHF). The memorial lists the names of educators since 1764 who have lost their lives around the nation while working with students. The memorial, which was dedicated in June 2014, is built and paid for. Sen. Morans legislation carries no cost to taxpayers, instead directing that the memorial continue to be owned and cared for by the NTHF and ESU, with private funds used for maintenance, while also having the prestige of a national memorial. Click here to read the full text of the legislation.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/the-topeka-capital-journal", "The Topeka Capital-Journal: Emporia State Universitys memorial to fallen educators a step closer to national designation", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Topeka Capital-Journal  By Tim CarpenterU.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said colleagues in the Senate agreed to designate the monument at Emporia State University paying tribute to educators who lost their lives while working with students as a national memorial. The Memorial to Fallen Educators would secure federal recognition if the U.S. House adopted complementary legislation filed by U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., in May. The ESU memorial was placed on campus in conjunction with the National Teacher Hall of Fame. Under the federal designation, the memorial would remain in ESUs hands. It wouldnt be in the National Park System or require federal funding. Our countrys educators play an integral role in shaping the next generations of Americans, and their hard work and dedication to their students too often goes unrecognized, Moran said Friday in a statement. The Senates passage of my legislation to give the memorial status as a national memorial will make certain it continues to recognize fallen educators whose passion and commitment to their students have benefited us all. The memorial lists names of U.S. educators since 1764 who died while performing their job. ESU President Allison Garrett said the university was appreciative Morans advocacy moved the memorial closer to national status. We are delighted the Senate has taken action to honor educators who have lost their lives while working with students, Garrett said. The memorial was dedicated in 2014 to honor fallen educators who taught at the preschool to 12th-grade levels. The National Teacher Hall of Fame board decided in 2015 to expand eligibility to college and university faculty. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=328", "DHS Suspends Chemical Testing", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) issued the following statement following the Department of Homeland Security's announcement to suspend chemical testing at the Chilocco Indian School:\r\n\"The Department of Homeland Security has suspended plans for chemical testing at Chilocco Indian School in northern Oklahoma. The safety of south central Kansans has been my priority during this process, and I commend the Department of Homeland Security for listening to our concerns.\"\r\nRon Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/sen-moran-applauds-confirmation-of-stephen-mcallister-as-united-states-attorney-for-the-district-of-kansas", "Sen. Moran Applauds Confirmation of Stephen McAllister as United States Attorney for the District of Kansas", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) applauded the confirmation of Stephen McAllister of Lawrence, Kan. as the United States Attorney for the District of Kansas. I am pleased the Senate unanimously confirmed Professor McAllisters nomination, said Sen. Moran. I have known Mr. McAllister for years, as he grew up in Lucas down the road from my hometown. He is a bright legal mind and his litigation experience will serve him well as U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas. He is a veteran litigator with a distinguished career in private practice and as the Solicitor General of Kansas, in addition to serving as a law professor at the University of Kansas. In addition, Mr. McAllister had the honor of clerking for Supreme Court Justices Byron White and Clarence Thomas. McAllister, a University of Kansas School of Law graduate, will serve as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the state of Kansas by representing the federal government in civil and criminal matters before federal courts of his jurisdiction. In addition, the United States Attorney also takes a key leadership role in coordinating law enforcement activities and training.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/sen-moran-statement-on-dhs-decision-to-suspend-plans-for-chemical-test-near-ark-city", "Sen. Moran Statement on DHS Decision to Suspend Plans for Chemical Test Near Ark City", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) decision to suspend plans to conduct chemical and biological tests in Oklahoma: I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security listened to the concerns of Kansans and made the decision to suspend its plans to conduct chemical and biological tests near the Kansas border. Prior to any sort of chemical testing  hazardous or not  the federal government must make certain local residents understand its intended objective when it conducts any testing of this nature. While the chemicals DHS planned to use in these tests do not pose any bodily harm, Kansans deserve a thorough explanation when an event of this magnitude is occurring so close to where they live and raise their families. Items to Note:\r\n \r\nIn October, the Department of Homeland Security announced its intent to perform a collaborative scientific study with OSU-University Multispectral Laboratories, LLC (UML) that will include low level outdoor release of inert chemicals and biological simulant materials at the Chilocco (former) Indian School Campus outside of Newkirk, OK, during winter 2018 and again in summer 2018, according to the Draft Environmental Assessment for Proposed Outdoor Testing at Chilocco.\r\nIn November, Sen. Moran called on DHS to halt its plans to conduct these chemical tests until it sent department representatives to Kansas to explain the departments proposed course of action.\r\nThe 30-day comment period regarding this proposal opened Nov. 8 and closed Dec. 8.\r\n \r\n\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=3CBBA56D-93DC-417D-B5D8-1EBEC97E3332", "Roberts, Jenkins: Sen. Bob Doles Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony to Take Place Jan. 17", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) today applauded House and Senate Leaderships decision to set the ceremony to award former Kansas U.S. Senator Robert J. Dole with the Congressional Gold Medal on January 17, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. ET in the Capitol Rotunda.\r\nRoberts and Jenkins introduced the original legislation in the Senate and the House to honor Dole with this award. After securing the cosponsorship of nearly all members of both chambers, it was signed into law on September 15.\r\nI am so proud we can finally honor Senator Dole with this much-deserved award, said Sen. Roberts. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of our nations highest honors, and the overwhelming support this bill received shows how just how much Bob deserves this award. He is a true American hero who has dedicated his life to serving our nation and great state of Kansas. I thank Rep. Jenkins for her leadership in the House, and I look forward to honoring my good friend, mentor, and brother Senator Bob Dole this January.\r\nIt has been a privilege to work with Sen. Roberts on legislation to honor my close friend and mentor, Sen. Bob Dole, said Rep. Jenkins. From my days as a kid wearing a sandwich board in support of his campaigns for the Senate, to the counsel he provided throughout my time in public service, Bob Dole has meant a lot to me and to all Kansans who know him. Throughout Senator Doles life, he has consistently exemplified humility, hard work, and leadership, and I could not be more proud to recognize him for this service.\r\nThe Bob Dole Congressional Gold Medal Act, was introduced on July 24, 2017. It passed the Senate on August 3, 2017, with every single U.S. Senator cosponsoring the legislation. It passed the House on September 5, 2017.\r\nThe Congressional Gold Medal is in recognition for his service to the nation as a soldier, legislator and statesman. It is the highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions. It is the most distinguished honor and the highest civilian honor given by the Congress.\r\nThe full text of the legislation can he found here.\r\nMore details on the ceremony to follow.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yoder.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoder-statement-on-passage-of-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-0", "Yoder Statement on Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Kevin Yoder", "Y000063", "yoder.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC This afternoon, the House of Representatives voted to send the conference committee agreement on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the Presidents desk by a vote of 227-203. Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the bill:\nToday, the House of Representatives passed generational reforms that will reduce the tax burden for hardworking families across America. This was a vote to give relief to the 75 percent of Americans currently living paycheck to paycheck who have been suffering from a stifling economic anxiety and little to no wage growth over the last eight years. Todays vote was a vote for every family, every single mom, every entrepreneur, and every student fighting to climb up the economic ladder and achieve the American Dream.\nThe typical middle class family will see a tax cut of $2,059 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. On top of that, the typical middle class family in Kansas will see an increase in after-tax income by $2,500  meaning theyll finally get that pay raise theyve been hoping for the last decade.\nWe do it primarily by making three vital changes to our tax code. We double the standard deduction, making the first $24,000 of a familys income tax-free. We double the child tax credit to $2,000 and make it refundable, allowing low-income families to reduce their payroll tax burden. And we lower tax rates for all Americans.\nThe facts show that relief is specifically targeted to middle and low-income Americans, fulfilling our promise to lower the tax burden for those who need it the most. Analysis from the Joint Committee on Taxation shows that those making between $20,000 and $30,000 per year will see the largest percentage tax cut under our bill.\nIn Congress, its a fight between those who demand higher taxes and more spending in Washington and those who want to return tax dollars to the hardworking Americans who earned them. Today, the Washington bureaucrats lost and the American people won.\nIn addition to voting for the legislation, Representative Yoder led the fight to preserve several important provisions for working families:\n***Editors Note: the House will vote on a technical fix to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tomorrow due to a procedural point of order. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/epa-announces-next-step-sorghum-oil-pathways", "EPA Announces Next Step For Sorghum Oil Pathways", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, D.C.)- Today the EPA announced that they are taking a positive step forward on creating an RFS pathway for sorghum biofuel production with their decision to provide a federal comment period. This recognition by the EPA is exciting news for sorghum and biofuel producers in Kansas's first district.\nThis past spring, Rep. Marshall co-lead a bipartisan, bicameral letter with Senator Moran to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt in support of the pathway for sorghum oil.\nCongressman Marshall, M.D., issued the following statement in response to the EPA's announcement:\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\tIm pleased to see that the EPA has completed their review of the Grain Sorghum Oil Pathway and published the 'notice-and-comment-period' in the federal register. After meeting with the EPA staff this past spring, it was clear to me that a pathway for Sorghum is necessary for our Kansas sorghum producers, biofuels plants, and the environment.\n\t\t\t\tAs our Kansas farmers continue to face decade-low grain prices, we must ensure that federal policy encourages new markets for grain and related products. I would especially like to thank Administrator Pruitt and his staff for moving this approval process to the next step. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this pathway will have in the Kansas First District.\n\t\t\t \n\t\t\n\t\n\nThe Federal Register Notice:HERE\nRep. Marshall's Letter to the EPA:HERE\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t####\n\t\t\tContact:Charyssa Parent,Press Secretary\n\t\t\tPhone: (202) 420-8528", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/sen-moran-statement-on-passage-of-tax-reform", "Sen. Moran Statement on Passage of Tax Reform", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report: Today, Congress sent a pro-growth tax reform bill to the presidents desk that works for Kansas families and businesses. By lowering the corporate tax rate, businesses will be encouraged to stay and grow in America, fostering an environment for businesses to create more jobs, better jobs and higher-paying jobs. These jobs and increased paychecks will have a positive impact on middle-class and lower-income families. Additionally, by lowering tax rates across the board, significantly increasing the standard deduction and doubling the child tax credit, Kansas families and individuals will be able to keep more of their earnings and save for the future. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act*:\r\n \r\nProvides the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 a tax cut of $2,059\r\nSignificantly increases the standard deduction to roughly double the amount of what individuals earn each year from taxes  from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively\r\nDoubles the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children\r\nPreserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families care for their children and older dependents, such as a disabled grandparent who may need additional support. In addition, it preserves the Adoption Tax Credit so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and homes to an adopted child\r\nExpands the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, and rising to 10 percent beginning in 2019\r\nPreserves additional important elements of the existing individual tax system, including:\r\n\r\nMaintaining the Earned Income Tax Credit to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves\r\nProviding support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes\r\nRetaining popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future\r\n\r\n\r\nIncludes guardrails on pass-through income to ensure certain individuals are not inadvertently or inappropriately made eligible for preferential tax treatment through creative restructuring\r\n \r\n*Provided by the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=58D94B04-3288-4BDA-96F2-7817F864C4DF", "Roberts Statement on Senate Passage of Historic Tax Reform", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, today voted in favor of final Senate passage ofhistoric tax reform legislation, released by the House and Senate conference committee, saying the bill will provide much-needed tax relief tomiddle-income Americans and will create economic growth and new jobs.The legislation will now go back to the House before heading to the presidents desk for signature.\r\nThis historic legislation impacts every single American, said Roberts. We have worked together to provide meaningful relief for taxpayers, taking money out of Washington and allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. This bill will give our economy the boost it needs to create more jobs at higher wages, make American companies more competitive, and keep jobs here at home.\r\nThere is widespread, bipartisan agreement on the need for a fairer, simpler tax code, and this bill does just that. I am so proud to have served on the tax-writing committee and played a role in ensuring this bill lowers taxes for Kansans, creates more fairness in our tax code, and unwinds the burdensome regulatory overkill.\r\nFor policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, go here. For the full text of the bill, go here. \r\nThe Senate passed its own version of the bill in November. Prior to passage of that legislation, Roberts spoke on the Senate floor saying, We have proven that we can act decisively to grow our economy, help those living paycheck to paycheck, create better opportunities with job creation and bring jobs back from overseas. To view or download that video, go here.\r\nRoberts also praised the provision that repeals Obamacares individual mandate tax penalty saying, There is no denying that Obamacare continues to collapse. This provision provides additional relief to low- and middle-income families and allows Americans more flexibility in choosing the health care that best suits them without a penalty from the federal government.\r\nSenate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch in June tapped Senator Roberts to be the leading voice on agriculture issues when writing the tax reform bill. Roberts praised the final legislations provisions that will provide certainty to farmers and ranchers. He said, I am very pleased this bill will help our farmers and ranchers by creating a much more pro-growth tax system, lowering their tax burden and simplifying the tax provisions relating to the agricultural sector.\r\nKey Provisions Related to Agriculture:\r\n \r\nImprovesability of the agricultural community to use the cash method of accounting, which provides flexibility in managing cash flow.\r\nCreates a new system for small business passthroughs. The majority of farms and ranches are set up as passthroughs and the unique features of agricultural taxation are accommodated including attention to how the new rules will treat farmer cooperatives.\r\nDoubles the exemptions from the estate and gift tax, up to $22 million per couple.\r\nProtects the current ability for agricultural organizations and other charities to raise funds for operations.\r\n \r\nRoberts continued, For too long government has been an adversary, not a partner. With this bill, we are one step, closer toward restoring this balance, and removing the regulatory burden that has acted as a brake on our economy. We have before us now a comprehensive plan to address these issues, clean up and modernize the tax code. This will help generate more growth in our economy and provide meaningful tax relief for families, small businesses, and farmers and ranchers.\r\nOther Key Provisions: \r\n \r\nReduces individual tax rates for middle-income Americans from the current rate of 22.5 percent to 22 percent; 25 percent to 24 percent; and the 32.5 rate dropping to 32 percent, which will help taxpayers keep even more of their hard-earned money\r\nNearly doubles the standard deduction\r\nDoubles to child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000  allowing more parents to claim the credit\r\nEliminates costly special interest tax breaks\r\nModernizes the international tax system\r\nRepeals Obamacares individual mandate\r\nContinues and expands the deduction for charitable contributions\r\nPreserves the $250 deduction for unreimbursed school-related expenses for teachers\r\nBlocks the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from requiring charitable organizations to gather and keep personal and financial information from donors including social security numbers\r\nPreserves the mortgage interest deduction\r\nExpands the medical expense deduction to help Americans with expensive medical bills\r\nUpdates the measures pass-through provisions to better assist Main Street businesses by including a simple and easy-to-administer tax deduction for small business of all sizes\r\nMakes permanent a 21 percent corporate tax rate and shifts the structure of the international tax system\r\nThese savings result in a typical American family of four, earning the median family income of $73,000, seeing their taxes drop by more than $2,000\r\n \r\nSenator Roberts also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynnjenkins.house.gov/press-releases/congresswoman-jenkins-floor-speech-on-the-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act/", "Congresswoman Jenkins' Floor Speech on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Lynn Jenkins", "J000290", "lynnjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the House of Representatives passed the conference report on H.R. 1  the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with a vote of 227-203 which will reform our broken tax code. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, made the following remarks on the House floor:       (Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlNlQB4QbZs)    I thank the gentleman for yielding.    I rise today to be a voice for Kansans who know our status quo tax code no longer works for them; they know it doesnt work when it favors special interests over individuals, or when it causes Kansas factories to close, sending those jobs to other countries. I rise today, because Kansans know that without rejuvenated and sustained economic growth, we will never find the money to pay down our nations debt.    Thats why I strongly support H.R. 1 which will close special interest loopholes and lower rates for everyone. Not just the rich, not just the poor. Everyone.     Individuals in my district will see immediate tax relief with the doubling of the standard deduction and child tax credit. We also lessen the financial burden of education by keeping important college tax provisions and expanding access to 529 savings plans.     On average, a family of four in my district will see a tax cut of just over $2,300 because of this bill.    A fair and simpler tax code means every hard working family will see the tax relief and economic growth this country rightfully deserves.    Thank you, and I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynnjenkins.house.gov/press-releases/congresswoman-jenkins-floor-speech-on-the-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act2/", "Congresswoman Jenkins' Floor Speech on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Lynn Jenkins", "J000290", "lynnjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the House of Representatives passed the conference report on H.R. 1  the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with a vote of 227-203 which will reform our broken tax code. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, made the following remarks on the House floor:       (Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlNlQB4QbZs)    I thank the gentleman for yielding.    I rise today to be a voice for Kansans who know our status quo tax code no longer works for them; they know it doesnt work when it favors special interests over individuals, or when it causes Kansas factories to close, sending those jobs to other countries. I rise today, because Kansans know that without rejuvenated and sustained economic growth, we will never find the money to pay down our nations debt.    Thats why I strongly support H.R. 1 which will close special interest loopholes and lower rates for everyone. Not just the rich, not just the poor. Everyone.     Individuals in my district will see immediate tax relief with the doubling of the standard deduction and child tax credit. We also lessen the financial burden of education by keeping important college tax provisions and expanding access to 529 savings plans.     On average, a family of four in my district will see a tax cut of just over $2,300 because of this bill.    A fair and simpler tax code means every hard working family will see the tax relief and economic growth this country rightfully deserves.    Thank you, and I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/tax-reform-delivers-kansas-congressman-marshall-house-passage-tax-cuts-jobs-act", "Tax Reform Delivers for Kansas", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I believe Ronald Reagan would be proud of the work Congress has done on the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. The truth is we are not the same country that we were 31 years ago. It is time to modernize our tax code to meet the challenges that we face today.\n\t\t\tI am proud to be a part of this historic solution that will provide relief for hard-working Kansans, families, and businesses.\n\t\t\tThe Tax Cuts & Jobs Act allows Americans to keep their hard-earned income and ends costly penalties placed on individuals that do not wish to purchase Obamacare. This legislation provides rate reductions for every income level and doubles the standard deduction, which more than 80 percent of our neighbors use.\n\t\t\tI was sent to Washington, D.C. to fight for Kansas 1st Congressional District and make positive and lasting reforms. This legislation does just that. Under this tax bill,a family of four making the national median income of 70k will savemore than $2,000. The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act also expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 per child to $2,000.\n\t\t\tThis bill is a culmination of multiple working drafts and months of collaboration with my colleagues, and I believe that it is an excellent step forward for Americans. I am proud of the final product, that prioritizes hard-working individuals, families and a healthier economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/kansas-common-sense-applauding-new-national-defense-law", "Kansas Common Sense - Advocating for Children's Health Insurance on the Senate Floor", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "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. USA TODAY Op-Ed with Sen. McCainEarlier this month, I introduced legislation withSen. John McCain (R-Arizona)to transform theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairsinto a 21st century healthcare system that would increase veterans access to care. I encourage you to read more on our efforts in our jointUSA TODAYop-ed: Unlike other proposals, our legislation creates and specifies the tools the VA must use to reform health care rather than relying on the bureaucracy to determine the rules. We have learned over time that Congress must provide clear direction and guidance to the VA toprevent inconsistent experiences, enhance veterans quality of life, and achieve better health outcomes Today, the VA is in need of another major reform and we have the opportunity to deliver real transformation. Legislation to Support our National Defense Signed Into LawThis week, I was pleased that the President signed the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. The NDAA provides members of our United States Armed Forces with the support they need to protect our nation, and this years NDAA includes legislative measures that I led in the Senate, particularly the Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act. This legislation, which is named after a Fort Scott veteran, would make certain veterans have access to military records regarding their exposure to toxic substances and requires the Department of Defense to declassify documents that relate to incidents where servicemembers were exposed to a toxic substance that later had a damaging effect on their health. Often, the impacts of toxic exposure dont appear until long after servicemembers have returned home from the battlefield and military records are filed away  giving our veterans access to their classified military records to prove exposure is the least we can do to make certain they receive the benefits they have earned. My Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act was also included in the NDAA signed into law on Tuesday. This landmark legislation will reduce wasteful government IT spending and strengthen our nations cybersecurity. I applaud the administration and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their tireless work to get this legislation signed into law and to bring our inefficient, outdated federal IT system into the 21st century. The improved efficiencies from the MGT Act will empower agencies to modernize their legacy IT systems, better protect our data from cyberattacks and ultimately save billions in taxpayer dollars by reducing long-term spending. Advocating for CHIP on the Senate FloorThe Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) helps provide healthcare coverage to children in low-income families in Kansas and around the country who otherwise would be left without any insurance, and most likely, without the funds necessary to cover these healthcare costs. While there are sufficient funds in Kansas to fund CHIP through March, thats certainly not the case for all states. I spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for CHIPs reauthorization this week. This is an opportunity for us to provide healthcare providers across Kansas certainty that they will be reimbursed when treating children utilizing the CHIP program. The time to reauthorize CHIP is now.Please watch my full remarks here. Accepting the 2017 Freedom to Fly AwardOn Wednesday, I was proud to accept the 2017 Freedom to Fly award from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), presented annually to members of Congress in recognition of their support for general aviation. As Kansans know, our state has a rich aviation heritage going back 100 years to the days when pioneers like Clyde Cessna helped establish Wichita as the Aviation Capital of the World. Today over 40,000 Kansans make a living manufacturing, operating and servicing the worlds highest quality aircraft. During my time in Congress I have worked to strengthen the general aviation industry by reducing the regulatory burden on manufacturers, preserving rural access to air service, and most recently, fighting against efforts to privatize our nations air traffic control system. Thank you to AOPA President Mark Baker and his organization, which represents the worlds largest community of pilots and aviation enthusiasts, for this tremendous honor. Joining the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce Annual Chairmans ReceptionUpon returning to Kansas, I attended the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce Annual Chairmans Reception hosted by Johnson County Community College (JCCC) and co-sponsored by Childrens Mercy Hospital Kansas. The gathering was a good opportunity for me to receive feedback from the Overland Park business community and local public officials on topics such as infrastructure, education, healthcare and tax reform. I also had the pleasure of visiting with the Chambers incoming Chairman Brett Bogan and 2017 Chairman Michael Tracy. I appreciate their willingness to volunteer their time in service of their community. Thank you to Mr. Tracy and Mr. Bogan for welcoming me, to Chamber President Tracey Osborn for coordinating my visit, and to JCCC and Childrens Mercy Hospital Kansas for facilitating the evenings events. Laying Wreaths to Honor Our VeteransOn Saturday, I was privileged to take part in National Wreaths Across America Day Ceremony at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in WaKeeney. I joined members of every branch of the armed services and family members of some of the brave men and women laid to rest there. The Wreaths Across America program started 25 years ago with wreaths being placed in Arlington National Cemetery, and has grown to honoring those laid to rest in over 1200 locations across the nation. Im so grateful to our countrys veterans, and particularly those in Kansas. None of us would have the opportunities we have and our country wouldnt be what it is today without the sacrifice and courage of those who have served in our military. Kansans in the OfficeHaleigh Wood of Belpre  Clayton Wood of Belpre Kansas Chamber of CommerceAlan Cobb of Topeka Physician Hospitals of AmericaLuAnn Puvogel of Salina Ducks UnlimitedAndy Hineman of Scott City  Alicia Allen of Sharron Springs  Mark Smith of Wallace Capitol TourRoger Kidd of Wichita  Paula Kidd of Wichita  Wayne Nelson of Salina  Barbara Nelson of Salina Honored to Serve You in WashingtonIt 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 byclicking here. You can alsoclick hereto contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office. Very truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/sens-moran-manchin-call-for-bipartisan-legislative-solution-to-protect-free-and-open-internet-promote-rural-broadband-access", "Sens. Moran, Manchin Call for Bipartisan Legislative Solution to Protect Free and Open Internet, Promote Rural Broadband Access", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security  and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement: As senators who have been working to close the digital divide, we believe federal policy must continue to promote the expansion of broadband access across rural America. Consumers and innovators deserve clear rules of the road that will continue to ensure the internet remains an open marketplace, will drive our online economy and will support investment throughout our internet ecosystem. To that end, we agree with the calls of Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Thune and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we must find bipartisan consensus that codifies strong net neutrality protections and conclusively resolves this debate. Consumers want an internet that is free of content-based discrimination and supports the deployment of reliable, affordable broadband access throughout the country. Congress enshrining net neutrality protections based on clear and certain rules into law is necessary to guarantee the internet remains free and open.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/news-press-now-moran-calls-for-movement-on-chip-funding", "KTVQ: Military records will help doctors treat Billings veteran", "2017-12-17", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KTVQ By David Jay After 17 years, a Billings veteran will get some information that will help him and others involved in biological weapons testing as part of Project SHAD during the Vietnam war era. The bi-partisan legislation was signed by the President on Tuesday, after passingwith the help of Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan. President Trump signed a bill containing the Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act.\" Its very satisfying, said John Olsen, a U.S. Navy vet. Its been a long haul. A long haul. Olsen started asking in the year 2000 for records that would help doctors treat him. He says his 35 to 40 diseases and ailments came after exposure to biological and chemical weapons on tugboats near Johnson Island, 1,000 miles southwest of Hawaii in 1965. I dont know for sure because my medical records are locked up,  he said about the causes for his health issues. Olson said he may have been exposed to 18 biological weapons and has received limited information. The two on the data sheets are Serratia marcescens and Tularamia, which is rabbit fever, he said. After the tests, they used chemicals to clean up the biological weapons. Beta-Propiolactone and formaldehyde, Olsen said. We were using it by the gallon, When you clean something up so good that theres nothing left in there, no living item at all, thats the way we left it. While doctors can better help him if they know the weapons and chemicals, Olsen understands why they needed to keep the information classified. Been a lot of military secrets we wanted to keep, even those of us who were out there, he said. The details I dont know. I doubt if I ever will. Id like to, but its not going to make or break me. Former Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., was involved with trying to pass some bi-partisan legislation as far back as 2004. Olsen said he expects that his co-pays will be reimbursed soon. As for the records, he says it may take as long as six months. Click hereto read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynnjenkins.house.gov/press-releases/congresswoman-jenkins-statement-on-the-tax-conference-committee-report/", "Congresswoman Jenkins' Statement on the Tax Conference Committee Report", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Lynn Jenkins", "J000290", "lynnjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02), a member of the Ways and Means Committee that helped craft the House tax bill released the following statement regarding the Tax Conference Committee report:   Since coming to Congress, my top priority has continued to be tax reform and today we are one step closer to monumental reform legislation which will jumpstart the economy and put hard-earned dollars back in the pockets of middle-class Kansans.  This legislation will double the standard deduction and the Child Tax Credit to help make it just a little bit easier to raise and take care of a family. To help with the rising cost of college, tuition assistance deductions are maintained, and 529 programs are strengthened giving parents more flexibility in planning for the expense of college. Altogether, a middle-income family of four in the 2nd district would get an average tax cut of more than $1,800.  Achieving this once-in-a-generation overhaul of our tax code, makes it fairer and simpler for middle-class families to file their taxes and implements important safeguards to minimize tax avoidance while making our job creators competitive in the global marketplace- unleashing the economic growth this country rightfully deserves.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/health-care-for-veterans-needs-another-big-fix-mccain-and-moran", "Health care for veterans needs another big fix: Sens. Moran and McCain", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "More than a century ago, President Abraham Lincoln signed a law establishing a new agency dedicated to the support of our Civil War veterans. Its mission was \"to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.\" Today, our Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides essential services to 22 million Americans who have served in the armed forces. All Americans are indebted to our veterans for the enormous sacrifices they have made on our behalf. These men and women took an oath to defend the Constitution and served dutifully to preserve our way of life. Like their valiant forebears who humbled dictators and liberated millions from oppression, they exemplify what is best in our country. Regrettably, the VA has at times struggled to uphold its obligations to our veterans. In 2014, our country was shocked to learn that thousands of veterans were denied care or experienced unconscionable delays in treatment at the Phoenix VA. Dozens of those veterans died while waiting for care. Unfortunately, this wrongdoing was not confined to Phoenix. The VA Office of Inspector General has completed at least 100 criminal investigations related to wait-time manipulation at VA facilities nationwide. In the wake of that scandal, Congress gave veterans the freedom to receive medical care from providers in their local communities through the Veterans Choice Program. The program was intended to make certain that veterans would never again be forced to wait in long lines or drive hundreds of miles to access care they deserve. Demand for Choice has since grown considerably; more than a million veterans are receiving care closer to home, through millions of appointments with community providers. From the programs inception, however, we emphasized that Choice was only the first step toward broader reform of veterans health care. Thats why we have introduced legislation that incorporates lessons learned from Choice to transform the VA into a modern, high-performing and integrated health care system that will improve veterans access to timely and quality care  within the VA and in the community. This bill tackles some of the most significant flaws and problems weve seen in recent years, including the VA's slow payment process to community providers, poorly coordinated community care programs and  crucially  an inability to accurately predict demand for Choice, which has resulted in multiple funding crises that threaten veterans access to community care. One of the fundamental undertakings in our bill is the creation of a Veterans Community Care Program, which would consolidate existing community care programs at the VA and increase care coordination with community providers. We would require the VA to use objective data on health care demand to set standards for access and quality, and to identify and bridge gaps in veterans care. We would also ensure that the VA promptly pays community providers, opens access to walk-in clinics, offers telemedicine, increases graduate medical education and residency positions for employees, and improves VA collaboration with community providers. Unlike other proposals, our legislation creates and specifies the tools the VA must use to reform health care rather than relying on the bureaucracy to determine the rules. We have learned over time that Congress must provide clear direction and guidance to the VA to prevent inconsistent experiences, enhance veterans quality of life, and achieve better health outcomes. Key veterans service organizations such as American Legion, AMVETS and Concerned Veterans for America have expressed their support for this effort, which will transform the VA into a 21st century health care system that seamlessly weaves together both VA and community health care services. Throughout history, the VA has undergone changes to meet the needs of new generations of veterans. Following World War II, General Omar Bradley led the effort to overhaul the VA for the millions of Americans then returning home. At the time of that enormous undertaking, Bradley rightfully kept the needs of veterans at the forefront, stating: We are dealing with veterans, not procedures; with their problems, not ours. The VA responded admirably to the challenge by constructing new facilities and expanding its capacity to serve a new generation of American heroes. Today, the VA is in need of another major reform and we have the opportunity to deliver real transformation. Just as Bradley did, we must keep veterans unique wants and needs in mind as we reshape and reform the delivery of health care. Veterans require and deserve the best our nation has to offer, and the VA must not shy away from changes that help them achieve that outcome. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, is chairman of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee. Follow them on Twitter: @SenJohnMcCain and @JerryMoran This op-ed ran in USA Today on Friday, December 15, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=66BEEB83-EB44-4DC4-8DF4-A36A0E98E7F3", "Senator Roberts: Tax Reform Will Bring Relief and Opportunity to Middle Income Taxpayers", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON,DC  U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee,today said the tax reform legislation released by the House and Senate conference committee will provide tax relief for middle income Americans creating economic growth and new jobs.\r\nKansans want to keep more of their hard earned dollars, said Roberts. In this conference report, every income level will experience tax relief. I am especially pleased with the provisions for small businesses which will alsohelp farmers and ranchers. All of us want our economy to improve and expand. I hope the Senate will approve these long overdue reforms and send them to the president to be signed into law so that Americans may have an extra special holiday this year.\"\r\nThe conference report includes legislation crafted by Senator Roberts that would simplify accounting rules and reform key parts of the tax code to help small and medium-sized business owners, including farmers and ranchers, more quickly recover investment costs and certain other tax deductible business expenses. These provisions would encourage new business growth and help existing businesses, including farms and ranches, expand their operations, create new jobs, and grow the economy.\r\nSenator Roberts was also successful in including provisions in the final bill that would protect the property and casualty insurance industry from higher tax burdens. These insurers are important to the agricultural industry, because they are the primary providers of crop insurance, which is an essential risk management tool for production agriculture. Roberts efforts prevented new taxes on the industry, which would have been passed on to farmers and ranchers at a time when they are facing reduced commodity prices.\r\nBoth the Senate and the House must approve the report before the president may sign it into law.\r\nSenator Roberts also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=4BFFD375-DCE8-4312-A065-F581FD08C093", "Chairman Roberts Emphasizes Importance of Agriculture Security", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today held an agriculture security hearing, titled, \u201cSafeguarding American Agriculture in a Globalized World.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn 1999, as Chairman of the newly-formed Emerging Threats Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I became aware of the threat our nation faced against intentionally introduced pathogens to be weaponized and aimed at destroying plant and animal populations.\u201d\r\n\u201cBiological threats, whether naturally occurring, like the avian influenza outbreak of 2015, or intentionally introduced, could pose great harm to our food supply and economy.\u201d\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s hearing is an opportunity to take stock in where we have come, since the early 2000s when the issue of agriculture security was first visited, and discuss where we need to go from here. The Agriculture Committee last held a hearing on this subject over a decade ago, but since that time the significance of this issue has only grown.\u201d\r\nDuring the hearing, Roberts examined the vulnerabilities of American farmers, ranchers, consumers, and economy from biological threats, as well as solutions to safeguard American agriculture from these threats.\r\nClick here to watch Chairman Roberts' opening statement. Below are Chairman Roberts\u2019 remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nGood morning. I call this meeting of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to order.\r\nI welcome my colleagues, and the witnesses before us today, as we hear about an issue I have long felt is of the utmost importance, not only to farmers, ranchers and the agricultural value chain, but also to consumers, the American economy and the safety of our country.\r\nAgriculture security is a broad reaching issue and involves many government agencies, beyond the Department of Agriculture.\r\nIn 1999, as Chairman of the newly-formed Emerging Threats Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I became aware of the threat our nation faced against intentionally introduced pathogens to be weaponized and aimed at destroying plant and animal populations.\r\nI was invited to Obolensk, once one of Russia\u2019s secret cities, where I saw warehouses of anthrax, foot and mouth, Newcastle disease, and African swine fever.\r\nOver the next several years, with a great deal of leadership from then K-State President, Dr. Jon Wefald, the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, or \u201cNBAF\u201d, began to become a reality.\r\nThis facility in Manhattan, Kansas will be a critical part of keeping U.S. agriculture, our food supply, the economy, and most important, our people, safe.\u00a0\r\nBiological threats, whether naturally occurring, like the avian influenza outbreak of 2015, or intentionally introduced, could pose great harm to our food supply and economy.\r\nThe 2015 Avian Influenza outbreak was unprecedented, and while USDA managed through the situation as well as could be expected, it illuminated just how vulnerable the agriculture sector is to such an event.\r\nAnd, it\u2019s made everyone involved begin to think about ways in which we can improve.\r\nWhether that be communication, coordination, preparedness, response\u2014there is always room to gather feedback, reassess and consider if our current approach is the best approach.\r\nFurther, today\u2019s hearing is an opportunity to take stock in where we have come, since the early 2000s when the issue of agriculture security was first visited, and discuss where we need to go from here.\r\nThe Agriculture Committee last held a hearing on this subject over a decade ago, but since that time the significance of this issue has only grown.\r\nToday, we will commit to the record updated information regarding agriculture security, begin to examine any needed changes in this arena, and continue work on these evolving challenges. There are several key questions for us to explore. What does risk management look like in this sector? Where are resources most appropriately directed? How should a multi-jurisdictional system best function?\u00a0\r\nBefore us today is an esteemed panel of experts and public servants who have dedicated much of their careers to protecting agriculture and the country from biological threats.\r\nIn October, the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense released a bipartisan report, Defense of Animal Agriculture which assesses many of the issues we will hear about today. I ask unanimous consent to enter that report into the record\u2014without objection.\r\nI\u2019m very much looking forward to our witnesses\u2019 testimony and the discussion today.\r\nI now recognize my colleague Senator Stabenow for any opening remarks she may have.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=C2DB267D-F3F6-4F10-87B6-46FD126C226D", "Senator Roberts & K-State Pres. Gen. Myers Look Ahead to Safeguard Agriculture", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 With Kansas State University President General Richard Myers\u2019 critical testimony on the remaining challenges to agriculture security before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today said the nation must continue to be vigilant against threats to American agriculture and may address improvements to security as part of the next Farm Bill.\r\n\u201cGeneral Myers\u2019 testimony before the Agriculture Committee today realizes the vision we had 18 years ago when then K-State President John Wefald testified before the Senate Emerging Threats Subcommittee, saying that our nation needed better agro-defense and that Kansas and K-State could step up to fulfill this role,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cNow today, just as we did then, we must continue to look ahead, invest in and evaluate measures to better protect our food supply, our economy and our public health.\u201d\r\nRoberts, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, invited Myers to testify at a hearing titled: Safeguarding American Agriculture in a Globalized World.\r\nIn his testimony, General Myers said, \u201cMuch must be done to safeguard American agriculture in a globalized world \u00be the U.S. agriculture and food critical infrastructure is not well protected from potentially catastrophic biological events.\u201d\u00a0To watch General Myers remarks, go here.\r\nMyers shared 13 specific recommendations to the committee, including adding additional security clearances, investing in workforce development, better coordination, improved intelligence and more strategic plans for research continuity.\r\nGeneral Myers concluded his remarks saying, \u201cCongress must enact enforceable statutes before it\u2019s too late.\u201d\r\nRoberts also invited former Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.), Co-Chair of the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense, to testify.\r\n\u201cThe good news is that a national biodefense strategy is in the works and focusing on many of these issues,\u201d Lieberman said. \u201cThis committee can help promote those efforts in the Farm Bill.\u201d\r\nThe Committee also heard from Dr. Doug Meckes, a former practicing veterinarian and DHS official tasked with leading the agency\u2019s agro security work, and current state veterinarian for North Carolina.\r\n\u201cAs I am certain you all are aware,\u201d Meckes said, \u201cnumerous animal agriculture groups, animal science organizations, and veterinarians support a new Animal Disease and Disaster Prevention Program for inclusion in the 2018 Farm Bill.\u201d\r\nAlso testifying before the Committee was Dr.\u00a0Raymond Hammerschmidt, Professor of Plant, Soil And Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University.\r\n\u201cBecause of global trade, we are at risk of introducing new pests and pathogens as well as variants of endemic species,\u201d Hammerschmidt said. \u201cThus, the threat to plant systems can come from many different directions, and the need for proactive detection and diagnostic technologies, and enhanced preparedness at all levels is more important than ever before.\u201d\r\nConcluding his remarks Roberts said, \u201cToday, we will commit to the record updated information regarding agriculture security, begin to examine any needed changes in this arena, and continue work on these evolving challenges. There are several key questions for us to explore.\u201d To watch his full remarks, go here.\r\nFor more information on Senator Roberts\u2019 extensive work to improve the nation\u2019s ability to detect, deter and respond to threats to agriculture, go here: https://www.roberts.senate.gov/NBAF/\r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yoder.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoder-fights-to-expand-educator-expense-deduction-in-the-final-tax-bill", "Yoder Fights to Expand Educator Expense Deduction in the Final Tax Bill", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Kevin Yoder", "Y000063", "yoder.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013\u00a0Earlier today, Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) led a group of 12 Republican House members in sending a letter to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference committee, calling for the doubling of the educator expense deduction in the final version of the tax reform legislation. The letter urges House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, and the rest of the conference committee to adopt the Senate\u2019s version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in regard to the educator expense deduction. The Senate\u2019s plan would increase the deduction from $250 to $500 per year.\nRepresentative Yoder issued the following statement regarding his letter:\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s teachers sacrifice their time, energy and personal finances every day to help our children learn and grow into our next generation of leaders. We've worked hard to produce tax legislation in the House that would give a typical Overland Park teacher a tax cut of about $1,800. But I've listened to many teachers and advocates who recognize the educator expense deduction as one small way to show teachers our appreciation for their hard work. This important deduction should remain in our tax code.\n\"The best way to legislate in Congress is to work together, listen to our constituents, and take their concerns to Washington. That's what I'm doing here today with this letter to the conference committee. Ultimately, the goal of tax reform is to increase economic opportunity for hardworking Americans like our teachers, and we can do it in an even better way by expanding this deduction in addition to cutting their taxes.\"\u00a0\nThe text of the letter is below:\n###\nDecember 13, 2017\nThe Honorable Kevin Brady\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Honorable Orrin Hatch  \n\tChairman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chairman  \n\tHouse Committee on Ways & Means\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Senate Committee on Finance  \n\t1102 Longworth House Office Building\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 219 Dirksen Senate Office Building  \n\tWashington, DC 20515\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Washington, DC 20510\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nDear Chairman Brady and Chairman Hatch,\nIn the wake of the passage of historic, comprehensive tax reform, we write to you in order to highlight one issue that we believe should be addressed in the conference process. As supporters of H.R. 1, we write to express our concerns about the provision within the bill that would eliminate the tax deduction for school supplies paid for by educators. This important tax provision supports teachers, enhances students\u2019 learning experiences, and improves schools across our country. We strongly support the Senate\u2019s plan for expanding the educator expense deduction in support of our nation\u2019s hard working teachers.\nOur nation\u2019s teachers not only support America\u2019s bright young minds with their time and care, they are also asked to subsidize our children\u2019s education by purchasing supplies and materials for the classroom that are not reimbursed by their school. Virtually all teachers use some amount of their own money to buy supplies for their classrooms, and the average teacher spends $485 per year. This out-of-pocket cost is one that they bear out of dedication and love for their students.\nUnder current law, educators can receive a deduction of $250 per year for supplies they purchased for the benefit of their students. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as passed by the House, eliminated this provision. However, the Senate version of the tax reform bill included an expansion of the educator expense deduction, to $500 per year. While we value the goal of simplifying the tax code, certain specifically-targeted deductions have benefits that make them worthy of preservation. We believe that the educator expense deduction is one of these provisions whose benefits outweigh their financial cost. The final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act should include the Senate\u2019s expansion of the educator expense deduction to $500 per year.\nAmerican teachers go above and beyond the call of duty for their students every single day, and the personal expenses they incur for classroom supplies are just one example of this. The tax code should reward their dedication and help them recoup at least some of that cost. As we complete the process of overhauling our nation\u2019s tax code, we ask that you increase the crucial educator expense deduction.\nSincerely,\nRep. Kevin Yoder  \n\tRep. Luke Messer  \n\tRep. Dave Brat  \n\tRep. Gus Bilirakis  \n\tRep. Kay Granger  \n\tRep. Blake Farenthold  \n\tRep. Mike Bost  \n\tRep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen  \n\tRep. Ryan A. Costello  \n\tRep. Lee Zeldin  \n\tRep. Tom MacArthur  \n\tRep. David G. Valadao", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynnjenkins.house.gov/press-releases/rep-jenkins-introduces-the-restoring-access-to-medication-act/", "Rep. Jenkins Introduces the Restoring Access to Medication Act", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Lynn Jenkins", "J000290", "lynnjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) introduced legislation that provides two-year relief from the tax on over-the-counter medications. Specifically, H.R. 4618 will give American\u2019s relief from the Affordable Care Act\u2019s restrictions on the use the funds in their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medication.  \u201cHealth Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts are the bedrock of consumer choice,\u201d said Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins. \u00a0\u201cThey allow individuals to spend their healthcare dollars towards the specific needs of their families. This legislation would remove Obamacare\u2019s harmful prohibition on the use of HSAs and FSAs for basic, over-the-counter needs of thousands of Kansans. I look forward to continuing to work on the Ways and Means committee to provide meaningful, incremental improvements to our health care system.\u201d  The text of the legislation can be found here: https://waysandmeansforms.house.gov/uploadedfiles/hr4618.pdf", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/knss-u-s-sen-jerry-moran-ks-modernizing-government-technology", "KNSS: U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (KS): Modernizing Government Technology", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KNSSOn Tuesday, U.S. Senator Jerry Morans (R-Kan.) Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act was signed into law by President Trump as part of the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2018. This bipartisan legislation  introduced along with U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.)  encourages federal agencies to cut wasteful spending and modernize government information technology (IT) and security. Sen. Moran released the following statement after the president signed the legislation into law: Today, the president signed into law landmark legislation to reduce wasteful government IT spending and strengthen our nations cybersecurity. I applaud the administration and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their tireless work to get this legislation signed into law and to bring our inefficient, outdated federal IT system into the 21st century. The improved efficiencies from the MGT Act will empower agencies to modernize their legacy IT systems, better protect our data from cyber-attacks and ultimately save billions in taxpayer dollars by reducing long-term spending. The bill was supported by a number of IT industry stakeholders and trade associations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the IT Alliance for the Public Sector (ITAPS), Professional Services Council (PSC), TechNet, Amazon Web Service, Cisco, Adobe, BMC, Brocade, Intel, Microsoft, Business Roundtable, CA Technologies, Compuware, CSRA, Level 3, Unisys and others. The MGT Act establishes IT working capital funds at two dozen federal government agencies, allowing them to use savings obtained through streamlining IT systems, replacing legacy products and transitioning to cloud computing for up to three years for further modernization efforts. Nearly 75% of the $80 billion spent annually on federal IT systems is going toward maintaining and operating legacy IT rather than making lasting improvements. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/sen-moran-s-modernizing-government-technology-mgt-act-signed-into-law", "Sen. Morans Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act Signed Into Law", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran\u2019s (R-Kan.) Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act was signed into law by President Trump as part of the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2018. In September, Sen. Moran successfully included the MGT Act as an amendment to the NDAA for FY2018. This bipartisan legislation \u2013 introduced along with U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) \u2013 will encourage federal agencies to cut wasteful spending and modernize government information technology (IT) and security. Sen. Moran released the following statement after the president signed the legislation into law: \u201cToday, the president signed into law landmark legislation to reduce wasteful government IT spending and strengthen our nation\u2019s cybersecurity. I applaud the administration and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their tireless work to get this legislation signed into law and to bring our inefficient, outdated federal IT system into the 21st century. The improved efficiencies from the MGT Act will empower agencies to modernize their legacy IT systems, better protect our data from cyber-attacks and ultimately save billions in taxpayer dollars by reducing long-term spending.\u201d Items to Note:\r\n \r\nIn September, the MGT Act cleared the Senate after Sen. Moran introduced the legislation as an amendment to the NDAA for FY2018. In November, the MGT Act was included in the final conference report for NDAA and was sent to the president\u2019s desk for signature.\r\nIn April, Sen. Moran and Sen. Udall \u2013 both members of the Senate Commerce and Appropriations Committees \u2013 introduced the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act (S. 990/H.R. 2227) with the support of their colleagues Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.). U.S. Representatives Will Hurd (R-Texas) and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) \u2013 chairman and member, respectively, of the House Subcommittee on Information Technology \u2013 introduced the House companion legislation.\r\nThe bill is supported by a number of IT industry stakeholders and trade associations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the IT Alliance for the Public Sector (ITAPS), Professional Services Council (PSC), TechNet, Amazon Web Service, Cisco, Adobe, BMC, Brocade, Intel, Microsoft, Business Roundtable, CA Technologies, Compuware, CSRA, Level 3, Unisys and others (full list attached).\r\n \r\nThe Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act: \r\n \r\nThe MGT Act will establish IT working capital funds at 24 federal government agencies and allow them to use savings obtained through streamlining IT systems, replacing legacy products and transitioning to cloud computing for up to three years for further modernization efforts.\r\nNote: Nearly 75 percent of the $80 billion we are spending annually on federal IT systems is going toward maintaining and operating legacy IT rather than making lasting improvements.\r\nThe bill also sets up a separate centralized modernization fund within the Department of the Treasury for the head of the General Services Administration (GSA) to administer across the federal government in consultation with an expert federal IT board.\r\n \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=02A22AD1-A392-4496-A9E2-5E294C3F0C03", "Chairman Roberts: Trade Is More Than a Product Crossing a Border", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today addressed the Washington International Trade Association, highlighting the benefits of NAFTA to American agriculture and the numerous associated American jobs. Roberts then participated in an agriculture trade discussion with Ambassador Max Baucus, former Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and U.S. Ambassador to China; and Grant Aldonas, former Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and currently the Executive Director or the Institute of International Economic Law at Georgetown Law.\r\n\u201cThere is a great deal of frustration in farm country because we are missing opportunities to grow our exports,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cI believe that the renegotiation of NAFTA could provide just that opportunity. Strengthening and modernizing NAFTA should result in even stronger economic growth for the United States and for Canada and Mexico.\u201d\r\n\u201cTrade is more than a product crossing a border. A seed planted in a field might ultimately become a meal for a family, but in between you\u2019ll find the combine that harvests it, the facility that processes it, and perhaps most important the people employed at every step of the way.\u201d\r\n\u201cU.S. agriculture has grown because of agreements like NAFTA, and from the farmer in the field to the grocer in the store, American workers have benefited from that growth.\u201d\r\nSenator Roberts is also a member of the Senate Finance Committee, with jurisdiction over U.S. trade policy. Roberts has relentlessly highlighted the vast benefits of NAFTA to American agriculture, including multiple conversations with President Trump, U.S. Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and other high-ranking officials in the Administration.\u00a0\r\nThe following is Chairman Roberts\u2019 remarks as prepared for delivery:\u00a0\r\nGood morning. It\u2019s great to be with you all today, and I am especially pleased to be back here with my good friend, Ambassador Baucus.\r\n\u00a0Max and I have had the opportunity to work together many times over the years in the Senate Agriculture and Finance Committees. Sometimes he rode shotgun and sometimes I did, and together we have gotten through many challenging issues.\r\n\u00a0As the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, my primary task is to work on behalf of farmers, ranchers, growers, and other rural stakeholders in Kansas and across the rest of our country.\r\n\u00a0In preparation for writing the next Farm Bill, I\u2019ve been talking with many of these stakeholders, all over the country, and one thing is clear.\r\n\u00a0Times are challenging right now in farm country! We are in a rough patch.\r\n\u00a0We are going to do what we can to provide farmers and ranchers with the certainty they need to be successful producers.\u00a0\r\nBut perhaps just as important, I have heard from folks around the country that they need reliable markets, both domestically and abroad, to sell not just the things that we make, but also the commodities that we grow.\r\n\u00a0I\u2019ve also been spending a lot of time over the last year talking about trade, in particular agricultural trade.\r\n\u00a0And, I have been encouraging everyone \u2013 farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, Senators, as well as officials in the Administration, to help fight the pervasive view that our economy has not benefited from trade agreements like NAFTA.\r\n\u00a0I especially want to thank Ambassador Baucus, as well as our colleague Senator Dick Lugar for their efforts on that front.\r\n\u00a0They are helping to convey the benefits of agricultural trade at the grassroots level, and I look forward to working with you all on that effort.\u00a0\r\nThere is a great deal of frustration in farm country because we are missing opportunities to grow our exports.\r\nI believe that the renegotiation of NAFTA could provide just that opportunity. Strengthening and modernizing NAFTA should result in even stronger economic growth for the United States and for Canada and Mexico.\r\nLike many, I have been concerned about the impact some NAFTA proposals could have on the food and agriculture value chain.\r\n\u00a0I joined Senator Boozman, and 16 other Senators in requesting that before committing to any changes to NAFTA, or for that matter, any other free trade agreement, the economic analysis illustrating the impact on the full supply chain of industries involved be shared.\u00a0\r\nTrade is more than a product crossing a border. A seed planted in a field might ultimately become a meal for a family, but in between you\u2019ll find the combine that harvests it, the facility that processes it, and perhaps most important the people employed at every step of the way.\u00a0\r\nU.S. agriculture has grown because of agreements like NAFTA, and from the farmer in the field to the grocer in the store, American workers have benefited from that growth.\u00a0\r\nCanada and Mexico have been continuously ranked in the top five destinations for U.S. exports since NAFTA was signed into law, and we must work hard to continue to cultivate and grow that mutually beneficial relationship.\r\nI also believe that we should be aggressively seeking new agreements and trading opportunities around the world.\u00a0\r\nIf the U.S. isn\u2019t leading the charge and setting the rules, the European Union or others will be.\u00a0\r\nI was pleased that one of the early achievements during President Trump\u2019s Administration was an agreement with China to allow U.S. beef access for the first time since 2003.\u00a0\r\nAnd, this Administration continues to signal a commitment to pursue aggressive trade enforcement at the WTO on China\u2019s administration of its tariff rate quotas, and market price support programs for wheat, corn, and rice.\u00a0\r\nWith a population of nearly 1.4 billion people, China is a critical market for U.S. agriculture, and presents tremendous opportunity.\u00a0\r\nI have had many conversations with President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer, and Secretary Ross about the role of agriculture in trade.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nWe now have Ted McKinney onboard with Secretary Perdue down at the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving as the first Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.\u00a0\r\nGregg Doud\u2019s nomination moved in a bipartisan manner through the Senate Finance Committee. He is now waiting for the full Senate to consider his confirmation for Chief Agricultural Negotiator.\u00a0\r\nFarmers and ranchers have been waiting far too long for a Chief Agricultural Negotiator. We need to get him confirmed and in place at USTR providing a critical voice for our producers.\u00a0\r\nLast week, I stated that we are at a crossroads on trade.\u00a0 If the U.S. is to continue both as a leader in the global market and to grow the American economy, then we must aggressively work to strengthen existing relationships, and develop new ones.\r\nNo one knows more than the agriculture sector, the rewards that come from our trading partners. I believe that agriculture should be front and center as the U.S. pursues trading opportunities around the world.\u00a0\r\nThank you, and I look forward to this discussion.\r\n\u00a0-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/protecting-nafta", "Kansas Common Sense - Protecting NAFTA", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hello, Welcome to \u201cKansas Common Sense.\u201d 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. Robba and I had the opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season at the White House this week for the annual White House congressional ball. I hope you all are looking forward to spending the holidays ahead with friends and family. Pushing to Protect NAFTA for Kansas Farmers, Ranchers and ManufacturersI met with Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross this week, along with my colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee, regarding the ongoing negotiations with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its vital importance to farmers, ranchers and manufacturers in Kansas. Our state\u2019s economy is dependent on our ability to export what we grow and manufacture to consumers around the world. In 2016, Kansas exported more than $4.5 billion worth of agricultural products, which supported more than 36,000 jobs and generated more than $5.7 billion in economic activity. I support the administration\u2019s effort to modernize and improve NAFTA, but I am concerned that withdrawing from the agreement with Kansas\u2019 two largest trade partners will harm our farmers and ranchers and cost us jobs, and will especially damage manufacturing jobs. To illustrate this point, I showed Secretary Ross a picture of grain piles waiting on the ground in Kensington, Kansas as a direct example of why NAFTA is needed in our state to sell goods and feed the world. I appreciate the Secretary\u2019s willingness to engage in this issue and hear our concerns. Secretary Ross understands I will continue to follow the negotiation process closely and I will not hesitate to bring up further concerns as I hear from farmers and ranchers on this issue. Banking Committee Progress on the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection ActThis week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs marked up and voted out of committee S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which I am pleased to have cosponsored. This bipartisan legislation right-sizes regulation for smaller financial institutions and includes important consumer protections for veterans, senior citizens and victims of fraud. It will also improve our nation\u2019s financial regulatory framework, encouraging economic growth in communities across Kansas. I have been proud to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion to strike a sensible agreement on ways to improve local financial services and to strengthen protections for veterans, senior citizens and victims of fraud. By modifying obsolete and overly cumbersome regulations, this bill encourages economic growth in our local communities and helps Kansans access and protect their credit. Please read more about the legislation here. Calling for Delayed Implementation of Electronic Logging Devices for Livestock HaulersNineteen of my colleagues joined me in sending a bipartisan letter that I led to Senate leadership this week calling for delayed implementation of electronic logging devices (ELDs) for commercial motor vehicles transporting livestock. Our letter supports a provision in the U.S. House-passed Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill delaying implementation of ELDs for livestock haulers, providing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) time to make the necessary adjustments to hours of service (HOS) rules to address animal welfare concerns. Our state\u2019s agricultural economy and rural jobs rely on the ability to transport livestock, particularly cattle, from across the country to Kansas. Requiring ELDs without providing additional flexibility to the hours of services rules for livestock haulers has the potential to harm not only the industry, but also the welfare of the animals they carry. Delaying the ELD mandate for livestock haulers will make certain they are able to continue to ensure motorist safety while delivering livestock in a timely and humane manner. Please read our letter here. Touring Council Grove High SchoolAn impressive group of student leaders showed me around their high school today, sharing their future plans, thoughts about the quality of education they\u2019ve received and favorite classes. My thanks to all the teachers and administrators working hard to help these students and many others across our state succeed. I\u2019m grateful to Council Grove High School Principal Kelly McDiffett for hosting me on campus. Pictured below with me are Principal McDiffett and students Matt Goeckel, Melissa Filkin, Dominic Stover, Nichole Patry, Treyse King, Madison Bolen, Beau Peterson, Morgan Poole and Maria Ochoa. Dedicating the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts at Tabor College, Hillsboro I had the privilege of visiting Tabor College in Hillsboro this morning to speak at the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts building dedication. The building involved many years of planning and hard work from college administration, alumni and the local community, and was built debt-free. I\u2019m certain this new building will help Tabor College continue to provide top tier Christian college education in central Kansas. Thank you to everyone who helped make this remarkable goal a reality and to President Jules Glanzer for inviting me to speak at the dedication. Kansans in the OfficePam Armor of Wichita  Patti Yetter of Wichita  Jena Simms of Wichita  Laura Reed of Wichita Kansas Department of LaborLana Gordon of Topeka  Justin McFarland of Topeka National Marrow Donor ProgramDiana Carlin of Lawrence Ducks UnlimitedDavid Paul of Leawood TradewindGeoff A. Coventry of Overland Park Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas CityConi Fries of Overland Park Sunflower Community ActionJaneth Vazquez of Liberal  Ernestor De La Rosa of Dodge City  Guadalupe Magdaleno of Wichita  Thea Perry of Lawrence  Sarah Aguilera of Liberal  Ruben Rodriguez Rangel of Wichita ThermoFisherMarc Casper of Lenexa  Tim Fenton of Lenexa Transgender American Veterans AssociationSuzanne Wheeler of Shawnee\u00a0 Delta AirHeather Wingate of Lawrence Topeka Police DepartmentMike Cross of Topeka National Sorghum ProducersDan Atkisson of Stockton Honored to Serve You in WashingtonIt 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\u00a0clicking here. You can also\u00a0click here\u00a0to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office. Very truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/moran-sec-ross-discuss-nafta", "Abilene Reflector-Chronicle: Moran, Sec. Ross discuss NAFTA", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Abilene Reflector-ChronicleWASHINGTON (Dec. 7) \u2013 Wednesday, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) met with Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross regarding the ongoing negotiations with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and NAFTA\u2019s vital importance to farmers, ranchers and manufacturers in Kansas. Moran, who requested the meeting through the Senate Commerce Committee in a letter to Commerce Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.), was joined by several of his colleagues from the committee. \u201cOur economy in Kansas is dependent on the ability of our farmers, ranchers and manufacturers to trade their products,\u201d Moransaid. \u201cIn 2016, Kansas exported more than $4.5 billion worth of agricultural products, which supported more than 36,000 jobs and generated more than $5.7 billion in economic activity. I encouraged Secretary Ross to be extremely mindful of the role agricultural trade plays in Kansas\u2019 economy and the consequences of NAFTA withdrawal to our farmers and ranchers. \u201cTo illustrate this point, I showed Secretary Ross a picture of grain piles waiting on the ground in Kensington, Kan., as a direct example of why NAFTA is needed in our state to sell goods and feed the world. \u201cI appreciate the secretary\u2019s willingness to engage in this issue and hear our concerns. Secretary Ross understands I will continue to follow the negotiation process closely and I will not hesitate to bring up further concerns as I hear from farmers and ranchers on this issue.\u201d| Moran lsent a letter to Commerce Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) last month to request the committee continue to engage with Secretary Ross on trade and the direction of NAFTA negotiations, prompting Wednesday\u2019s meeting. Moran recently signed a bipartisan letter to Secretary Ross asking the administration to conduct a robust economic analysis to evaluate how any changes to NAFTA would affect changes to the nation\u2019s crop and livestock sectors. Moran also sent an open letter to farmers and ranchers regarding the threat of NAFTA withdrawal and urged them to advocate for sound trade policy. The letter was first published in Agri-Pulse and later published in the Reflector-Chronicle. It encourages the agriculture community to share their concerns with the administration about the importance of trade and their ability to sell what they produce around the world. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/senators-urge-nationwide-review-of-va-providers-in-light-of-usa-today-report", "Senators Urge Nationwide Review of VA Providers in Light of USA Today Report", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.),\u00a0are calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a nationwide review of its providers after a USA Today investigation found multiple providers hired by the Department had at least one state medical license revoked due to malpractice. In a letter to VA Secretary David Shulkin, the senators presented a series of questions. \u201cFor years, states have experienced provider shortages across many different medical specialties, and like the private sector healthcare industry, the VA has faced similar provider shortages,\u201d the senators wrote to Shulkin. \u201cAs such, we request information about the VA\u2019s oversight of provider hiring guidelines to ensure that the pressure to fill shortages has not led to insufficient health care quality controls.\u201d In addition to Moran, the letter was signed by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Full text of the letter can be found here and below: December 8, 2017 The Honorable David Shulkin  Secretary  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs  810 Vermont Ave NW  Washington, DC 20420-0001 Dear Secretary Shulkin: We write to express our serious concerns regarding recent media reports suggesting that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers employment to medical practitioners with a known history of licensure revocation by a state medical licensing board. The national reporting also highlighted cases of the VA hiring providers with known conduct and performance deficiencies that resulted in sanctions and criminal charges of the individuals. For years, states have experienced provider shortages across many different medical specialties, and like the private sector healthcare industry, the VA has faced similar provider shortages. For states, such as Arkansas, in which many veterans eligible for VA care are rural, the provider shortage is even more pronounced. As such, we request information about the VA\u2019s oversight of provider hiring guidelines to ensure that the pressure to fill shortages has not led to insufficient health care quality controls. We request that the Department of Veterans Affairs conduct a nationwide review to identify all providers by state and specialty, who were known to have had adverse actions taken against their clinical privileges, to include the revocation of state medical licensure, and were subsequently hired by the Department. Of the individuals identified by the aforementioned report, what is the employment status of each individual identified? What additional oversight measures are required for providers identified through this review who remain employed by and practicing within the VA? In addition to a review to determine the current status of providers within the VA, we would also like information relevant to oversight of VA policies regarding hiring of individuals who have disciplinary or performance deficiencies that resulted in sanctions, claims, or charges. At what level is a final personnel decision approved? Does the VA have regular reporting and review of any providers hired under these circumstances? How is the performance and conduct of such individuals tracked, including the healthcare outcomes they deliver for veterans? When the VA intends to hire a provider with known medical malpractice claims, what additional scrutiny or consideration are such applicants subjected to? Does the VA have authority to hire a provider whose license has been revoked? When the VA considers hiring these providers, at what level does the VA approve a final offer of employment? Are such hiring decisions subject to reporting requirements to the Department? If so, to what level? Following the employment of such a provider, does the VA require any probationary periods of review or mandatory consultation prior to authorizing the direct provision of care to patients? Do these positions include any responsibility for the direct provision of medical care? Please confirm the status of this request and provide a timeline for completion of the requested review. We ask that you please keep our offices updated on this issue. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/u-s-senators-moran-heitkamp-lead-support-of-eld-delay", "Pittsburg Morning Sun: U.S. Senators Moran, Heitkamp lead support of ELD delay", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pittsburg Morning Sun  By Chance HoenerWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) helped lead a call to delay the implementation of electronic logging devices for transporters carrying livestock and insects Tuesday. Moran and U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) led a bipartisan group of colleagues in support of the delay. The senators crafted a letter, sent to Senate leaders, which supports a provision in the U.S. House-passed Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill delaying implementation of ELDs and providing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association time to make the necessary adjustments to hours of service rules to address animal welfare concerns. \u201cOur state\u2019s agricultural economy and rural jobs rely on the ability to transport livestock, particularly cattle, from across the country to Kansas,\u201d Moran said. \u201cRequiring electronic logging devices without providing additional flexibility to the hours of services rules for livestock haulers has the potential to harm not only the industry, but also the welfare of the animals they carry. \u201cI am pleased to lead a bipartisan group of my Senate colleagues in calling for a delay in the ELD mandate for livestock haulers so they are able to continue to ensure motorist safety while also delivering livestock in a timely and humane manner.\u201d ELDs synchronize with the engine of a tractor-trailer to automatically keep track of driving hours, without drivers needing to maintain a logbook. A mandate requiring truck fleets to have ELDs installed goes into effect December 18, but the group led by Moran and Heitkamp is calling for a delay to that date, specifically for livestock and insect transport vehicles. The supporting senators believe the delay will allow the FMCSA time to make adjustments to the hours of service rules \u2014 which outline time drivers can be on the road and more \u2014 to accommodate transporters of livestock and insects.\r\n\r\nIn their letter, the senators state that FMCSA approved a 90-day waiver for compliance for agricultural transporters, but it does not provide any assurances of relief beyond the 90-day period.The senators also state in their letter that \u201cLong distance transportation is often the most stressful event in a livestock animal\u2019s life and it is impractical and inhumane to stop, offload multiples times, or significantly delay delivery of these animals. This issue is even more prevalent in areas where extreme weather can cause severe traffic delays that limit the time it can take to transport these animals to their destination.\u201d Others who signed the letter include U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.). Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynnjenkins.house.gov/press-releases/congresswoman-jenkins-on-supporting-the-continuing-resolution/", "Congresswoman Jenkins on Supporting the Continuing Resolution", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Lynn Jenkins", "J000290", "lynnjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.J.Res. 123 - The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 which will fund the government for two weeks:  \u201cI have often said that we need to stop kicking the fiscal can down the road, and enact broader spending reforms to the budget while Republicans control the House, Senate and the White House. It is my hope, that in these next two weeks, we can come together and get our budget on the right fiscal track while funding necessary programs. This Continuing Resolution also includes funding for the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through the end of the year. While it is absolutely crucial this program be reauthorized on a more long-term basis in the near future, I want to be clear that no Kansas children who rely on CHIP are currently without health insurance coverage or are in imminent threat of losing it. The Kansas program has funds that will last well into 2018 and while it is absolutely crucial this program be reauthorized on a more long-term basis in the near future, I am confident Congress will do their job. As we near the end of 2017, I urge my colleagues to consider the importance of both fiscal stability and fiscal responsibility which, combined together, will have a positive impact on future generations.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/banking-committee-advances-moran-supported-economic-growth-regulatory-relief-and-consumer-protection-act", "Banking Committee Advances Moran-Supported Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 This week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs marked up and voted out of committee S. 2155, the \u201cEconomic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act.\u201d Co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation right-sizes regulation for smaller financial institutions and includes important consumer protections for veterans, senior citizens and victims of fraud. It will also improve our nation\u2019s financial regulatory framework, encouraging economic growth in communities across Kansas. \u201cI have been proud to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion to strike a sensible agreement on ways to improve local financial services, and to strengthen protections for veterans, senior citizens and victims of fraud,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cBy rolling back unnecessary and cumbersome regulations, this bill encourages economic growth in rural and local communities and helps Kansans access and protect their credit.\u201d Widespread support for S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act: Bipartisan Policy Center: \u201cAs U.S. politics descends ever further into partisanship, there are still signs that old-fashioned legislating is not dead. This week, the Senate Banking Committee will mark up one of the first significant pieces of financial regulatory legislation in years with real bipartisan support. These are not major changes. Yet taken together, they are constructive and should provide greater incentives to extend credit, particularly to Main Street small businesses, without undermining the progress made since the crisis in making the financial system safer.\u201d \u2013 John Soroushian and Justin Schardin, Bipartisan Policy Center Independent Community Bankers of America: \u201cThe markup of S. 2155 is a rare opening for real, impactful relief that will strengthen economic growth, job creation, and consumer protection. It is the culmination of years of collaborative effort to achieve consensus among members of Congress across the spectrum and community bankers in their home states and districts. Community bankers urge all members of the Senate Banking Committee to vote YES on S. 2155.\u201d \u2013 Camden Fine, ICBA President and CEO Credit Union National Association: \u201cThis bill includes credit union-specific provisions that provide meaningful regulatory relief,\u00a0a sign that policymakers are paying close attention\u00a0to\u00a0the needs of credit union members. We thank Sen. Crapo and his colleagues for working across party lines to advance regulatory relief legislation\u00a0that benefits community financial institutions, and\u00a0look forward to\u00a0continuing to\u00a0work\u00a0closely\u00a0with them as the bill moves through the legislative process.\u201d \u2013 Jim Nussle, CUNA President and CEO Consumer Bankers Association: \u201cWe appreciate the Senate\u2019s bipartisan effort to enact regulatory reform which helps banks better serve American consumers and small businesses. The agreement makes some meaningful regulatory changes, including providing the Federal Reserve flexibility to make a more complete assessment when designating certain institutions systematically important. This is a significant first step and we urge Congress to continue working toward policies which consider risk rather than arbitrary asset thresholds.\u201d -Richard Hunt, CBA President and CEO Insured Retirement Institute: \u201cThis bill containing the Senior$afe Act of 2017 will help our member companies and financial advisers combat financial abuse of older Americans. It would increase protections for older investors, help prevent financial exploitation, and preserve senior\u2019s hard-earned retirement savings. The legislation will foster better communications between advisors and their firms with appropriate governmental and law enforcement agencies when they suspect financial exploitation of a client. It will also encourage more firms to offer important employee training in this area.\u201d \u2013 Catherine Weatherford, President and CEO, Insured Retirement Institute American Bankers Association: \u201cABA welcomes today\u2019s announcement of a bipartisan Senate agreement on legislation that would reform our nation\u2019s financial regulatory rules. The deal reached today by Chairman Crapo and Senators Tester, Heitkamp, Donnelly and Warner shows that lawmakers of good faith from both parties can agree on commonsense changes to allow banks to better serve their customers and communities. We thank them for their leadership, and look forward to working with senators to move this legislation forward, and to improve it where possible.\u201d\u00a0 - Rob Nichols, ABA President and CEO\u00a0 National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions: \"NAFCU thanks Chairman Crapo and his Democratic partners in the Senate for including provisions in this package that would lead to regulatory relief for credit unions. We look forward to working with members of the Senate Banking Committee, their staff and other senators as this package moves through the legislative process. This bill is a step in the right direction, and we will continue to push for more relief for the industry and its 110 million member-owners.\"\u00a0 - Dan Berger, NAFCU President and CEO Financial Services Roundtable: \u201cThis bipartisan effort is directionally positive as it seeks to modernize regulations while protecting consumers and driving economic growth. Today\u2019s announcement shows Chairman Crapo and his bipartisan co-sponsors are working hard to improve the financial experience of consumers.\u201d \u2013 Tim Pawlenty, FSR CEO Mortgage Bankers Association: \"I want to commend Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) for reaching a bipartisan compromise on regulatory relief legislation designed to lessen some burdens on lenders, allowing them to better serve their customers and consumers. In particular, MBA is glad to see the inclusion of language amending the SAFE Act to provide increased job mobility for loan originators, as well as language to address concerns with PACE lending, HMDA, and the TILA/RESPA integrated disclosure. We look forward to continuing to work with the committee on other provisions in the bill, such as expanding the language regarding Qualified Mortgages held in portfolio.\" \u2013 David H. Stevens, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association U.S. Chamber of Commerce: \u201cThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports S. 2155, the \u2018Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act,\u2019 which would provide long-overdue relief to Main Street businesses and consumers . . . The Chamber strongly supports tailored regulations\u2014sophisticated rules that are properly calibrated to the risk profile of an activity or institution. S. 2155 is a first step in the right direction.\u201d \u2013 Neal L. Bradley, Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.\u00a0 National Association of Home Builders: \u201cOn behalf of the more than 140,000 members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), I am writing in strong support for your efforts in S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act to address the challenging credit conditions that home builders and home buyers continue to experience as a result of the regulatory response to the recent financial crisis.\u201d \u2013 James W. Tobin III, Executive Vice President and Chief Lobbyist, National Association of Home Builders\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=307", "Estes Votes to Uphold Second Amendment", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) issued the following statement following House passage of\u00a0H.R. 38, the\u00a0Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act:\r\n\"Kansans shouldn't have their Constitutional rights restricted simply because they travel out of state. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act protects Kansans' Second Amendment right by ensuring that anyone who is allowed to possess a concealed handgun in our state can carry in another state that permits concealed carry,\" said Rep. Estes.\u00a0 \"This bill was the first piece of legislation I cosponsored after being sworn into Congress and I am glad to support its passage today.\" Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas\u2019 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/moran-bill-would-streamline-increase-veterans-access-to-quality-health-care", "The Ripon Advance: Moran bill would streamline, increase veterans access to quality health care", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Ripon AdvanceU.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) recently introduced the Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017 to reform U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and put veterans at the center of decisions on where and when they receive care in the wake of VA-care scandals that have come to light across the nation. \u201cFar too many Kansas veterans have experienced unnecessary difficulties accessing the care they\u2019ve earned from the VA, and I appreciate that they have shared their stories and empowered us to work on their behalf,\u201d Moran said. \u201cDemand has demonstrated that veterans want and need health care options in their communities, but there must be reform at the VA to create a system that works for them,\u201d added Moran, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. S. 2184 would better integrate VA services and existing VA community care programs like the Veterans Choice Program into an efficient and high-performing health care system. The measure would require that the VA use objective health care demand data for setting care quality and access standards and for identifying and connecting gaps in care, whether by the VA or community providers. Moran\u2019s bill would make sure that the VA promptly pays community providers, provides walk-in clinic access, offers telemedicine services, increases graduate medical education and residency positions for its employees, and improves collaboration with community providers and other federal agencies. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, teamed up with Moran in introducing the bill. \u201cIn the wake of the scandal in care at VA hospitals in Phoenix and around the country, we vowed to guarantee our veterans timely access to quality treatment,\u201d said Sen. McCain. \u201cIt\u2019s time we transform the VA into a 21st century health care system, one that respects the dignity of our men and women in uniform and provides all veterans the quality health care they deserve.\u201d The American Legion, AMVETS, and Concerned Veterans for America all endorse Moran\u2019s bill and spoke to the importance in offering quality care in both VA facilities and the community. American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan said, \u201cThe bill, as currently written, would modify the already existing Choice program, providing veterans with the 21st Century medical system they rightfully deserve.\u201d AMVETS National Executive Director Joe Chenelly said, \u201cVeterans need health care, both inside and outside of the VA system of care. This measure addresses funding, implements ongoing patient surveying in conjunction with community care teams, and devises re-evaluation of both VA and private sector care. Both need oversight.\u201d Concerned Veterans for America Executive Director Dan Caldwell noted that despite budget increases for the VA totaling tens of billions of dollars, some veterans still wait too long for crucial appointments and suffer as a result of poor care at the VA. Moran added, \u201cThis joint effort to reform the VA will offer veterans an integrated health care system within their community that reduces red tape, enhances their quality of life and provides care that is worthy of their service and sacrifice.\u201d Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/sen-moran-discusses-nafta-negotiations-with-secretary-ross", "Sen. Moran Discusses NAFTA Negotiations with Secretary Ross", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) met with Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross regarding the ongoing negotiations with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and NAFTA\u2019s vital importance to farmers, ranchers and manufacturers in Kansas. Sen. Moran, who requested today\u2019s meeting through the Senate Commerce Committee in a letter to Commerce Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.), was joined by several of his colleagues from the committee. \u201cOur economy in Kansas is dependent on the ability of our farmers, ranchers and manufacturers to trade their products,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cIn 2016, Kansas exported more than $4.5 billion worth of agricultural products, which supported more than 36,000 jobs and generated more than $5.7 billion in economic activity. I encouraged Secretary Ross to be extremely mindful of the role agricultural trade plays in Kansas\u2019 economy and the consequences of NAFTA withdrawal to our farmers and ranchers. To illustrate this point, I showed Secretary Ross a picture of grain piles waiting on the ground in Kensington, Kansas as a direct example of why NAFTA is needed in our state to sell goods and feed the world. I appreciate the Secretary\u2019s willingness to engage in this issue and hear our concerns. Secretary Ross understands I will continue to follow the negotiation process closely and I will not hesitate to bring up further concerns as I hear from farmers and ranchers on this issue.\u201d Items to Note:\r\n \r\nSen. Moran last month sent a letter to Commerce Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) to request the committee continue to engage with Secretary Ross on trade and the direction of NAFTA negotiations, prompting today\u2019s meeting.\r\nSen. Moran recently signed a bipartisan letter to Secretary Ross asking the administration to conduct a robust economic analysis to evaluate how any changes to NAFTA would affect changes to the nation\u2019s crop and livestock sectors.\r\nSen. Moran also sent an open letter to farmers and ranchers regarding the threat of NAFTA withdrawal and urged them to advocate for sound trade policy. The letter was first published in Agri-Pulse and encourages the agriculture community to share their concerns with the administration about the importance of trade and their ability to sell what they produce around the world.\r\n \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/senators-call-for-delay-of-implementation-of-the-eld-mandate-for-livestock-haulers", "KTIC Radio: Senators Call for Delay of Implementation of the ELD Mandate for Livestock Haulers", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KTIC Radio  United States Cattlemen's Association On Tuesday, Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) led a bipartisan effort to delay the implementation of the ELD mandate for livestock and insect haulers. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, the Senators expressed support for language included in the House-passed Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill that effectively delays the ELD mandate for one-year to allow the industry to work with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to address the strict Hours-of-Service rules that transporters must abide by. USCA Transportation Committee Chairman Steve Hilker issued the following statement: \u201cWe applaud each and every Senator who signed-onto this letter for showing their support of small business owners in rural and agricultural America. A vast majority of livestock haulers are both the owner and operator of their business and this upcoming regulation will disproportionately affect our ability to do business efficiently and affordably. Given that we are hauling a living, breathing commodity, the comfort and welfare of our cargo is of the utmost concern to livestock haulers. Once loaded onto the truck, these animals must get to their destination as quickly and safely as possible. An ELD would only serve to increase the number of stops included on a trip, extending the overall time that the cattle are on the trailer and adding additional stress during an already difficult experience in that animal\u2019s life. We appreciate Congress\u2019 recognition of our need for additional flexibility within this mandate and look forward to working with FMCSA on viable solutions.\u201d Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=0517E1DB-A892-4F52-8A7D-B7AAA39C8AC9", "The Hill: The US cant forget the benefits NAFTA has provided", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The US can\u2019t forget the benefits NAFTA has provided\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nFacts are stubborn things. And it\u2019s a fact that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has boosted the American economy for over 20 years.\r\nAs renegotiations of the trade pact are well underway, we need to take a good clear look at NAFTA and the undeniable benefits of trade with two of our closest partners \u2014 Canada and Mexico.\r\nThe facts speak for themselves, especially for my home state of Kansas. In 2016 alone, Kansas exported more than $300 million agriculture goods to our northern neighbor. Since NAFTA entered into force on Jan. 1, 1994, the value of U.S. agricultural exports to Canada has increased by 265 percent and to Mexico by 289 percent.\r\nFrom agriculture to aviation, NAFTA has benefited my home state of Kansas tremendously. Wichita, Kan., has long been known as the \u201cAir Capital of the World\u201d for our highly skilled workforce and for being the foremost aerospace manufacturing center. Since 1994, Canada has been one of the top export markets for the aerospace industry.\r\nAfter more than two decades of NAFTA being in force, it makes sense to take a look at areas of the agreement that can be modernized and strengthened.\r\nCould we have done things better negotiating NAFTA? Yes. Can we still do things better renegotiating NAFTA? Absolutely.\r\nHowever, we must not forget that Canada has long been one of our most reliable and important partners. Multiple times, we have fought side by side to ensure the security of our nations.\r\nPart of that steadfast reliability stems from our mutually beneficial trading relationship. We cannot afford to let this investment go to waste.\r\nAs chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, I have listened to farmers, ranchers and other end users like manufacturers about the importance of access to the global marketplace, especially in a tough economy for farm country. Simply put, our economy needs access to foreign markets if we are to achieve economic growth.\r\nI have taken these concerns with NAFTA renegotiations and international trade directly to the president not once, but on four different occasions. In fact, to ensure the administration has the tools to promote American agriculture exports, our committee created an Under\u00a0 Secretary of Agriculture for trade and foreign affairs position within the USDA. I am working with the U.S. trade representative and his staff to ensure agriculture is a top consideration in negotiations.\r\nFrom the beginning, I have called on American agriculture to have a unified message for NAFTA renegotiations of \u201cdo no harm.\u201d While this unified message has been characterized by some in the administration as \u201cscreaming and yelling,\u201d to me it is evidence of the serious and real consequences for farmers, ranchers and American consumers should NAFTA talks collapse or negotiators forget the benefits of this decades-old trading relationship. Farmers, ranchers and businesses must keep up the pressure.\r\nI support and applaud President Trump for wanting to find ways to make sure other sectors of the American economy will fare better going forward.\r\nAerospace and defense manufacturers rely on NAFTA and, most importantly, the certainty it provides in the global marketplace. For the last 23 years, businesses have developed their supply chains around trade agreements. Changes to NAFTA would disrupt aerospace and defense manufacturing operations and have a devastating impact on the economy in Kansas.\r\nAviation manufacturing operations, especially in Kansas, have grown in recent years. It is imperative the U.S. maintains the trade agreements with our allies to ensure success in the future.\r\nThat leaves us at a crossroads. We can choose to strengthen the relationship with one of our top trading partners in Canada, and at the same time boost the American economy, or we can choose to allow real damage on both fronts.\r\nRoberts is a member of the Senate Finance Committee and is chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynnjenkins.house.gov/press-releases/congresswoman-jenkins-introduces-new-direct-supervision-bill/", "Congresswoman Jenkins Introduces New Direct Supervision Bill", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Lynn Jenkins", "J000290", "lynnjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Recently, with Congresswoman Jenkins\u2019 urging, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) placed a two year suspension on a burdensome rule that requires hospitals to perform most outpatient therapeutic services under the \u201cdirect supervision\u201d of a physician or qualified non-physician practitioner. However, while it covered 2018 and 2019, the moratorium failed to include calendar year 2017, leaving hospitals exposed for potential regulatory action.  To help our rural communities, Congresswoman Jenkins introduced H.R. 4520 to provide regulatory relief to rural hospitals for 2017 by placing a one-year moratorium on this burdensome CMS rule. The moratorium has been extended numerous times in recent years covering all prior years since the regulation was put into place.  \u201cEarlier this year, Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and I introduced legislation that would permanently end CMS\u2019s direct supervision rule. While I feel strongly that a permanent solution here would be a far better choice for the lifeblood of Kansas communities by alleviating barriers to healthcare access, H.R.4520 will provide crucial stopgap regulatory certainty to small town hospitals for 2017. I will continue working to repeal burdensome regulations on our rural and critical access hospitals to ensure their continued presence and vitality throughout Kansas.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/sen-moran-to-meet-with-secretary-ross-regarding-nafta", "Sen. Moran To Meet With Secretary Ross Regarding NAFTA", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Tomorrow, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) will meet with Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross \u2013 along with several members of the Senate Commerce Committee \u2013 regarding the importance of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to farmers, ranchers and manufactures in Kansas and across the country. Last month, Sen. Moran sent a letter to Commerce Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) to request the committee continue to engage with Secretary Ross on trade and the direction of NAFTA negotiations. \u201cWith the threat of issuing a notice of withdrawal from NAFTA being openly discussed as a negotiating tactic, it would benefit members of the committee to hear directly from Secretary Ross about his views on the ongoing negotiations and the role of U.S. agriculture in those discussions,\u201d Sen. Moran stated in the letter.\u00a0 In addition, Sen. Moran recently signed a bipartisan letter to Secretary Ross asking the administration to conduct a robust economic analysis to evaluate how any changes to NAFTA would affect changes to the nation\u2019s crop and livestock sectors. \u201cIt is imperative that before any changes are made to NAFTA, or any other free trade agreement, that economic analysis that illustrates the impact on the full supply chain of the industries involved be shared. As such, we request an economic analysis that examines and evaluates the impacts to crop and livestock sectors as a result of any change to NAFTA,\u201d\u00a0the senators wrote. To read the full letter, click here. Last month, Sen. Moran sent an open letter to farmers and ranchers regarding the threat of NAFTA withdrawal and urged them to advocate for sound trade policy. The letter was first published in Agri-Pulse and encourages the agriculture community to share their concerns with the administration about the importance of trade and their ability to sell what they produce around the world. \u201cWhile tax reform dominates the discussion in Washington, D.C., U.S. agriculture must not allow its focus to be diverted from the equally important issue of agricultural trade. Reforming our nation\u2019s tax code is critical to growing the economy and can benefit all Americans,\u201d Sen. Moran wrote. \u201cHowever, there will be little to no benefit of tax reform to farmers and ranchers if their ability to sell what they produce around the world is diminished.\u201d To read the full letter, click here.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/sens-moran-heitkamp-lead-bipartisan-call-for-delayed-implementation-of-electronic-logging-devices-for-livestock-and-insect-transporters", "Sens. Moran, Heitkamp Lead Bipartisan Call for Delayed Implementation of Electronic Logging Devices for Livestock and Insect Transporters", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) today led a bipartisan group of colleagues in calling for delayed implementation of electronic logging devices (ELDs) for commercial motor vehicles transporting livestock or insects. The senators\u2019 letter to Senate leadership supports a provision in the U.S. House-passed Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill delaying implementation of ELDs and providing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) time to make the necessary adjustments to hours of service rules to address animal welfare concerns.\r\n\u201cLivestock production is a key contributor to the economies of our states, and jobs in rural communities depend on the ability to transport livestock across large expanses of the country,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cFor example, it is common for cattle in Western and Southeastern states to be purchased by producers and feedlots in the Midwest and Great Plains. These animals must be transported hundreds and even thousands of miles to their final destinations in a safe and humane manner. Long distance transportation is often the most stressful event in a livestock animal\u2019s life and it is impractical and inhumane to stop, offload multiples times, or significantly delay delivery of these animals\u2026. Livestock haulers are charged with the challenging task of ensuring motorist safety while protecting the welfare of the animals being transported. While some commercial operators without live cargo may have the ability to more easily transition from paper logbooks to ELDs, the pending mandate will have negative consequences on livestock haulers and hinder the ability of this unique subset of the industry to humanely deliver healthy livestock.\u201d\r\nThe letter was also signed by U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.).\r\nFull text of the letter is below and available here.\r\n\r\nDecember 5, 2017 The Honorable Mitch McConnell  Majority Leader  United States Senate  Washington, DC 20510\r\nThe Honorable Charles E. Schumer  Democratic Leader  United States Senate  Washington, DC 20510\r\nDear Majority Leader McConnell and Democratic Leader Schumer:\r\nWe write to express our support for the provision in the House-passed Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill to delay implementation of electronic logging devices (ELD) for commercial motor vehicles transporting livestock or insects. The delay will give the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) time to make necessary adjustments to hours of service rules to address animal welfare concerns.\r\nLivestock production is a key contributor to the economies of our states, and jobs in rural communities depend on the ability to transport livestock across large expanses of the country. For example, it is common for cattle in Western and Southeastern states to be purchased by producers and feedlots in the Midwest and Great Plains. These animals must be transported hundreds and even thousands of miles to their final destinations in a safe and humane manner. Long distance transportation is often the most stressful event in a livestock animal\u2019s life and it is impractical and inhumane to stop, offload multiples times, or significantly delay delivery of these animals. This issue is even more prevalent in areas where extreme weather can cause severe traffic delays that limit the time it can take to transport these animals to their destination.\r\nOn November 20th, the FMCSA announced a 90-day waiver from compliance for vehicles transporting agricultural commodities to consider a petition submitted by the industry and to provide additional guidance on the 150-air mile radius agricultural exemption. The announcement indicates a recognition by FMCSA of the challenges faced by livestock haulers in meeting the mandate, but it does not provide any assurances of relief beyond the 90-day period. Thus, we believe it is necessary to include Sec. 132 of the House THUD bill in the final FY2018 appropriations bill to further delay compliance and allow sufficient time to address the concerns.\r\nLivestock haulers are charged with the challenging task of ensuring motorist safety while protecting the welfare of the animals being transported. While some commercial operators without live cargo may have the ability to more easily transition from paper logbooks to ELDs, the pending mandate will have negative consequences on livestock haulers and hinder the ability of this unique subset of the industry to humanely deliver healthy livestock.\r\nThank you for your consideration of this request.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=D0DFA700-DE78-4F0D-8AF5-8286168EC24C", "Senator Roberts Votes for  Kirstjen Nielsen to be DHS Secretary", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today voted to approve the nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Roberts plans to host Nielsen for a visit to the construction site of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) and the Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) at Kansas State University.\r\n\u201cI am looking forward to working with Secretary Nielsen to ensure DHS is doing all it can to secure our nation\u2019s food, agriculture and veterinary systems against both naturally occurring or intentional threats,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cI am eager to show Secretary Nielson the NBAF construction site and the BRI. We have talked and she has a standing invitation from me to see these critical research facilities firsthand.\u201d\r\nIn June, President Trump signed a bipartisan bill introduced by Senator Roberts to ensure the Department of Homeland Security made the safety of the U.S. food supply a top priority, that it takes key precautions and increases preparedness to mitigate potential risks.\r\nSenator Roberts is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynnjenkins.house.gov/press-releases/congresswoman-jenkins-supports-motion-to-go-to-conference-on-tax-reform-bill/", "Congresswoman Jenkins Supports Motion To Go To Conference on Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Lynn Jenkins", "J000290", "lynnjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House of Representatives voted to go to Conference on H.R. 1 \u2013 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02), a member of the Ways and Means Committee that drafted the House\u2019s tax reform legislation, released the following statement after supporting the motion:  \u201cFollowing the passage of the Senate tax bill, I am pleased that the House has successfully voted to go to Conference where we will continue our work to re-write our broken tax code. Reconciling the best from the House and Senate bills into a single bill is the next step in the legislative process toward our final goal. There are many differences between the House and Senate bills\u2014such as the pass-through business tax rate, the effective date of the corporate tax rate, and a variety of important tax credits\u2014that will need to be addressed. I look forward to strengthening the tax legislation to incentivize more jobs, larger paychecks, and a tax relief for hard-working Americans.  \u201cAs this legislative process continues, I encourage eastern Kansans to contact my office with your ideas and concerns. I will be sure to share your thoughts with my colleagues as we work to let Americans keep more of their money and make our tax code fairer and simpler for all.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/kansas-common-sense-tax-reform-passed", "Kansas Common Sense - Senate Tax Reform = Passed", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hello, Welcome to \u201cKansas Common Sense.\u201d 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. Senate Addresses Tax ReformIt\u2019s been more than three decades since we have reformed our tax code and Americans can no longer afford the status quo of an outdated, complicated tax system. On Friday, I supported a fiscally-responsible, pro-growth tax reform bill that benefits middle-class families and enables businesses to compete in a 21st century economy. Our economy is poised for growth and tax reform will put us on the path to even greater economic success. This plan will incentivize companies to stay in America and encourage local businesses to grow and create good-paying jobs, better jobs and more secure jobs. Further, our tax code should work for Kansas families, not against them. The expansion of the Child Tax Credit, the nearly-doubled standard deduction and the creation of the employer credit for paid family and medical leave will increase personal income, reduce the cost of living and provide flexibility to save for the future. Further, this bill doubles the teachers\u2019 supplies deduction and preserves the graduate student tuition waiver to encourage more people to obtain their educations in Kansas and to encourage more teachers to educate Kansans. I\u2019m pleased this tax bill creates a simpler and fairer tax code that protects taxpayers and works for Kansas families. Introducing Legislation to Modernize the Veterans Health AdministrationOn Friday, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and I introduced the Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017, legislation that would transform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) into an integrated healthcare system to serve veterans well into the future. In response to the nationwide VA wait list scandal in 2014, Congress passed the Veterans\u2019 Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 and created the Veterans Choice Program to offer greater access to veteran care in the community. Since the creation of the Veterans Choice Program, Congress has repeatedly pushed the VA to make much-needed changes to its healthcare system. Far too many Kansas veterans have experienced unnecessary difficulties accessing the care they\u2019ve earned from the VA, and I appreciate that they have shared their stories and empowered us to work on their behalf. Demand for Choice has demonstrated that veterans want and need healthcare options in their communities, but there must be reform at the VA to create a system that works for the veteran. The solution to delivering timely, quality and accessible healthcare in the community is to reform the VA into a 21st century healthcare system. Our legislation would ensure that healthcare offered through the VA is put into veterans\u2019 hands by streamlining access to community care while also working to improve the VA\u2019s internal capacity to care for veterans. It would require the VA to utilize objective, demand-driven data to develop advanced and effective access and quality care standards. This legislation would also require the VA to assess demand and capacity to identify and bridge gaps in available care to veterans \u2013 whether it be in the VA or in their local communities. It would also ensure the VA promptly pays community providers, offers access to walk-in clinics, expands the VA\u2019s use of telemedicine, increases the VA\u2019s graduate medical education and residency positions, and improves the VA\u2019s collaboration with community providers and other federal agencies. This joint effort to reform the VA will offer veterans an integrated healthcare system within their community that reduces red tape, enhances their quality of life and provides care that is worthy of their service and sacrifice. This legislation is supported by the American Legion, AMVETS and Concerned Veterans for America. For more on this bill, click here. Requesting Answers from Uber on Recent Data Breach I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to Uber CEO Dara Khrosrowshani requesting information related to recent reports of a data breach, which Uber failed to disclose promptly, involving the personal information of 57 million customers \u2013 including names, email addresses and mobile phone numbers. Businesses entrusted with consumers\u2019 sensitive personal and financial information have an obligation to do all that they can to protect it, no matter the cost. As the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security, I\u2019m requesting clarity on how the breach occurred, what the company did to notify impacted consumers and what actions the business vows to take to prevent a breach of this scope from happening again. As cyber criminals become more advanced, companies, too, must adapt to protect consumers. You can read the full letter here. Meeting with World Food Program USA I met with officials from World Food Program USA on Thursday to discuss findings from its upcoming report on hunger and political instability. More than 800 million people around the world go to bed hungry each night, and when governments cannot provide for their people, it often leads to violence. Alleviating hunger and preventing conflict before it begins is a matter of national security for our country, and our conversation explored ways to meet this challenge. I shared the below photo that I recently took in Kensington \u2013 where grain is on the ground waiting to find mouths to feed \u2013 with the group. Our farmers\u2019 products can meet the needs of the world, and as the co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I am committed to finding ways to getting Kansas food to people around the world. Kansas Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Last night, I attended the annual Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) annual meeting, where KFB leaders from across the state come together to set the organization\u2019s policies and goals for the coming year. At the banquet, I spoke about the importance of NAFTA and how I continue urging the Administration to remain in the NAFTA agreement. We also discussed the relationship between lenders and producers and the importance of making certain they can lend in hard times \u2013 such as during the Clark County fires \u2013 crop insurance, the upcoming farm bill and the importance of access to healthcare in rural communities. I will continue working to improve crop insurance, promote additional demand for our commodities through trade, support livestock producers and look for more ways to conserve water and soil for future generations. When agriculture is successful, Kansas is successful. Thanks to KFB President Rich Felts and Ryan Flickner for inviting me to this year\u2019s annual meeting.\u00a0 Back to Fort RileyLast week, it was Thanksgiving with soldiers and their families; this weekend, I had the pleasure of joining Major General Joseph Martin and his wife, Leann, for the annual 1st Infantry Division Holiday Reception.\u00a0MG and Mrs. Martin graciously host the event at their home, which has been the home of Ft. Riley\u2019s commanding officer since it was built in 1887.\u00a0I have enjoyed getting to know the Martins during their time in Kansas and appreciate their commitment to the Big Red One family.\u00a0 Kansans in the OfficeJim Denning of Overland Park  Marearl Denning of Overland Park  Kathy Vance of Overland Park  Joe Vance of Overland Park  Meg Godderz of Overland Park  Stuart Isaac of Hillsboro  Lea Isaac of Hillsboro Kansas Department of TransportationBob Brock of Topeka  Richard Carlson of Topeka  Merrill Atwater of Topeka Kansas Soybean CommissionDennis Gruenbacher of Andale  Suzanne Gruenbacher of Andale  Lance Rezac of Onaga  Dennis Hupe of Topeka KU and K-State Endowment Presidents and Athletic DirectorsSheahon Zenger of Lawrence  Dale Seuferling of Lawrence  Gene Taylor of Manhattan  Greg Willems of Manhattan  Susan Peterson of Manhattan  Jack Cline of Lawrence  Amy Button Renz of Manhattan  Heath Peterson of Lawrence Department of Veterans AffairsJeff Dunlap of Leawood World Food ProgramChristian Sinclair of Shawnee  Galen Fountain of Arlington Capitol TourJim Ward of Wichita  Brian McAndrew of Topeka  Linda McAndrew of Topeka  Barbara Platts of Manhattan  Matt Ferro of Manhattan Honored to Serve You in WashingtonIt 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\u00a0clicking here. You can also\u00a0click here\u00a0to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office. Very truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/opinion-bipartisanship-still-exists-and-financial-reform-is-proof", "Roll Call: Opinion: Bipartisanship Still Exists and Financial Reform Is Proof", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Roll Call As U.S. politics descends ever further into partisanship, there are still signs that old-fashioned legislating is not dead. This week, the Senate Banking Committee will mark up one of the first significant pieces of financial regulatory legislation in years with real bipartisan support. That means an opportunity for lasting, incremental progress that we should welcome. The proposed bill, which has 10 Republican and 10 Democratic co-sponsors, would not revolutionize the U.S. financial regulatory system, and that\u2019s a good thing. The Dodd-Frank Act and other post-financial crisis reforms have made the financial system and Americans safer overall, but like most major reforms, they have also created unintended consequences. The Senate bill would address some of these, while retaining the overall post-crisis framework that is generally working. For one thing, the proposed legislation would ease the compliance burden on smaller community banks, as experts of both parties have urged. The number of commercial banks in the United States has dropped by about two-thirds since the 1980s, for a variety of reasons. Since community banks have historically lent more to the small businesses that create so many jobs in the U.S. economy, the health of community banks is a reasonable focus of policymakers. The proposed legislation recognizes that some of the compliance requirements on small banks either are unnecessary or do not reflect the difficulty that many community banks, especially in rural areas, face in complying with them. The Bipartisan Policy Center was among the first to call for raising the threshold above which banks face Dodd-Frank\u2019s extra prudential requirements, such as stress testing and resolution planning. BPC proposed raising the threshold to $250 billion in assets from $50 billion \u2014 a size at which it would be difficult for a bank to be systemically important \u2014 and giving regulators some discretion in applying the threshold to banks above and below it. This would allow financial regulators to devote their limited resources to banks that are most likely to pose systemic risk and shift their focus from an arbitrary size threshold to the risk of banks\u2019 activities. The proposed legislation closely mirrors much of BPC\u2019s proposal. It would raise the threshold to $250 billion and give regulators discretion on banks with between $100 billion and $250 billion in assets. The authors of the Senate bill also addressed a problem with the supplementary leverage ratio, which was created to act as a backstop to risk-based capital requirements with the aim of ensuring the safety and soundness of banks. The leverage ratio applies capital charges to all of a bank\u2019s assets, even those that are essentially risk-free, such as cash held by a bank at the Federal Reserve. Over time, this may negatively impact the extension of credit, which is why BPC questioned whether risk-free assets should be exempted. The Senate bill would exempt cash held at the Fed from the calculation for so-called custodial banks, which hold a high percentage of their assets in cash and low-risk securities. Bipartisan in substance, the bill includes additional protections for veterans, tenants subject to foreclosure and senior citizens, and authorizes loan guarantees and credit enhancements to help with lead and asbestos removal. It further orders studies on cyber risk and threats to financial firms, along with the risks and benefits of algorithmic trading. These are not major changes. Yet taken together, they are constructive and should provide greater incentives to extend credit, particularly to Main Street small businesses, without undermining the progress made since the crisis in making the financial system safer. Of course, the proposed legislation could be improved in many ways. Post-crisis reforms have still not addressed the fragmented and duplicative U.S. financial regulatory structure. Congress should reform the process for addressing systemic risk generated by nonbank financial firms, enhance the emergency authority of financial regulatory agencies and create a regular process for independently assessing the effectiveness of the U.S. financial regulatory system and making recommendations to improve it. The key to evaluating legislation is to ask not whether it is perfect, but whether it is significantly better than the status quo. While we do not endorse all the provisions in the bill, there is much to like. Just as important, the bipartisan process that led to this agreement is the kind that lets Congress reach policy solutions that have a chance to last. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/senators-mccain-moran-introduce-legislation-to-reform-va-into-21st-century-health-care-system", "Senators McCain, Moran Introduce Legislation to Reform VA Into 21st Century Health Care System", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, have introduced the Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017, legislation that would transform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) into a modern, efficient and easy-to-use system that will increase veterans\u2019 access to quality care. This legislation, S. 2184, would better integrate VA services and existing VA community care programs, such as the Veterans Choice Program, into an efficient and high-performing healthcare system.\r\n\u201cIn the wake of the scandal in care at VA hospitals in Phoenix and around the country, we vowed to guarantee our veterans timely access to quality treatment,\u201d said Sen. McCain. \u201cThe Veterans Choice Program was the first step in delivering on that promise, but much more needs to be done to provide all veterans a choice in when and where they receive care. Our bill would strengthen and improve the core elements of Choice by consolidating and streamlining the VA\u2019s community care program. Moreover, the bill would deliver long overdue, critical reforms to the VA, including commonsense reporting standards that ensure cost-efficient care to our nation\u2019s veterans. It\u2019s time we transform the VA into a 21st century health care system, one that respects the dignity of our men and women in uniform and provides all veterans the quality health care they deserve.\u201d\r\n\u201cSince the creation of the Veterans Choice Program, Congress has repeatedly pushed the VA to make much-needed changes to its healthcare system,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cFar too many Kansas veterans have experienced unnecessary difficulties accessing the care they\u2019ve earned from the VA, and I appreciate that they have shared their stories and empowered us to work on their behalf. Demand has demonstrated that veterans want and need healthcare options in their communities, but there must be reform at the VA to create a system that works for them. I\u2019m proud to be introducing this transformative legislation with Senator McCain, whose advocacy for our veterans is unparalleled. This joint effort to reform the VA will offer veterans an integrated healthcare system within their community that reduces red tape, enhances their quality of life and provides care that is worthy of their service and sacrifice.\u201d\r\nThis legislation would ensure that veterans are the primary decision-makers concerning when and where they receive care. In addition, the bill would require the VA to use objective data on healthcare demand to set standards for access and quality, and to identify and bridge gaps in veterans\u2019 care \u2013 whether in VA or community facilities. Importantly, the bill would ensure the VA promptly pays community providers, offers access to walk-in clinics, offers telemedicine, increases graduate medical education and residency positions for employees, and improves its collaboration with community providers and other federal agencies.\r\nThis legislation is supported by the American Legion, AMVETS and Concerned Veterans for America.\r\n\u201cOn behalf of the 2 million members of The American Legion, I write to support your bill titled, Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017,\u201d said American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan. \u201cThe bill, as currently written, would modify the already existing Choice program, providing veterans with the 21st Century medical system they rightfully deserve.\u201d The American Legion\u2019s full letter in support of the legislation is available here.\r\n\u201cAMVETS is pleased to support the Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017. Veterans need health care, both inside and outside of the VA system of care,\u201d said AMVETS National Executive Director Joe Chenelly. \u201cThis measure addresses funding, implements ongoing patient surveying in conjunction with community care teams, and devises re-evaluation of both VA and private sector care. Both need oversight.\u00a0All veterans have a right to receive the quality health care they have earned, and we applaud the hard work and insight that has taken place for this type of measure to be created. We urge its swift passage and will assist however we can.\u201d\r\n\u201cDespite tens of billions of dollars in budget increases for the VA over the past three years, there are still far too many veterans waiting long periods of time for critical appointments and still too frequent reports of veterans suffering as the result of substandard care at the VA,\u201d said Concerned Veterans for America Executive Director Dan Caldwell. \u201cThe Veterans Community Care and Access Act of 2017 would change that by reforming how the VA delivers health care to our veterans. The legislation would give veterans more options in their healthcare and change how it is delivered. Additionally, the legislation creates a plan to combine multiple outside care programs at the VA that will reduce bureaucracy and streamline reimbursements to community providers\u2026 Concerned Veterans for America strongly supports this legislation and we thank you for leading on this important issue.\u201d Concerned Veterans for America\u2019s full letter in support of the legislation is available here.\r\nA description of key highlights of the bill is attached and available here. Read a full section by section description of the legislation here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/sen-moran-applauds-passage-of-senate-tax-reform-bill", "Sen. Moran Applauds Passage of Senate Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Senate\u2019s tax reform bill: \u201cIt\u2019s been more than three decades since Congress has reformed our tax code and Americans can no longer afford the status quo of an outdated, complicated tax system. Today I supported a fiscally-responsible, pro-growth tax reform bill that benefits middle-class families and enables businesses to compete in a 21st century economy. \u201cOur economy is poised for growth and tax reform will put us on the path to even greater economic success. This plan will incentivize companies to stay in America and will encourage local businesses to grow and create good-paying jobs, better jobs and more secure jobs. Further, our tax code should work for Kansas families, not against them. The expansion of the Child Tax Credit, the nearly-doubled standard deduction and the creation of the employer credit for paid family and medical leave will increase personal income, reduce the cost of living and provide flexibility to save for the future. I\u2019m pleased this tax bill creates a simpler and fairer tax code that protects taxpayers and works for Kansas families.\u201d The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n \r\nLowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans by effectively expanding the zero tax bracket and maintaining a 10 percent bracket allowing hardworking taxpayers to keep more of their money and save for retirement.\r\nNearly doubles the standard deduction to reduce or eliminate the federal income tax burden for tens of millions of American families. \r\n\r\nStandard deduction will go from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals, from $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples, and from $9,350 to $18,000 for single parents.\r\n\r\n\r\nExpands the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 and allows more parents to claim the credit by substantially lifting existing caps. In addition, it preserves the adoption tax credit to help families with the high costs of adopting children.\r\nPreserves the earned income tax credit to provide relief to low-income American workers.\r\nPreserves the additional important elements of the existing individual tax system, including:\r\n\r\nDeduction for medical expenses;\r\nEnhanced standard deduction for the blind and elderly; and \r\nEducation relief for graduate students.\r\n\r\n\r\nRestores the state and local property tax deduction up to $10,000.\u00a0\r\n \r\n*Provided by the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/12/senators-moran-and-roberts-release-statements-after-tax-bill-passes", "KSN-TV: Senators Moran and Roberts release statements after tax bill passes", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KSN-TVWASHINGTON (KSNW) \u2013 United States Senators Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts released statements following the vote to pass a nearly $1.5 trillion tax bill early Saturday morning.\u201cIt\u2019s been more than three decades since Congress has reformed our tax code and Americans can no longer afford the status quo of an outdated, complicated tax system,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cToday I supported a fiscally-responsible, pro-growth tax reform bill that benefits middle-class families and enables businesses to compete in a 21st century economy.\u201d Moran said the economy is poised for growth and the tax reform will guide the country to greater economic success. \u201cThis plan will incentivize companies to stay in America and will encourage local businesses to grow and create good-paying jobs, better jobs and more secure jobs,\u201d added Sen. Moran. Moran noted the tax code should work for Kansas families, not against them. \u201cI\u2019m pleased this tax bill creates a simpler and fairer tax code that protects taxpayers and works for Kansas families,\u201d said Sen. Moran. The Senate approved bill will now go to a conference committee to reconcile differences in in the House and Senate versions of the bill. \u201cToday the Senate made history and approved historic tax reform to once again make government a partner in our success not an adversary,\u201d said Sen. Pat Roberts. Senator Roberts serves on the tax-writing Finance Committee. He praised the legislation\u2019s provisions that will provide certainty to farmers and ranchers. \u201cI am very pleased the Senate bill keeps the Ag tax provisions, but will also help our farmers by creating a much more pro-growth tax system,\u201d added Sen. Roberts. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=C3E44D00-4272-41BE-BC69-F7072CDFA552", "Senator Roberts Votes for Historic Tax Reform", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today cast his vote in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a bill to provide middle-income Americans with tax relief and to modernize the tax code. The Senate-approved bill now goes to a conference committee to reconcile differences in the House and Senate versions of the bill.\r\n\u201cToday the Senate made history and approved historic tax reform to once again make government a partner in our success not an adversary,\u201d Roberts said.\r\n\u201cEveryone understands tax reform is critical. All of us in the Senate \u2013 on both sides of the aisle \u2013 are familiar with the burdens, the complexity, and lack of competitiveness associated with our current tax system. It is abundantly clear that this complexity and our antiquated corporate tax system act as a brake on our economy.\r\n\u201cWe have proven that we can act decisively to grow our economy, help those living paycheck to paycheck, create better opportunities with job creation and bring jobs back from overseas.\u201d\r\nOnce the conference committee approves the conference report, both the Senate and the House must approve the report before the president may sign it into law.\r\nSenator Roberts serves on the tax-writing Finance Committee. He was tapped to be the leading voice on agriculture issues when writing the tax reform bill. He praised the legislation\u2019s provisions that will provide certainty to farmers and ranchers. He said, \u201cI am very pleased the Senate bill keeps the Ag tax provisions, but will also help our farmers by creating a much more pro-growth tax system, lowering their tax burden and simplifying the tax provisions relating to the agricultural sector.\u201d\r\nThursday afternoon, Roberts spoke in support of the bill on the Senate floor. To view or download video, go here.\r\nSenator Roberts also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry.\r\n\u00a0\r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=CF1E8D52-136E-4B9A-B0A8-05C573D7B498", "Roberts: Tax Reform is Critical to Economic Growth, Creating Jobs and Higher Wages", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), a senior member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Senate\u2019s tax reform legislation, saying it is critical to maximizing economic growth, creating jobs and higher wages, and finally getting our economy back on track.\r\n\u201cWe all understand how critical tax reform is,\u201d said Roberts. \u201cWe have before us now a comprehensive plan to address the many issues with our current tax code, cleaning up and modernizing the tax code, to help generate more growth in our economy. The bill before the Senate does exactly that, providing meaningful tax relief for families, small businesses, and farmers and ranchers.\u201d\r\nTo view or download video of Roberts speaking on the Senate floor, go here, or click the image below.\r\nRoberts, who was tapped to be the leading voice on agriculture issues on the Finance Committee, praised the legislation\u2019s provisions that will provide certainty to farmers and ranchers. He said, \u201cI am very pleased the Senate bill keeps the Ag tax provisions, but will also help our farmers by creating a much more pro-growth tax system, lowering their tax burden and simplifying the tax provisions relating to the agricultural sector.\u201d\r\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed out of the Senate Finance Committee, with Roberts\u2019 support, on November 16, after a week of marking up the legislation. For video of his opening statement at the markup of the legislation, go here.\r\nThe U.S. House of Representatives passed their version of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act earlier this month. The legislation is expected to be voted on in the Senate this week.\r\nRoberts\u2019 full remarks, as prepared for delivery are below:\u00a0\r\nMr. President, soon, this Senate will take an historic vote that will impact every American. These votes do not come very often.\r\nWe all understand how critical tax reform is. All of us in the Senate \u2013 on both sides of the aisle \u2013 are familiar with the burdens, the complexity, and lack of competitiveness associated with our current tax system.\r\nIt is abundantly clear that this complexity and our antiquated corporate tax system act as a brake on our economy.\r\nIt is equally clear that in recent years our economic growth rate \u2013 our gross domestic product \u2013has been stuck at an historic low level \u2013 1.9 percent or less.\r\nThere are many opinions as to why our economy has been so stagnant, causing American job loss \u2013 unemployment and more reliance on government programs.\r\nFor one, I believe what the great majority of small business owners, manufacturers, community banks, other lending institutions, individual workers \u2013 laid off or hanging on paycheck-by-paycheck, virtually everyone in rural America \u2013 farmers, ranchers, growers \u2013 every town hall meeting \u2013 have told me:\r\nThe number one issue of concern is the crushing weight of federal regulation.\r\nThis was summed up by one Western Kansas rancher who said \u201cPat. I feel ruled, not governed.\u201d\r\nBut we are unwinding this regulatory overkill.\r\nToday, we are again making government a partner \u2013 not a regulatory adversary.\r\nHow on Earth did we reach this sad state of affairs?\r\nThere are many factors \u2013 Administrative policy that seems to mimic or compare to European Union monetary policy, government agendas, and central control.\r\nBut with this tax bill, that can change, and will change \u2013 if only we recognize and take this important opportunity \u2013 an opportunity that many members in this body have never had to truly make a difference.\r\nCan America get back to a place \u2013 to make history \u2013 and to once again experience the power of the American dream?\r\nI am confident we can.\r\nWe have before us now a comprehensive plan to address these issues, cleaning up and modernizing the tax code, to help generate more growth in our economy.\r\nThe bill before the Senate does exactly that, providing meaningful tax relief for families, small businesses, and farmers and ranchers.\r\nI am especially pleased with the rates and bracket structure the legislation would put into place on the individual side.\r\nWe have done a good job pushing these rate reductions down to lower and middle-income families. This would provide a net tax cut for families in Kansas of about $2,500, and nearly 10,000 new jobs.\r\nAs many have pointed out today, we accomplish this by reducing individual tax rates, raising the standard deduction, and increasing the child credits in the tax code.\r\nLet\u2019s be clear, these are consensus, bipartisan ideas, and are proposals that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have, in the past, regularly proposed and supported.\r\nLet me also comment on concerns raised by some of my colleagues that we simply cannot afford this bill, and that it will worsen the country\u2019s financial condition.\r\nI do not believe this is the case, but let me briefly explain why.\r\nIn putting this bill together, we have used very modest economic growth estimates \u2013 below the historic post-World War II norm of 3 percent.\r\nIn fact, the Congressional Budget Office is currently projecting 1.9 percent growth over the next 10 years.\r\nWe learn today that the Joint Committee on Taxation says the Senate bill will create only modest economic growth.\r\nNotwithstanding the fact that I have never seen a CBO or Joint Tax projection that has come true, I think these estimates are far too low, hard to believe, and is simply unacceptable.\r\nI refuse to accept that we cannot return to more robust economic growth.\r\nAnd I think we will achieve better growth rates, and observe that we are well on our way \u2013 recent economic activity bears this out.\r\nThe economy is now growing at a solid pace with low unemployment and low inflation. Real GDP growth during the first two quarters of the year averaged 2.1 percent at an annual rate.\r\nSince January, the unemployment rate fell 0.6 percentage points to 4.2 percent in September, the lowest rate since 2001.\r\nAnd overall growth is poised to average about 3 percent over the second half of this year.\r\nThese are positive trends, but we can do more. We need even stronger growth.\r\nStronger growth leads to higher living standards, less dependence on governmental support, and lower need for spending on entitlement and other programs.\r\nSo how do we get there? Tax reform \u2013 to maximize growth to create jobs and increase wages.\r\nThis is not \u201ctrickle down\u201d economics or any other name you want to call this. This is commonsense economics \u2013 which I have yet to see be refuted by any mainstream economist.\r\nIncrease the supply of capital in the economy and you expand the productivity of the economy.\r\nThis result is more business investment, leading to worker productivity gains, workers who then earn more, increasing their after-tax-income, and, in the end, raising their living standards.\r\nI want to turn to an essential sector of our national economy \u2013 agriculture \u2013 those who are responsible for feeding America and a troubled and hungry world.\r\nI am pleased that the bill reflects the importance of production agriculture to our economy.\r\nIt is important to keep in mind that few other sectors of the economy face the multiple uncertainties of production agriculture \u2013 weather, storms, fires, volatility in global commodity prices, trade disputes, and transportation issues and more.\r\nWhen we pass this bill, the agriculture industry will have a number of provisions in the tax code that recognize the uncertain and volatile nature of the income and expense associated with agricultural operations.\r\nThese provisions \u2013 about 34 or 35 of them at last count \u2013 include accounting rules that allow farmers to manage their income and expenses. For example, in a year when commodity prices are low, they can account for costs in a way that keeps them in operation.\r\nThere are also specific inventory rules to help manage costs associated with livestock and dairy operations, and to handle items needed for other basic operations \u2013 such as fertilizer and crop treatments.\r\nThere are unique rules for timber operations.\r\nEven baby chickens have their own inventory rule \u2013 which differs from the rules for ostriches and emus.\r\nThere are rules set for how to handle damaged crops and livestock disasters. These are certainly important today.\r\nI can tell you that these disaster rules provided a critical boost to ranchers in my state, enabling them to begin to recover from the devastating prairie fires in western Kansas earlier this year.\r\nTurning to the new provisions in the bill, we have developed it with agriculture in mind. And here I would be remiss not to mention the strong input and advice I have received on these matters from Senator Grassley, Senator Thune and Senator Scott, my colleagues who also share a strong interest in our agricultural economy.\r\nThe bill, for example, liberalizes the depreciation rules for agricultural operations, giving farmers and ranchers 5-year property depreciation and permitting full expensing of plant and equipment purchases.\r\nThe bill would greatly improve the ability of the agricultural community to use the cash method of accounting, which provides flexibility in managing cash flow \u2013 which is essential to providing certainty in operations.\r\nThere are significant provisions in the legislation, that establish a new income tax rate for passthrough organizations.\r\nThis is a very important issue for the agricultural community. The majority of farms and ranches are set up as passthroughs, and most of the income earned by farmers flows through these structures.\r\nThe bill also includes new rules for farmer cooperatives, which are an important part of production agriculture. We have worked very hard to ensure that the benefits of cooperative farming are held whole in this tax reform plan.\r\nThe bill also doubles the exemptions from the Estate and Gift, up to $22 million per couple.\r\nThis may sound like a lot, but for land owning, cash constrained farmers, they can hit this exemption amount quickly.\r\nAnd even when they do not, many farmers and ranchers spend thousands of dollars a year on lawyers\u2019 and accountants\u2019 fees to plan for the best way to pass their life\u2019s work on to their children.\r\nWhile I will continue to press for permanent repeal of the death tax, for now, let\u2019s modify it so that we reduce its damaging reach.\r\nFinally, and above all, the legislation will provide farmers and ranchers with certainty.\r\nCertainty that they will not be taxed out of business in a down year.\r\nCertainty that they will have cash available to fund their operations.\r\nCertainty that their hard-earned farm or ranch will not have to be sold off just because someone has died.\r\nCertainty that the federal government recognizes their irreplaceable role in meeting the challenges of a fractured and hungry world.\r\nSo I am very pleased the Senate bill keeps the Ag tax provisions, but will also help our farmers by creating a much more pro-growth tax system, lowering their tax burden and simplifying the tax provisions relating to the agricultural sector.\r\nI yield the floor.\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=VideoClips&ContentRecord_id=4846B9FD-DDC4-4CAE-8646-FA50A25B9AB6", "Roberts: Tax Reform is Critical to Economic Growth, Creating Jobs and Higher Wages", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), a senior member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Senate\u2019s tax reform legislation, saying it is critical to maximizing economic growth, creating jobs and higher wages, and finally getting our economy back on track.\r\n\u201cWe all understand how critical tax reform is,\u201d said Roberts. \u201cWe have before us now a comprehensive plan to address the many issues with our current tax code, cleaning up and modernizing the tax code, to help generate more growth in our economy. The bill before the Senate does exactly that, providing meaningful tax relief for families, small businesses, and farmers and ranchers.\u201d\r\nRoberts, who was tapped to be the leading voice on agriculture issues on the Finance Committee, praised the legislation\u2019s provisions that will provide certainty to farmers and ranchers. He said, \u201cI am very pleased the Senate bill keeps the Ag tax provisions, but will also help our farmers by creating a much more pro-growth tax system, lowering their tax burden and simplifying the tax provisions relating to the agricultural sector.\u201d\r\nThe\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\u00a0passed\u00a0out of the Senate Finance Committee, with Roberts\u2019 support, on November 16, after a week of marking up the legislation. For video of his opening statement at the markup of the legislation, go\u00a0here.\r\nThe U.S. House of Representatives passed their version of the\u00a0Tax Cut and Jobs Act\u00a0earlier this month. The legislation is expected to be voted on in the Senate this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yoder.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-myth-vs-fact", "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Myth vs. Fact", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Kevin Yoder", "Y000063", "yoder.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MYTH: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the same as the tax plan signed into law in Kansas in 2012. FACT: The Kansas tax \u201cexperiment\u201d cut rates for small businesses to 0%. Our plan reduces the federal rate to 25%, which will allow American small businesses to compete at a level similar to other nations around the world without irresponsibly eliminating the taxes altogether.\u00a0\nIn Kansas, there were no guardrails put in place to prevent tax avoidance by individuals who could classify their income as business income by filing with the state as a business. However, our bill does. It presumes that 70% of income is attributable to labor and would be taxed at the individual income-tax rate. And those providing a professional service, like lawyers, financial planners, and college athletics coaches, are not eligible to qualify for the lower 25% rate.\u00a0\nFinally, in Kansas, income tax rates were cut across the board with no removal of deductions or exemptions \u2013 the loopholes that let wealthier filers reduce their taxable income. In order to simplify the tax code, our bill eliminates those loopholes for the rich, but retains middle-class tax incentives such as deductions for home mortgage interest and charitable contributions.\u00a0\nMYTH: Eliminating loopholes like the state and local tax deduction hurts middle class families because they are the ones taking advantage of those provisions. FACT: About 105 million Americans, or about 70% of tax filers, do not itemize their deductions when doing their taxes. That means they do not take deductions for their state and local tax taxes, their mortgage interest, their donations to charity, etc. Instead, those 7 in 10 people take the standard deduction, which doubles in value in our bill.\u00a0 The 3 in 10 people who do itemize their deductions tend to be wealthier individuals. In fact, according to The Economist, 90% of the benefits of the state and local tax deduction go to those making more than $100,000 per year. According to the Census Bureau, the median household income \u2013 the widely-accepted definition of the middle class \u2013 in Wyandotte County is $40,113, in Miami County is $60,996, and in Johnson County is $76,113. In other words, the middle class is by and large not benefitting from the state and local tax deduction.\nIf a middle class family making the median income in Johnson County is currently itemizing their taxes and taking advantage of the state and local tax deduction, they are deducting about $2,647 from their taxes. A middle class family in Miami County currently itemizing is deducting $1,952 in state and local taxes. In Wyandotte County, it\u2019s $991. Each of these small deductions are more than made up for in our bill by doubling the value of the standard deduction, making the first $24,000 of their income tax-free. Or if they do want to itemize, they can still claim a deduction for up to $10,000 in state and local property taxes under the House bill. MYTH: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts takes away Americans' ability to set aside money in tax-deferred retirement accounts.\u00a0 FACT: The bill preserves the current tax structure for employer-provided 401(k) retirement plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), helping you plan for and secure your retirement.\u00a0 MYTH: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act raises taxes on the poor and the middle class to give a huge tax break to the wealthy. FACT: A typical middle class family of four making the median household income of $59,000 receives a tax cut of nearly $1,200 under the House-passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We significantly lower the tax burden for middle class and low-income Americans by doubling the size of the standard deduction \u2013 making the first $24,000 in a family\u2019s income and the first $12,000 of an individual\u2019s income tax-free. The bill also preserves the existing Earned Income Tax Credit and Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, creates a new Family Credit, and increases the value of the Child Tax Credit. Finally, it cuts the tax rate for all income earners who make fewer than $1 million while preserving the top rate of 39.6 for the wealthy. According to chart below from the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), the non-partisan organization that scores congressional tax legislation, the income group that sees the most tax relief under our plan is those making between $20,000 and $30,000 per year.\nMYTH: Repealing the estate tax is a give-away to rich families, does nothing to actually benefit our economy or help small businesses or family farms, and will explode our deficits. FACT: A study by the bipartisan Joint Economic Committee (JEC) indicates \"the estate tax has reduced the amount of capital stock in the U.S. economy by roughly $1.1 trillion since its introduction as a permanent tax in 1916\u201d and that the tax \"is an overwhelming cause of the dissolution of family businesses. The estate tax is a significant hindrance to entrepreneurial activity because many family businesses lack sufficient liquid assets to pay estate tax liabilities.\"\nConversely, the JEC chart below shows that the death tax raises less than one half of one percent of all federal tax revenues. The JEC study points out that \u201csince its inception nearly 100 years ago, the estate tax has raised just under $1.3 trillion in total revenue.\u201d\nMYTH: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was negotiated in secret & passed in the dead of night. FACT: Since January 2011, the House has held nearly 50 hearings and listening sessions, debated dozens of idea, policy proposals on reforming our tax code. This fall, the House Ways and Means Committee worked through regular order, considering many amendments from both sides of the aisle and passed the bill \u2013 you can watch the hearings on C-SPAN here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=304", "Estes on House Vote to Mandate Annual Sexual Harassment Training", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) issued the following statement after the House unanimously passed a bill mandating annual sexual harassment training: \r\n\u201cThere is no place for sexual harassment in our society and there is no excuse for such offenses. As the father of two daughters, it makes me sick to hear the stories which have recently come to light from within Hollywood, the media, Capitol Hill and statehouses around the country including Kansas. We must hold abusers accountable for their transgressions, and do everything we can to prevent future abuse,\" said Rep. Estes.\r\n\"It's clear that this isn't just a problem within any one industry but a widespread cultural problem across our country that must be addressed. I support policies that will strengthen reporting protocols and believe we must increase prevention training. Today's vote will mandate yearly sexual harassment training for members and staff, which my entire staff has already completed. No one should have to deal with sexual harassment at work.\u201d\r\nRon Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas\u2019 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sen-moran-today-s-vote-signals-a-significant-step-forward-in-achieving-tax-relief-for-kansas-families", "Sen. Moran: Todays Vote Signals a Significant Step Forward in Achieving Tax Relief for Kansas Families", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after voting in favor of the motion to proceed on the Senate\u2019s tax reform bill: \u201cOver the past few weeks, I have spoken with hundreds of Kansans at townhalls and meetings across the state regarding tax reform and ways to build a tax code that works for them. Today\u2019s vote signals a significant step forward in achieving tax relief for families in Kansas and across America. \u201cI look forward to continuing the tax debate in an open and transparent fashion, and while I am still discussing ways to improve this bill before final passage with my colleagues, I expect to support a tax package that grows the economy, protects taxpayers, creates good paying jobs and helps Americans keep more of their hard-earned money.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/senators-demand-answers-about-uber-data-breach", "Senators Demand Answers About Uber Data Breach", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PC Magazine  By Michael Kan US senators are asking Uber whether it deliberately concealed the Oct. 2016 data breach. Several US senators are troubled with Uber's belated reporting of a 2016 data breach and demanding answers. On Monday, four Republican senators sent a letter to the ride-hailing company, asking for additional details surrounding the breach, which affected 57 million users, but was only disclosed last week. In the letter, the senators\u2014John Thune, Orrin Hatch, Jerry Moran and Bill Cassidy\u2014called the breach a \"serious incident that merits further scrutiny.\" Also today, Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia sent a separate letter to Uber, which said he had \"grave concerns\" with how the company handled the breach. Both letters pointed to media reports, which claim Uber paid the hackers behind the breach $100,000 to stay quiet and delete the stolen data. The ride-hailing company then remained silent on the matter for a whole year until its new CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, learned of the incident, and decided to make it public. \"Uber's conduct raises serious questions about the company's compliance with relevant state and federal regulations,\" Warner said. Most states have laws that demand businesses disclose data breaches when they affect local residents. Why Uber decided to stay mum on the incident isn't clear, but its previous CEO, Travis Kalanick, was notorious for trying to buck the rules. In a statement, an Uber spokesperson said: \"We have been in contact with members of Congress and the relevant committees to inform them of the situation. We are working to respond to their inquiries and address their concerns.\" Both letters include a list of questions, including whether the company sought to deliberately cover up the breach, if so why, and who authorized the $100,000 payment to the hackers. The FTC and UK regulators are also investigating Uber's handling of the breach. The data stolen included names, email addresses and mobile phone numbers from Uber riders. Another 600,000 Uber drivers had their driver's license numbers exposed. Uber hasn't detected any misused tied to the affected accounts, but the company has been monitoring them with extra fraud protection. It also fired the two employees who led Uber's response to the breach. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yoder.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoder-announces-military-academy-nominations", "Yoder Announces Military Academy Nominations", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Kevin Yoder", "Y000063", "yoder.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Overland Park, KS \u2013 Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) announced today that he has nominated 30 area students to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.\nThe Third District\u2019s Academy Nomination Board, appointed by Representative Yoder, conducted interviews with the applicants following review of their applications. After receiving their nominations, the applicants must now meet the requirements of each U.S. Service Academy to be considered for appointment. Ultimately, the Academies make the final decision on who receives an appointment of admission.\u00a0\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor and a privilege to announce the nomination of 30 remarkable Kansans from the Third Congressional District to a United States Service Academy,\u201d Rep. Yoder said. \u201cEach man and woman nominated today represents distinguished character, scholarship, leadership, and service. I\u2019m proud that these students are the future leaders of our country, and I wish them the best of luck as they seek an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy. Thank you all for your commitment to serving our nation.\u201d\nUnited States Naval Academy \u2013 Annapolis, Maryland\nRyan Devers \u2013 Olathe\nThomas Finn \u2013 Overland Park\nRyan Fitzgerald \u2013 Leawood\nAndrew Goodman - Shawnee\nJerad Habben \u2013 Shawnee\nAnsel Herndon \u2013 Overland Park\nClaire Ivey \u2013 Shawnee\nAlexander \u201cPatrick\u201d Lim \u2013 Overland Park\nCaden Merrick \u2013 Overland Park\nErnest Pereira \u2013 Leawood\nAdam Wells - Stilwell\nUnited States Military Academy \u2013 West Point, New York\nDevon Beuscher \u2013 Olathe\nAndrew Ernsdorff \u2013 Shawnee\nBenjamin Hanson - Olathe\nCarson Krakar - Olathe\nHayley Murguia \u2013 Olathe\nDennis Rice \u2013 Prairie Village  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0  \n\tSteven Rohde \u2013 Overland Park\nJack Russell \u2013 Overland Park\nKaren Yan \u2013 Overland Park\nUnited States Air Force Academy \u2013 Colorado Springs, Colorado\nMadison Beck \u2013 Olathe\u00a0\nChad Buzzell \u2013 Overland Park\nCarson Davis \u2013 Gardner\nJillian Hayne - Olathe\nMarshall Kellner \u2013 De Soto\nCatherine McAlister - Fairway\nCamden Schieffer -\u00a0 Leawood\nPatrick Sullivan - Westwood\nJacob Taylor \u2013 De Soto\nAllison Williams \u2013 Overland Park\nRep. Yoder will begin accepting applications for the 2019 Academy class on May 1, 2018. The application deadline is October 1, 2018.\u00a0 For more information on the application process or to receive an U.S. Service Academy Nomination Application packet please contact Susan Metsker in Rep. Yoder\u2019s Overland Park Office at 913-621-0832 or visit www.yoder.house.gov.\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/kansas-common-sense-spending-thanksgiving-with-ft-riley-families", "Kansas Common Sense - Spending Thanksgiving with Ft. Riley Families", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hello, Welcome to \u201cKansas Common Sense.\u201d 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. Robba and I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving this week. We visited and dined with soldiers and their families at Ft. Riley, as well as Major General Martin and Sergeant Major Cornelison, and thanked them for their service on behalf of all Kansans. I had a little work to do before dining. My responsibilities: sweet potatoes, rice and dressing. Our family had our traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday and were all together in church on Sunday. We are thankful for the sacrifices and service of those enlisted in our armed forces, in Kansas and across the nation. Visiting Leavenworth High School and the Leavenworth Kiwanis ClubI spent time in Leavenworth on Tuesday afternoon where I toured the high school and joined a\u00a0Kiwanis Club meeting. My tour of\u00a0Leavenworth High School\u00a0was led by student leaders Chase Broeker and Madeline Murphy along with LHS Principal Christina Lentz. The students described their daily schedule and what their school offers, then showed me around the athletic facilities along with the theater, choir and band rooms. We visited the ROTC program, which has the distinct\u00a0honor of being the oldest in the nation \u2013 first established in 1916. I also viewed Auto One class, which is held in partnership with Highland Community college, to see what the students were up to. Auto One students work on cars, learning mechanical skills and design. I was pleased to hear that LHS offers avenues to tech and vocational schools as well as four-year colleges. Following my visit to LHS, the Salvation Army of Leavenworth County shared the Leavenworth Kiwanis Club program with me during their meeting at the Heritage Center. One of the many things I am thankful for is the good work of service organizations like the Kiwanis Club who provide for so many not only during the holiday season but year-round, getting Kansans young and old involved in serving one another. The Salvation Army is hard at work encouraging Red Kettle donations, which support year-round services such as homeless, emergency and disaster assistance, feeding programs and more. Our conversation during the meeting also touched on our healthcare system and the importance of providing our veterans with the care they have earned. Hosting Kansas Listening Tour Stops in Marshall and Clay CountiesOn Wednesday, I visited Frankfort as part of my Kansas Listening Tour and had a productive discussion with more than 90 Kansans about some of the concerns they have with legislation on the local and federal levels. We discussed veterans, the Choice program, my concerns regarding a NAFTA withdrawal, tax reform, healthcare and the importance of reauthorizing the Perkins Loan Program. Thank you to all who attended for sharing your thoughts with me and to the Frankfort Education Center for hosting our meeting. My second listening tour stop of the week took place on Saturday in Clay County. I was pleased to visit with local residents about tax reform, NAFTA, CHIP reauthorization, health care, FCC regulations and the agriculture economy. I expressed my goal to keep jobs and business in places such as Clay Center for generations to come.\r\nThank you so the Tasty Pastry and Clay County locals for welcoming me and many others into their community. Touring the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAs a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee that determines funding for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), I visited the\u00a0CDC\u00a0with Director Brenda Fitzgerald, accompanied by University of Kansas Health Systems Chief Medical Officer Dr. Wild, to discuss the CDC\u2019s critical work to defend our nation by responding to international disease outbreaks and natural disasters \u2013 an important role in homeland security that often goes unheralded. I toured the Emergency Operations Center, where the CDC is actively responding to health crises in Puerto Rico in the wake of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Maria. The CDC\u2019s actions go beyond providing the basic necessities like water, common medicine and medical care and involve tasks such as restoring common vaccinations that were destroyed on the island. The CDC is also continuously conducting research to be able to better identify markers of diseases so that in the case of an outbreak, the cause and care needed can be quickly identified and then provided. The CDC partners with state health agencies and labs across the country to respond to health concerns quickly and effectively. I am grateful for Director Fitzgerald\u2019s guidance of the agency and for her taking the time to update me on their important efforts, which protect the United States and improve lives across the world/. Sending a Letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on NAFTAI sent a bipartisan letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross this week asking the administration to conduct a robust economic analysis to evaluate how any changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) would affect our crop and livestock sectors. As the world\u2019s top exporter of food and agricultural products, farmers in Kansas and across the country depend on access to international markets in which to sell their products. With the fifth round of NAFTA renegotiations underway, any changes to U.S. trade policy must be positive for agriculture, especially in a time of low commodity prices and decreasing farm income. Kansas farmers and ranchers can\u2019t afford to lose access to Mexico and Canada, our state\u2019s top two export markets. See the full text of the letter here. Attending the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce\u2019s Annual Banquet ReceptionI joined more than 1900 attendees at the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce\u2019s 130th Annual Banquet Reception on Tuesday evening. The event was hosted at the Kansas City Convention Center.\u00a0During the reception, I visited with numerous Kansas City area business, religious and civic leaders. I was pleased to see that the Chamber announced a new partnership with Google to help in the development of an integrated transit system for the Kansas City area. Congratulations also to Roy Jenson for being named Kansas Citian of the Year.\u00a0Jensen is the Director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center and under his leadership, the center has become one of 69 National Cancer Institutes. My thanks for all the Kansas City community leaders who I was able to spend time with at the reception. Announcing 2017 United States Service Academy NominationsHaving the chance to nominate some of Kansas\u2019 best and brightest young people to our United States Service Academies is a distinct honor for me each year. This year I have nominated 42 Kansans to enter the Service Academies as part of the class of 2018. I am proud of each and every one of these students, who have demonstrated a commitment to service, the drive to succeed and tremendous dedication to our state and our nation. To view a full list of the students nominated, please click here. The interviews for these nominations took place at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene in October. My Service Academy Selection Board considered more than 60 young Kansans interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy before making their recommendations for me to review. These nominees must now meet the individual admission requirements of each academy. The academies will make the final decision of who will receive an appointment of admission in early 2018. Those selected will enter the academies in June 2018. Click here for more information and a video from Service Academy Selection Day. Kansans in the Office Capitol TourRick Tague of Topeka  Kathy Tague of Topeka  Joe Hishmeh of Topeka  Cheryl Hishmeh of Topeka  Sandy Law of Tipton  Phyllis Schmitt of Tipton  Don Montgomery of Tipton  Virginia Montgomery of Tipton  Jon Bartholomew of Derby  Shari Bartholomew of Derby  Chad Lucas of Leawood  Angie Lucas of Leawood  Grant Lucas of Leawood  Hudson Lucas of Leawood  Payton Lucas of Leawood  Gregory Liby of Andale  Melissa Liby of Andale  Canyon Liby of Andale  Aspen Liby of Andale  Thomas Scanlan of Gypsum  Judy Scanlan of Gypsum  Tim Sturm of Wichita  Beth Sturm of Wichita  Edward Sturm of Wichita  Claire Sturm of Wichita  William Call of Farlington  Christine Call of Farlington  Madison Call of Farlington  Emma Call of Farlington  Austin Call of Farlington  Christopher Edenfield of Overland Park  Julia Terenjuk of Overland Park Honored to Serve You in WashingtonIt 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\u00a0clicking here. You can also\u00a0click here\u00a0to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office. Very truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/kansas-senator-moran-vows-to-defend-va-health-system", "Kansas Senator Moran Vows To Defend VA Health System", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "High Plains Public Radio  By Jim McLeanU.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is a frequent critic of the health care system run by the Veteran\u2019s Administration. But at a recent town-hall meeting, the Kansas Republican made it clear he doesn\u2019t want to replace it. Moran is a strong supporter of the Choice Program, which gives veterans who live more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility the option of seeing private providers closer to home. But he says he is opposed to efforts by some in the Trump administration to do away with the VA health care system. \u201cThere ought to be more choices for veterans, more community care,\" Moran says. \"But I don\u2019t think it all means replacing the VA, and certainly, at this point, we don\u2019t have the evidence that that is a workable solution anyways.\u201d Moran says veterans tell him that they prefer having their own health care system, and that, by necessity, VA hospitals are often better equipped to provide the kind specific care that wounded veterans need. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sen-moran-seeks-answers-on-uber-data-breach", "Sen. Moran Seeks Answers on Uber Data Breach", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) \u2013 chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security \u2013 along with Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) today, in a letter to Uber Technologies Inc. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, requested information related to recent reports of a data breach, which Uber failed to disclose promptly, involving the personal information of 57 million customers including names, email addresses, and mobile phone numbers. Excerpt from the letter to Uber: \u201cThe company maintains that its outside forensic experts have not seen any indication that customer trip location history, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, or dates of birth were downloaded. Nevertheless, the nature of the information currently acknowledged to have been compromised, together with the allegation that the company concealed the breach without notifying affected drivers and consumers, and prior privacy concerns at Uber, makes this a serious incident that merits further scrutiny.\u201d In asking Uber to answer 11 questions about the breach and the company\u2019s response, the letter notes that Uber released a report in January 2015 concluding the company had appropriate data security and incident response plans in place. News reports that Uber paid hackers $100,000 to delete compromised information raise concerns that the company may not have followed its own policies or adhered to the letter and spirit of an August 2017 consent order the company entered into with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address its privacy and data security practices. Sen. Moran\u2019s Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security exercises jurisdiction over consumer protection and cybersecurity issues. The letter requests a response as soon as possible but no later than December 11, 2017. Click here for a copy of the full letter to Uber.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/three-lawrence-students-nominated-for-u-s-service-academies", "Three Lawrence students nominated for U.S. service academies", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lawrence Journal-World  By Joanna Hlavacek Three Lawrence students are among approximately 80 young Kansans nominated by U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts for admission to a United States Service Academy. The two senators announced their nominees separately earlier this month. Joseph Michael Harms, a 2017 Lawrence High School graduate, has been nominated by Moran to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, while Jack Russell, a Lawrence resident and 2017 graduate of Blue Valley West High School, has been nominated by Moran to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Charles Joseph Bermel, a senior at Free State High School, earned nominations from both Moran and Roberts for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Roberts\u2019 nominations are based on the recommendations of the senator\u2019s Academy Screening Board, as a nonpartisan board comprising seven volunteers from across Kansas. As part of the decision-making process, board members conduct personal interviews with the applicants in addition to a review of their written applications, grade-point averages and standardized test scores. Moran\u2019s Service Academy Selection Board considered more than 70 young Kansans interested in attending the country\u2019s service academies, according to a news release from Moran\u2019s office. After interviews at Abilene\u2019s Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, the board made its formal recommendations to Moran. The academies will ultimately decide which students receive an admission appointment in early 2018, Moran\u2019s news release said. Those selected will enter the academies in summer 2018. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/clay-county-listening-tour-stop-clay-center", "Clay County Listening Tour Stop, Clay Center", "2017-11-25", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tour Stops \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas Listening Tour\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Stops\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tCLAY COUNTYSaturday, November 25 at 9 a.m.Tasty PastryClay Center", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/marshall", "Marshall County Listening Tour Stop, Frankfort", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tour Stops \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas Listening Tour\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Stops\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tMARSHALL COUNTYWednesday, November 22 at 10:30 a.m.Frankfort Education CenterFrankfort", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sen-moran-announces-2017-united-states-service-academy-nominations", "Sen. Moran Announces 2017 United States Service Academy Nominations", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) has nominated 42 Kansas students to enter the United States Service Academies as part of the class of 2018.\r\n\u201cHaving the chance to nominate some of Kansas\u2019 best and brightest young people to our United States Service Academies is a distinct honor for me each year,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cI am proud of each and every one of these students, who have demonstrated a commitment to service, the drive to succeed and tremendous dedication to our state and our nation.\u201d\r\nSen. Moran\u2019s nominees include:\r\nUnited States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colo.Chad Buzzell, Overland Park  Patrick Lim, Overland Park  Allison Williams, Overland Park  Camden Schieffer, Leawood  Jacob Taylor, Shawnee  Patrick Sullivan, Westwood  Carson Davis, Gardner  Marshall Kellner, De Soto  Cole Dudley, Manhattan  Cole Resnik, Topeka  Carter Black, Wichita  David McCune, Valley Center  Glynn Smith, Leavenworth  Leah Wiegers, Lansing  Camden McFarland, Girard  Charles Bermel, Lawrence  Joseph Harms, Lawrence  Parker Nemechek, Goodland  Luke Socolofsky, Marion  Dawson Williams, Dodge City United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.Jack Russell, Overland Park  Karen Yan, Overland Park  Hayley Murguia, Olathe  Benjamin Hanson, Olathe  Dennis Rice, Prairie Village  James Sayles, Meriden  Luke Windish, Wichita  Zachary Bolen, Fort Leavenworth  Gabriel Casmus, Lansing  Abigail Waugh, Leavenworth United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.Ryan Fitzgerald, Leawood  Ernest Pereira, Leawood  Thomas Finn, Overland Park  Ansel Herndon, Overland Park  Caden Merrick, Overland Park  Carter Black, Wichita  Kendal Davis, Wichita  Jacob Ruder, Wichita  Daniel Christie, Lansing  Carson Lucas, Leavenworth United States Merchant Marines Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.Ernest Pereira, Leawood  Ansel Herndon, Overland Park  Caden Merrick, Overland Park  Thomas Finn, Overland Park  Logan Emery, Shawnee  Katherine Baldessari, Wichita  Kendal Davis, Wichita  Jack Steiner, Andover  Carson Lucas, Leavenworth  Daniel Christie, Lansing Interviews took place at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene in October. Sen. Moran\u2019s Service Academy Selection Board considered more than 60 young Kansans interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Academy nominees submit an application that includes a personal statement, resume, letters of reference, academic transcripts and standardized test scores. Following the interviews, the board makes recommendations to Sen. Moran for his decision. If nominated by Sen. Moran, applicants must then meet the individual admission requirements of each academy. The academies will make the final decision of who will receive an appointment of admission in early 2018. Those selected will enter the academies in June 2018.\r\nClick here for more information and a video from this year\u2019s Service Academy Selection Day.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sen-moran-calls-on-commerce-secretary-ross-to-conduct-economic-analysis-of-nafta-changes-to-ag-sector", "High Plains Journal: Sen. Moran calls on Commerce Secretary Ross to conduct economic analysis of NAFTA changes to ag sector", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week signed a bipartisan letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross asking the administration to conduct a robust economic analysis to evaluate how any changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) would affect changes to the nation\u2019s crop and livestock sectors.\r\n\u201cIt is imperative that before any changes are made to NAFTA, or any other free trade agreement, that economic analysis that illustrates the impact on the full supply chain of the industries involved be shared. As such, we request an economic analysis that examines and evaluates the impacts to crop and livestock sectors as a result of any change to NAFTA,\u201d the senators wrote.\r\nAs the world\u2019s top exporter of food and agricultural products, U.S. agriculture depends on access to international markets in which to sell their products. With the fifth round of NAFTA renegotiations underway, the senators were clear that any changes to U.S. trade policy must be positive for agriculture, especially in a time when many farmers and ranchers are struggling financially.\r\nThe bipartisan group of senators who wrote to Sec. Ross included Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jaeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Luther Strange (R-Ala.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.D.).\r\nThe full text of the letter is below.\r\nDear Secretary Ross,\r\nAs Senators representing states with significant agricultural economies, we write to you today to underscore the vital role that agriculture plays throughout our home states and across America. Given your recent comments regarding agriculture and international trade, we find it essential that Congress\u2019 voice be heard.\r\nThe U.S. is the world\u2019s top exporter of food and agricultural products and is an important economic driver that stimulates prosperity and jobs throughout rural America. According to USDA, every $1 in agricultural exports generates an additional $1.27 in economic activity, and every $1 billion in farm exports supports 8,000 jobs. In fact, the data shows the benefits of agricultural trade align with many of the Administration\u2019s goals and priorities \u2013 supports U.S. jobs, encourages U.S. investment, and fosters economic growth within the U.S.\r\nThe agriculture industry does not want to see momentum hindered especially at a time when net farm income has declined by approximately 50 percent over the past four years. It is imperative that before any changes are made to NAFTA, or any other free trade agreement, that economic analysis that illustrates the impact on the full supply chain of the industries involved be shared. As such, we request an economic analysis that examines and evaluates the impacts to crop and livestock sectors as a result of any change to NAFTA.\r\nWith 95 percent of consumers residing outside of the U.S., farmers and ranchers must have access to export markets to sell their high-quality product. Free trade agreements have allowed the U.S. agriculture industry to establish itself as a trusted supplier. International markets have taken years to build, and it is imperative that no steps be taken to jeopardize these gains. We must continue to move the global presence of U.S. agricultural products forward, not backward.\r\nAs the Administration works to strengthen current trade agreements and negotiate new agreements, we ask that you support the important role that agriculture plays in the nation\u2019s economy. We look forward to working with you to ensure a strong marketplace for our farmers and ranchers.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sen-moran-nominates-kansas-city-area-students-for-united-states-service-academies", "Sen. Moran Nominates Kansas City-Area Students for United States Service Academies", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Moran with Chad Buzzell (top left), Patrick Lim (top middle), Allison Williams (top right), Thomas Finn (second row left), Ansel Herndon (second row middle), Caden Merrick (second row right), Camden Schieffer (third row left), Ryan Fitzgerald (third row middle), Ernest Pereira (third row right), Hayley Murguia (fourth row left), Logan Emery (fourth row middle), Dennis Rice (fourth row right), Patrick Sullivan (last row left), Carson Davis (last row middle) and Marshall Kellner (last row right).\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) has nominated 18 Kansas City-Area students for admission to a United States Service Academy.\r\n\u201cHaving the chance to nominate some of Kansas\u2019 best and brightest young people to our United States Service Academies is a distinct honor for me each year,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cI am proud of each and every one of these students, who have demonstrated a commitment to service, the drive to succeed and tremendous dedication to our state and our nation.\u201d\r\nStudents nominated from the Kansas City area include Chad Buzzell, Patrick Lim, Allison Williams, Karen Yan, Thomas Finn, Ansel Herndon and Caden Merrick of Overland Park; Camden Schieffer, Ryan Fitzgerald and Ernest Pereira of Leawood; Hayley Murguia and Benjamin Harrison of Olathe; Logan Emery and Jacob Taylor of Shawnee; Dennis Rice of Prairie Village; Patrick Sullivan of Westwood; Carson Davis of Gardner and Marshall Kellner of DeSoto.\r\nPhotos of the students can be found here.\r\nInterviews took place at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. Sen. Moran\u2019s Service Academy Selection Board considered more than 70 young Kansans interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.\r\nAcademy nominees submit an application that includes a personal statement, resume, letters of reference, academic transcripts and standardized test scores. Following the interviews, the board made recommendations to Sen. Moran for his decision. Sen. Moran\u2019s nominees must meet the individual admission requirements of each academy. The academies will make the final decision of who will receive an appointment of admission in early 2018. Those selected will enter the academies in June 2018.\r\nClick here for more information and a video from this year\u2019s Service Academy Selection Day. A full list of the academies each student applied for can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/kansas-common-sense", "Kansas Common Sense - Sending My Bipartisan MGT Act to the Presidents Desk", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hello, Welcome to \u201cKansas Common Sense.\u201d 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. I hope you are able to spend quality time giving thanks with family and friends this Thanksgiving week. I\u2019m thankful that you entrust me to fight for Kansas values in the United States Senate on your behalf. Happy Thanksgiving from Robba and me. Another Step Closer to Tax ReformThe Senate\u2019s tax plan, which lowers corporate and individual tax rates, advanced out of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday and will be debated by the full Senate after Thanksgiving. I will keep your thoughts in mind as we continue working toward a 21st century tax code that works for Kansans and their families. Sending My Bipartisan MGT Act to the President\u2019s DeskOn Thursday, the Senate passed the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY18, which included my MGT Act. This bipartisan legislation will propel our inefficient, outdated federal IT systems into the 21st century to promote productivity and strengthen cybersecurity. Passing the MGT Act will modernize our IT infrastructure and establish working capital funds in federal agencies to incentivize the replacement of these technological vulnerabilities. Providing this funding flexibility to IT management experts within agencies \u2013 with strong built-in oversight by Congress \u2013 positions the federal government to effectively and expeditiously upgrade our systems according to the continuously evolving cybersecurity threats at home and around the globe. In addition, nearly 75 percent of the $80 billion we are spending annually on federal IT systems is going toward maintaining and operating legacy IT rather than making lasting improvements. These improved efficiencies will end that practice and ultimately save billions of taxpayer dollars by reducing long-term spending. As Chairman of the Subcommittee of Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security. I\u2019m pleased my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree that IT investment reforms are an important step toward a more efficient, effective and secure government. The bill now heads to the President\u2019s desk for signature. You can find more on the bill here. An Open Letter to U.S. Farmer and Rancher OrganizationsI penned an open letter this week to agricultural organizations regarding the threat of NAFTA withdrawal, urging them to help rally farmers and ranchers to advocate for sound trade policy. With low commodity prices and declining farm revenues, the rural economy can\u2019t afford to lose out on export markets. Below is a brief preview; I hope you\u2019ll read my full letter here. \u201cWhile tax reform dominates the discussion in Washington, D.C., U.S. agriculture must not allow its focus to be diverted from the equally important issue of agricultural trade. Reforming our nation\u2019s tax code is critical to growing the economy and can benefit all Americans. However, there will be little to no benefit of tax reform to farmers and ranchers if their ability to sell what they produce around the world is diminished... The ability of a new generation of young producers to make a living in agriculture is impacted far more by the wheat, corn, cotton, and beef being exported each year than by any single tax deduction. And tax rates are irrelevant to the farmer or rancher who loses half of their income due to lost export markets\u2026 With the leadership of agricultural organizations, we can help rally farmers and ranchers to speak up about the importance of trade to the future of a livelihood in agriculture. Tough negotiations on improvements \u2013 yes; withdrawal from NAFTA \u2013 no.\u201d Holding a Hearing on VA Efforts to Combat Opioid AbuseAs Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I convened a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the VA\u2019s efforts in combating opioid abuse within the VA. We heard testimony on the need for increased coordination for veterans receiving care in their communities to make certain both community and VA providers are aware of any opioids prescribed to patients, which can hopefully reduce opioid over-prescription. This week, I also cosponsored the bipartisan Andrew White Veterans Community Care Opioid Safety Act. The national opioid crisis disproportionally affects veterans, and the VA\u2019s history in managing their chronic pain has led to over-prescriptions, addiction and even death. This legislation will help the VA and our healthcare providers in the community share information that is important to the well-being of our veterans, and I hope to have the opportunity to vote on this bill soon. Discussing Needed Legislations for Veterans Community Care with VA Secretary ShulkinI had a productive meeting with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin in my office on Tuesday. We discussed the need for new legislation regarding veterans\u2019 community care programs and our priorities for how community care ought to compliment care within VA medical centers. I\u2019m pleased that the Secretary and I agree that we need substantial reform to start shaping the Veterans Health Administration into a high-performing system that will be able to provide veterans with access to the healthcare they have earned. I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Shulkin to craft legislation that will make certain veterans do not face an undue burden or unacceptable wait times when accessing the care they need. Meeting with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin Regarding Tax ReformBoth Congress and the Administration have been hard at work to fix our outdated tax code to promote economic growth and provide tax relief for hard-working middle class families. On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin visited my office to discuss our shared tax goals: creating jobs and putting money back in the pocket of Kansans.\u00a0 Convening a Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on Technology in AgricultureI convened a Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security hearing on Tuesday to examine the importance of new technologies used in modern farming. The agricultural community\u2019s adoption of field sensors, drones, satellite imagery, advanced machinery and similar technology is growing at a rapid pace to increase crop yields and improve sustainable practices \u2013 the most profitable farms are often the most sustainable ones. This rapidly evolving technology will play a vital role in preserving farmers\u2019 most important asset \u2013 their land \u2013 with the potential to increase farmers\u2019 margins to unprecedented levels. The collection and use of such data raises issues regarding the control of data, transparency of agreements between farmers and data firms, and barriers to expanding internet access in rural areas. As data collection and sharing practices become more popular across the agriculture economy, farmers are well-positioned to benefit from the \u201ccommoditization\u201d of data collected from their land, especially as equipment manufacturers, service providers, cooperatives and other businesses seek to access and utilize this data.\u00a0 I was pleased to have multiple Kansans on the witness panel: Kansas Association of Wheat Growers Vice President Justin Knopf, Farmobile Co-Founder and CEO Jason Tatge and Janzen Agricultural Law, LLC President Todd Janzen who grew up in south central Kansas. Introducing Kansan John Broomes to the Senate Judiciary CommitteeThe Senate has the Constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent on lifetime appointments to the federal bench. I was pleased to introduce John Broomes to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday for his nomination to be federal judge for the District of Kansas. Mr. Broomes \u2013 a Wichita resident and experienced attorney \u2013 has the even-handed temperament and legal wisdom required of a federal judge. The Senate Judiciary Committee will soon vote to send Mr. Broomes\u2019s nomination to the full Senate, where I look forward to voting to confirm him as the new federal judge for our state.\u00a0 Hosting a Kansas Listening Tour Stop in Cloud CountyI visited Concordia to discuss the many issues challenging the small town way of life on Friday morning. First and foremost, I asked that any veterans in attendance reach out to me if they are experiencing issues with the VA or the Choice program. I am always looking for ways my staff and I can help. We discussed taxes, the future of NAFTA as it relates to farmers as well as solving world hunger with our abundance of grain.\u00a0Our conversation continued on to healthcare and how we must shift our focus to the underlining costs of healthcare, rather than simply just who pays for it. I appreciate the folks that attended and contributed to the conversation.\u00a0 Touring Southern Cloud High SchoolOn Friday, I toured Southern Cloud High School, providing me the chance to see the quality of education in Miltonvale and to get to know the senior students, along with faculty and administrators who are working hard to make certain young Kansans have brighter futures. The students I met in the classrooms on our tour impressed me with their personal educational experiences and interest in learning. My thanks to Superintendent/Principal Perkins for helping to arrange my visit and to seniors Jacey Fowler, Sienna Gray and Bailey Kennedy for leading the tour. Touring the Proctor & Gamble Plant in Kansas CityOn Monday, I toured the Procter & Gamble Plant in Kansas City on my way back to Washington D.C. Following the tour, I spoke with P&G employees, where we discussed tax reform, NAFTA and ways Congress can help local businesses like P&G succeed. Thank you to all the employees who could attend and to John Shaver, Kristen Walters and Molly Flanagan for showing me around. Kansans in the OfficeSister Therese Bangert of Kansas City Via ChristiBruce Witt of Wichita FarmobileJason Tatge of Bucyrus  Matt Kamphoefner of Leawood Citizen\u2019s Climate LobbyTony Schmidt of Lawrence Planned Parenthood Great PlainsJack Acuff of Kansas City  Rachel Sweet of Kansas City Kansas Association of Wheat GrowersJustin Knopf of Gypsum Council for Christian Colleges and UniversitiesHal Hoxie of McPherson National Cable Television CooperativeGary Shorman of Hays Immigration VoiceKiran Chandran of Overland Park Association of Critical Care TransportGreg Hildenbrand of Topeka Elizabeth Dole FoundationCaroline Tolliver-Lee of Manhattan Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange ProgramCosma Viana Teixeira Coelho of Olathe  Sophie Simon of Baldwin  Marlene Remberg of Topeka  Severin Elias Mulzer of Erie  Karl Steinke of Leavenworth  Fritz Wilhelm Wisser of Wellsville  Mathes Paul Trauer of Wellsville  Julius Albrecht Maucher of Garden City Society for Human Resource ManagementUnique Hiram of Fort Riley  Jennifer Locanthi of Wamego  Sarah Napolitano of Hutchinson  Cindy Volanti, Manhattan  Natalie Bright of Topeka  Carrie Cox of Wichita  Shelbye Smith of Wichita  Crystal Malchose of Westmoreland  Pam Foster of Topeka RiskIQJason Zann of Shawnee Kansas Independent College Association and FundMatt Lindsay of Topeka  Steve Minnis of Atchison Navy League of the United StatesWard Cook of Prairie Village Capitol TourJohn Broomes of Wichita  Linda Broomes of Wichita  Adam Broomes of Wichita  Claire Broomes of Wichita  Eden Broomes of Wichita  Noah Broomes of Wichita  Luke Janzen of Wichita  Alainna Janzen of Wichita  Brandon Ostradick of Overland Park  Mike Ostradick of Overland Park  Peggy Ostradick of Overland Park  Arland Wallace of Wichita  Scott Orr of Wichita  Ruth Tieszen of Wichita  Joel Tieszen of Wichita  Ryan Parks of Manhattan  Jared Parks of Emporia  William Parks of Emporia Honored to Serve You in WashingtonIt 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\u00a0clicking here. You can also\u00a0click here\u00a0to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office. Very truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=4482112F-10A3-4B74-9F5D-145445C3FE19", "Senator Roberts Announces Service Academy Nominations", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today released the names of 37 Kansans who will receive his nomination for appointments to U.S. Service Academies entering the class of 2018.\r\n\u201cI am proud to nominate this outstanding group of young men and women to our nation\u2019s service academies,\u201d Senator Roberts said. \u201cThis is a very impressive and highly competitive group of nominees who are outstanding representatives of Kansas in every way. It is great to see so many young Kansans seeking to serve in our nation\u2019s military, and I wish all of our applicants the best.\u201d\r\nSenator Roberts sent a video to all the students who received nominations, which can be viewed here.\r\nIn making the nominations, Senator Roberts followed the recommendations of his Academy Screening Board. The nonpartisan board is comprised of eight volunteers from across Kansas and is overseen by Gilda Lintz, Senator Roberts\u2019 District Director and Military Academy Coordinator in Topeka. As part of the decision-making process, board members conduct personal interviews with the applicants, as well as review their written applications, G.P.A. and standardized test scores.\r\nOnce nominated by Senator Roberts, the applicants then must meet the individual admission requirements of each academy. The academies will make the final decision on who will receive an appointment of admission. Due to the limited number of openings at each academy, not every nominee will receive an appointment. The academies this spring will announce appointments for the class entering in July 2018. Senator Roberts\u2019 nominees are as follows:\r\nUnited States Air Force Academy \u2013 Colorado Springs, CO\r\nCharles Bermel, Lawrence\r\nCarson Davis, Gardner\r\nMadison Beck, Olathe\r\nJillian Hayne, Olathe\r\nCamden McFarland, Girard\r\nCole Resnik, Topeka\r\nCierra Robinson, Leavenworth\r\nSara Rohleder, Hays\r\nKnox Tweed, Winchester\r\nAbigail Waugh, Leavenworth\r\nUnited States Naval Academy \u2013 Annapolis, MD\r\nKatherine Baldessari, Wichita\r\nCole Dudley, Manhattan\r\nThomas Finn, Overland Park\r\nRyan Fitzgerald, Leawood\r\nCaroline Gatschet, Topeka\r\nJerad Habben, Shawnee\r\nClair Ivey, Shawnee\r\nAlexander Lim, Overland Park\r\nDavid McCune, Valley Center\r\nCamden McFarland, Girard\r\nCaden Merrick, Overland Park\r\nErnest Pereira, Leawood\r\nCole Resnik, Topeka\r\nJacob Ruder, Wichita\r\nJack Steiner, Andover\r\nLeah Wiegers, Lansing\r\nDawson Williams, Dodge City\r\nThomas Wrinn, Wichita\r\nUnited States Military Academy at West Point \u2013 West Point, NY\r\nCarter Black, Wichita\r\nZachary Bolen, Ft Leavenworth\r\nGabriel Casmus, Lansing\r\nCollin Cushing, Independence\r\nBenjamin Hanson, Olathe\r\nCarson Krakar, Olathe\r\nHayley Murguia, Olathe\r\nDennis Rice, Prairie Village\r\nJames Sayles, Meriden\r\nLuke Windish, Wichita\r\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy \u2013 Kings Point, NY\r\nCarson Lucas, Leavenworth\r\nCaden Merrick, Overland Park\r\nSenator Roberts will begin accepting applications in March for nominations to academy classes entering in July 2019. Applicants wishing to find out more information on the process for nominations should visit Senator Roberts\u2019 website at: roberts.senate.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/cloud-county", "Cloud County Listening Tour Stop, Concordia", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tour Stops \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas Listening Tour\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTour Stops\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tCLOUD COUNTYFriday, November 17 at 10 a.m.Cloud County CourthouseConcordia", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=300", "Estes Votes to Simplify and Lower Taxes", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) issued the following statement following passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n\"For more than three decades, families have paid a growing cost for our country\u2019s increasingly complex and burdensome tax code that's loaded with special interest loopholes. This isn\u2019t fair to hardworking Kansans,\" said Rep. Estes. \"That's why today I voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\"\r\n\"The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will make it easy for families to file taxes by doubling the standard deduction. Under this bill, nine out of ten Americans will be able to file their taxes on a form the size of a postcard. Now, a single taxpayer won't pay taxes on their first $12,000 of income and a married couple won't pay on the first $24,000 of their income. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is focused on growing the economy and will allow Kansans to keep more of their hard-earned money.\"\r\nRon Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas\u2019 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=303", "Estes Responds to Concerns About Testing Inert Chemicals in Northern Oklahoma", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Ron Estes issued the following statement after an information meeting concerning the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s plans to test inert chemicals in northern Oklahoma:\r\n\"It is clear that south central Kansans are concerned with the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s plans to test inert chemicals in northern Oklahoma and I share those concerns,\" said Rep. Estes. \"The process the Department used to inform residents was inadequate and I encourage Kansans to utilize the comment period to voice their opinions to DHS.\"\r\n\"I am working with the community to make sure their questions are answered before any more action is taken. The citizens of Kansas have a right to know what is happening near their homes and I will do whatever it takes to keep our community safe.\"\r\nRon Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas\u2019 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynnjenkins.house.gov/press-releases/congresswoman-jenkins-supports-house-tax-reform-legislation/", "Congresswoman Jenkins Supports House Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Lynn Jenkins", "J000290", "lynnjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 \u2013 the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which will help reform our broken tax code. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02), a member of the Ways and Means Committee that drafted the legislation, released the following statement after it passed the House:  \u201cAfter several years of working on tax reform, I am pleased to see the House has passed legislation that will permanently lower rates for hard-working individuals, families and businesses, along with preserving and expanding many popular tax provisions that will help folks keep more of their hard-earned money. We are one step closer to rewriting our broken tax code, one that will be fairer and simpler for all. Now, the Senate is beginning work on their tax reform legislation and I will continue to monitor it as it makes its way through the legislative process. Tax reform has a long way to go before coming law, so I encourage Kansans to read both pieces of legislation and contact my office with any thoughts \u2013 I always appreciate it.\u201d   (Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFfacC0dBLY&feature=youtu.be)\u00a0  \u00a0  Congresswoman Jenkins\u2019 House Floor Speech:  I thank the gentleman for yielding.  I rise today in support of H.R. 1 \u2013 the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  As a CPA and member of the House Ways and Means Committee, reforming our tax code has been a priority of mine during my entire service in Congress. Our current tax code is broken and I\u2019ve heard from thousands of Kansans in my district who are frustrated with the status quo.\u00a0  This legislation will not only reform our broken tax code, but it will permanently lower rates for hard-working individuals, families and businesses, while retaining and expanding many popular provisions, such as the dependent care assistance program. It also includes strong safeguards that keep the wealthy from gaming the system in an effort to pay less than their fair share.  On average, this legislation will help provide tax relief for all income groups across the board. If you don\u2019t believe me, read the analysis from the Tax Foundation and the Joint Committee on Taxation \u2013 they agree.  And while individuals and families receive a much needed tax break, they will also notice that their wages are going up and more jobs are being created. Just the other day, AT&T announced they will be making a substantial investment in the United States once we enact tax reform.\u00a0  Folks are tired of the status quo. They are tired of a tax code that is confusing and once you figured it out, you realize that it actually penalizes hard-work and success.  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act accomplished our goals of ensuring the rates are cut for lower and middle income Americans, simplifying the tax system, and expanding American competition within the global economy.  This is a rare opportunity to enact the kind of legislation that our constituents need and deserve to grow the economy and put more money in the pockets of hard-working Kansans.  Thank you, and I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/bipartisan-bill-introduced-to-strengthen-opioid-safety-in-va-choice-program", "Bipartisan bill introduced to strengthen opioid safety in VA choice program", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Stars and Stripes  Bill GlauberDemocratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and five others introduced bipartisan legislation Wednesday to strengthen opioid safety in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The legislation got a boost from Marvin and Linda Simcakoski, who traveled from Stevens Point to Washington, D.C., to support the effort. In August, 2014, their son, U.S. Marine veteran Jason Simcakoski, died as a result of \"mixed drug toxicity\" while being treated by doctors at the Tomah VA Medical Center. A 2016 law named after their son strengthened opioid prescribing practices and guidelines at the VA. In written testimony to a Senate committee, Marvin Simcakoski said the new legislation addresses concerns raised by an Inspector General's report \"that shows veterans receiving care outside the VA don't have the same opioid prescribing and monitoring guidelines that Jason's Law requires inside the VA.\" \"We need to stay vigilant and I am going to work my hardest to see that this legislation also gets across the finish line,\" Marvin Simcakoski said in his testimony. The VA choice program allows eligible veterans to receive health care from a community provider. Among its provisions, the legislation directs non-VA community care providers to submit opioid medications they prescribe to a veteran to a VA pharmacy for dispensing. The providers would also have to make sure the prescription is included in the VA database and the patient's medical record. Co-sponsors of the Senate bill include Republicans Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Jerry Moran of Kansas, and Democrats Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Jon Tester of Montana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sen-moran-statement-on-tax-reform", "Sen. Moran Statement on Tax Reform", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement regarding the Senate Finance Committee\u2019s ongoing work, and in anticipation of U.S. House passage of tax reform:\r\n\u201cI am determined to pass strong tax reform legislation to help American families keep more of their money, grow our economy and create jobs. Though I continue to support repealing the ACA\u2019s individual mandate, I would have preferred not to add any dimension of healthcare to the tax reform debate, given that this will lessen the chances of having a bipartisan bill, making it less likely to last through future Congresses. My goal is to get a tax reform bill through the House and the Senate and deliver the reform the American people rightfully expect from us. This is a unique opportunity to increase freedom and liberty and promote the American Dream.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sens-moran-udall-s-mgt-act-included-in-fy18-ndaa-heads-to-president-s-desk", "Sens. Moran, Udalls MGT Act Included in FY18 NDAA, Heads to Presidents Desk", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) applauded the inclusion and passage of their Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act as part of the conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2018. In September, Sen. Moran successfully included the MGT Act as an amendment to the NDAA for FY2018. This bipartisan legislation will encourage federal agencies to cut wasteful spending and modernize and strengthen government information technology (IT) and security. The MGT Act now heads to the President\u2019s desk for signature. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will propel our inefficient, outdated federal IT systems into the 21st century to promote productivity and strengthen cybersecurity,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cPassing the landmark MGT Act will modernize our federal IT infrastructure by incentivizing federal agencies to expeditiously upgrade their systems \u2013 with strong built-in oversight by Congress \u2013 to continuously evolve and protect against cybersecurity threats at home and around the globe. In addition, nearly 75 percent of the $80 billion we are spending annually on federal IT systems is going toward maintaining and operating legacy IT rather than making lasting improvements. These improved efficiencies will end that practice and ultimately save billions of taxpayer dollars by reducing long-term spending. I\u2019m pleased my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree that IT investment reforms are an important step toward a more efficient, effective and secure government.\u201d \u201cPassage of the bipartisan MGT Act will save taxpayers many millions of dollars and strengthen our cybersecurity,\u201d said Sen. Udall. \u201cThis major legislation will finally bring the federal government\u2019s grossly outdated IT systems into the 21st century. As it stands, the federal government spends over $80 billion on IT \u2013 but 75 percent of that money is being spent to maintain old and legacy systems that date back to the time of dial-up modems and dot-matrix printers. The oldest were created in the 1960s. The MGT Act\u2019s flexible funding options will allow us to break out of that cycle, enabling federal agencies to move forward with long-overdue projects to replace these legacy systems, providing better services at lower cost.\u00a0These upgrades will also enable federal agencies to tackle dangerous cyber vulnerabilities and better protect Americans\u2019 data from cyberattacks. This bipartisan, common-sense effort will help ensure that we\u2019re getting better service at a better value for the American people.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cThe fact that our federal government continues to waste billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars each year maintaining outdated, legacy IT systems is absolutely outrageous. It\u2019s 2017. The American people deserve better from their government,\u201d said Rep. Hurd. \u201cOur federal agencies will finally have the motivation to catch up with the 21st Century and embrace emerging technologies so that we can leave behind these antiquated legacy IT systems that have plagued our government for decades. Instead, we can look forward to providing more efficient, transparent services for the American people and safeguard our systems from cyberattacks. I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate for working to get MGT across the finish line.\u201d Items to Note:\r\n\r\n \r\nIn April, Sen. Moran and Sen. Udall \u2013 both members of the Senate Commerce and Appropriations Committees \u2013 introduced the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act (S. 990/H.R. 2227) with the support of their colleagues Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.). U.S. Representatives Will Hurd (R-Texas) and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) \u2013 chairman and member, respectively, of the House Subcommittee on Information Technology \u2013 introduced the House companion legislation.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe bill is supported by a number of IT industry stakeholders and trade associations including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the IT Alliance for the Public Sector (ITAPS), Professional Services Council (PSC), TechNet, Amazon Web Service, Cisco, Adobe, BMC, Brocade, Intel, Microsoft, Business Roundtable, CA Technologies, Compuware, CSRA, Level 3, Unisys and others.\r\n \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=228EB50E-902B-461F-8F93-5EB830E09979", "Senator Roberts Applauds Senate Passage of Defense Bill", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today applauded Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report. The legislation now goes to the president\u2019s desk for signature.\r\n\u201cThe NDAA is one of the most critical pieces of legislation we pass as Congress,\u201d said Roberts. \u201cIt provides funding to strengthen our military and increase preparedness for the many threats we face as a nation. This year\u2019s bill also provides the largest pay raise for our service members since 2010 and ensures upgrades necessary to rebuild and modernize for future challenges. Lastly, it again includes a provision I have long fought for to prohibit any administration from transferring terrorists at Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. mainland. The U.S. has the greatest fighting force in the world, and this bill is essential to ensuring our military can fulfill its mission.\u201d\r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes funding for the U.S. military and our national security through Fiscal Year 2018. It been passed consecutively for 55 years to authorize funding for the Department of Defense and related programs.\r\nSpecifically the bill:\r\n \r\nAuthorizes $692 billion in funding for the Department of Defense and related programs for Fiscal Year 2018\r\nIncludes a pay increase for the military of 2.4 percent, the highest military pay raise since 2010\r\nProhibits a new round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)\r\nProvides for next-generation technology and protections against cyber warfare\r\nReduces redundancy and promotes oversight in programs\r\nAllows for greater end-strength and preparedness in the military\r\nAuthorizes research and development aimed to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons\r\n \r\nThe legislation also includes a prohibition of the use of funds for the transfer or release of individuals detained at Guantanamo Bay to certain countries or anywhere on the U.S. mainland. Roberts led the charge in the Senate against the Obama administration\u2019s attempts to close Guantanamo Bay and transfer the prisoners to the U.S. mainland, in particular Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, a site that was surveyed during the Obama administration. Although President Obama\u2019s plans were never realized, Roberts continues to fight any move of detainees to the U.S. mainland.\r\nThe legislation passed out of the Senate Armed Services Committee unanimously earlier this year. For a summary of the provisions included in the bill, go here.\r\nThe Senate passed the bill by voice vote. The House passed the legislation earlier this week by a vote of 356-70.\r\nSenator Roberts is the most senior Marine in the Congress. He was Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence from 2003-2007 and is a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=2F9E57D2-03A3-4535-B654-B305C9FC517B", "Senator Roberts Votes for Historic Tax Relief; Bill Now Heads to Senate Floor", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, a senior member of the Senate Committee on Finance, today\u00a0voted in favor of significant and historical tax relief for all Americans, to repeal the individual mandate in Obamacare and to boost economic growth by modernizing the tax code. The Finance Committee favorably reported the bill, the\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, with a vote of 14-12.\r\n\u201cAfter years of work, the Finance Committee has put together a good bill focused on providing tax relief to middle income Americans,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cSo many working families in Kansas need this meaningful relief. This bill, which includes many provisions supported by Democrats, will allow them to keep more of their hard-earned dollars and will help create new and better paying jobs.\u201d\r\nImportant provisions for Kansans in the bill:\r\n \r\nDoubles the child tax credit to $2,000, raises income caps allowing more middle-class families to claim it and indexes the credit to inflation.\r\nLowers rates for low- and middle-income households, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned dollars.\r\nCreates an employer credit for paid family and medical leave, encouraging flexible work arrangements to help meet the needs of 21st century working men and women.\r\nProtects 401(k) and Individual Retirement Accounts to help Americans build their retirement nest eggs and save for retirement.\r\nMaintains home mortgage interest deduction up to $1 million, incentivizing homeownership and providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners.\r\n \r\nThe Tax Foundation estimates that under this bill, Kansans\u2019 income will increase by $2,500 and 9,019 new jobs will be created.\r\nA typical family of four earning the median family income of around $73,000 will get a tax cut of\u00a0nearly $1,500. A single parent with an income of $41,000 will see a 55 percent reduction in their tax bill.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am also proud of the pro-growth provisions I secured in the bill for farmers and ranchers, especially during this tough economy,\u201d Roberts said.\u00a0\r\nSome of the provisions benefitting agriculture producers include:\r\n \r\nRobust individual and business income tax rate reductions;\r\nRepeal of the alternative minimum tax for individuals and businesses;\r\nMore robust depreciation for farmers and ranchers;\u00a0\r\nBetter cash accounting for ag producers;\r\nIncreased exemptions from the estate and gift tax;\r\nAnd retains the current the rules for stepped up basis.\r\n \r\nThe bill now heads to the full Senate for a debate and vote. The House of Representatives passed its version of tax reform\u00a0Thursday.\r\nIn June, Finance Committee Chairman Orin Hatch appointed Senator Roberts to lead the committee\u2019s examination of agriculture tax issues. Senator Roberts is also Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yoder.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoder-statement-on-passage-of-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act", "Yoder Statement on Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Kevin Yoder", "Y000063", "yoder.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013\u00a0This afternoon, the House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by a vote of 227-205. Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the bill:\n\u201cToday, Congress is putting people ahead of politics. We\u2019re passing historic, sweeping reforms that will fix the broken tax code in America for the first time in 30 years.\n\u201cThe typical family of four making the median household income of $59,000 \u2013 the middle class \u2013 will see a tax cut of nearly $1,200 under these reforms. On top of that, America will see real economic recovery we\u2019ve been missing for the last ten years. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will boost wages, according to non-partisan estimates, by nearly four and a half percent. As President John F. Kennedy used to say, \u2018the rising tide lifts all boats.\u2019\n\u201cMore money in your pocket, higher wages on your paycheck \u2013 it\u2019s a win for middle class, hardworking families all around. Importantly, the bill specifically targets help for families with children with the increased Child Tax Credit, creation of the Family Credit, and preservation of the Adoption Tax Credit. Through the process, I worked hard to preserve the child care tax credits and flex spending accounts for working moms and dads.\n\u201cWith these reforms, Americans across the country living paycheck to paycheck get relief from their tremendous tax burden. Those suffering from economic anxiety no longer need to navigate complex loopholes to figure out how the government wants to reward their behavior. They\u2019ll have the freedom to choose how to spend their own money. And the lower you get down the economic ladder, the bigger the benefits of this bill get. The Joint Committee on Taxation shows that the biggest percent reduction in taxes paid goes to Americans making between $20,000 and $30,000.\n\u201cThe time for action is now. Like President Reagan once said, \u2018there are no limits to growth and human progress when men and women are free to follow their dreams.\u2019 Today, I\u2019m proud to cast a vote for that freedom, and to deliver on a promise to provide tax relief the American people deserve.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/an-open-letter-to-u-s-farmer-and-rancher-organizations", "An Open Letter to U.S. Farmer and Rancher Organizations", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "An Open Letter to U.S. Farmer and Rancher Organizations: While tax reform dominates the discussion in Washington, D.C., U.S. agriculture must not allow its focus to be diverted from the equally important issue of agricultural trade. Reforming our nation\u2019s tax code is critical to growing the economy and can benefit all Americans. However, there will be little to no benefit of tax reform to farmers and ranchers if their ability to sell what they produce around the world is diminished. Coming from Kansas, the economic case for pro-agricultural trade policies is clear: my state exported more than $4.5 billion worth of agricultural products in 2016, generating more than $5.7 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 36,000 jobs. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 20 percent of total U.S. agricultural products are exported. In Kansas, approximately 40 to 45 percent of planted acres any given year will utilize export markets. There are real Kansans behind these numbers who often get lost in the conversation: farmers and ranchers who hope to see the family operation stay in the hands of their kids and grandkids; teenagers and college students who want to return to the farm or ranch. The ability of a new generation of young producers to make a living in agriculture is impacted far more by the wheat, corn, cotton, and beef being exported each year than by any single tax deduction. And tax rates are irrelevant to the farmer or rancher who loses half of their income due to lost export markets. President Trump has been consistent in his criticism of trade deals, especially NAFTA, and every indication coming from the administration points toward outright withdrawal from the agreement. Terminating a major trade deal would be unprecedented, which may make the threat hard for some to take seriously. But I am convinced our country is headed down a path toward withdrawal from NAFTA unless action is taken by agricultural groups to change the administration\u2019s course. This letter is not intended as criticism of farm and ranch organizations. In conversations with agricultural groups and individual producers, I am impressed with the knowledge and conviction exhibited in defense of agricultural trade. I have heard the deep concern for the economic harm that will be done to rural America if key export markets, such as Mexico and Canada, are closed or restricted to agricultural producers. I write this letter to encourage all of us to do more. To urge agricultural and commodity groups to raise their concerns with the President and his administration through op-eds, letters, social media campaigns, and other venues about the importance of trade. The voices of lawmakers raising alarm will only go so far \u2013 the real power to change the conversation lies with the American people. Tax reform is critical to our nation. But we can\u2019t afford to let the debate over taxes take our attention away from simultaneously protecting the ability of farmers and ranchers to continue to export food and fiber across the globe. The news that the Trans-Pacific Partnership will move forward without U.S. involvement heightens the consequences of NAFTA withdrawal. With the leadership of agricultural organizations, we can help rally farmers and ranchers to speak up about the importance of trade to the future of a livelihood in agriculture. Tough negotiations on improvements \u2013 yes; withdrawal from NAFTA \u2013 no.\u00a0\r\n###\r\nNOTE:\u00a0This letter originally ran in Agri-Pulse\u00a0on November 14, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/chairman-moran-questions-panel-on-potential-benefits-of-farming-technology", "Chairman Moran Questions Panel on Potential Benefits of Farming Technology", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "From left to right: Justin Knopf, Vice President, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jason Tatge, Co-Founder and CEO of Farmobile.\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) \u2013 Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Technology Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security \u2013 yesterday questioned a panel of witnesses about potential benefits of advancements in agricultural technology and the collection and utilization of data in farming. The hearing included testimony from Kansas Association of Wheat Growers Vice President Justin Knopf and Farmobile Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jason Tatge, both from Kansas.\r\n\u201cAs our technological capabilities expand, we see more opportunities for the agricultural community to adopt tools such as field sensors, drones, satellite imagery, advanced machinery and many other similar pieces of technology as they work to increase crop yields and improve sustainable practices,\u201d said Chairman Moran. \u201cNot only can this technology make farming and ranching more efficient and successful, it has the potential to generate revenue for our ag community. For example, during today\u2019s hearing, panelists agreed that the sale of \u2018tradeable\u2019 Electronic Field Records could return $1 billion in revenue to rural agricultural communities. There is great potential to these practices, and I appreciate the willingness of Kansans Justin Knopf and Jason Tatge to share their perspectives with our committee today as we work to make certain our farmers and ranchers can benefit from the increasing volume of quality data.\u201d\r\nAdditional witnesses included Mr. Todd J. Janzen, President, Janzen Agricultural Law, LLC, who grew up in south Central Kansas; Dr. Shannon Ferrell, Associate Professor, Oklahoma State University; and Dr. Dorota Haman, Professor and Chair, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida.\r\nClick here for more information about yesterday\u2019s hearing. Chairman Moran\u2019s opening statement can be found below.\r\nThe agricultural community\u2019s adoption of field sensors, drones, satellite imagery, advanced machinery and similar technology is increasing at an incredible pace. Our Commerce committee and this subcommittee has been paying a lot of attention to those issues, and the result of that increasing pace is greater crop yields and improved sustainable practices in farming. The most profitable farms are often the most sustainable ones. This rapidly evolving technology will have a vital role in preserving farmers\u2019 most important asset, their land, with the potential to increase farmers\u2019 margins to unprecedented levels.\r\nThe collection and analysis of data has enabled farmers to reduce costs through more efficient applications of inputs like fertilizers and pesticides; improve production decisions through enhanced recordkeeping and more accurate yield predictions; and enhance land stewardship and sustainable practices by removing inefficiencies in planting, harvesting, water use and the allocation of other resources. With an increasing volume of quality data, in tandem with improved data analysis, data-collection technology has the potential to drastically increase farm productivity and profitability.\r\nThe collection and use of such data raises issues regarding control of the data, transparency of agreements between farmers and data firms and barriers to expanding internet access to rural America.\r\nAdditionally, as data collection and sharing practices become more popular across the ag economy, farmers are well-positioned to benefit from the \u201ccommoditization\u201d of data collected from their land, especially as equipment manufacturers, service providers, cooperatives and other businesses seek access to that data.\r\nThe goal for this hearing is to educate and empower our nation\u2019s farmers to understand the value of the information they are creating, and certainly to allow members of Congress to have a better understanding of the current lay of the land and what the future holds.\r\nIt is my pleasure to introduce the panel today, and I thank you all for being here.\r\nJustin Knopf is a farmer from Gypsum, Kansas \u2013 right in the middle of our state \u2013 he grows wheat, alfalfa, soybeans, grain sorghum, corn and multi-species of cover crops. As part of his sustainability-focused farming operations, he practices what is commonly referred to as \u201cno-till\u201d farming and utilizes a variety of technologies that assist his monitoring efforts to be good stewards of the land while improving his yield.\r\nJason Tatge is the Co-Founder and CEO of Farmobile, a technology firm based in Overland Park, Kansas \u2013 that\u2019s a suburb of Kansas City. His company\u2019s services provide farmers with real-time access to ownership of current and historical data pertaining to their land. By providing a user-friendly, simplified and comprehensive overview of relevant data, Farmobile\u2019s customers are able to make educated decisions in a much more timely fashion.\r\nDr. Shannon Ferrell is an Associate Professor at Oklahoma State in the Department of Agricultural Economics. He also serves as an agricultural industry representative to the Oklahoma Environmental Quality Board, which oversees operations of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, and the Senator from Oklahoma will have an opportunity to introduce Dr. Ferrell shortly.\r\nTodd Janzen is President of Janzen Agricultural Law, LLC and the Administrator of the Ag Data Transparency project. This project makes available the Ag Data Transparency Evaluator, which aims to provide clarity to consumers as to what businesses do with the data that is shared with them all.\r\nAnd finally, Dr. Dorota Haman is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Florida. She specializes in irrigation water management and efficiencies, and has been an active leader in providing irrigation technologies in developing countries in the Americas and Africa.\r\nI look forward to hearing the testimony of these expert witnesses.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/nafta-access-to-markets-critical", "NAFTA: Access to markets critical", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "News Press Now There should be no surprise that Kansas\u2019 two U.S. senators, both Republicans, are staking out positions that prioritize the free trade interests of Kansans. But brace yourself: If you hail from farm country, they want you to join their fight, and soon. Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran know the importance of tax reform in improving economic growth and boosting household incomes. They support that effort, as well as renegotiating sections of trade agreements that unfairly penalize segments of American industry. But they also are helpful in sounding alarms about wholesale scrapping of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which President Donald Trump has threatened. Since 1993, when the pact was signed into law, Roberts reports U.S. agricultural exports have increased 265 percent to Canada and 289 percent to Mexico. Moran notes Kansas exported more than $4.5 billion worth of agricultural products in 2016, and he says about 40 to 45 percent of planted acres in the state serve export markets. This is the context when the senators warn about what could happen if farm-state interests do not make their concerns known. \u201cPresident Trump has been consistent in his criticism of trade deals, especially NAFTA, and every indication coming from the administration points toward outright withdrawal from the agreement,\u201d Moran wrote in an open letter released Wednesday. \u201cTerminating a major trade deal would be unprecedented, which may make the threat hard for some to take seriously. But I am convinced our country is headed down a path toward withdrawal from NAFTA unless action is taken by agricultural groups to change the administration\u2019s course.\u201d Roberts, meanwhile, recently has advocated for a grass-roots effort involving producers and other agribusiness leaders telling personal stories about what is at stake. \u201cEverybody talks about numbers in Washington and so it just seems to me that we can make a better point if we make it very personal,\u201d he said. Both men make clear they are not criticizing individuals or agricultural groups for their efforts to this point. They also don\u2019t want to pick a fight with tax writers. But Moran sums up the need for more average people from farm communities to write their members of Congress and otherwise raise their voices about the importance of preserving free trade: \u201cTax rates are irrelevant to the farmer or rancher who loses half of their income due to lost export markets.\u201d Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/roberts-moran-express-support-for-washburn-law-grad-facing-senate-confirmation-for-judgeship", "Roberts, Moran express support for Washburn Law grad facing Senate confirmation for judgeship", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Topeka Captial Journal  Allison KiteU.S. Sens. Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran on Wednesday stressed their support for Wichita lawyer John Broomes, who was nominated by President Donald Trump to become a federal district judge in Wichita. The Republican senators from Kansas introduced Broomes before his confirmation hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee and Senate have not yet voted on his nomination. Roberts said he could not think of anyone more qualified for the judgeship. \u201cMr. Chairman, Mr. Broomes has my strongest possible support,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cHe has already pledged an oath to protect the Constitution as an officer in the U.S. Navy. I have no reservation that he will uphold our Constitution as the Founding Fathers envisioned it.\u201d Moran also stressed his support. \u201cJohn Broomes is a highly qualified, well-respected attorney with the mentality, the intellect and the legal mind that we should find for those that receive a lifetime appointment to the federal bench,\u201d Moran said. Broomes, a Wichita native, holds degrees from the University of Texas and Washburn University School of Law. He currently works at Hinkle Law Firm, where he practices resources law. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sen-moran-introduces-kansan-john-broomes-before-senate-judiciary-committee", "Sen. Moran Introduces Kansan John Broomes Before Senate Judiciary Committee", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today introduced Mr. John W. Broomes of Wichita, Kan., as the Senate Judiciary Committee considered his nomination to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. \u201cJohn Broomes is a highly qualified, well-respected attorney with the mentality, the intellect and the legal mind that we should find for those that receive a lifetime appointment to the federal bench,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cI also appreciate his Naval service \u2013 there is no group of people I hold in higher regard than those who have served our country in the military, and again, it demonstrates what kind of individual he is by that service.\u201d If confirmed, Mr. Broomes will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Mr. Broomes earned his J.D. at Washburn University School of Law, where he graduated first in his class. Below is the biography provided by the White House at the time of Mr. Broomes\u2019s nomination: John Broomes is currently a Member of the Hinkle Law Firm LLC, where he practices in the firm\u2019s Business Litigation Group with a focus on natural resources law.\u00a0 Earlier in his career, Mr. Broomes served as a law clerk to both Judge Monti L. Belot and Magistrate Judge Donald W. Bostwick on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.\u00a0 Before entering law school, Mr. Broomes was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Submarine Force, where his awards included the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.\u00a0 Mr. Broomes received his B.S., with high honors, from the University of Texas at Austin.\u00a0 He received his J.D. from Washburn University School of Law, where he graduated first in his class with a Certificate in natural resources law. Click here to view Sen. Moran\u2019s full remarks in support.\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sen-moran-introduces-kansan-john-broomes-to-the-senate-judiciary-committee", "Sen. Moran Introduces Kansan John Broomes to the Senate Judiciary Committee", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today introduced Mr. John W. Broomes of Wichita, Kan., as the Senate Judiciary Committee considered his nomination to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.\r\n\u201cJohn Broomes is a highly qualified, well-respected attorney with the mentality, the intellect and the legal mind that we should find for those that receive a lifetime appointment to the federal bench,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cI also appreciate his Naval service \u2013 there is no group of people I hold in higher regard than those who have served our country in the military, and again, it demonstrates what kind of individual he is by that service.\u201d\r\nIf confirmed, Mr. Broomes will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Mr. Broomes earned his J.D. at Washburn University School of Law, where he graduated first in his class.\r\nBelow is the biography provided by the White House at the time of Mr. Broomes\u2019s nomination:\r\nJohn Broomes is currently a Member of the Hinkle Law Firm LLC, where he practices in the firm\u2019s Business Litigation Group with a focus on natural resources law.\u00a0 Earlier in his career, Mr. Broomes served as a law clerk to both Judge Monti L. Belot and Magistrate Judge Donald W. Bostwick on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas.\u00a0 Before entering law school, Mr. Broomes was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Submarine Force, where his awards included the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.\u00a0 Mr. Broomes received his B.S., with high honors, from the University of Texas at Austin.\u00a0 He received his J.D. from Washburn University School of Law, where he graduated first in his class with a Certificate in natural resources law.\r\nClick here to view Sen. Moran\u2019s full remarks in support.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sen-moran-sends-open-letter-to-farmer-and-rancher-organizations-regarding-the-threat-of-nafta-withdrawal", "Sen. Moran Sends Open Letter to Farmer and Rancher Organizations Regarding the Threat of NAFTA Withdrawal", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) authored an open letter \u2013 first published in Agri-Pulse \u2013 to agricultural organizations regarding the threat of NAFTA withdrawal and urged them to advocate for sound trade policy. With low commodity prices and declining farm revenues, the rural economy cannot afford to lose out on export markets. The timing of Sen. Moran\u2019s call to action coincides with a letter 168 agriculture groups sent today to all 50 governors regarding the \u201cimportance of NAFTA to the U.S. food and agriculture industry and to express concern about the potential of a withdrawal from this critical trade agreement.\u201d ****** November 14, 2017 An Open Letter to U.S. Farmer and Rancher Organizations: While tax reform dominates the discussion in Washington, D.C., U.S. agriculture must not allow its focus to be diverted from the equally important issue of agricultural trade. Reforming our nation\u2019s tax code is critical to growing the economy and can benefit all Americans. However, there will be little to no benefit of tax reform to farmers and ranchers if their ability to sell what they produce around the world is diminished. Coming from Kansas, the economic case for pro-agricultural trade policies is clear: my state exported more than $4.5 billion worth of agricultural products in 2016, generating more than $5.7 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 36,000 jobs. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 20 percent of total U.S. agricultural products are exported. In Kansas, approximately 40 to 45 percent of planted acres any given year will utilize export markets. There are real Kansans behind these numbers who often get lost in the conversation: farmers and ranchers who hope to see the family operation stay in the hands of their kids and grandkids; teenagers and college students who want to return to the farm or ranch. The ability of a new generation of young producers to make a living in agriculture is impacted far more by the wheat, corn, cotton, and beef being exported each year than by any single tax deduction. And tax rates are irrelevant to the farmer or rancher who loses half of their income due to lost export markets. President Trump has been consistent in his criticism of trade deals, especially NAFTA, and every indication coming from the administration points toward outright withdrawal from the agreement. Terminating a major trade deal would be unprecedented, which may make the threat hard for some to take seriously. But I am convinced our country is headed down a path toward withdrawal from NAFTA unless action is taken by agricultural groups to change the administration\u2019s course. This letter is not intended as criticism of farm and ranch organizations. In conversations with agricultural groups and individual producers, I am impressed with the knowledge and conviction exhibited in defense of agricultural trade. I have heard the deep concern for the economic harm that will be done to rural America if key export markets, such as Mexico and Canada, are closed or restricted to agricultural producers. I write this letter to encourage all of us to do more. To urge agricultural and commodity groups to raise their concerns with the President and his administration through op-eds, letters, social media campaigns, and other venues about the importance of trade. The voices of lawmakers raising alarm will only go so far \u2013 the real power to change the conversation lies with the American people. Tax reform is critical to our nation. But we can\u2019t afford to let the debate over taxes take our attention away from simultaneously protecting the ability of farmers and ranchers to continue to export food and fiber across the globe. The news that the Trans-Pacific Partnership will move forward without U.S. involvement heightens the consequences of NAFTA withdrawal. With the leadership of agricultural organizations, we can help rally farmers and ranchers to speak up about the importance of trade to the future of a livelihood in agriculture. Tough negotiations on improvements \u2013 yes; withdrawal from NAFTA \u2013 no.\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=41BA3879-B5C5-4488-845D-564E34E40912", "Senator Roberts Introduces Judge Nominee John Broomes before the Senate Judiciary Committee", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today introduced President Trump\u2019s nominee John Broomes, of Wichita, to be Federal District Court Judge for the District of Kansas at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.\r\n\u201cI cannot think of a more qualified individual for this position,\u201d said Roberts. \u201cMr. Broomes has not only served the Kansas judicial system well, as both a clerk for a U.S. District Judge and a U.S. Magistrate Judge, but he has also served our great country, rising to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Mr. Broomes has my strongest possible support.\u201d\r\nFor video of Senator Roberts\u2019 introduction, go here.\r\nBelow are the senator\u2019s full remarks, as prepared for delivery:\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. It is an honor and a privilege to be here this morning to introduce Mr. John Broomes, the Nominee for the United States Federal District Judge for Wichita, Kansas.\r\nMr. Chairman, I cannot think of a more qualified individual for this position. A native of Wichita, Mr. Broomes graduated with top honors from both the University of Texas at Austin, as well as the Washburn University School of Law.\r\nMr. Broomes has not only served the Kansas judicial system well, as both a clerk for a U.S. District Judge and a U.S. Magistrate Judge, but he has also served our great country, rising to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the United States Navy\u2019s \u201cSilent Service,\u201d better known as the Naval Submarine Force.\r\nMost recently, he has been a member at the Hinkle Law Firm in Wichita, where he practices in their resource law division, and has acquired vast trial experience, which will be sure to suit him well during his judgeship.\r\nMr. Chairman, Mr. Broomes has my strongest possible support. He has already pledged an oath to protect the Constitution as an officer in the U.S. Navy. I have no reservation that he will uphold our Constitution as the Founding Fathers envisioned it.\r\nThe nominee will be voted on by the full Judiciary Committee at a later date and then approved by the full Senate.\u00a0 Broomes was nominated on September 7, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/kansas-common-sense-commemorating-veterans-day", "Kansas Common Sense - Commemorating Veterans Day", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hello, Welcome to \u201cKansas Common Sense.\u201d 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. Commemorating Veterans DayI hope you had a chance this weekend to remember the many veterans who have laid their lives on the line for our great nation. I\u2019m so grateful to our country\u2019s veterans \u2013and particularly those in Kansas. None of us would have the opportunities we have and our country wouldn\u2019t be what it is today without the sacrifice and courage of those who served in our military. A grateful nation offers our salute to you this Veterans Day. I\u2019ll never forget the pride and emotion I felt when visiting the\u00a0National World War II Memorial\u00a0in Washington, D.C. for the first time, days before its dedication. Standing below the Kansas pillar, I called my dad \u2013 a World War II army veteran \u2013 to tell him how much I respected him, how grateful I was for him and that I loved him. I hope we can all echo those words to our veterans each and every day: we respect you, we thank you for your service and we love you. Please click here to watch a video message.\u00a0 Effingham Veterans Day ProgramI joined the students of Atchison County Community Junior-Senior High School to celebrate and honor the veterans in their community on Friday morning. The students interviewed military personnel to create a video to share as part of the celebration and to pay tribute to their sacrifices. It was great to see the students\u2019 respect and appreciation for those who have served to protect our way of life. Thanks to Principal Deanna Scherer for the opportunity to join the students in expressing our gratitude to those who have served and to the National Honor Society students who did a great job planning the celebration. Kensington Veterans Day CeremonyI joined the Kensington community to commemorate Veterans Day at the American Legion Fred Marran Post #166. I enjoyed meeting with many veterans and family members of those who have served. My thanks to all who attended. Senate Tax Reform Plan IntroducedIf we want to grow our economy, keep businesses in America and help families save for their future, we must overhaul our outdated tax code. The plan introduced by the Senate Finance Committee this week is a critical step toward achieving this goal and providing tax relief for Kansas families and small businesses. Our tax code should work for Americans, not against them, which is why I am committed to creating a fairer, pro-growth tax code that helps Kansas families keep more of their paycheck and small businesses grow and create good paying jobs. I am pleased tax reform will now go through the open committee and legislative process. The plan introduced today is not the final version, and I encourage all Senators \u2013 Democrats and Republicans \u2013 to offer input, amendments and collaborate together in this critical moment. We still have work to do, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and listening to Kansans as we work toward a final bill that grows jobs and puts more money back in Kansans\u2019 pockets. Please click here to view more details of the plan. Addressing the Topeka Chamber of Commerce\u2019s Military Relations Council MeetingOn Friday afternoon, I joined guests of the Military Relations Council of the Topeka Chamber of Commerce during the council\u2019s quarterly luncheon.\u00a0The council was established to increase interaction, mutual awareness, support and appreciation between the military and business communities in Shawnee County and the surrounding area. The council\u2019s quarterly luncheons are a great opportunity for these communities to come together to network and develop a better understanding of one another.\u00a0Many guardsmen, reservists and other military members have important roles in the operation of area businesses, local government and community organizations. The council has an important role in helping the broader community to understand how we can best support them and their families as they serve our country, often under difficult circumstances. I shared an update on some of the work being done in Washington, D.C. to support our servicemembers, their families and our veterans. Congratulations to Melissa Jarboe, founder of the Military Veteran Project, on her recognition by the council for MVP's important work on behalf of veterans in Topeka and throughout our country. Thanks also to Scott Gales, chair of the Military Relations Council, for hosting and to Topeka Chamber Executive Vice President Curtis Sneden for coordinating my visit. Hosting Townhall Meetings in Onaga, Everest and AtchisonBefore heading back to Washington, D.C., I began the week hosting townhall meetings in Pottawatomie, Brown and Atchison Counties,. With more than 50 folks in attendance at each meeting, our discussions covered topics ranging from tax reform to healthcare to veterans and beyond. We talked about ongoing VA Choice Program reauthorization efforts and how we can best honor our nation\u2019s heroes; the importance of prioritizing health and mental health care; tax reform and what tax relief looks like; and the importance of agriculture in the area and throughout the state.   \u00a0 Thanks to everyone who attended and shared their thoughts with me \u2013 I look forward to taking them to Washington and sharing them with my colleagues as we continue our work. Speaking at Fort Hays State University\u2019s Kansas Startup WeekendI spoke to a group of ambitious entrepreneurs at Fort Hays State University\u2019s sixth Kansas Startup Weekend. Hosted by FHSU\u2019s W.R. and Yvonne Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship, this event is designed to bring entrepreneurs together to share their ideas and work with local business, lawyers and design coaches who will provide assistance, advice and feedback. Data shows that over the last three years, almost all net job creation comes from new businesses. With this in mind, I recently introduced the Startup Act to reduce many of the barriers that entrepreneurs face in starting businesses, to help create jobs and economic growth. I was pleased to have the chance to speak with and learn from those in attendance. Applauding Progress on the Nomination of Kansan Holly TeeterLenexa resident Holly Teeter, who was nominated by the President to serve as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, is exceptionally well-prepared for the position. On Thursday, I attended a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to show my support for Ms. Teeter \u2013 as well as the support of a number of Kansas judges who have worked with Ms. Teeter \u2013 with my colleagues on the Committee. I\u2019m pleased that the committee members voted overwhelmingly to move Ms. Teeter\u2019s nomination forward so that she can be considered by the full Senate. Her extensive qualifications, exemplary temperament and years of experience make her highly qualified to serve Kansans in this role as a federal judge. I look forward to voting to confirm her to this position, which has been vacant for the last three years, where I am confident she will be a dedicated servant of the law. Mark Wisner\u2019s Sentencing Brings a Measure of Justice for VeteransFormer Leavenworth VA Physician Assistant Mark Wisner\u2019s was sentenced to 15 years and seven months in prison this week after being charged with aggravated sexual battery, aggravated criminal sodomy and misdemeanor sexual battery against his veteran patients. His sentencing brings a measure of justice to the veterans who endured pain and suffering at the hands of an individual that never should have been allowed to treat them. Though nothing can erase the harm Mr. Wisner has done, today\u2019s sentencing is a start. Since learning of Wisner\u2019s crimes, we have been successful in changing the law to make certain that those who violate the sacred trust of our veterans in such an egregious manner can never again be rewarded with unjustly guaranteed benefits at taxpayer expense. No one should ever look the other way, and never should this abuse of veterans be tolerated. For more information, please click here. Pushing Equifax and Yahoo! For Answers After Major Data BreachesOn Wednesday, I questioned current and former executives from Equifax and Yahoo! about their cybersecurity practices in the wake of major data breaches during a Senate Commerce hearing, \u201cProtecting Consumers in the Era of Major Data Breaches.\u201d Yahoo! suffered data breaches in 2013 and 2014 and announced just last month that these breaches affected all three billion of its user accounts \u2013 the largest breaches in history, and Equifax suffered a data breach earlier this year that affected approximately 145 million individuals, including private personal and financial information. Businesses entrusted with consumers\u2019 sensitive personal and financial information have an obligation to do all that they can to protect it, no matter the cost. This hearing provided an opportunity to address how these breaches occurred and the actions these businesses have vowed to take to prevent a breach of this scope from happening again. As cyber criminals becomes more advanced, companies, too, must adapt to protect American consumers. Click here to watch the full exchange and click here to read an NBC News report on the hearing. Participating in a Hearing on the Internet of Things in Our Rural CommunitiesOn Tuesday, I joined my colleagues of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet to discuss the use and benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT) in rural areas and the infrastructure needed to increase broadband access to our most underserved rural areas. Making certain that more of our rural communities can utilize technologies related to the Internet of Things in their homes, classrooms and businesses is crucial to closing the digital divide. In my role as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security, I will be convening a hearing on Tuesday, November 14, to examine technological innovation specifically related to the agriculture economy. This an exciting time for these technologies but there is still much work and education to be done. I look forward to tackling these challenges to bringing access to all Kansans. Meeting with Steve Censky, Deputy Secretary of AgricultureI met with the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Steve Censky, this week to discuss the 2018 Farm Bill, livestock disaster programs, and importance of expanding U.S. agriculture exports. I made clear to Mr. Censky that USDA ought to be a strong and vocal proponent of farmers and ranchers within the Administration, especially as it concerns to the importance of agriculture trade. During a time of low farm commodity prices, it is critical that we work to grow market access and export opportunities for the food and fiber our farmers and ranchers produce. We also discussed the fires that devastated Kansas ranchers in 2016 and 2017, and the difficulties those producers continue to face with USDA livestock disaster programs. I recently introduced four pieces of legislation to improve the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), and discussed ways with Mr. Censky that USDA can better administer the programs to reduce red tape and provide greater assistance to ranchers devastated by natural disasters. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, I look forward to working with Mr. Censky in the future to make certain USDA meeting the needs of farmers and ranchers and helping rural communities across Kansas. Watching FHSU Take on the University of Nebraska at KearneyFHSU Interim President Andy Tompkins and his wife Glenda, who have gotten to know Robba and I through her time on the Kansas Board of Regents, invited us to join them and Fort Hays fans in watching the football team face off against the University of Nebraska at Kearney on Saturday. Dr. Tompkins\u2019 service leading FHSU is coming to an end as Dr. Tisa Mason prepares to become the university\u2019s 10th president. The Fort Hays community has benefitted tremendously from his hard work, vision and dedication to the students and faculty there. We enjoyed lunch on campus and seeing the Tigers beat UNK as they continued this season\u2019s undefeated success with a 41-7 final score. This is the team\u2019s first 11-win season, and yesterday it was announced that FHSU received the No. 1 seed in Super Regional 3 of the Division II playoffs \u2013 we are looking forward to seeing the Tigers make their first playoff appearance since 1995 at the end of the month.\u00a0 \u00a0 Kansans in the Office Rockhurst High SchoolWilliam Henry of Leawood  Ryan Cippner of Olathe  Conrad Mojica of Leawood  Kollin Battle of Kansas City  Carol Dougherty of Prairie Village National Physicians Council for Healthcare PolicyHolly Fritch of Leawood  Mark Fesen of Hutchinson  Zachary Fesen of Hutchinson  Joy Fesen of Kansas City  Scott Roethie of Leawood Association of University Centers on DisabilitiesJessica Schuttler of Shawnee  Marie Leathers of Overland Park  Alexandra Hicks of Overland Park  Mallorey Marek of Overland Park Southwest Kansas CoalitionKent Smoll of Dodge City  Ernesto De La Rosa of Dodge City  Melvin Dale of Garden City  Roy Cessna of Garden City  Tony Martinex of Liberal  Chris Ford of Liberal  National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic MinistryWilliam Scholl of Mission  Gian Antonio of Kansas City  Danny T. Krug of Wichita  Angela Erevia of Dodge City Close Up FoundationShelby Willmer of Topeka  Jenny Wilson of Topeka  Madison Dean of Topeka  Haley Holthers of Topeka  Delaney Kramer of Topeka  Jordan Frickey of Topeka  Makayla Akin of Topeka  Randy Crome of Topeka National Sustainable Ag CoalitionJim French of Partridge  Chad Bassinger of Pretty Prairie SecureFamily CoalitionJoe Jones of Lawrence  Rhonda Knudson of Great Bend Delta Air LinesHeather Wingate of Lawrence American Heart AssociationLeann Dickson of Lawrence Kansas Procurement Technical Assistance CenterScott Knapp of Wichita Kansas FCCLAErin Colacicco of Tonganoxie  Lizzie Erikson of Alma  Haley Reiter of Ellis  Chelsea Phillips of Goodland  Katie Hutson of Westmoreland  Emma Boyd of Harveyville  Pam Lamb of Tonganoxie  Ashley Weber of Alma  Heather DeMaranville of Tonganoxie Ultra ElectronicsGreg Thom of Manhattan Kansas/Missouri Dream AllianceAna Jimenez of Kansas City  Victor Morales of Kansas City  Alex Martinez of Kansas City  Eriberto Mora of Kansas City Honored to Serve You in WashingtonIt 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\u00a0clicking here. You can also\u00a0click here\u00a0to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office. Very truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=42585390-2537-4413-936A-AC22C3F4EF36", "Senator Roberts: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is  Meaningful Relief for Middle Income Americans", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 On the first day of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance\u2019s consideration of historical tax reform legislation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) said the bill is meaningful reform for middle income Americans and provides $2,500 in tax relief to Kansas families. Roberts is a senior member of the Finance Committee which has jurisdiction on taxes. For audio and video, go here.\r\n\u201cAll of us on the Finance Committee understand the burdens, complexity, and lack of competitiveness associated with our antiquated tax system,\u201d said Roberts. \u201cIt acts as a brake on our economy.\u201d\r\n\u201cWe have now before us a comprehensive plan to address these issues, cleaning up and modernizing the tax code to help generate more growth in the economy. The bill before us is meaningful tax relief for families, and small businesses. We have done a good job pushing these rate reductions down to lower and middle-income families, providing a net tax cut for families in Kansas of about $2,500.\u201d\r\nThe Senate Finance Committee will \u201cmark-up\u201d the bill this week, considering bipartisan amendments before reporting out the bill to the full Senate for debate and a vote. The House of Representatives considers its own version of a tax reform bill this week.\r\nThe following are Senator Roberts\u2019 remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nMr. Chairman, I want to think you for your leadership in laying down this mark.\r\nWe all understand how critical tax reform is. All of us on the Finance Committee in particular, understand the burdens, complexity, and lack of competitiveness associated with our current tax system.\r\nIt is abundantly clear that this complexity and our antiquated corporate tax system act as a brake on our economy.\r\nWe have now before us a comprehensive plan to address these issues, cleaning up and modernizing the tax code, to help generate more growth in the economy.\r\nThe bill before us does exactly that, providing meaningful tax relief for families, and small businesses. I am especially pleased with the rates and bracket structure the legislation would put into place on the individual side.\r\nWe have done a good job pushing these rate reductions down to lower and middle-income families. This would provide a net tax cut for families in Kansas of about $2,500.\r\nWe accomplish this by simplifying and reducing the individual tax brackets, raising the standard deduction, and increasing the child credits in the tax code.\r\nIt is important to point and that these are consensus, bipartisan ideas, and are in fact proposals that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have regularly proposed and supported.\r\nTurning to agriculture, I am pleased that the Chairman\u2019s Mark reflects the importance of production agriculture to our economy.\r\nThe agriculture industry has a number of provisions in the tax code that recognize the uncertain and volatile nature of the income and expense associated with agricultural operations.\r\nFarmer and ranchers have no control over the weather, and face highly unpredictable markets that increase risks and lead to difficult planning decisions.\r\nI am happy to say that this Chairman\u2019s mark keeps those provisions, but will also help our farmers by creating a much more pro-growth tax system, lowering their tax burden and simplifying the tax provisions relating to the Agriculture sector.\r\nThe legislation includes robust cuts and simplification changes for businesses, large and small.\r\nFor the average farmer in Kansas, the rate reductions, more robust depreciation rules, and the new structure for passthrough entities, would put thousands more dollars in their bank accounts, money which they can use to build their business \u2013 which is a very simple business \u2013 feeding the world.\r\nThe legislation also transitions our current international tax system to a territorial system, which is an idea endorsed recently by our Minority Leader, Senator Schumer, and other members of this Committee on the other side of the dais.\r\nThis is a particularly important step, because it will address concerns I have long had with the international competitiveness of our corporate tax reform.\r\nI have real concerns that the current archaic international system has made our home grown companies targets for takeovers by foreign competitors, leading to job loss and a drain in our federal treasury.\r\nNow is this a perfect bill? By no means. But it is a very good bill \u2013 it will give our economy a very nice jolt and I firmly believe will lead to more robust economic growth.\r\nMr. Chairman, through the process you have laid out we can improve this very good bill to make it the very best possible bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=292", "Estes Statement on Proposed DHS Chemical Tests", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WICHITA \u2014Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) issued the following statement on the proposed Department of Homeland Security chemical tests at the Chilocco Indian School campus:\u00a0\r\n\"I'm monitoring the situation closely and have been in contact with officials at the Department of Homeland Security,\" said Rep. Estes. \"As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I have numerous questions regarding this proposed test. While it's important for our federal agencies to test their abilities in response to threats, we need to be one hundred percent certain this test is safe for the residents of South Central Kansas.\"\u00a0  \r\n\r\nRon Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas\u2019 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Committee on Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lynnjenkins.house.gov/press-releases/congresswoman-jenkins-statement-on-tax-reform-legislation/", "Congresswoman Jenkins' Statement on Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Lynn Jenkins", "J000290", "lynnjenkins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02), a member of the Ways and Means Committee that drafted the legislation, released the following statement after it was voted out of committee:  \u201cAs a CPA, reforming our tax code has been a priority of mine during my service in Congress. Our current tax code is broken and I\u2019ve heard from Kansans who are frustrated with the status quo.\u00a0  \u201cNot only will this legislation reform our broken tax code, but it will permanently lower tax rates for families and businesses, it includes popular benefits such as the dependent care assistance program for hard-working families and will provide a much needed tax cut for hard-working individuals. This will be a tax code that rewards individuals and families for their hard-work and helps them keep more of their hard-earned money. For example, a middle-income family of four in my district would get an average tax cut of $1,823.  \u201cAdditionally, I would encourage folks to read the actual legislation before accepting inaccurate reports that this federal tax proposal is similar to the 2012 Kansas tax cut package. This legislation could not be more different as the federal proposal is not eliminating small business rates like Kansas did. Furthermore, we are also implementing a number of safeguards to prevent the type of tax avoidance that was possible in the Kansas plan \u2013 including our 70/30 rule.  \u201cWhile I continue to work on improving this legislation, I am pleased this bill has passed the Ways and Means Committee and is now headed to the House floor for further debate. In the coming weeks, as this legislation winds its way through the legislative process, I look forward to meeting and speaking with Kansans on tax reform and sharing their views with my colleagues. Our tax code has not been updated in roughly 30 years. It is imperative that we get this accomplished.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2017/11/sen-moran-applauds-progress-on-nomination-of-kansan-holly-teeter", "Sen. Moran Applauds Progress on Nomination of Kansan Holly Teeter", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement applauding the Senate Judiciary Committee\u2019s bipartisan vote of 19-1 in favor of the nomination of Kansan Holly Teeter, whom the President has nominated as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the District of Kansas: \u201cI\u2019m pleased that my Senate Judiciary Committee colleagues voted overwhelmingly today to move Ms. Teeter\u2019s nomination forward so that she can be considered by the full Senate,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cHer extensive qualifications, exemplary temperament and years of experience make her highly qualified to serve Kansans in this role as a federal judge. I look forward to voting to confirm her to this position, which has been vacant for the last three years, where I am confident she will be a dedicated servant of the law.\u201d Sen. Moran attended this morning\u2019s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to show his support for Ms. Teeter. He also introduced Ms. Teeter to the Senate Judiciary Committee last month as the Committee began consideration of her nomination. Ms. Teeter comes highly recommended by her peers and colleagues. \u201cHolly Teeter is exceptionally well qualified to serve as a United States District Judge,\u201d said The\u00a0Honorable Deanell Tacha (Ret.), formerly of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. \u201cShe has had 11 years of very significant legal experience, and, in particular, has served with distinction as a federal law clerk to Judge Murguia. She brings to the bench outstanding analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills. She is known for her dedicated work ethic and ability to bring to complex legal issues both probing legal analysis and a keen sense of the impact of decisions on the people and institutions that her work impacts. She will be a dedicated and thoughtful public servant who will serve the courts and the nation with her characteristic commitment to excellence in all she does.\u201d \u201cIn addition to her legal ability, Holly has consistently demonstrated a temperament appropriate for the federal bench,\u201d said The Honorable Carlos Murguia, United States District Judge, whom she has clerked for. \u201cShe is patient, calm, objective, courteous, confident, firm, articulate, humble, sophisticated, and punctual\u2026. Holly is a very skilled attorney who displays an appropriate judicial temperament and would bring many unique perspectives and skills to our bench. She is a committed public servant, who after clerking, chose a career in the public sector rather than return to the financial benefits of the private sector.\u201d The U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas is a federal trial court that processes civil and criminal cases that come under federal jurisdiction. The District of Kansas covers the full state of Kansas.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 611, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "KS", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 611, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KS&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 611, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "KS", "label": "KS", "count": 611, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 611, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-11-09,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emoran~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2F2017~2F11~2Fsen-moran-applauds-progress-on-nomination-of-kansan-holly-teeter", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2017&_next=2017-11-09%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emoran~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2F2017~2F11~2Fsen-moran-applauds-progress-on-nomination-of-kansan-holly-teeter&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 110.41630990803242, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}