{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"KS\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/morris-county-listening-tour-council-grove", "Morris County Listening Tour, Council Grove", "2018-12-31", "2018", "2018-12", "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\tMORRIS COUNTYMonday, December 31Main StreetCouncil Grove", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/concordia-blade-empire", "Concordia Blade-Empire: Moran offers support for Concordia's IAP grant application", "2018-12-28", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Moran offers support for Concordia's IAP grant applicationConcordia Blade-Empire  Friday, December 28\r\nOffering his support for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Grant application submitted by the city of Concordia, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran visited Blosser Municipal Airport on Thursday to gather information on the proposed project.  The city, in October 2018, submitted the grant application to the FAA seeking funds to construct a new runway east of the existing runway and an estimated cost of $6.5 million. There is no local match necessary for the grant. The United State Congress authorized an additional $1 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (IAP). Pleasing to me is that it is a priority program for rural communities. That doesn't happen very often in Washington D.C. Moran (R-Kansas) said.  About $200 million has been awarded for 37 projects, and there is a total of $11 billion in applications. There are currently eight applications in Kansas pending, and Moran is expecting the decision to be made on the Concordia application in the first half of 2020. I want to be in position to be helpful to this community as this grant application makes its way across the desks of the people at the FAA, Moran said. Steve Richard, who serves on the Airport Advisory Board, said that the current runway, which is 3,600 feet long, was constructed in 1984. Richard said that the Airport Master Plan was updated in 2013. An environmental impact study for a longer runway was done and land was acquired. The Master Plan, which included a 4,800 foot runway, was signed off on by the FAA. When this program came down for the billion dollars we all had a smile on our faces, and said we have a shovel ready project, lets do it, Richard said. When approached on the project, the FAA determined a longer runway wasn't need. Moran asked Brad Waller, branch manager for Bensch in Manhattan, why if the longer runway was in the Master Plan, the FAA now says it is not needed. Really its a change over in personnel, Waller said, It was approved in 2018 as a 4,800-foot runway. Waller said that one of the drivers for the longer runway in 2013 was the proposed construction of a new hospital located near the airport. That hospital was going to have direct runway access and direct taxiing access for Life Flight, for physicians to come in and out of the hospital on a weekly, monthly basis, Waller said. A bond election to fund the construction of the new hospital did not pass. When that didn't pass then we went back to the drawing board and kind of let that go, because it was the catalyst for the funding, Waller said.  Moran asked if the FAA in Kansas City supports the plan for the new runway, but just not lengthened. They support it as an airport reconstruction project, Waller said, The question is going to be, hopefully if it gets funded, what is that ultimate length is going to be. Waller also said that the width of the runway is also a consideration. The current runway is 60-feet wide, and the new runway would be 75-feet wide. The length will be what the length is. We are going to fight for as long as we can, but we really want to get that 75-foot width, Waller said.  JP Metzler of RMA Engineering, Inc., which has an office located on the airport, said that his company has three planes and would like to go to (Beechcraft) King Air. The problem is we can't go to those King Airs until we get a longer strip, for safety issues, Metzler said.  CloudCorp executive director Ashley Hutchinson told Moran that there were letters signed by people who said they would land bigger aircraft at the airport if they had the opportunity to. Since RMA has come in we have had a few businesses interested in expanding out here. So that is the next step for us to really grow, Hutchinson said. Waller said that by constructing the new runway to the east of the existing one, it opens up room for development. Right now there is not really room for development or expansion of a business, or hangers or what have you. Once you move that, and you get your safety zones cleared up, it is going to open up a lot of space for businesses and development, Waller said. Moran said that what was being highlighted to him was the necessity for a longer runway, or a wider runway. If you could load me up on the information you have about if you build it what will come, I am happy to make that case to folks in Kansas City, Moran said. Moran said that there has to be some way that the FAA understand that you can't just look at what it is today. Why are we expanding an airport? Because of growth that will occur, Moran said, That is common sense. There can't be a policy that says it just has to be here before you can decide if we can expand your airport. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/ensuring-kansas-students-have-the-opportunity-to-be-our-nation-s-future-astronauts", "Ensuring Kansas students have the opportunity to be our nations future astronauts", "2018-12-23", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This op-ed ran inThe Wichita Eagleon December 23, 2018.\r\nFifty years ago, NASA's Apollo 8 mission sent humans around the moon for the very first time on Christmas Eve. One out of four people in the world watched as the crew broadcasted back to earth: Good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth.\r\nAnd late last month, we all cheered with NASA's engineers as they celebrated NASA's most recent accomplishment, the touchdown of the InSight mission on Mars  the first time in six years we've landed spacecraft on the planet.\r\nToday, I am on a mission to make certain children across America can inherit these same opportunities to explore our solar system and beyond.\r\nAs chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, which has jurisdiction over the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, providing strong support for NASA has been a priority, especially as it relates to programs meant to incentivize STEM education for the next generation.\r\nUndoubtedly, employers increasingly desire that their employees hold and maintain a substantial degree of knowledge in the STEM fields.\r\nIn response to this mandate, my Senate subcommittee has produced an overwhelmingly bipartisan appropriations bill for the upcoming fiscal year that prioritizes education programs within NASA  not just in theory, but in actual dollars.\r\nIncluded as part of NASA's budget is the Office of STEM Engagement, which seeks to provide superior learning tools to young Americans and classroom educators in an effort to increase K-12 involvement in STEM.\r\nAdditional programs incentivize and provide opportunities for young women and minority students to engage in STEM in even greater numbers than they do today. Further, an award utilizing the expertise of the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson will bring STEM experiences and learning directly to Kansas classrooms.\r\nI recently hosted NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and NASA astronaut Don Pettit for a day of activities in Wichita and Hutchinson, where they visited with more than 150 students, families and educators about NASA, space exploration and the importance of remaining curious.\r\nThe event confirmed what I know to be true: the idea of space travel is utterly captivating for students, and that astronauts, in particular, hold a special place in our hearts. To so many of us, NASA astronauts are genuine American heroes.\r\nDuring a visit to Exploration Place, Pettit provided the audience with this advice: Find your frontier . . . and then the hard work begins. Now, you have to start doing something about your frontier. You've got to start exploring.\r\nIt strikes me as I drive across Kansas seeing highway and roadway signs declaring that any certain town is the hometown of an astronaut. This spring, Nick Hague from Hoxie will become the fourth Kansan ever to travel to space. He follows Steve Hawley of Ottawa, who flew five Space Shuttle missions, and astronauts Ron Evans of Topeka and Joe Engle of Abilene, who both flew on Apollo missions. And Kansas City, Kansas, native Capt. Edward Dwight became the first African American named to the astronaut program in 1963.\r\nKansans have always had a pioneering spirit, and I believe that many students in our Kansas classrooms right now are searching for their frontier, and will someday be our nation's scientists, engineers, mathematicians  even astronauts. My mission is to help students realize that no matter where you grow up, you can pursue any dream you can imagine.\r\nI'm committed to helping make certain NASA continues to inspire our future innovators and has the tools it needs to recruit and retain top talent. Through my role as an appropriator, I will continue prioritizing and providing resources for forward-thinking and sensible programs to help young people in Kansas and across the country connect with NASA.\r\nI am doing all that I can in Congress to help today's students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow  jobs that may just land on Mars.\r\nClick here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/information-regarding-a-partial-government-shutdown", "Information Regarding a Partial Government Shutdown", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congress has already successfully funded 75 percent of the federal government through 2019, including the Department of Defense, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor.\r\nI am actively working with my colleagues and the president to reopen the government and secure our borders, and I believe my colleagues can and should come to a bipartisan consensus on this national security issue, while keeping the government fully operational.\r\nBelow are a few common Q&As and resources regarding federal services during a partial government shutdown. Please don't hesitate to contact my office or visit my website for additional details.\r\nQ: Will I still receive my Social Security checks? A:Yes. Social Security checks will continue to be mailed out. Q: Will I still be able to send/receive mail? A:Yes. The United States Postal Service has its own revenue stream outside of the federal government. Q: Will air travel be affected? A:Air traffic controllers, TSA and Customs officers will continue working, so air traffic should be largely unaffected. Q: Will Smithsonian Museums remain open? A:Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., as well as the National Zoo, will remain open through Tuesday, January 1, 2019. Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo will close Wednesday, January 2 if the government has not yet re-opened. Q: Will I still receive my Medicare checks? A:Yes. Medicare checks will continue to be mailed out. Q: Will I still get my food stamps? A:Yes. Food stamps will continue to be distributed. Q: Will National Parks be open? A:War memorials and open air parks will remain open to the public. Many national parks, refuges and other public lands will try to allow limited park access wherever possible. For more information regarding national parks during a shutdown, please visit the United StatesDepartment of Interior. Q: What will happen to our military? A:Active-duty military will continue in a normal duty status and global military operations will continue. Active duty members of the military are exempt from shutdown furloughs.  Q: Will VA facilities be affected? A:The Department of Veterans Affairs' funding has already appropriated for FY2019, so veterans hospitals will maintain routine operations. Revenue streams for veteran disability pay and GI Bill benefits are separate from the annual appropriations bills, so this pay will be unaffected. For more information regarding veterans services during a shutdown, please visit the United StatesDepartment of Veterans Affairs website. Q: Will military contractors be affected? A:No. For more information regarding military policies during a shutdown, please visit the United StatesDepartment of Defense website. Q: Can non-furloughed employees perform other work? A:If the non-furlough (\"excepted') support function can be performed in less than an entire day, the employee is required to resume furlough status after completing the function. However, there may be cases in which an employee is required to perform this \"excepted\" support function intermittently throughout the course of the day, and the intervals in between are too short to enable the employee to be furloughed and then recalled in time to perform the function. In such cases, the employee may remain at work, and may perform non-\"excepted\" functions during these intervals. For more information regarding federal employees during a shutdown, please visit theOffice of Management and Budget.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=668", "Rep. Estes Joins President Trump for Farm Bill Signing", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) joined lawmakers and agricultural leaders from around the country at the White House today as President Donald Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law. It was an honor to join President Trump at the White House today as the Farm Bill was signed into law,\" said Rep. Estes. \"Combined with new work requirements from the Secretary of Agriculture, this law will provide Kansas farmers and ranchers with needed certainty, make historic investments in rural broadband, and help get people back to work to grow our economy. With the Farm Bill complete, I look forward to continuing to work on new ways to support Kansas agriculture, particularly through free and fair trade deals. The first time since 1990 that a Farm Bill has been enacted the same year it was introduced, the law will:\r\n \r\n    Extend farm support programs and improve crop insurance\r\n    Maintain vital disaster programs to ensure our farmers and agricultural producers are well-prepared to weather market disruptions\r\n    Promote agricultural exports and opening of new markets for America's farmers\r\n    Expand rural broadband development and dedicate resources to fight the opioid crisis\r\n    Promote voluntary conservation, outdoor recreation, and better water infrastructure\r\n    Encourage forest management partnerships with states and localities\r\n    Enhance the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)\r\n \r\nEarlier in the day, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled new work requirement rules to help Americans in need while getting people back to work by updating the criteria states use when issuing exemptions for work requirements for able-bodied adults without children. The proposed rule is projected to save taxpayers $15 billion over ten years.Ron 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://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-border-funding", "House Passes Border Funding", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.-Today Congressman Marshall was proud to vote for $5.7 billion in border security funds, fully funding President Trump's request. The funding was included as part of a partial continuing resolution that funds several agencies through February 8th.The bill now goes to the Senate where it faces an uncertain future.\nFolding to Nancy Pelosi on national security matters is not what I came to Washington to do,Marshall said. And I'm glad to see my Republican colleagues in the House stand strong to do the work the American people have demanded. After tonight, voters know we are serious about securing our country's borders.\nThe fate of the bill is unclear now that it heads to the Senate, and a partial shutdown is still possible if a final bill doesn't reach the President's desk by Friday night. Dr. Marshall remains fully prepared to work through the holidays to make sure border security funding is protected.\nKansas farmers back home will be working on Christmas Day, the cows have to be milked and the cattle fed,Rep Marshall said. As a physician, almost every year I delivered a Christmas baby, so I am perfectly accustomed to working through the holidays to do my job. Anyone who thinks that we are going to get a package that prioritizes border security when Nancy Pelosi takes over the House in January is delusional. The Senate now has the opportunity and responsibility to our country to fight for secure borders and keep the government open. \nCongressman Marshall, while frustrated with the process, is proud that the President listened to the people's House today and stood firm in his call for border security.\nWe must stop viewing this issue as an either-or situation; we can have immigrationreform and border security,Rep. Marshall said.Fixing ourimmigrationsystem moving into the next Congress will require both!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-signs-2018-farm-bill-law", "President Trump signs 2018 Farm Bill into law", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. -Today Congressman Marshall was invited to the White House to join President Trump as he signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law.    It was truly incredible to see this process from start to finish,Rep. Marshall said.I am so proud of this Farm Bill and happy to report that we have delivered on our promise to provide farmers with 5 years of certainty. This Farm Bill will be a great Christmas present to our producers across Kansas who will see many wins in this bill.    Coupled with today's signing, the Department of Agriculture announced that it would move a key focus of the House's Farm Bill that was lost in the final negotiations forward, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reform. Secretary Sonny Perdue proposed a rule to restore SNAP's integrity.    I am happy to see the White House take the groundwork that the House Agriculture Committee laid and expand upon it to make meaningful reforms to this welfare program,\"Rep. Marshall said.This rule helps able-bodied Americans move off welfare and into work, and cracks down on states that are waiving the 20-hour per week work requirements. We want to help people by assisting them in finding work, and preparing them with the skills and training they need so that they can prosper. I am thrilled that the Trump administration is tackling this issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/cnbc-senators-call-on-sec-and-other-watchdogs-to-look-into-fintech-regulation-after-robinhood-debacle", "CNBC: Senators call on SEC and other watchdogs to look into FinTech regulation after Robinhood debacle", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators call on SEC and other watchdogs to look into FinTech regulation after Robinhood debacle  CNBC  December 20, 2018 Robinhood's botchedattemptto launch checking and savings accounts did not go over well with lawmakers.\r\nIn a letter to regulators Thursday, U.S. senators said they were concerned that Robinhood and other fintech companies may be dodging regulatory scrutiny. They asked U.S. financial watchdogs how they plan to police start-ups that are moving into banks' territory.\r\nSeven U.S. senators sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton and the heads of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Thursday with a list of concerns about Robinhood's products.\r\nWe would appreciate an update on how the SEC, FDIC, and SIPC carefully monitor fintechs who, intentionally or not, blur financial products for competitive advantage, the senators wrote in the letter. Robust competition should not come at the expense of customer clarity and every effort should be made not to mislead customers.\r\nSenators said the letter was in direct response to Robinhood's announcement of new checking and savings accounts, whichadvertisedan eye-popping and industry-leading 3 percent interest rate. About 850,000 people signed up to its waiting list for the new products, according to the letter.\r\nJust a day after making its announcement, Menlo Park, California-based Robinhood said it would re-brand and re-launch the product. Robinhood's founders acknowledged that its plan, which aimed to offer no-fee accounts with no minimums, ATM fees, penalty charges or foreign transaction fees, may have caused some confusion.\r\nBut senators are still wary. Click here to read the full article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/phillips-county-listening-tour-phillipsburg", "Phillips County Listening Tour, Phillipsburg", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "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\tPHILLIPS COUNTYFriday, December 28Huck Boyd Community CenterPhillipsburg", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-supported-farmers-first-act-included-in-2018-farm-bill", "Sen. Moran-Supported FARMERS FIRST Act Included in 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies  today applauded the President's signing of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill) that included legislation Sen. Moran championed, the Facilitating Accessible Resources for Mental Health and Encouraging Rural Solutions For Immediate Response to Stressful Times (FARMERS FIRST) Act, to provide our nation's agricultural community with critical mental health support and resources.\r\nFarmers and ranchers are facing a net farm income that has been cut in half over the last five years, continued low commodity prices, uncertain market access and unfavorable weather, said Sen. Moran. The inclusion of this legislation in the Farm Bill will provide the ag community with necessary mental health programs, such as a crisis help line and suicide prevention training for farm advocates during these tumultuous times for our producers. I will continue working with my colleagues to make certain this legislation is implemented in a way that will best serve our farmers and ranchers who need help during trying times.\r\nTo assist this community in crisis, provisions included in the Farm Bill will provide seed funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to state departments of agriculture, state extension services, Indian tribes and non-profits to establish helplines, provide suicide prevention training for farm advocates, create support groups and reestablish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. In addition to these resources, the language will establish a Farm and Ranch Stress Assessment Committee to better understand how agricultural workers' mental health impacts rural development and provide recommendations for addressing mental health care needs within the agriculture community.\r\nAdditional co-sponsors of the original legislation include U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Joni Ernst (R-Neb.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).\r\nThe FARMERS FIRST Act was introduced in April and is supported by a wide array of commodity groups, advocacy organizations and agricultural associations. Click here to read the full list of support.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/video-sen-moran-speaks-on-senate-floor-in-opposition-to-the-continuing-resolution", "VIDEO: Sen. Moran Speaks on Senate Floor in Opposition to the Continuing Resolution", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Appropriations Committee  spoke on the Senate floor after opposing the Senate's Continuing Resolution to fund the government through February 8, 2019.\r\nA little earlier in the evening, we cast a vote, one that was done without a roll call, and I want my constituents to know how I voted, said Sen. Moran. Earlier this evening we passed a Continuing Resolution and I voted no, and I want my constituents to know how I voted and I want them to know why. I indicated to my colleagues within the last 10 days that I intend to vote no on a CR because it's not the way that we should be conducting business in the United States Senate, or in the United States House of Representatives. Continuing Resolutions mean that we are just postponing the issues we face today, and they don't get any easier the longer we wait to resolve them\r\nWhere are the days in which the Congress, Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, exhibited their prerogatives. Not because we want power, but because the constitution gives us the authority. The responsibility in fact, to make decisions about spending. And there is no glory in making a decision on spending when we say today's dollars are fine next week, they're fine the next week, they're fine the next month. We're so close to coming together this year, and it's disappointing that the end result is a Continuing Resolution now until February the Eighth.\r\nMister President, the process that was exhibited this evening failed to allow me to have my vote recorded as it normally is, and it is important for me  for Kansans and Americans to know  that I oppose the way we are doing business tonight. It needs to change. We've said it before. And if we always say, we can wait another two weeks,' we can wait another three weeks,' we'll never get back to doing the work that we are hired to do by the American people.\r\nClick Here to Watch Remarks\r\nFull Remarks as delivered:\r\nMister President,\r\nA little earlier in the evening, we cast a vote, one that was done without a roll call, and I want my constituents to know how I voted. Because, while I will put a statement in the record, it will not appear as yeas and nays. And, earlier this evening we passed a Continuing Resolution and I voted no, and I want my constituents to know how I voted and I want them to know why.\r\nI indicated to my colleagues within the last 10 days that I intend to vote no on a CR because it's not the way that we should be conducting business in the United States Senate, or in the United States House of Representatives. Continuing Resolutions mean that we are just postponing the issues we face today, and they don't get any easier the longer we wait to resolve them. They also mean that the appropriations process, of which I am a part of, has spent a significant amount of time this year, and while we were successful in many, many ways, we have left seven bills without resolution. And because we couldn't resolve them, we are going to fund those departments and agencies at the same level of spending next year, as this year.\r\nWhat that means is the number of hearings that we had, the witnesses that were brought in and testified, the oversight that we've done on-sight at departments and agencies and facilities across the country, leaves us without that input being included in decisions. It means we are not prioritizing what spending is important. There may be a few things around here that could utilize additional resources. Maybe the resources level that we fund things at today is what it should be. Maybe there are things we shouldn't fund at all. And there are certainly things at which we could fund at lower levels.\r\nBut no we're not going to say that this is more important than this, we're going to say all things are equal. The way that we have funded it  appropriations last year for these agencies and departments  is exactly the right amount it should be into the future. And unfortunately we've done CRs long enough that we're not just talking about is it right, what is right last year, is the same amount that should be for the next several months? It goes back years. So, what we're saying is decisions we made years ago, are the same priorities we would have today. Not true.\r\nAnd perhaps more compelling to me is every time we pass a CR we lose the opportunity to utilize the power of the purse string to reign in the behavior and actions of those who work in those bureaus, departments and agencies. If Congress is always going to give a Federal agency the same amount of money in the future as it gave in the past, there is no reason for those agencies to pay attention to the United States Congress, to the House and the Senate, to the Article One of the United States Constitution which gives the authority for appropriating money to fund the Federal government to this Congress. We abdicate our responsibilities and we reduce the opportunity, on behalf of our constituents. Me on behalf of Kansans to make certain that the things, one, they think are important are the things we fund, the things that are constitutional are the things that we fund. And we lose the opportunity to tell an agency, by the power of the purse string, that when you pursue this regulation, when you pursue this policy, when you make the decision that you make, Congress isn't going to have the leverage on you to convince you to change your behavior. We lose the relationship that exists under the constitution for us to have the power over those departments and agencies in the executive branch.\r\nCommon sense tells us that if we determine how much money an agency or department receives, they're going to be much more interested in what we have to say. And if they don't listen to us, we have the ability to remove the money. To eliminate the funding.\r\nAnd so tonight, Mister President, in my view  and I believe this strongly  we missed an opportunity. We've been in this process for a long time now. We set out with the goal of passing all 12 appropriation bills, individually. The Appropriations Committee has done that. But they were not all brought to the Senate floor. And in fact, the that bills we're talking about tonight, a Continuing Resolution was passed for them just several months ago, taking us to December the Eighth.\r\nNow, at this point in time on December the Eighth, we continued them until this Friday. And now, tonight, we've continued the Continuing Resolution  same funding in the future as last. Now, for the third time in two months, to February the Eighth. We are not doing what we are supposed to do. And in this process, in my view, the opportunity existed.\r\nWe were very close on reaching an agreement. President Trump has strong feelings about border security. President Trump was willing to work with Congress to find a solution. Somewhere along the line, and there's lots of folks who want to say where the blame lies. Maybe it was with Speaker-Elect Pelosi. Maybe she just is unwilling to allow anything but a continuing resolution to pass. But the amount of dollars that we were apart is so minimal, and the policy issues had been resolved and yet for some reason we walked away.And if it is the Speaker-Elect of the house I urge her to deal with this issue of appropriations. It's the power of Congress, Republicans and Democrats ought to work together to fill our constitutional responsibilities. Where are the days in which the Congress, Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, exhibited their prerogatives. Not because we want power, but because the constitution gives us the authority. The responsibility in fact, to make decisions about spending. And there is no glory in making a decision on spending when we say today's dollars are fine next week, they're fine the next week, they're fine the next month.\r\nWe're so close to coming together this year, and it's disappointing that the end result is a Continuing Resolution now until February the Eighth.\r\nMister President, I want my constituents to know that we have done this too many times. And, yes, there may be a time in which we want to have just a few days to resolve the final differences. A few days is not February the Eighth, a few days is not now, for the third time, what we needed to decide months ago, we pursued weeks later, what we should have decided weeks later, we failed to address a week ago. And tonight we failed once again to address the issues of the proper amount of funding. Twelve appropriations bills should march their way across the United States Senate floor, should march their way across the House of Representatives floor and should be sent to a president for his or her signature, or his or her veto.\r\nMister President, the process that was exhibited this evening failed to allow me to have my vote recorded as it normally is, and it is important for me  for Kansans and Americans to know  that I oppose the way we are doing business tonight. It needs to change. We've said it before. And if we always say, we can wait another two weeks,' we can wait another three weeks,' we'll never get back to doing the work that we are hired to do by the American people.\r\nMister President, I voted no. It's the right vote.  \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/chairman-roberts-president-signs-farm-bill-into-law", "Chairman Roberts:  President Signs Farm Bill Into Law", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today joined Ranking Member Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), President Trump and others at the White House for a signing ceremony of their historic, bipartisan Farm Bill.\r\nWe began the consideration of this Farm Bill two years ago in Manhattan, Kansas by listening to producers. We ended up with a bill crafted to address the concerns of all regions and all crops. In a tough economy, the evolutionary, not revolutionary approach of our bill received the most votes of any farm bill in history.\r\nOur first commitment was to provide farmers and ranchers with certainty and predictability and this is what attracted broad, bipartisan support. I am proud of the members of my Committee who have worked so hard to give rural America the tools to produce the safest and most affordable food and fiber in the world.\r\nI am glad to have had the support of President Trump and Vice President Pence. They understood how important this bill is to all Americans, but especially to farm country.\r\nOn December 11, 2018 the Senate passed the Farm Bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 with a vote of 87-13. This is the most votes ever received by a single farm bill. A day later, the House approved the bill 369-47.\r\nThe Farm Bill received widespread support from more than 900 agriculture groups throughout the country including the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas State University and many more.\r\nSenator Roberts began working on this Farm Bill nearly two years ago, starting the journey in Manhattan, Kansas where he and Sen. Stabenow heard from 18 witnesses from Kansas in front of a crowd of more than 700 people. Since then, they held dozens of hearings, listened to more than 90 witnesses and received thousands of public comments they used to develop the Bill.\r\nThis is the second Farm Bill Senator Roberts has authored. Roberts is the only Member of Congress to hold the titles of both Senate and House Agriculture Committee Chairman and Ranking Member. As the House Agriculture Committee Chairman during 1995-1997, then Congressman Roberts led the reform of outdated federal farm policies within his Freedom to Farm Farm Bill. He also reformed the federal food stamp program, reducing waste, fraud and abuse. His advocacy for farmers and ranchers continued in the Senate as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee since 1997. In 2000, he wrote sweeping reforms to the federal crop insurance program.\r\nFrom 2011-2012, Senator Roberts served as the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Since 2015, Roberts has served as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.\r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/chairman-roberts-statement-on-usda-snap-work-requirements-proposed-rule", "Chairman Roberts Statement on  USDA SNAP Work Requirements Proposed Rule", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today released the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a proposed rule to update Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) requirements for states to qualify for waivers from work time-limits for able-bodied adults without dependents.\r\nThough the SNAP program currently has work requirements that most states enforce, it makes sense to review the process used by states for exemption from these work requirements, so states who request a waiver are using the same criteria as states like Kansas, which does not have a waiver, said Chairman Roberts. This is complimentary to the Farm Bill that we just passed which included measures to engage the business community and to increase the accountability of SNAP employment and training so people can learn the skills needed in the workforce.\r\nChairman Roberts held a hearing on the SNAP program in preparation for the Farm Bill reauthorization.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=666", "Rep. Estes Recognizes Recent Presidential Nominations and Appointments", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) is lauding recent nominations of two Kansans for positions by President Donald Trump. On Dec. 14, 2018, Michael Graham of Wichita was nominated to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). On Dec. 7, 2018, Gary Mason of Wichita was appointed to the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT). Rep. Estes sent letters of recommendation for both nominations.I am proud two members of our community will be contributing to these important boards tasked with improving transportation safety and our environment, said Rep. Estes. Government works best when people from diverse backgrounds participate and I thank both nominees for their willingness to serve. The NTSB is charged by Congress to improve transportation safety by investigating all civil aviation accidents and significant accidents in other modes of transportation and issuing safety recommendations. A former pilot in the U.S. Navy and current Director of Flight Operations Safety, Security and Standardization for Textron Aviation, Graham will serve the remainder of a five-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2020 after confirmation. The NACEPT advises the EPA Administrator on improving the development and implementation of domestic and international environmental management policies, programs and technologies. A former deputy secretary of environment for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and CEO of an environmental management consulting firm, Mason will serve a two-year term expiring Nov. 30, 2020. Ron 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://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=667", "Rep. Estes Praises Senate Passage of  \"M.S. 'Mitch' Mitchell Floodway\"", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONThe U.S. Senate passed H.R. 3383 today, a bill to designate the Wichita-Valley Center Flood Control Project as the \"M.S. 'Mitch' Mitchell Floodway\". Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) introduced the legislation in the U.S. House, which passed the bill in September.Today's action by the Senate sends this bill to President Trump's desk and puts us one step closer to permanently honoring Mitch Mitchell for his lasting contributions to our community,said Rep. Ron Estes.The Wichita-Valley Center Flood Control Project he developed to reduce flood waters in Sedgwick County has saved lives, prevented millions of dollars of property damage, and allowed for expanded growth and opportunities. I want to thank my colleagues in Congress, especially Rep. Bill Shuster and Sen. Jerry Moran, for helping pass this bill to provide this fitting tribute to Big Ditch Mitch' and his record of public service. A longstanding pillar of the Wichita community and a talented engineer from Wichita State University, Mr. Mitchell's work helped save hundreds of homes and millions of dollars in flood damage,said Sen. Jerry Moran.I am pleased we were able to get this legislation honoring his legacy across the finish line prior to the end of the 115th Congress. Ron 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://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/marshall-seeks-end-predatory-small-business-loans-bipartisan-legislation", "Lawmakers Seek to End Predatory Small Business Loans", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.-Today, two members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation aimed at ending a predatory commercial lending practice that,according to media reports, has ballooned in recent years. Dr. MarshallandRepVelzquez (D-NY)introduced the Small Business Lending Fairness Act. Their legislation would put an end to the practice of small business borrowerssigning an obscure legal document known as a confession of judgement, which essentially requires the borrower to waive their legal rights. Confessions of judgement have been linked to unfair lending terms, onerous interest rates and unjust seizure of assets.\nWe must put a stop to this abuse of power that hurts small businesses across the country,Rep. Marshall said.Shady lenders are using confessions of judgment as a weapon to take advantage of entrepreneurs and small business owners, and I am proud to work with Rep. Velzquez to end this scam.\nThis legal loophole has fueled an entire cottage industry of con artists and scammers who profit by exploiting hardworking entrepreneurs and ruining the lives of cash-strapped small business owners,Velzquez said.I call on my colleagues to join me in swiftly enacting this bipartisan measure, which will put an end to these abusive practices.\nSince 1985, confessions of judgement have been prohibited under the Truth in Lending Act for consumer loans, but the protections do not extend to certain types of commercial loans.By billing business loans as merchant cash advances,unscrupulous lenders began using confessions of judgement during the financial crisis to lure small firms into taking on unsustainable and costly debt, sometimes with interest rates of as much as 350 percent. In some cases, lenders have been allowed to freeze and drain borrowers' bank accounts, even when the small business borrowers have met their loan obligations.\nBy ending confessions of judgement' in commercial lending, we can stop abusive practices that are crippling honest small business owners,Velzquez added.I found it appalling that New York State law has made our state a magnet for dishonest lenders, which is why I'm working to see this loophole closed federally.\nAccess to capital remains a significant hurdle for many entrepreneurs looking to start and grow a business,Rep. Marshall said.Closing this loophole ensures that predatory lenders are unable to seize the assets of small firms without due process and extends protections to small business owners looking to obtain a loan.\nMarshall andVelzquezsit on the House Small Business Committee.Their bill mirrors legislation previously introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Marco Rubio (R-FL).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/hays-post-senate-approves-moran-supported-bill-for-veterans-full-housing-benefits", "Hays Post: Senate approves Moran-supported bill for veterans' full housing benefits", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate approves Moran-supported bill for veterans' full housing benefits  Hays Post  December 19, 2018  \r\n  The U.S. Senate unanimously approved theForever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act, legislation cosponsored by Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee  to make certain the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans for missed or underpaid Forever GI Bill housing benefits.\r\nIt is imperative that the VA make every effort to restore confidence with veterans by delivering the care and benefits they have earned, said Sen. Moran. I am pleased the U.S. Senate sent a clear message that the VA must earn back GI Bill beneficiaries' trust, and I'm proud to help lead efforts that will make the VA worthy of the service and sacrifice of our nation's heroes. The unanimous passage of this legislation moves us one step closer toward that goal.\r\nThis legislation will address the VA's failure to fully comply with reimbursement rates set by the Forever GI Bill. The improper payments resulted from IT systems that had not been properly updated and lack of internal processes to get the VA the necessary information about payment rates.\r\nThe VA should have used the Department of Defense's 2018 Basic Allowance for Housing rates, which should have been calculated based on the zip code where the student takes the majority of classes, rather than on the zip code in which the school's main campus is located. Instead, some GI Bill recipients have been receiving housing stipends at the 2017 rate and based on the school's zip code. In all cases, the 2018 rate is higher than the 2017 rate.\r\nThe legislation was introduced by Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and is cosponsored by Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).\r\nTheForever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Actwould require the VA to:\r\n \r\nEnd improper payments as soon as possible;\r\nEstablish a team of specialists who will be responsible to report to Congress a detailed plan to correct this egregious error;\r\nProvide a report to Congress by July 2020 that identifies how many beneficiaries were impacted and to what extent, aggregated by state; and\r\nCertify the department is fully compliant with the law.\r\n \r\nClick here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-applauds-spirit-aerosystems-jobs-announcement", "Sen. Moran Applauds Spirit AeroSystems Jobs Announcement", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded Spirit AeroSystems' plans to hire an additional 1,400 employees to support commercial and defense programs. These jobs add to the 1,000 new jobs announced by Spirit last year.\r\nThis is great news for Kansas and a positive development for the countless partnerships in the community that supply talent and materials to Spirit, said Sen. Moran. I'm proud to work with these stakeholders to solidify Wichita as the Air Capital of the World, and I commend Spirit for its significant contribution to our collective mission.\r\n\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-punting-on-spending-decisions-now-will-only-make-funding-the-government-in-february-more-difficult", "Sen. Moran: Punting on Spending Decisions Now Will Only Make Funding the Government in February More Difficult", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS)  released the following statement in opposition to the Senate's Continuing Resolution to fund the government through February 8, 2019:\r\nThe American people are tired of stop-gap funding measures and partisan politics. Rather than immediately resorting to another CR, we ought to work together to get back to the basics of governing.\r\nThe president repeatedly indicated his interest and flexibility in striking a funding deal for FY2019. Democrat leaders' refusal to compromise is extremely frustrating, and after speaking with numerous colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I remain convinced that we could have reached a long-term agreement that would have also better secured our borders.\r\nWe ought not be in a position where we're relying on last year's appropriations bills to fund this year's government. I'm disappointed that after Congress successfully passed appropriations bills to fund 75 percent of the federal government through 2019, we couldn't come to an agreement for the remaining appropriations bills  including my bipartisan CJS bill, which funds vital agencies like the Department of Justice and NASA. Punting on spending decisions now will only make funding the government in February more difficult.\r\nTherefore, I did not support the short-term and short-sighted CR. I encourage the Senate to continue working to resolve our differences so we may move on to the important issues we have ahead of us in the new year.  \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/senate-approves-sen-moran-supported-bill-to-ensure-veterans-receive-full-housing-benefits", "Senate Approves Sen. Moran-Supported Bill to Ensure Veterans Receive Full Housing Benefits", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act, legislation cosponsored by Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee  to make certain the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans for missed or underpaid Forever GI Bill housing benefits.\r\nIt is imperative that the VA make every effort to restore confidence with veterans by delivering the care and benefits they have earned, said Sen. Moran. I am pleased the U.S. Senate sent a clear message that the VA must earn back GI Bill beneficiaries' trust, and I'm proud to help lead efforts that will make the VA worthy of the service and sacrifice of our nation's heroes. The unanimous passage of this legislation moves us one step closer toward that goal.\r\nThis legislation will address the VA's failure to fully comply with reimbursement rates set by the Forever GI Bill. The improper payments resulted from IT systems that had not been properly updated and lack of internal processes to get the VA the necessary information about payment rates.\r\nThe VA should have used the Department of Defense's 2018 Basic Allowance for Housing rates, which should have been calculated based on the zip code where the student takes the majority of classes, rather than on the zip code in which the school's main campus is located. Instead, some GI Bill recipients have been receiving housing stipends at the 2017 rate and based on the school's zip code. In all cases, the 2018 rate is higher than the 2017 rate.\r\nThe legislation was introduced by Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and is cosponsored by Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).\r\nThe Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act would require the VA to:\r\n \r\nEnd improper payments as soon as possible;\r\nEstablish a team of specialists who will be responsible to report to Congress a detailed plan to correct this egregious error;\r\nProvide a report to Congress by July 2020 that identifies how many beneficiaries were impacted and to what extent, aggregated by state; and\r\nCertify the department is fully compliant with the law.\r\n \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/senator-roberts-announces-service-academy-nominations", "Senator Roberts Announces Service Academy Nominations", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today announced that he has nominated 41 Kansas students for an appointment to one of the U.S. Service Academies for the class of 2023.\r\nI'm pleased to nominate this outstanding group of young men and women to our nation's service academies, Senator Roberts said. As a Marine, I am especially proud to see so many young Kansans seeking to serve in our nation's military, and I am very proud of everyone that applied.\r\nIn making the nominations, Senator Roberts followed the recommendations of his Academy Screening Board. The nonpartisan board is comprised of seven volunteers from across Kansas and is overseen by Gilda Lintz, Senator Roberts' 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 decisions 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 will announce appointments this spring for the class entering in July 2019. Senator Roberts' nominees are as follows:\r\nUnited States Air Force Academy  Colorado Springs, CO Makensie Blum, Gardner Zachary Bollinger, Hesston Audrey Doffing, Conway Springs Cale Franklin, Pittsburg Keaton Koenig, Manhattan Caleb Masters, Shawnee Manmeet Pelia, Derby Camden Schieffer, Leawood Hunter Waite, Wichita Timothy Whetstone, Howard\r\nUnited States Naval Academy  Annapolis, MD Monty Christo III, Andover Audrey Doffing, Conway Springs Andrew Farris, Parsons Cale Franklin, Pittsburg Nicole Gish, Wichita Blaise Hayden, Manhattan Thomas Joyce, Prairie Village Joseph Lee, Leawood Caleb Masters, Shawnee Nicholas Moussa, Shawnee Trevor Reed, Park City Emily Reeves, Lansing Arron Russell, Wichita Michael Shuey, Wichita Jacob Stenslie, Overland Park Brooke Thomas, Overland Park Calvin Tran, Merriam Hunter Waite, Wichita Courtney Weir, Wichita Annalise Young, El Dorado\r\nUnited States Military Academy at West Point  West Point, NY Natalie Cantu, Augusta Sean Dugger, Alma Emmanuel Effiong, Ft. Riley Andrew Farris, Parsons Nicole Gish, Wichita Jonah Park, Overland Park Kiley Sweet, Wichita Brooke Thomas, Overland Park Daylan Williams, Lansing James Wilson, Olathe\r\n United States Merchant Marine Academy  Kings Point, NY Isaiah Casmus, Lansing Joseph Lee, Leawood Weston Marshall, Lansing Paige McDaniel, Wellsville Sophia Weidner, Wichita Sydney Wekamp, Andover Brock Weinstein, Overland Park Addison Willett, Wichita\r\nSenator Roberts will begin accepting applications in March for nominations to academy classes entering in July 2020. Applicants wishing to find out more information on the process for nominations should visit Senator Roberts' website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-applauds-passage-of-bipartisan-prison-sentencing-reform-legislation", "Sen. Moran Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Prison, Sentencing Reform Legislation", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS)  today applauded the Senate's passage of the First Step Act, S.3649, of which he is an original cosponsor, to reduce recidivism, promote public safety and improve fairness in the sentencing of federal crimes.\r\n\r\nThe First Step Act is a remarkable bipartisan achievement, said Sen. Moran. Supported by the president, a supermajority of the United States Senate, and law enforcement and advocacy groups from across the political spectrum, this legislation will allow non-violent offenders to serve time that fits their crime and then, importantly, provide them the opportunity to re-emerge as productive members of society. This legislation is an important first step in promoting a fair and effective criminal justice system, and as chairman of the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee, I will work to make certain law enforcement has the tools it needs to remain tough on crime and provide former prisoners a second chance at life.\r\n\r\nIncluded in the First Step Act is reauthorization of the Second Chance Act, which includes grant programs for drug rehabilitation, vocational training, mentoring, and other reentry and recidivism reduction initiatives. Sen. Moran's CJS Appropriations Subcommittee overwhelmingly voted to fund the Second Chance Act's grant programs at $90 million for FY19.\r\n\r\nThis comprehensive package aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction and professional development programs. It recalibrates certain mandatory minimum sentences, grants greater discretion for judges in the sentencing of low-level, nonviolent drug crimes and clarifies congressional intent on sentencing enhancements for certain crimes involving firearms. It also preserves the maximum potential sentences for violent and career criminals. The legislation allows petitions for retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act to be considered on an individual basis to reduce sentence disparities between crack and powder cocaine offenses.\r\n\r\nUnder this legislation, savings generated by the reforms would automatically be reinvested into law enforcement programs to further reduce crime and improve community safety.\r\n\r\nItems to note:\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/marshall-applauds-passage-legislation-addresses-maternal-deaths", "Marshall applauds the passage of legislation that addresses maternal deaths", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.-Last week the House passed H.R. 1318, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act of 2017, legislation that aims to address maternal deaths across America by improving data collection analysis. Congressman Marshall, an early cosponsor of the bill, worked with patient advocates in urging Congress to pass this much needed legislation.\n\t\tDespite modern medical advancements, and improvements in care, nationally, the number of mothers who die from pregnancy-related causes remains far too high,Rep. Marshall said.Maternal mortality rates are tracked by the CDC, and show that nationally, maternal deaths have actually increased in recent years to 20.7 deaths per 100,000 live births. The good news is that Kansas has set the standard, already bucking the national trend, with maternal mortality decreasing from 19.6 to 17.7 deaths since 2016. Currently there are gaps in identifying trends and developing strategies for better patient outcomes, which this bill aims to address.\n\t\tFollowing the vote in the House, the Senate passed this legislation with unanimous consent. It now heads to the president's desk for a final signature.\n\t\tThroughout my career as an OB/GYN, I am proud to have delivered thousands of babies into the arms of healthy mothers, but at times, there are circumstances beyond our control that are not fully understood,Marshall said.By improving data collection and analysis, and enhancing federal and state engagement, we can gain a better understanding of these causes. Not only will this be beneficial for public health officials, but it will allow my fellow physicians to continue to improve the quality of care we provide.\n\t\tEarlier this year, Congressman Marshall joined The Hill, a Washington-based newspaper, for an in-depth discussion on improving maternal and child health in the U.S.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/new-york-times-sena", "New York Times: Senators request F.B.I. inquiry into whether U.S.O.C. Chief lied to Congress", "2018-12-15", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators request F.B.I. inquiry into whether U.S.O.C. Chief lied to Congress  New York Times  December 14, 2018 A Senate subcommittee investigating sexual abuse in Olympic and amateur sports has asked the Justice Department and the F.B.I. to investigate Scott Blackmun, the former chief executive of the United States Olympic Committee, claiming that he lied to Congress during its inquiry into how Olympic entities handled the Lawrence G. Nassar molestation case.\r\nTwo senators, Jerry Moran of Kansas, the subcommittee's chairman, and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, the ranking member of the subcommittee that holds jurisdiction over the U.S.O.C. and amateur sports, sent referral letters on Friday to Matthew G. Whitaker, the acting attorney general, and Christopher A. Wray, the F.B.I. director, saying Blackmun had made false claims and misled our subcommittee  harming the investigation and ability to develop policy.\r\nThey added, Just as importantly, survivors of abuse have had to wait longer for the truth and longer for systemic changes to help prevent others from similar injury.\r\nThe request came three days afterSenator Blumenthal formally asked the F.B.I.to look into the role of the U.S.O.C. and U.S.A. Gymnastics in the Nassar case and what he called their role in this massive cover-up. Click here to read the full article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/commerce-subcommittee-refers-former-usoc-ceo-scott-blackmun-to-doj-after-providing-false-statements-to-congress", "Commerce Subcommittee Refers Former USOC CEO Scott Blackmun to DOJ After Providing False Statements to Congress", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)  chairman and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security with jurisdiction over the health and safety of US Olympic and NCAA athletes  have referred former U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun for investigation of potential violations of 18 U.S.C.  1001 and 1505.\r\nThe Subcommittee referred Blackmun to Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray, citing Blackmun's materially false statements contained in his written testimony to the Subcommittee during the course of the Subcommittee's investigation.\r\nThe Subcommittee takes its oversight role seriously, and it appears that Mr. Blackmun has made false claims and misled our Subcommittee  harming the investigation and ability to develop policy, said Sens. Moran and Blumenthal. Just as importantly, survivors of abuse have had to wait longer for the truth and longer for systemic changes to help prevent others from similar injury.\r\nItems to Note:\r\n \r\nBlackmun was invited to testify before the Subcommittee's June 5, 2018 hearing. However, due to ongoing medical treatment for prostate cancer, Blackmun instead provided a statement for the record and answered subsequent questions from Subcommittee members for the record. In his written remarks to the Subcommittee, Blackmun highlighted the following actions, in part, he took as CEO of USOC regarding the response to accusations against Nassar:\r\n\r\n. . . Mr. Penny told me that after interviewing three athletes and the team doctor, they were concerned [Nassar's] treatments' were not legitimate. Mr. Penny said that he was going to report this to law enforcement, a decision I fully supported. Mr. Penny also told me that the doctor would no longer have contact with athletes. I spoke to the USOC's safe sport staff after talking to Mr. Penny. My understanding was that reporting the doctor to law enforcement was the most aggressive thing that could be done. I also understood that once it was reported, the issue should be left in the hands of law enforcementwe did not want to interfere with their investigation in any way.\"\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nThe law firm, Ropes & Gray LLP, was retained by USOC on February 2, 2018 to conduct an independent investigation of USOC. On December 10, 2018, Ropes & Gray released its final report, containing information that contradicts Blackmun's written statement provided to the Subcommittee on June 5, 2018.\r\n\r\nAccording to the report, Mr. Blackmun told the independent investigators that, in or about September 2015, he engaged a group of USOC staff, possibly including the USOC Director of Ethics and SafeSport, because he wanted to make sure that we were doing everything that we should be doing in response and that our response was appropriate. \r\nHowever, independent investigators found no supporting evidence of this follow-up meeting. After being confronted with this information, Blackmun recanted his earlier assertion that this engagement took place.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\nThe results of the independent investigation and Blackmun's own statements to the independent investigators appear to contradict his statement to the Subcommittee that he spoke to the USOC's safe sport staff after talking to Penny. According to the independent investigators, Blackmun did not speak with Safe Sport staff or any other USOC personnel outside of former Chief of Sport Performance, Alan Ashley, after learning from then-USAG President and CEO Steve Penny about Nassar and the subsequent report to the FBI.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sens-moran-blunt-challenge-flawed-changes-to-national-liver-distribution-policy", "Sens. Moran, Blunt Challenge Flawed Changes to National Liver Distribution Policy", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding their concerns over recent changes to the national liver distribution policy made by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). Under the new policy, midwestern and southern transplant hospitals, including hospitals located in the Kansas City and the St. Louis area, could see patients from Kansas and Missouri waiting longer for a liver match.\r\nThis decision disregards expert opinion, overturns the current policy adopted in December 2017, and calls into question the OPTN process and whether it can fairly determine a policy for distributing livers nationwide, the senators wrote. Last week's decision to ignore the Liver and Intestine Committee's recommendation is extremely concerning. The Liver and Intestine Committee is comprised of a panel of transplant experts from some of the most prestigious institutions in the country charged with considering the medical, scientific, and ethical aspects related to liver procurement. As such, the Committee's recommendations should be followed unless there are specific, vetted, and justifiable reasons to do otherwise. The OPTN Board's decision to overturn the Liver and Intestine Committee's decision does not meet this standard.\r\nIn the letter, the senators note that the most recent OPTN decision is fundamentally different than the decision reached by the OPTN Board last year, calling into question not only the policy itself, but raising serious concerns about the process by which it was reached.\r\nThe OPTN process needs to be open, transparent, and one that takes into consideration both the expertise of the Liver and Intestine Committee and the public comments submitted by the current liver distribution regions, the senators continued. Last week's decision undermines the entire process and calls into question why the Department has ceded control.\r\nIn October, Sens. Moran and Blunt met with the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to discuss this issue.\r\nClick here to read the full letter.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/usa-today-senate-asks-j", "USA Today: Senate asks Justice Department, FBI to investigate former Olympic CEO Scott Blackmun for lying to Congress", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate asks Justice Department, FBI to investigate former Olympic CEO Scott Blackmun for lying to Congress  USA Today  December 14, 2018\r\nThe Senate subcommittee investigating sexual abuse in the Olympic movement has sent a referral letter to the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI asking them to investigate former U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun for lying to Congress.\r\nThe letter, sent Friday, said that Blackmun made materially false statements when he told the subcommittee in written testimony that he spoke with the USOC's safe sport staff about a conversation he had with then USA Gymnastics CEO Steve Penny in July 2015. It also recommendedBlackmunbe investigated for obstruction.\r\nThe Subcommittee takes its oversight role seriously, and it appears that Mr. Blackmun has made false claims and misled our Subcommittee  harming the investigation and our ability to develop policy, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the chair of the subcommittee, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), the ranking member,saidin a statement.\r\nJust as importantly, survivors of abuse have had to wait longer for the truth and longer for systemic changes to help prevent others from similar injury.\r\nBoard chairman Larry Probst said the USOC had not seen the letter and declined to comment following the directors' regularly scheduled meeting on Friday.\r\nThe written testimony Blackmun submitted for the subcommittee's June 5 hearing conflicted with what he told investigators from Boston-basedlaw firm Ropes & Gray, which on Monday released a reportthat was largely critical of Blackmun.\r\nOnJuly 25, 2015,Penny called Blackmun to inform him about Larry Nassar  although neither remembers the USA Gymnastics team doctor's name coming up  and concerns athletes had about treatments. Penny notified Blackmun that he would be reporting Nassar to law enforcement.\r\nRopes & Gray investigators found no evidence that Blackmun ever told anyone at the USOC about the information he learned from Penny.\r\nCiting health reasons as he was being treated for prostate cancer, Blackmun did not testify before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security.\r\nBlackmun, who resigned in February after eight years as CEO, received some of the harshest criticism in an independent investigation of how sexual abuse complaints against Nassar were handled. More than 350 girls and women  including Olympic champions Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, Gabby Douglas, Jordyn Wieber, Kyla Ross and Madison Kocian  have said they were abused by Nassar under the guise of medical treatments.\r\nRopes & Gray investigators found that, When the  allegations of sexual assault were squarely presented to USAG and the USOC, the two organizations, at the direction of their respective CEOs, engaged in affirmative efforts to protect and preserve their institutional interests.\r\nBlackmun's testimony to the Senate is rebutted by the Ropes & Gray report. Though he said he notified the USOC's safe sport staff,neitherthen-director of Ethics and SafeSport Malia Arrington nor anyoneelseat the USOCknewabout the allegations until Rachael Denhollanderand an Olympic gymnastwent public in a September 2016 story by The Indianapolis Star\r\nNot only had Blackmun not informed anyone else at the USOC about the complaints against Nassar, Ropes & Gray said, he did not investigate whether Nassar had access to athletes at other USOC facilities. He also did not follow up to see if Penny did, indeed, report Nassar to law enforcement or ask for an update on the investigation.\r\nBlackmun initially told Ropes & Gray investigators that he had convened a meeting of high-level USOC officials in September 2015 to talk about making sure we do the right follow-up on our side, even going so far as to provide names of the people who would have attended. But investigators could find no evidence of such a meeting.\r\nWhen investigators informed Blackmun that they could not corroborate his account, he said he was mistaken in his recollection about having undertaken such an effort, according to the report.\r\nNassar's abuse was not the first time sexual misconduct was an issue during Blackmun's tenure. The revelation in 2010 that USA Swimming had quietly banned more than 35 coaches led the USOC to require background checks for all coaches and NGB officials and, ultimately, the creation of the U.S. Center for SafeSport.\r\nBut Blackmun was often criticized for not doing enough to protect athletes  USA Taekwondo and U.S. Speedskating also have had high-profile sexual misconduct cases -- and he acknowledged to Ropes & Gray investigators that sexual abuse was not on my radar when he took over as CEO.\r\nWhen I started in 2010 if someone said what are the top 15 priorities for the USOC, I wouldn't have had sex abuse on the list, Blackmun told investigators.\r\nClick here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/wall-street-journal-senators-seek-fbi-probe-of-former-u-s-olympic-committee-chief-executive", "Wall Street Journal: Senators seek FBI probe of former U.S. Olympic Committee chief executive", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators seek FBI probe of former U.S. Olympic Committee chief executive  Wall Street Journal  December 14, 2018 Leaders of a congressional subcommittee investigating the U.S. Olympic Committee's response to the gymnastics sexual-abuse scandal on Friday referred former USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice for investigation, saying Mr. Blackmun made false statements in a written statement to the subcommittee.\r\nSens. Jerry Moran (R., Kan.), chairman of the subcommittee, and Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.), its ranking member, made the referral, which details potential violations. Click here to read the full article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/what-they-are-saying-cancer-drug-parity-act", "What They Are Saying: Cancer Drug Parity Act", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) along with Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), recently introduced the Cancer Drug Parity Act  bipartisan legislation that would make certain oral cancer drugs are covered in the same way as traditional IV chemotherapy to bring down costs for Americans battling cancer.\r\nCurrently, over 40 states  including Kansas  have passed oral parity laws that stop insurers from requiring patients to pay higher cost-sharing rates for oral chemotherapy drugs than traditional IV chemotherapies. The Cancer Drug Parity Act would build on this work by expanding these protections at the federal level.\r\nThe Cancer Drug Parity Act is supported by more than 30 organizations, including The Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Statements in support of the Cancer Drug Parity Act are included below.\r\nDr. Roy Jensen, Director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center and President of the Association of American Cancer Institutes:\r\nMany patients face obstacles when accessing oral chemotherapy drugs. At a time when developments in cancer care are advancing rapidly, it is essential for cancer centers like ours to provide patients with access to the best treatment. For some patients, there are no viable alternatives to oral chemotherapy drugs, which often come with high out-of-pocket costs. Oral chemotherapy is a priority for KU Cancer Center and for AACI, and we are delighted that Senators Moran and Smith are introducing this much-needed legislation.\r\nLouis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D, President and CEO of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:\r\nScience is dramatically changing the way cancer is treated. Even with these breakthroughs, too many cancer patients can't access their treatments because insurance rules have not kept pace with innovation. The Cancer Drug Parity Act will eliminate the financial barriers that stand between many cancer patients and the breakthrough treatments that could save their lives. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society applauds Senator Smith and Senator Moran for their leadership on behalf of cancer patients and stands ready to work with Congress to move this important bill forward.\r\nRobin Levy, Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy for the International Myeloma Foundation:\r\nHaving legislation introduced in both the House and the Senate to increase access to life saving medicines is an exciting step forward in the process to bring out of pocket cost fairness to all cancer treatments. For too long, some cancer patients have been put in the untenable position of having to choose between the treatment their oncologist recommends, and the treatment that their insurance company will cover. With passage of this bill, cancer patients can focus on getting well, not on the what ifs of insurance coverage.\r\nPaula Schneider, President and CEO of Susan G. Komen:\r\nWe are entering a period of incredible advancement in our ability to treat breast cancers. Yet none of our breakthroughs in the lab will matter if patients can't access them. Everybreast cancer patientshould have access tothe right treatments for them, without worrying about the financial impact of outdated insurance design. Oral chemotherapy better allows patients to be with families and even continue to work as able, instead of the burden of having to travel to and spend hours at a clinic receiving traditional chemotherapy. It should be available at no additional cost. We look forward to working with Senator Moran, and the entire Senate, to pass theCancer Drug Parity Act.\r\nThe Coalition to Improve Access to Cancer Care:\r\nYour bill would ensure that any health care plan currently covering cancer treatment provide patients with access to cancer medications taken by pill at a similar out?of?pocket cost as cancer medications administered by IV, port, or injection at a doctor's office. Similar legislation introduced in the Senate in the last Congress was supported by 21 bipartisan co-sponsors. The House version of the Cancer Drug Parity Act, H.R. 1409, currently has 175 bipartisan co-sponsors, and support continues to grow. We thank you again for your leadership and believe we have a great opportunity to build on this strong foundation of support to make a lasting difference for cancer patients.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/kansas-senators-applaud-fcc-order-on-rural-broadband", "Kansas Senators Applaud FCC Order on Rural Broadband", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) applauded the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Incentive-Based Universal Service Support order, approved unanimously this week, that will increase federal investment in rural broadband throughout Kansas and across the country. The FCC's order will give small rural broadband providers the certainty and resources they need to increase access to high-speed broadband networks in rural communities and further close the digital divide that puts too many at an economic disadvantage in today's digital-based economy.\r\nAccess to technology  especially in rural and underserved areas  unlocks an array of opportunity for businesses, students and families alike, said Sen. Moran. Whether it's a farmer trying to expand their business, an individual managing their finances online, or students and teachers utilizing information on the internet as a classroom tool, broadband and technology matter. I am pleased the FCC acknowledges the real need to quickly deploy broadband to the communities that need it most, and I remain committed to working to make certain Kansans have the tools they need to get ahead.\r\nFollowing the investment in rural communities included in the Farm Bill, the FCC, under fellow Kansan Chairman Ajit Pai's leadership, is continuing to make it easier for people in the hardest to reach communities access reliable high-speed broadband services, said Sen. Roberts. Expanding these services in rural areas will make it easier for farmers to operate their businesses with greater efficiency and improve yields, students to further their education with online classes, patients to access remote health care services from the comfort of their homes, and so much more. This will help lessen the urban-rural divide by bringing internet services to rural areas who are all too often years behind their urban counterparts.\r\nThis order is also supported by rural Kansas broadband providers.\r\nToday's action at the FCC represents acknowledgement of the importance for all rural Kansans to have access to robust, reliable and affordable broadband. The Universal Service Fund plays a critical role; making possible active engagement for all Kansans in our 21st century economy, education and healthcare, said Wilson Communications CEO Brian Boisvert.\r\nI am pleased with today's FCC decision to address the insufficient universal service fund budget and remove regulatory uncertainty. Sufficient and predictable universal service fund support helps rural broadband providers like Pioneer Communications deploy networks and keep rural areas connected. I am deeply grateful to Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran for their leadership and constant engagement in working toward the order approved today by the FCC. I am also appreciative of the FCC itself for adopting today's order, especially of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a Parsons, Kansas native who knows well what it means to live and serve in rural Kansas. In rural Kansas, like all of rural America, high-speed broadband helps create jobs, boosts economic growth, increases opportunities for education, and improves access to healthcare. The small rural telecom providers in Kansas hope today's order will allow us to focus more fully again on the business of delivering broadband to the benefit of Kansas consumers and businesses, said Pioneer Communications General Manager & CEO Catherine Moyer.\r\nLast year, Sens. Roberts and Moran along with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led a bipartisan letter to the FCC to ensure its commitment to affordable and reliable broadband for rural communities.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-votes-to-end-american-involvement-in-war-in-yemen", "Sen. Moran Votes to End American Involvement in War in Yemen", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "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 voting in favor of the Yemen War Powers resolution, S.J. Res. 54:\r\nI voted today to end America's involvement in the war in Yemen, and I'm pleased the Senate took decisive and thoughtful action to reassert Congress's constitutional authority in an effort to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen. I am certain this will be a matter of debate early in the next Congress, and I will continue to support promoting peace and security on the Arabian Peninsula.\r\nItems to Note:\r\n \r\nLast month, Sen. Moran voted to advance S.J. Res 54 from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which was agreed to 63-37.\r\nIn March, Sen. Moran voted to proceed to consideration of S. J. Res. 54. It failed 55-44.\r\nSen. Moran has also joined letters to the Administration expressing concern regarding the humanitarian impact of the siege of Hudaydah, Yemen, as well as questioning the certification of Saudi compliance with American law.\r\n \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/kansas-senators-applaud-fcc-order-on-rural-broadband", "Kansas Senators Applaud FCC Order  on Rural Broadband", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) applauded the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Incentive-Based Universal Service Support order, approved unanimously this week, that will increase federal investment in rural broadband throughout Kansas and across the country. The FCC's order will give small rural broadband providers the certainty and resources they need to increase access to high-speed broadband networks in rural communities and further close the digital divide that puts too many at an economic disadvantage in today's digital-based economy. \r\nFollowing the investment in rural communities included in the Farm Bill, the FCC, under fellow Kansan Chairman Ajit Pai's leadership, is continuing to make it easier for people in the hardest to reach communities access reliable high-speed broadband services, said Sen. Roberts. Expanding these services in rural areas will make it easier for farmers to operate their businesses with greater efficiency and improve yields, students to further their education with online classes, patients to access remote health care services from the comfort of their homes, and so much more. This will help lessen the urban-rural divide by bringing internet services to rural areas who are all too often years behind their urban counterparts.\r\nAccess to technology  especially in rural and underserved areas  unlocks an array of opportunity for businesses, students and families alike, said Sen. Moran. Whether it's a farmer trying to expand their business, an individual managing their finances online, or students and teachers utilizing information on the internet as a classroom tool, broadband and technology matter. I am pleased the FCC acknowledges the real need to quickly deploy broadband to the communities that need it most, and I remain committed to working to make certain Kansans have the tools they need to get ahead.\r\nThis order is also supported by rural Kansas broadband providers.\r\nToday's action at the FCC represents acknowledgement of the importance for all rural Kansans to have access to robust, reliable and affordable broadband. The Universal Service Fund plays a critical role; making possible active engagement for all Kansans in our 21st century economy, education and healthcare, said Wilson Communications CEO Brian Boisvert.\r\nI am pleased with today's FCC decision to address the insufficient universal service fund budget and remove regulatory uncertainty. Sufficient and predictable universal service fund support helps rural broadband providers like Pioneer Communications deploy networks and keep rural areas connected. I am deeply grateful to Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran for their leadership and constant engagement in working toward the order approved today by the FCC. I am also appreciative of the FCC itself for adopting today's order, especially of FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, a Parsons, Kansas native who knows well what it means to live and serve in rural Kansas. In rural Kansas, like all of rural America, high-speed broadband helps create jobs, boosts economic growth, increases opportunities for education, and improves access to healthcare. The small rural telecom providers in Kansas hope today's order will allow us to focus more fully again on the business of delivering broadband to the benefit of Kansas consumers and businesses, said Pioneer Communications General Manager & CEO Catherine Moyer.\r\nLast year, Sens. Roberts and Moran along with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led a bipartisan letter to the FCC to ensure its commitment to affordable and reliable broadband for rural communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=659", "Rep. Estes Releases Statement on Passage of the 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement on today's passage of the 2018 Farm Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 369-47. Yesterday, the measure passed in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 87-13.This five-year Farm Bill provides much-needed certainty for Kansas farmers and ranchers through increased crop insurance programsand includes historic funding for rural broadband that will help farmers utilize new technology and get products to market faster. While the final bill didn't include all of the work requirement initiatives from the House-passed version, I'm glad the bill makes needed improvements to the SNAP program, including giving the Secretary of Agriculture flexibility to address work requirement waivers issued by states. As a strong advocate for work requirements like those that have worked in Kansas, I'll continue working with the Trump administration to help families in need while getting people back to work. Ron 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://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-2018-farm-bill-0", "House Passes 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.-Today the House of Representatives answered farmers and ranchers call to action and passed the 2018 Farm Bill.\nProviding farmers and our agriculture community with a strong five-year bill was not just a goal ofours, it was a responsibilitywetook on when Kansans electedusto be their voice in D.C.,\"Rep. Marshall said.\"This Farm Bill has been years in the making, and todaywetook ourfinal vote to send it to the President's desk.\"\nAs farmers enter loan renewal season, having a five-year bill is key for producers weathering tough economic times. With the House's vote today, the 2018 Farm Bill has now passed both chambers and will become law upon being signed by President Trump.\nKansas farm bankruptcies are up six times since 2015, \"Marshall said.\"We'vetraveled thousands of miles in the past two years, touching base with farmers and agribusinesses across the state, andwe'reproud to report that the final bill strengthens our safety net, prioritizes trade promotion, fully protects crop insurance, improves the dairy program, invests in broadband and rural health, and so much more.\"\nSenator Pat Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee said the following about the 2018 Farm Bill and working with Congressman Marshall:\nKansans have benefitted from Representative Marshall's leadership on the House Agriculture Committee during the consideration of this Farm Bill,Roberts said.We have overwhelming support for our bill that will really help our farmers and ranchers through a difficult time. I look forward to the President signing it into law.\nAs a conferee, Congressman Marshall signed the conference report earlier this week after House and Senate ag negotiators reached a final agreement.\nI want to thank Senator Pat Roberts, who has been a mentor to me throughout this process and who has now seen through eight Farm Bills, as well as Chairman Conaway for his leadership and guidance. It has been a privilege to work so closely with them to ensure that Kansas ag priorities were included in our final bill,Marshall said.\nSeeing this bill from start to finish has been a surreal experience, and what we are putting forth is a great bill that looks at agriculture from all angles,Marshall said.I couldn't be more proud, and I hope that producers back at home know that we listened!\nOne of the principle negotiators on the Farm Bill, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX), said the following about the bill:\nHouse Republicans refused to stop fighting for rural America and we've reached a deal that sets us on a better path  for producers, for rural communities and American consumers. Roger has been a strong advocate and critical voice for production agriculture in this farm bill conference process and I'm thankful for his leadership, which helped get this across the finish line,Conaway said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-correct-va-payments", "Sen. Moran, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Correct VA Payments", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies  joined Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to introduce the Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act. This bipartisan legislation will make certain the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans for missed or underpaid Forever GI Bill housing benefits.\r\nThe VA must make every effort to restore confidence with veterans by delivering the care and benefits they have earned, said Sen. Moran. The significant problems with the implementation of the Forever GI Bill must be resolved immediately  any further delay is unacceptable and will burden those veterans impacted. This legislation will make certain the VA is working to earn back GI Bill beneficiaries' trust. I'm proud to be a part of efforts to make the VA worthy of the service and sacrifice of our nation's heroes.\r\nThe Forever GI Bill Housing Payment Fulfillment Act was introduced to address the VA's failure to fully comply with reimbursement rates set by the Forever GI bill. The improper payments resulted from IT systems that had not been properly updated and lack of internal processes to get the VA the necessary information about payment rates.\r\nThis legislation will direct the VA to:\r\n \r\nEnd improper payments as soon as possible;\r\nEstablish a team of specialists who will be responsible to report to Congress a detailed plan to correct this egregious error;\r\nProvide a report to Congress by July 2020 that identifies how many beneficiaries were impacted and to what extent, aggregated by state; and\r\nCertify the VA is fully compliant with the law.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-make-life-saving-oral-cancer-medications-more-affordable", "Sen. Moran Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Make Life-Saving Oral Cancer Medications More Affordable", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) today introduced the Cancer Drug Parity Act to make certain oral cancer drugs are covered in the same way as traditional (IV) chemotherapy to bring down costs for Americans battling cancer. The Cancer Drug Parity Act, which is co-sponsored by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), is needed to make certain the way health care covers cancer treatment catches up to the advances in oral cancer medications.\r\nCurrently, over 40 states  including Kansas  have passed oral parity laws that stop insurers from charging more for prescribed oral cancer medicine than IV chemotherapy. The Cancer Drug Parity Act would build on this work by expanding these protections at the federal level.\r\nIndividuals suffering from cancer deserve the best treatment options available through their insurance, said Sen. Moran. As the number of oral cancer drugs increase each year, patients ought to be able to immediately benefit from these medical advancements. This sensible legislation would keep health insurance on pace with the latest cancer treatments, build on laws already implemented in 43 states and expand cancer coverage for oral drugs for 100 million individuals covered through group and individual health plans. I am a strong supporter of medical research to find new treatments, therapies and cures, and I am working to make certain these exciting new treatments can reach cancer patients and ultimately save lives.\r\nThe Cancer Drug Parity Act is supported by more than 30 organizations, including The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.\r\nMany patients face obstacles when accessing oral chemotherapy drugs, said Director of The University of Kansas Cancer Center and President of the Association of American Cancer Institutes Dr. Roy Jensen, which represents 98 academic cancer centers across North America. At a time when developments in cancer care are advancing rapidly, it is essential for cancer centers like ours to provide patients with access to the best treatment. For some patients, there are no viable alternatives to oral chemotherapy drugs, which often come with high out-of-pocket costs. Oral chemotherapy is a priority for KU Cancer Center and for AACI, and we are delighted that Senators Moran and Smith are introducing this much-needed legislation.\r\nScience is dramatically changing the way cancer is treated. Even with these breakthroughs, too many cancer patients can't access their treatments because insurance rules have not kept pace with innovation, said President and CEO of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D. The Cancer Drug Parity Act will eliminate the financial barriers that stand between many cancer patients and the breakthrough treatments that could save their lives. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society applauds Senator Smith and Senator Moran for their leadership on behalf of cancer patients and stands ready to work with Congress to move this important bill forward.\r\nThe Cancer Drug Parity Act would:\r\n \r\nPrevent insurers from covering oral and self-administered medicines at different cost-sharing rates than IV chemotherapy;\r\nNot mandate that healthcare plans provide chemotherapy coverage, but rather only apply to plans already covering chemotherapy.\r\n \r\n  Read a summary of the bill here and full bill text here.  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sens-moran-cortez-masto-urge-faa-to-implement-improve-airport-contract-tower-program", "Sens. Moran, Cortez Masto Urge FAA to Implement, Improve Airport Contract Tower Program", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.)  members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation  led a bipartisan letter of 36 Senators urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement a provision in this year's FAA Reauthorization legislation (H.R. 302) allowing airports that utilize the contract tower program to become eligible for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants from the small airport fund. This provision was introduced by Sens. Moran and Cortez Masto and included in H.R. 302 that was recently signed into law by the president.\r\nThe eight air traffic control towers across Kansas that utilize the contract tower program not only provide an important safety service for critical local airports, but they do so in a cost-effective manner, said Sen. Moran. It is the clear intent of Congress that tower construction and improvement, as well as related equipment, should be given priority consideration when determining which projects should receive grants from the small airport fund. These control towers and the airports at which they're located help provide a vital link between the communities and businesses they serve and the rest of the world, and it is crucial that the FAA implement this provision.\r\nThe letter was also signed by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Doug Jones (R-Ala.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Steve Daines (Mont.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.).\r\nItem to note:\r\n \r\nAirports in Kansas utilizing the contract tower program and affected by this measure include: Hutchinson Regional Airport, Manhattan Regional Airport, Garden City Regional Airport, Salina Regional Airport, Topeka Regional Airport, Billard Airport in Topeka, Johnson County Executive Airport in Olathe and New Century AirCenter in Gardner.\r\n \r\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\r\nDecember 11, 2018\r\nDaniel K. ElwellActing AdministratorFederal Aviation Administration800 Independence Avenue SWWashington, D.C. 20591\r\nDear Acting Administrator Elwell:\r\nAs you begin implementing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, we would like to draw your attention to section 152 of that Act. Section 152 authorizes the FAA to make grants from the small airport fund to an airport participating in the contract tower program for the purpose of constructing or improving its air traffic control tower and for the acquisition and installation of related equipment.\r\nThe contract tower program has been in place for over 30 years. Currently, there are 256 airports in 46 states that participate in this program and it consistently receives high marks for customer service from aviation users (pilots, airlines, FBOs, flight schools, and corporate flight departments). Without it, people living and traveling to small communities and rural areas would be without the important safety benefits that air traffic control provides.\r\nNot only do contract towers provide an important safety service, they do it in a cost-effective manner. This is demonstrated by the fact that contract towers handle approximately 29 percent of all U.S. air traffic control tower operations, but account for just 11 percent of FAA's overall budget allotted to such operations. This means that the contract tower program saves the FAA and taxpayers approximately $200 million per year and $2 billion over a decade.\r\nIn addition to the safety and financial benefits, the contract tower program plays a key role in connecting rural communities to the national air transportation system, helping airports retain and develop commercial air service, and promoting economic development and job creation. It also provides significant support for military readiness and training as well as for disaster relief, homeland security, and law enforcement operations.\r\nFor all these reasons, the contract tower program enjoys widespread support in the Congress. That is why Congress included section 152, as well as other provisions to boost the contract tower program, in the FAA Reauthorization Act. It is important to note that this provision authorizing small airport funds for tower construction and improvement was placed in subsection (d) of section 47116 of the United States Code. Subsection (d) is entitled Priority Consideration for Certain Projects. This provision could have been inserted in section 47124, but was placed in subsection 47116(d) precisely because Congress desired air traffic control tower construction and improvement projects to receive priority consideration for grants from the small airport fund. It is Congress's clear intent that tower construction, improvement, and related equipment should be given priority consideration when determining which projects should receive grants from the small airport fund. Priority consideration for these projects is fully justified in light of the safety, financial, and other benefits that these towers provide to small airports and rural areas.\r\nWe expect FAA to follow congressional intent in implementing this important provision that will enhance air traffic safety at smaller and rural airports throughout the country, including utilizing the benefit/cost ratios for new airport applicants/candidates that FAA submitted to Congress in April, 2018.\r\nAdditionally, we request that you explain to how the FAA will revise its National Priority Ranking and related order to ensure that funding for air traffic control tower construction, improvements, and related equipment receive the priority intended in the law. We also ask that, after the end of this fiscal year, you provide us with a list of the airports that requested money from the small airport fund for tower construction, improvement, or related equipment, a list of those airports that received such funds for that purpose, and a statement explaining why airports did not receive such funding even though it was requested.\r\nWe appreciate your attention to this timely matter and look forward to continuing to work with you in a constructive manner on this important issue.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-kansas-farmers-ranchers-need-certainty-of-five-year-farm-bill", "Sen. Moran Applauds Passage of Five-Year Farm Bill", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture  today voted in favor of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2, the Farm Bill, which passed the United States Senate 87-13.\r\nKansas farmers and ranchers need the certainty of a five-year Farm Bill, said Sen. Moran. Times have been tough in ag communities  the weather has not been our friend this year, and commodity prices are down. Escalating trade tensions have also caused a strain on Kansas' ag economy. This Farm Bill, which protects crop insurance, will be helpful to ag producers by strengthening the farm safety net and encouraging responsible land stewardship through conservation programs.\r\nI'm pleased the Conference Report included my Emergency Conservation Program provisions to increase the amount of assistance in times of disaster and allow payments for fences to be made in advance, continued Sen. Moran. The bill also supports key rural development initiatives, including a pilot program within USDA to bolster broadband deployment. I urge the House to quickly pass this Conference Report and get it to the president's desk for signature.\r\nItems to Note:\r\n \r\nThe Farm Bill Conference Report passed today includes an amendment led by Sen. Moran to allow advance payments through the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) for farmers and ranchers to replace fences following natural disasters. Sen. Moran's amendment carries no cost.\r\n \r\n \r\nThis bill also contains Sen. Moran's proposal to more than double the amount of ECP assistance a landowner is able to receive when rebuilding from a disaster. These provisions reflect legislation Sen. Moran introduced in 2017 and were drafted based on input from Kansas ranchers following devastating fires in March 2017.\r\n \r\n \r\nThe Farm Bill also addresses a number of Sen. Moran's priorities in expanding rural broadband access for Kansans. This legislation prevents the federally-subsidized overbuilding of broadband infrastructure in an effort to more strategically use taxpayer dollars to close the digital divide.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-statement-on-epa-s-proposed-wotus-rule", "Sen. Moran Statement on EPAs Proposed WOTUS Rule", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works  released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a proposal to better define waters of the United States (WOTUS) that clarifies federal authority under the Clean Water Act:\r\nIt is critical that we work to protect our wetlands and waterways for future generations. The proposed WOTUS rule aims to promote clean water, while providing clarity to stakeholders on EPA's jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. This provides a welcome change from the overreaching Obama-era WOTUS rule by providing a sensible, clear definition that will result in better utilization of resources and cut red tape for Kansas producers. I will work with the administration to make certain its implementation works for farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders.\r\nItems to note:\r\n \r\nThe proposed rule would provide clarity and consistency for farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders across the country, specifically regarding the limits and jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. More information about the proposed rule can be found here.\r\nThe EPA will take comment on the proposal for 60 days. More information about submitting comments to the agencies regarding the proposed rule can be found here.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/chairman-roberts-bipartisan-farm-bill-passes-senate-one-step-closer-to-certainty-and-predictability-for-kansas-farmers-and-ranchers", "Chairman Roberts Bipartisan Farm Bill Passes Senate; One Step Closer to Certainty and Predictability for  Kansas Farmers and Ranchers", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced the Senate approved the Conference Report for the Farm Bill, bringing certainty and predictability one step closer for the nation's farmers and ranchers. The Senate passed the conference report, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 with a vote of 87-13.\r\nFor audio and video of the Chairman's remarks go here.\r\nThe House of Representatives is set to debate and vote on the Conference Report as early as Wednesday.\r\nEarlier today President Donald Trump signaled his support for the bill when he told reporters, \"We think the Farm Bill is in very good shape. Our farmers are well taken care of. Again, that'll be quite bipartisan.\"\r\nThe following are Senator Roberts' remarks, as prepared, upon Senate passage of the report:\r\nThe goal, the responsibility, the absolute requirement is to provide farmers, ranchers, growers and everyone within America's agriculture and food value chaincertaintyandpredictabilityduring these very difficult times.\r\nThis Farm Bill meets the needs of producers acrossall regions and all crops. \r\nAnd, it ensures that ourvoluntary conservation programsare keeping farm land in operation while protecting our agriculture lands,forests,and other natural resources. \r\nThe bill focuses onprogram integrityand commonsense investments to strengthen ournutrition programsto ensure the long-term success of those in need of assistance. \r\nAnd, with trade and market uncertainty, to say the least,itprovidescertaintyfor ourtrade promotionandresearchprograms.\r\nFeeding an increasing global population is not simply an agriculture challenge, it is anational securitychallenge. \r\nThis means we need to grow more and raise more with fewer resources. That will takeinvestments in research, newtechnology,lines of credit, and properrisk management. It takes the government providing tools, and then getting out of the producer's way.\r\nOrganizationsrepresenting thousands of agriculture, food, nutrition, hunger, forestry, conservation, rural, business, faith-based, research, and academic interests have issued statements supporting the conference report.\r\nThis is what happens when the Congress works in a bipartisan, bicameral fashion. This is a good bill that accomplishes what we set out to do  providecertainty and predictabilityfor farmers, families, and rural communities.?\r\nWehavemadetough choices,beingjudicious with thescarce resourceswe haveon behalf of the taxpayer. \r\nThis may not be the best possible bill. But, it is the best bill possible under these circumstances. And, importantly, itprovidesour farmers, ranchers and other rural stakeholdersmuch neededcertainty and predictability.\r\nFor more information on the provisions in the bill go here. \r\nThis is Chairman Roberts' eighth Farm Bill, and will be his second to be signed into law as a Chairman. Senator Roberts is the first member of Congress to chair both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/chairman-roberts-releases-bipartisan-farm-bill-conference-report", "Chairman Roberts Releases Bipartisan  Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today released the text of the Farm Bill Conference Report following months of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations. For audio and video of Senator Roberts go here.\r\nFirst, we listened to the concerns of farmers and ranchers and then we worked hard to negotiate a Farm Bill that provides producers from all regions with certainty and predictability during these very difficult times in the farm economy, Roberts said. We made key improvements to farm and livestock programs that will help Kansans.\r\nIn listening to Kansans, we heard about the hard economic consequences of low prices and surpluses. Helping farmers and ranchers and the entire agriculture value chain to both better plan operations and persevere these conditions was our top priority. \r\nWe learned what we needed to do better for emergency responses to wildfires, especially for livestock producers. We give USDA more tools to address challenges with trade. We are forward thinking on agriculture research and security, harnessing innovation to improve production and compete in a global marketplace. We have streamlined conservation programs and made commonsense reforms based on producer feedback.\r\nWe have fixed waste, fraud and inefficiencies in our nutrition programs to better protect taxpayer dollars and ensure access to proper nutrition for the neediest among us. \r\nWe fought to protect our rural values and way of life by helping to combat the opioid crisis. And, we improve rural broadband deployment for the farmer in the field and up and down rural main streets too.\r\nI urge my colleagues to listen, as we have, to farmers and ranchers and support our bill to give them the certainty and predictability they need to continue to provide the safest and most affordable food and fiber in the world. I am proud that we did the work to made responsible choices to ensure we had a budget neutral bill. I will continue to work with the White House and USDA to ensure the President signs this much needed bill into law as soon as possible.\r\nThe Conference Report, The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, can be found here.\r\nThe House of Representatives is expected to vote to accept the report this week. The report will then be sent to the Senate for debate and a vote before going to the President to be signed into law.\r\nThe Farm Bill Conference Committee held a public hearing on Sept. 5, 2018. Chairman Roberts, Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Colin Peterson (D-Minn.) have been negotiating Farm Bill titles since July. Prior to that in June, the House approved their version of the Farm Bill with a vote of 213-211, and the Senate approved the Senate Farm Bill with a record setting bipartisan vote of 86-11.\r\nChairman Roberts, who also serves as the Chairman of the Conference Committee, fought to ensure the following provisions important to Kansans were included in the final report:\r\nCrop Insurance\r\n \r\ndirects research and development to improve existing policies or develop policies for quality loss, grain sorghum, and limited irrigation practices; \r\nallows producers to establish a single enterprise unit by combining enterprise units across counties, or enterprise units with basic units and optional units in one or more other counties;\r\nclarifies conditions for voluntary conservation practices to be considered as good farming practices for crop insurance purposes.\r\n \r\nCommodity Title\r\n \r\nreauthorizes and improves the Price Loss Coverage (PLC), Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) County and the ARC Individual programs;\r\nimproves the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), the Tree Assistance Program, and the Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).\r\n \r\nConservation\r\n \r\nmaintains the primary functions of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and increases the program's annual funding level to over $2 billion annually. Allows for certain entities to be eligible for implementing water conservation or irrigation practices under a watershed-wide project. Includes a 50 percent funding carve out for livestock practices;\r\nincreases the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage enrollment cap from 24 to 27 million acres;\r\nincludes new drought and water conservation agreements in Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREPs) that permit dryland farming, targets enrollment based upon historic state enrollment rates, and prioritizes the enrollment of marginal and environmentally sensitive lands, aligns the program with market expectations by capping rental rates, and provides additional flexibilities for haying and grazing on enrolled acres;\r\nimproves the Emergency Conservation Program to assist producers in response to disasters like wildfires.\r\n \r\nTrade\r\n \r\nConsolidates agricultural trade promotion and facilitation programs, maintaining the unique functions of each program while establishing permanent mandatory funding for agricultural export promotion activities;\r\nestablishes a Priority Trade Fund for the Secretary to allocate additional funds to any of the four export programs to address immediate or additional needs. This allows the Secretary more flexibility;\r\ncontinues support for critical international food security programs including Food for Peace (P.L. 480 Title II), Food for Progress, the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, and Local and Regional Food Aid Procurement Projects.\r\n \r\nCredit\r\n \r\nextends and reauthorizes Department of Agriculture farm loan programs that are critical to our nation's producers especially during these difficult economic conditions. The title also provides Farm Credit Administration with modernized enforcement and receivership authority consistent with other financial regulators.\r\n \r\nRural Development\r\n \r\nprioritizes funding in the Community Facilities and Distance Learning and Telemedicine programs for projects addressing prevention and treatment of substance abuse, specifically opioids;\r\nallows for USDA to leverage grants along with loans and loan guarantees to fund projects that deploy high-speed broadband throughout rural America.\r\n \r\nResearch\r\n \r\nincreases Federal investment in agricultural research, including additional mandatory funding of $185 million for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research;\r\nestablishes the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) pilot, a new authority at USDA intended to carry out advanced research and development of qualified products and projects, agricultural technologies, and research tools.\r\n \r\nMiscellaneous\r\n \r\nrevises existing National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) authority to establish the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank. This will allow for stockpiling of necessary countermeasures to respond to the most damaging animal diseases, including Foot and Mouth Disease;\r\nextends benefits to veterans including FSA down payment loans, reduced interest rates on guaranteed loans, increased coverage under ELAP, reduced premiums for Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, and increased focus from the Food Safety Outreach Program and the Federal Crop Insurance Education Program to individuals that obtained veteran status within the last ten years. This provision is similar to a bill offered by Senators Roberts and Stabenow earlier this Congress.\r\n \r\nThis is Chairman Roberts' eighth Farm Bill, and will be his second to be signed into law as a Chairman. Senator Roberts is the first member of Congress to chair both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.\r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/roberts-stabenow-announce-farm-bill-conference-report-passes-senate-on-87-13-vote", "Roberts, Stabenow Announce Farm Bill Conference Report Passes Senate on 87-13 Vote", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. In the final stretch of the consideration of the 2018 Farm Bill, U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., today announced the Farm Bill conference report passed the Senate on a strong bipartisan 87-13vote.\r\nWe are thrilled to report the U.S. Senate has acted to give certainty and predictability to rural America, said Roberts and Stabenow. The U.S. Senate has already delivered a historic vote for the Senate Farm Bill. Now, we are even happier to report a 87-13vote on the conference report. This is the mark of a good bill. We urge our colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass this conference report quickly.\r\nThe Farm Bill Conference Committee held a public hearing on Sept. 5. Agriculture Committee leaders announced a deal on Nov. 29.\r\nThe conference report was signed by the Senate and House Farm Bill conferees Monday.\r\nThe Senate Agriculture Committee favorably reported out the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, on June 13, 2018. The bipartisan 5-year legislation encompasses a broad array of agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policy. Click here to watch the meeting. Click here to watch other Committee hearings in preparation for the 2018 Farm Bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/kansas-common-sense", "Kansas Common Sense - 45,000 Miles on the Road in 2018", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hello,\r\nWelcome 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.\r\nCelebrating 41 and a Life of Public ServiceI was honored to attend a memorial service for President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. During this beautiful service, numerous individuals, including former President George W. Bush, spoke to his compassion, deep commitment to public service, care and concern for the nation, work to make our country safer, dedication to his family and God, and exceptional sense of humor.\r\nI am grateful to President Bush for his years of leadership in various capacities. As the last president from the Greatest Generation, we will miss his perspective and sage wisdom.\r\nO God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guard while life shall last, and our eternal home.\r\n\r\nHonoring K-State Coach Bill Snyder on the Senate FloorI gave remarks on the Senate floor honoring retiring K-State's Coach Bill Snyder on an extremely successful career at K-State, as well as his many contributions to and impact on K-State, the city of Manhattan and the state of Kansas. His legacy is deeply etched into the university and surrounding region, and his commitment beyond the football field has improved the lives of others. An extremely caring and talented developer of young men, we all hope to make the kind of positive impact that Coach Snyder has. Robba and I wish Bill, Sharon and the entire Snyder family all the best in this new chapter. To watch my floor remarks, click here.\r\n\r\nUrging the VA Inspector General to Investigate Allegations of Underpaid Benefits to VeteransI joined a bipartisan group of congressional colleagues in calling for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General investigation into allegations that the VA would not reimburse veterans for missing or underpaid benefits. The VA must make every effort to restore confidence with veterans by delivering the care and benefits they have earned. The technical and staffing shortages that caused these significant problems with the implementation of the Forever GI bill must be resolved immediately, and the VA must take action to ensure these mistakes are not repeated. Further delays are unacceptable and will burden those veterans impacted who deserve a VA that is worthy of their service and sacrifice. To view the letter, click here.\r\nRequesting Information from Marriott Following Data BreachAs chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security, I sent a letter with my Senate colleagues to President and CEO of Marriott International Arne Sorenson on Monday requesting further information on a data breach the company suffered, affecting up to 500 million consumers. Marriot International announced the week before that it discovered unauthorized access of its Starwood guest reservation service in early September, and its subsequent investigation revealed that there had been unauthorized access to the network since 2014.\r\nThis is yet another example of why it is essential to protect Americans from data misuse and breaches. In an increasingly connected economy, Congress and federal regulators must protect consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices, including those involving their personal data. To read the letter, click here.\r\nSpeaking at the Home Away from Home Holiday ReceptionOn Saturday morning, I spent time with Ft. Riley soldiers and local community members at the C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City. Former Big Red One soldier and Junction City Vice-Mayor Phyllis Fitzgerald created the Home Away from Home program to help connect incoming soldiers with local families. Fifty local families made the commitment to treat over 100 young soldiers as their own.\r\nOver the past year, civilian families and their soldiers have spent countless hours together in an effort to ease the difficulties of moving to a new duty station. I applaud Phyllis's commitment to creating such a program and the local families that make our Ft. Riley soldiers a priority. This is an example of why the Ft. Riley community is unique and truly is the best place to live, train, deploy from and come home to. I appreciate Ft. Riley Garrison Commander Colonel Steve Shrader for supporting the program and attending the reception.\r\n\r\nAnnouncing DOT Grants to Critical Surface Infrastructure Projects in KansasI am pleased to share that the City of Hays and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City have received awards from the U.S. Department of Transportation as a part of a new grant program, known as Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD), which places greater emphasis on rural infrastructure than prior federal transportation grant programs.\r\nThe City of Hays was awarded $6.05 million for infrastructure improvements along U.S. Highway 183. Hays is a growing community that is critical to our state, and I was pleased to help secure federal funding to maintain and improve an important portion of Kansas' rural surface infrastructure.\r\nIn addition, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City was awarded a $13.8 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation for its Turner Diagonal Project. This project will replace the existing interchange at Interstate 70 and Turner Diagonal with a diverging diamond interchange. This new interchange will be safer and more efficient, help facilitate economic growth, and attract commercial activity to the area. It's estimated to create 2,500 jobs and generate over $3 billion in economic growth for the area over the next several years, further highlighting the importance of surface transportation to expanding the workforce in our metropolitan areas.\r\nThese grants are positive developments for both communities, and I'll continue working with my colleagues and local leaders to build on this progress and to advocate for more federal dollars to return to Kansas for improvement projects right here at home.\r\nCommending K-State for Securing EDA Grant AwardAs chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, I was pleased to support a $745,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) 2018 Regional Innovation Strategies program competition awarded to Kansas State University to launch the Global Food Systems Economic Prosperity Accelerator.This grant will grow the knowledge-based food systems economy of Kansas, will produce more university-industry partnerships and create jobs in the region.\r\nI've been a staunch supporter of EDA's Regional Innovation Strategies program and have proposed increased resources for this program in my FY2019 appropriations bill. Additionally, I've advocated for this program in my bipartisan Startup Act, which would modernize and increase its annual authorization level. I extend my congratulations to all those working at K-State on securing this grant and my thanks for all the work they do to increase the sustainability of our global food supply, as well as the economic success of the Manhattan region. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with K-State and the community on this important work.\r\nSpeaking to Marysville Rotary ClubOn Monday, I joined the Marysville Rotary Club during their regular meeting to discuss various issues I'm working on in Washington, D.C., and to hear an update on happenings in the Marysville community. I spoke specifically on the ongoing trade tension and the negative impacts that tariffs have had on communities like Marysville and the many farmers, ranchers and business that rely on our export markets. Rotary Clubs across Kansas serve as places for local leaders, business owners and passionate citizens to come together and help serve their communities. I'm grateful for my own experience as a Rotarian, and the collective impact the organization has on communities and on our state. Thank you to folks in attendance for the warm welcome and conversation, and thank you to Paula Landoll-Smith for arranging my visit.\r\n\r\nTouring Hayden High SchoolOn Tuesday, I toured Hayden High School in Topeka and visited with students, faculty, staff and administration officials. I appreciated the many updates I received from students on upcoming final exams, winter break plans and on the various winter sports in season. Thank you to Hayden student leaders Carline Setter and Mac Piles for leading the tour of the school and for introducing me to their fellow students. Thanks also to Hayden High School President and Shawnee County Commissioner Shelly Buhler for arranging my visit and for our conversation.\r\n\r\nVisiting Quinter Following the Fire at Formation PlasticsEarlier this week, the community of Quinter suffered a major loss following a fire at Formation Plastics. I'm grateful that everyone is safe and no one was injured in the fire, and I'm continually appreciative of the many volunteer emergency responders across our state who assist during such times of need. Upon my return to Kansas this week, I visited Quinter to meet with city and county officials to discuss state and federal resources that may be available to help the community and those affected by the fire.\r\nI remain committed to assisting the community in any way I can as they recover. Thank you to Quinter Mayor Dwight Tummons, Gove County Commissioners Mike Gillespie and Duane Vollbracht, Gove County Clerk Shelly Holaday and Gove County Economic Development Board Member Mitch Gillespie for taking time to meet with me. Robba and I have the community in our thoughts and prayers.\r\n\r\nTo Infinity and Beyond!One of my goals as a United States Senator is to create and foster an environment where young Kansans interested in STEM can receive a quality education and enjoy robust career opportunities right here at home.\r\nAs part of this mission, I hosted NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and NASA Astronaut Don Pettit on December 1st in Wichita to speak with students interested in STEM and space exploration. Over 150 Kansas students, educators and families heard from Astronaut Pettit on his path to becoming an astronaut and his many missions to the International Space Station. Astronaut Pettit shared exciting stories from his time in space and encouraged students to find their frontier and chase after their dreams. I am certain that we had numerous future scientists, engineers, mathematicians  and even astronauts!  in the room with us.To view a recap of the day's events, click here.\r\n\r\nKansans in the Office\r\nFriends Committee on National LegislationMarcus Ruff of Lawrence\r\nNAFSADiana Carlin of Kansas City\r\nCapitol TourLeon Huser of Victoria  Galen Huser of Victoria  Russ Jones of Miltonvale  Cindy Jones of Miltonvale\r\nHonored 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 letter, a Facebook comment, or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.\r\nPlease 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.\r\nVery truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-secures-dot-grant-for-hays", "Sen. Moran Secures DOT Grant for Hays", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee  announced that the City of Hays was awarded $6.05 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for infrastructure improvements along U.S. 183. These funds have been released as part of a new USDOT grant program, known as Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD), which places greater emphasis on rural infrastructure than prior federal transportation grant programs.\r\nHays is a growing community that is critical to our state, and I was pleased to help secure federal funding to maintain and improve its surface infrastructure, said Sen. Moran. I will continue working with my colleagues and local leaders to build on this progress and to advocate for more federal dollars to return to Kansas for improvement projects right here at home.\r\nItem to Note:\r\n \r\nIn July, Sen. Moran sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in support of this project.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-secures-dot-grant-for-turner-diagonal-project-in-kansas-city", "Sen. Moran Secures DOT Grant for Turner Diagonal Project in Kansas City", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee  announced that the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City was awarded a $13.8 million grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation for its Turner Diagonal Project. This grant will help fund the replacement of the existing interchange at Interstate 70 and Turner Diagonal with a more efficient diverging diamond interchange.\r\nThis grant will help expedite the Turner Diagonal project to create a safer and more efficient interchange, to help facilitate economic growth and to attract commercial activity to the area, said Sen. Moran. This project is estimated to create 2,500 jobs and generate over $3 billion in economic growth for the area over the next several years, further highlighting the importance of surface transportation to expanding the workforce in our metropolitan areas. I will continue working with my colleagues and local leaders to build on this progress and to advocate for more federal dollars to return to Kansas for infrastructure projects right here at home.\r\nItem to Note:\r\n \r\nIn May, Sen. Moran and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in support of this project.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-statement-on-fcc-s-mf-ii-investigation", "Sen. Moran Statement on FCCs MF-II Investigation", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee  today released the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) investigation into whether any carriers violated the Mobility Fund Phase II reverse auction's mapping rules: As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I have repeatedly expressed serious concerns regarding the accuracy of the eligibility map for the FCC's Mobility Fund Phase II auction. Through working with partners like the Kansas Farm Bureau, we were successful in convincing the FCC to take important steps to improve the quality of the data through a bolstered challenge process, and today's action follows our demands that the FCC look more closely at the coverage data originally submitted to the agency. It is absolutely critical that the Commission remains focused on ensuring that our limited universal service funds are effectively and accurately targeted to areas that lack unsubsidized 4G LTE service. The Mobility Fund II would allocate up to $4.53 billion over the next 10 years in support of mobile wireless broadband expansion. The current map shows many areas of Kansas to be covered, when on-the-ground experience suggests otherwise. In May, the FCC extended the challenge process for the map of eligible areas for Mobility Fund Phase II support to 90 days, in response to legislation and a letter led by Sens. Moran, Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-statement-on-the-nomination-of-william-barr-to-serve-as-attorney-general", "Sen. Moran Statement on the Nomination of William Barr to Serve as Attorney General", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies  today released the following statement after the president nominated William Barr to serve as the next United States Attorney General:\r\nAs Chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I hope for a swift confirmation process that will allow the next Attorney General to participate in the FY2020 budget and appropriations process. The role of Attorney General, as our nation's head law enforcement official, is vital to promoting and protecting the rule of law. A Senate-confirmed Attorney General is needed to make certain the Justice Department is sending a consistent and clear message regarding its funding and the resources our law enforcement need to effectively perform their jobs. Additionally, given the evidence of Russian interference in our elections, I have long supported the special counsel investigation and I expect the nominee to let the investigation continue unimpeded.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-calls-for-inspector-general-investigation-into-va-s-failure-to-pay-veterans-full-benefits", "Sen. Moran Calls for Inspector General Investigation into VAs Failure to Pay Veterans Full Benefits", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs  joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in calling for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General investigation into allegations that the VA would not reimburse veterans for missing or underpaid benefits.\r\nThe VA must make every effort to restore confidence with veterans by delivering the care and benefits they have earned, said Sen. Moran. The technical and staffing shortages that caused these significant problems with the implementation of the Forever GI bill must be resolved immediately. Any further delay is unacceptable and will burden those veterans impacted who deserve a VA that is worthy of their service and sacrifice.\r\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.), and U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.).\r\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\r\nNovember 30, 2018\r\nThe Honorable Michael J. MissalInspector GeneralDepartment of Veterans Affairs810 Vermont Avenue NWWashington, D.C. 20571\r\nDear Mr. Missal:\r\nWe are writing to request an investigation into allegations that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will withhold retroactive payments for missed or underpaid monthly housing stipends that it failed to pay veterans during delayed implementation of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act (P.L. 115-48), known as the Forever GI Bill.\r\nAccording to NBC News on November 28, 2018 (Veterans Affairs Dept. tells Capitol Hill it won't repay underpaid GI Bill benefits recipients), VA officials told congressional staff that making retroactive payments to veterans for missed or underpaid housing stipends would not be possible because it would create auditing challenges for the VA and delay future claims processing. That decision would be contrary to law and leave an estimated 360,000 veterans robbed of the benefits owed to them.\r\nWe understand that Under Secretary for Benefits Paul Lawrence, in testimony before the House Veterans Affairs Committee yesterday, sought to clarify the VA's position by stating that every veteran will be made whole, including with retroactive payments, for their housing benefits. However, it remains unclear if VA intends to provide retroactive payments to veterans for housing stipends based on rates that they were legally entitled to beginning August 1, 2018, or if the VA only intends to make veterans whole based on the rates as they existed before the law took effectand remain in violation of existing law.\r\nIt is important that VA fix the technical and staffing shortages that contributed to its inability to implement the Forever GI bill so that it can continue to provide housing stipends to veterans. However, we remain resolved that VA make veterans whole for any missed or underpaid benefits based on the housing stipend rates that they were legally entitled to when the changes took effect in August 2018. The VA's continued ambiguity about whether it will fulfill this legal requirement threatens to erode our veterans' confidence in the VA's ability to deliver promised care and benefits and demands close oversight and accountability.\r\nIn an effort to help us better understand VA's plan to provide complete relief to those veterans impacted by the delayed implementation of the Forever GI Bill, we request your assistance to answer the following:\r\n \r\nDoes the VA intend to apply the August 1, 2018, housing stipend rates, as required by law, for retroactive payments to eligible beneficiaries?\r\nIf not, under what legal authority would the VA withhold retroactive payments based on the rates required in the Forever GI Bill?\r\nWho will be responsible for determining which veterans can receive retroactive payments for missed or underpaid benefits, including adjusted housing stipend rates that took effect on August 1, 2018?\r\nHow and when will VA process these retroactive repayments to eligible veterans?\r\nHow, if at all, have IT infrastructure investment decisions at VA's regional processing centers contributed to the current delay in implementing the changes required by the Forever GI Bill, including missed or underpayments owed to veterans?\r\nHow, if at all, have staffing shortages at VA's regional processing centers contributed to the current delay in implementing the changes required by the Forever GI Bill, including missed or underpayments owed to veterans?\r\nHow, if at all, is VA leadership organized and prepared to address IT infrastructure investment challenges at its regional processing centers in its fiscal year (FY) 2020 budget request?\r\nHow, if at all, is VA leadership organized and prepared to address staffing shortages across the VA system, including at the Veterans Benefits Administration that is responsible for processing claims and retroactive payments to veterans, in its FY 2020 budget request?\r\n \r\nAs always, we appreciate your support of our oversight responsibilities. Your prompt attention to this request will help us as we prepare to consider the VA's FY 2020 budget request so that we can evaluate whether the VA has requested the appropriate resources that it needs to make timely beneficiary payments and deliver other promised care to our veterans.\r\nWe look forward to continuing to work with you throughout the review process.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-honors-coach-bill-snyder-on-senate-floor", "Sen. Moran Honors Coach Bill Snyder on Senate Floor", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke on the Senate floor to celebrate Coach Bill Snyder's career as Kansas State University's head football coach, and honored his impact on K-State, the city of Manhattan and Kansas. Coach Snyder recently announced his retirement after 27 seasons at the helm of K-State's football program.\r\nClick Here to Watch Remarks\r\nSen. Moran's full remarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nLast Sunday, Kansas State University Head Football Coach Bill Snyder announced his retirement, marking the end of his 56 year career coaching football and 27 year tenure in Manhattan, Kansas.\r\nCoach Snyder made his debut with the K-State football program in 1989. He took the helm of a program that was known as Futility U' and America's most hapless team.' When he arrived, the Wildcats hadn't won a single game in the previous two seasons, and had the most losses of any Division One football team. During the now-famous press conference at the early stages of his tenure at K-State, Coach Snyder remarked that, I think the opportunity for the greatest turnaround in college football exists here today, and it's not one to be taken lightly.'\r\nKansans know well today that Coach Snyder lived up to those words.\r\nCoach Snyder boasts a great deal of accolades in his storied career: 215 career wins, 19 bowl game appearances and two Big 12 championships  which seems especially remarkable, given the state of the program when he took over as head coach.\r\nDeeply engrained in Coach Snyder's legacy is the work he's done off the field developing young men, contributing to the community, giving back and inspiring so many. Coach Snyder's 16 Goals for Success' have served as guidelines for his players on and off the field. Snyder said that if his players followed these goals  goals such as: Never Give Up,' Don't Accept Losing,' and Eliminate Mistakes . . . then success would come.'\r\nHis 16 goals' represent his own legendary paradigm  that our work is never over and the journey to success is never really finished.\r\nHis impact at the University and in Manhattan have reached far beyond the field, where he's helped to increase student enrollment, boost the local economy, and fund major renovation projects across K-State's campus that have allowed for groundbreaking work at the university. Coach Snyder's involvement, support and close work with the Johnson Cancer Center at K-State has helped to advance the groundbreaking, scientific research being done there that will one day save lives.\r\nHis work in the community to mentor young men and women, develop community leaders and inspire philanthropy has changed lives across our state. His focus on family' has created and contributed to a remarkable culture in Manhattan.\r\nCoach Snyder has had to overcome numerous challenges during his tenure as a coach, but he's faced those with the same grit and mental toughness that he's instilled in his players. Even while battling cancer, coach still hit the road to travel Kansas on Catbacker tours  he didn't let anyone or anything get in the way of him meeting with the program's most loyal fans  a large number of them rural Kansans.\r\nCoach's love for traveling the state and meeting with rural Kansans is something we both share, but I think often times Kansans might be more excited to talk about football than politics. Coach Snyder repeatedly says he came to Kansas State University because of the people, stayed because of the people, and returned because of the people.\r\nTo get to Manhattan, Kansas, you take Bill Snyder Family Highway. To go to a K-State football game, you go to Bill Snyder Family Stadium. And on your way into the stadium, you walk by a larger-than-life statue of Coach Bill Snyder. His legacy is permanently sealed in the K-State and Manhattan community.\r\nHistory will remember Coach Snyder as an incredibly successful football coach and developer of young men . . . someone with an extraordinary work ethic and a high level of integrity. I appreciate the impact Coach Bill Snyder has had at Kansas State University  his legacy will be forever enshrined there. Robba and I wish all the best for Coach, Sharon, and the entire Snyder family in this new chapter of their lives.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/to-infinity-and-beyond", "To Infinity and Beyond!", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One of my goals as a United States Senator is tocreateandfosteran environment whereyoung Kansans interested in STEM can receive a quality education and enjoy robust career opportunitiesright here at home.\r\nAs part of this mission, I hosted NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and NASA Astronaut Don Pettit this weekend in Wichita to speak with students interested in STEM and space exploration. Over 150 Kansas students, educators and families heard from Astronaut Pettit on his path to becoming an astronaut and his many missions to the International Space Station. Astronaut Pettit shared exciting stories from his time in space and encouraged students tofind their frontierand chase after their dreams. I am certain that we had numerous future scientists, engineers, mathematicians  and even astronauts!  in the room with us.\r\nEvents like this are important as we work to inspire and train the next generation of inventors and innovators. And through my positions as a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, I'm committed to making certain we support agencies, projects and programs that increase opportunities for our young people so that they can have rewarding, meaningful careers right here in Kansas.\r\nTo watch a recap of our day in Wichita, clickhere.\r\n\r\nVery truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yoder.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoder-helps-secure-138m-dot-grant-for-unified-government-turner-diagonal", "Yoder Helps Secure $13.8M DOT Grant for Unified Government Turner Diagonal Project", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Kevin Yoder", "Y000063", "yoder.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Overland Park, KS This afternoon, Representative Kevin Yoder announced that the Department of Transportation has awarded the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas a federal grant for $13.8 million to replace the existing interchange at Interstate 70 and Turner Diagonal with a more efficient diverging diamond interchange. In conjunction with the announcement, Representative Yoder issued the following statement:\nI'm thrilled the Department of Transportation has recognized the need for this project in Wyandotte County. The new interchange will open the door for major economic development in the area for years to come. I've been pushing for this grant for years, and personally discussed the need for the new interchange with Secretary Chao in the Third District this year. I want to applaud Mayor David Alvey for his steadfast leadership at the UG and thank the DOT for recognizing this critical need. This is a massive win for KCK, and will continue to build on the already amazing economic development we have seen over the last decade.\nSecretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao visited the Third District and met with Yoder about this project in October.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-commends-announcement-of-eda-grant-to-kansas-state", "Sen. Moran Commends Announcement of EDA Grant to Kansas State", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies  today commended the announcement of a $745,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) 2018 Regional Innovation Strategies program competition awarded to Kansas State University to launch the Global Food Systems Economic Prosperity Accelerator.\r\n\r\nThis grant will grow the knowledge-based food systems economy of Kansas, produce more university-industry partnerships and create jobs in the region, said Sen Moran. Through my chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, I've been a staunch supporter of EDA's Regional Innovation Strategies program and have proposed increased resources for this program in our FY2019 appropriations bill. Additionally, I've advocated for this program in my bipartisan Startup Act, which would modernize and increase its annual authorization level. I extend my congratulations to all those working at K-State on securing this grant and my thanks for all their efforts to increase the sustainability of our global food supply, as well as the economic success of the Manhattan region. I look forward to continuing this important work in partnership with K-State and the community.\r\n\r\nThe EDA grant will enable K-State to continue to advance our research, education, and outreach in global food systems, said Kansas State University Vice President for Research Dr. Peter K. Dorhout. Our land-grant heritage and agriculture expertise makes K-State uniquely suited to address global food needs while engaging our key stakeholders and enabling economic growth for Kansas.\r\n\r\nThe Regional Innovation Strategies program competition through EDA and the Department of Commerce awards grants that build regional capacity to translate innovations into jobs through proof-of-concept and commercialization assistance to innovators and entrepreneurs. With this $745,000 award, K-State will launch the Global Food Systems (GFS) Economic Prosperity Accelerator to grow the knowledge-based food systems economy of Kansas and address challenges impacting growing global food demand.\r\n\r\nThe Accelerator will focus on strategic capacity building, industry partnerships, business expansion and entrepreneurship to create knowledge-based jobs in the region, and ultimately, advance the productivity and economic growth of GFS sectors in Kansas. The project will engage with faculty, staff, students, and industry representatives to explore and establish mutually-beneficial partnerships and collaborative science advancement efforts. K-State anticipates that this project will establish over 400 university-industry partnerships, build or expand 48 companies in northeast Kansas, and create 700 jobs.\r\n\r\nFor more information on this grant and other awardees, click here.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/sen-moran-commerce-committee-leaders-seek-answers-on-marriott-data-breach", "Sen. Moran, Commerce Committee Leaders Seek Answers on Marriott Data Breach", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security  along with U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, sent a letter to Marriott International President and Chief Executive Officer Arne M. Sorenson following reports that the company had identified a cybersecurity incident impacting an estimated 500 million consumers.\r\nOf the estimated 500 million consumers impacted by the breach, approximately 327 million of those guests reportedly had a combination of customer data, including personally identifiable information exposed, including name, mailing address, phone number, email address, passport number, Starwood Preferred Guest account information, date of birth, gender, arrival and departure information, reservation date, and communication preference, the senators wrote. Additionally, sensitive payment information like payment card numbers and payment card expiration dates were also apparently exposed, but Marriott stated that this specific information was encrypted using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-128), which requires two individual components to decrypt the information. Nevertheless, Marriott has also clarified that the company has not yet ruled out that these decryption keys were also taken as a result of the breach.\r\nIn the letter, Sens. Thune, Wicker, and Moran question Mr. Sorenson on details related to when the breach began, what consumer information was compromised, and investigative efforts Marriott International has taken since detection. The Commerce Committee exercises jurisdiction over consumer protection and cybersecurity.\r\nFull text of the letter 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/2018/12/sen-moran-urges-president-trump-to-consider-key-factors-in-review-of-new-start", "Sen. Moran Urges President Trump to Consider Key Factors in Review of New Start", "2018-12-04", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined 24 Senate colleagues in a letter to President Trump urging him to consider the key factors that underpin the continued viability of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). Those factors include a sustained and vigorous U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program, strict compliance by Russia with its arms control obligations, and a true balance of nuclear capabilities between parties to the treaty.\r\nWe remain committed to funding the necessary resources for the U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program and we support the rigorous review of continued viability of the New START the Administration is undertaking. We know you agree that arms control is not an end to itself; it is but a single tool that may be used to advance U.S. national security when carefully considered, the senators wrote.\r\nThe letter is authored by Senator Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and is cosigned by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\r\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\r\nNovember 28, 2018\r\nThe Honorable Donald J. TrumpPresidentThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20500\r\nDear President Trump: As you review the future of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), we respectfully request that you consider the key factors that underpin its viability: The value of the Treaty depends on a sustained and vigorous U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program, strict compliance by Russia with its arms control obligations, and a true balance of nuclear capabilities between the parties to the Treaty.\r\nAs to the first point, the Senate declared in the New START Resolution of Ratification, the United States is committed to proceeding with a robust stockpile stewardship program, and to maintaining and modernizing the nuclear weapons production capabilities and capacities that will ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of the United States nuclear arsenal at the New START Treaty levels. Regrettably, the infrastructure and weapons capabilities that were pledged at the time the Senate gave its consent to the Treaty have been significantly delayed or reduced in scope. This risks further worsening of asymmetry between the Russian and U.S. nuclear weapon infrastructure capabilities.\r\nWe believe that continued funding of the U.S. strategic modernization program, including for low-yield warhead options, as proposed in your Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), is critical in the face of dangerous international security developments since the New START was ratified.\r\nAs to the second point, the Russian Federation is in material breach of its arms control commitments, including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty by developing, producing, and deploying a ground-launched cruise missile and launcher. As your NPR highlights, Russia has been adopting military strategies and capabilities that rely on nuclear escalation for their success.\r\nThird, in the New START Resolution of Ratification, the Senate called upon the President to pursue an agreement with the Russian Federation that would address the disparity between the tactical nuclear weapons stockpiles of the Russian Federation and of the United Statesin a verifiable manner. We note with regret that despite the best efforts of successive presidential administrations, the Russian Federation has not been amenable to such an agreement.\r\nIn fact, Russia has increased the role of nuclear forces and their types and variety since 2010. Russia has even adopted an escalate to deescalate or escalate to win strategy for nuclear employment. The Russian Federation has unveiled new nuclear weapons that are not subject to limitations set forth by the New START, including a new nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered undersea autonomous torpedo. In addition to an extensive nuclear weapons modernization program including all legs of its nuclear triad, the Russian Federation possesses significant advantages in its nuclear weapons production capacity, as your NPR points out.\r\nThe New START does not expire until 2021. We urge you to consider the following as a part of the review of the national security interest of the United States and its allies to extend or replace the Treaty:\r\n \r\nThe status of the modernization of U.S. nuclear weapons and associated infrastructure and the risk of instability created by Russia's modernization programs;\r\nThe imbalance posed by Russia's nuclear weapons capabilities that are limited by arms control with Russia and those that are not, including so-called non-strategic nuclear weapons (where Russia holds at least a ten-to-one advantage over the United States) and the systems Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled in March of this year;\r\nRussia's systemic abuse of arms control and international norms; and\r\nThe possibility of having to deal with more than one peer competitor at a time, which calls into question the limits on U.S. warheads.\r\n \r\nWe remain committed to funding the necessary resources for the U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program and we support the rigorous review of continued viability of the New START the Administration is undertaking. We know you agree that arms control is not an end to itself; it is but a single tool that may be used to advance U.S. national security when carefully considered.\r\nWe look forward to continuing to work with you throughout the review process.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/12/kansas-common-sense-hosting-nasa-administrator-astronaut-for-stem-events", "Kansas Common Sense - Honoring the Life and Service of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-03", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "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.\r\nHosting NASA Administrator and NASA Astronaut for STEM Events in KansasOn Saturday, I was honored to host NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine in Kansas for a number events surrounding the aerospace industry and its prevalence and impact in Kansas. Throughout the day, the many individuals he met and work he saw being done by Kansans solidified our prominence in this important industry and once again demonstrated the many outstanding contributions Kansans make to the aviation and aerospace sectors.\r\nTouring the National Institute of Aviation ResearchOn Saturday morning, our first stop was at Wichita State's Innovation Campus where we toured the National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR). Here, Administrator Bridenstine was able to see the innovative and groundbreaking work being done by Wichita State students and faculty to support the aerospace industry as well as setting a world-class example for the education of students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with real-world, hands-on learning.\r\n\r\nHosting an Event for Students Interested in STEM and Space Exploration.Following our tour, we were at Exploration Place in Wichita were I hosted an event for students interested in careers and topics in STEM, as well as space exploration and more. During this event, I was honored to be joined by Administrator Bridenstine as well as NASA Astronaut Don Pettit. During this event, we heard from Astronaut Pettit on his path to being an astronaut and the many expeditions he's been a part of. The event also featured a number of videos and interactive exhibits, as well as a panel discussion with area education and business professionals, as well Administrator Bridenstine and Astronaut Pettit.\r\nOne of my primary goals as a Senator is to create an environment in Kansas where young people who are interested in similar careers can receive a quality education and have robust opportunity for their careers in Kansas following graduation. Events like this are important as we work to inspire and train the next generation of scientists, astronauts, researchers and more.\r\n\r\nAttending Earthrising: The Celebration of Apollo 8It was an honor to speak at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Apollo 8 mission in Hutchinson. The honored guests included Apollo astronauts Jim Lovell, Walt Cunningham, Charlie Duke, Fred Haise, Jack Lousma and Harrison Schmitt. To so many of us, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts like the distinguished few who came to Hutchinson this weekend are genuine American heroes.\r\nIt always strikes me as I drive across Kansas when I see signs declaring the hometown of an astronaut. Astronaut Nick Hague, an extraordinary young man from Hoxie, will become the 4th Kansan in space this spring. He follows Steve Hawley of Ottawa, who flew five Space Shuttle missions, and Apollo-era astronauts Ron Evans of Topeka and Joe Engle of Chapman. One astronaut who didn't fly in space but still made history was Kansas City, Kansas, native Captain Edward Dwight, who in 1963 became the first African American named to the astronaut program. Kansas has always had a pioneering spirit, and that is exemplified today by our astronauts, engineers and manufacturers who contribute to the future of NASA space travel. Thank you to Jim Remar and Mimi Meredith for your leadership at the Cosmosphere, and for putting together a memorable event celebrating the Apollo 8 mission.\r\n\r\nFinally, I want to thank NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine for making the effort to not only be here in Hutchison, but for his sincere interest in seeing firsthand how Kansans are making a difference in advancing space and science education, and for expressing NASA's unequivocal desire to partner with Kansas.\r\nChairing FTC Oversight Hearing on Data PrivacyAs chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Data Security, I held an oversight hearing of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Tuesday.In the subcommittee's first hearing with all five new FTC commissioners since their confirmation this spring, we heard about efforts to meet their broad mandate to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive trade practices.The independent agency's consumer protection mission includes protecting consumers from everything from robocalls, ticket bots, data breaches and beyond; and enforcing laws such as the Consumer Review Fairness Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.\r\nThe discussion also included what federal consumer data privacy legislation should look like; as the main federal data privacy and security enforcer, the FTC's input was valuable for our efforts to create a meaningful bipartisan bill.I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and the FTC to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices and anti-competitive behavior. To watch my opening statement, click here. To watch my questioning, click here.\r\n\r\nUpdate on the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA)On Friday morning, President Trump joined Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pea Nieto at the G20 Summit to sign the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement  a positive development for the country. This is a step in the right direction and should inspire the purchasers of our products, as well as those around the world, that America will continue to be a reliable supplier of top-line goods. I look forward to taking this agreement up in Congress where we can discuss its many provisions.\r\nOver the past year and a half, I have expressed directly and repeatedly to President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer, Secretary Ross and my colleagues that we need more trade, not less. I have been clear that both Canada and Mexico  Kansas' top two export markets  must be part of any final agreement. I appreciate the administration working to make certain these markets remain available to Kansas farmers, ranchers and manufacturers, providing them some much-needed certainty.\r\nDedicating a Memorial to the Women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory BattalionI was honored to take part in a ceremony on Friday for the dedication of a monument honoring the soldiers of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The memorial was designed and funded by the Buffalo Soldier Educational and Historical Committee and is now located in its permanent home in the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park on Fort Leavenworth. The legacy of the 6888th is unique and special as the only all-female, all African-American unit in the Women's Army Corps deployed overseas during World War II. I was particularly honored to meet several members of the 6888th who attended the ceremony. Their continue commitment to their unit and their comrades inspires me and many. In recognition of their service, strength and sacrifice, I introduced Senate Resolution 412 in February honoring the members of this unit, which passed the Senate unanimously in October.\r\n\r\nBreaking Ground on New Facilities for the 35th Infantry Division at Fort LeavenworthOn Friday, I also participated in the combined groundbreaking ceremony for two major National Guard construction projects on Fort Leavenworth: the 35th Infantry Division Readiness Center and the Mission Training Complex Barracks. Lieutenant General Timothy Kadavy, Director of the Army National Guard, and Major General Lee Tafanelli, the Kansas National Guard Adjutant General, joined me as we marked the occasion.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, I worked to fund over $51 million for both of the projects which will increase the readiness of our Army National Guard in Kansas and Missouri. I'm pleased these projects are entering the construction phase and look forward to visiting them when they are complete.\r\n\r\nAnnouncing Kansas Projects from the Army Corps of EngineersIn a big win for Kansas and the long-term sustainability of our water resources and infrastructure, two key projects were included in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced work plan for FY2019. The first, funding for the Kansas River Reservoirs and Sediment Study, is one of only six new studies across the country that sets the stage for future Army Corps projects to systematically address key areas of need and risk of our 18 federal reservoirs in the Kansas River Basin and associated water resources. I've advocated for this study and it's funding in 2016 and 2017, and I'm pleased to see this project launch in the coming fiscal year.\r\nThe second, $18.5 million in federal funding for a flood protection project in Manhattan, is one of only five new construction projects across the country and are a critical development to protecting people in the Manhattan community for generations to come. I worked to include this authorization in the 2016 Water Resources Development Act, and it's inclusion in the work plan is good news for many in the Manhattan region.\r\nKansas depends on Corps of Engineers' lakes for roughly 60 percent of its municipal and industrial water supply needs. These projects we championed will help secure the future of our water supply across a significant portion of the state and make certain our federal reservoirs and rivers can continue to support the fast growing populations near them with flood protection. To read more about these projects, click here.\r\nVoting to Assert Congressional Authority Over the Saudi-led War in YemenIt's Congress's constitutional responsibility to authorize when the American military engages in war. On Wednesday, I voted in favor of S.J. Res 54, a joint resolution denying American military involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen without Congressional approval. The passage of this resolution should help force a diplomatic resolution on the nearly four-year-long war and reduce the humanitarian crisis where 14 million Yemenis are on the brink of death from starvation.\r\nThis isn't the first time I've advocated for this measure. In March, I was one of five Republicans who voted to proceed to consideration of S. J. Res. 54, which failed 55-44. I have repeatedly expressed concern to the administration regarding the humanitarian impact of the siege of Hudaydah, Yemen, and have questioned the certification of Saudi compliance with American law.\r\nSpeaking at Judge Holly Teeter's Investiture CeremonyOn Friday, I had the privilege of offering remarks at Judge Holly Teeter's investiture in Lawrence, following her appointment and Senate confirmation to a seat on United States District Court in Kansas this fall. I met Judge Teeter for the first time when her name was put forward for the nomination  she is a person full of character, honesty and integrity. Coming into this position without a political agenda, Judge Teeter has a deep understanding of the job: to interpret the law as written and make sound decisions based upon the circumstances of each case. Judge Teeter will be a tremendous judge for the state of Kansas.\r\n\r\nRelease of a Report on Veterans and Toxic ExposuresThis week, the National Academies of Sciences Committee on Gulf War and Health released a report that fulfills a mandate in my Toxic Exposure Research Act, which became law in December 2015. Their report confirmed what I have long believed and fought to rectify  that there are significant gaps in research related to the impacts of toxic exposure on servicemembers, their children and future generations. Nobody who serves this nation anticipates that their service will adversely impact the health of their family, yet far too often I hear from veterans who believe their exposure to a toxic substance during military service resulted in their children developing a health condition. I am pleased that the National Academies of Sciences concluded that more research is both necessary and feasible, and I will work to make certain these findings are acted upon by the Department of Veterans Affairs.\r\nAttending the Kansas Farm Bureau Annual MeetingOn Sunday night in Manhattan, I attended the annual Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) annual meeting, where KFB leaders from across the state come together to set the organization's policies and goals for the coming year. This year is special, as it marks 100 years for KFB. Over the past century, KFB has played a crucial role in agriculture across Kansas and throughout the nation: KFB members display a commitment and dedication to preserving the way of life in rural Kansas and continue to be the leading voice of agriculture. I want to thank KFB President Rich Felts and Terry Holdren for inviting me to this year's annual meeting to celebrate such a great milestone.\r\nAt the banquet, I spoke about the importance of Kansas Farm Bureau to our state and to countless communities and organizations within it. In communities of all shapes and sizes, members of the Kansas Farm Bureau work tirelessly to support production agriculture, develop young men and women, contribute to their local economies, lead civic organizations and help give back to their neighbors and fellow community members. Kansas Farm Bureau has made an outstanding partner in my work, and our state is better off because of the many contributions of the organization.\r\nI remain committed to working in partnership with the Kansas Farm Bureau to improve crop insurance, promote additional demand for our commodities through trade, support livestock producers and look for more ways bridge the digital divide through access to broadband.\r\n\r\nKansans in the Office\r\nElizabeth Dole FoundationCaroline Tolliver-Lee of Manhattan\r\nEvoqua Water TechnologiesCaitlin Berretta of Kansas City\r\nFHLBank TopekaRyan Gilliland of Topeka\r\nOverland Park Chamber of CommerceBrett Bogan of Overland Park  Mike Hess of Overland Park  Michael Hockley of Overland Park  Bobby Olm-Shipman of Overland Park  Tracey Osborne Oltjen of Overland Park  Tom Robinett of Overland Park  Tony Rupp of Overland Park  Brad Stratton of Overland park  Kevin Walker of Overland Park\r\nHonored 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 letter, a Facebook comment, or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.\r\n  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://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=641", "Rep. Estes Mourns the Passing of  President George H. W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement on the passing of President George H. W. Bush:Susan and I join our nation in mourning the passing of President George H. W. Bush, said Rep. Estes. President Bush leaves behind an enduring record of selfless public service from his heroic tenure in the U.S. Navy, and as an ambassador, director of the CIA, Vice President and Commander in Chief. As President, he defended freedom around the globe and America's values at home. A devoted husband to First Lady Barbara Bush, his contributions to public service are a testament to his love of family and country. Ron 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/2018/12/sen-moran-statement-on-passing-of-former-president-george-h-w-bush", "Sen. Moran Statement on Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MANHATTAN  U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement regarding the passing of former President George H.W. Bush:\r\nPresident George H.W. Bush was a steadfast defender of freedom and liberty, from his time in the United States Navy to his many years of service in Congress, as vice president, and as our country's 41st president. Our nation is grateful for his leadership through periods of conflict and uncertainty around the world. President Bush was a family man whose legacy of faith and service will live on. Robba and I offer our sincerest condolences to the Bush family and we pray that President Bush has been reunited with Barbara, his wife of 71 years, in Heaven.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=640", "Rep. Estes Releases Statement on Signed USMCA Trade Agreement", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement on today's signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement by President Donald Trump,Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Pea Nieto:The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement is a big win for Kansas and our country, said Rep. Estes. This deal opens more markets for Kansas farmers, boosts wages for manufacturers, and modernizes NAFTA for the 21st century. Free and fair trade is the best policy to grow our economy and I am pleased President Trump has delivered on another promise. I look forward to continuing to review the final deal with my colleagues in Congress and giving final approval. Ron 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://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/agreement-principle-struck-2018-farm-bill", "Agreement in principle struck on 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.:Today, leaders of the Farm Bill Conference Committee came to a final agreement on a strong five-year Farm Bill. Congressman Marshall, a member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee, released the following statement:\nThis legislation has been years in the making, and I am proud that Senator Roberts and Chairman Conaway have struck an agreement that will give certainty to millions of farmers across the country and especially in Kansas.\nAfter multiple years of price declines,our Kansas producersareapproaching anotherloan renewal seasonwhich makeshaving a five-year bill in placeabsolutely crucial. It's good to see this finalmeasure includeimprovements for farm safety net programs,makenew investments in protecting animal health, and roll back burdensome regulations on Kansas producers.\nWe have been honored to help craft this Farm Bill and advocate tirelessly for Kansas farmers and rancherssince being appointed the House Ag Committee and the Farm Bill Conference Committee.\nCongressman Marshall hosted numerous Farm Bill townhalls throughout theBigFirstwhere he heard firsthand fromproducers.Kansas has many wins in this bill.\nWe took our farmer's feedback to Washington. We're glad to report that this bill fully protects and preserves crop insurance, the number one priority we heard fromKansansand has nearly everything Kansans asked for inTitleOnesafety net programs. We have worked around the clock to produce a strong five-year bill, and we look forward to seeing the final version reach the President's desk by Christmas,Rep. Marshall said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/sen-moran-championed-provisions-included-in-fy2019-army-corps-of-engineers-work-plan", "Sen. Moran-Championed Provisions Included in FY2019 Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works  today announced the inclusion of provisions he advocated for in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan for FY2019. These provisions include funding for the Kansas River Reservoirs and Sediment Study, and a flood protection project in Manhattan.\r\nThe provisions we worked for that were included in the Army Corps of Engineers' FY2019 Work Plan are critical developments for Manhattan residents, as well as all those who depend on the 18 federal reservoirs in the Kansas River Basin, said Sen. Moran. These projects will help secure the long-term sustainability of our water supply across a significant portion of the state and make certain our federal reservoirs can continue to support the fast growing populations near them with flood protection. More importantly, this will help protect people in the Manhattan community for generations to come.\r\nKansas River Reservoirs Flood and Sediment Study:\r\n \r\nIncluded in the FY2019 work plan is $1.5 million to complete the Kansas River Reservoirs Flood and Sediment Study. Reservoirs in the Kansas River Basin support the most populated and rapidly growing areas of Kansas for flood protection and water supply needs. Kansas at large depends on Corps of Engineers' lakes for roughly 60 percent of its municipal and industrial water supply needs, and projections indicate the demand will exceed the available supplies sooner than previously anticipated. This study, done in partnership by the Army Corps of Engineers and local stakeholders, will help develop a long-term plan for the basin to make certain it can be sustainable for the future. It will identify solutions to mitigate current concerns in the basin that include flooding, aging infrastructure, ecosystem degradation, water quality and dangerous summer algae blooms.\r\n \r\nFlood Risk Management Project:\r\n \r\nAlso included in the work plan is the Manhattan, Kan. Flood Risk Management Project. The work plan includes $18.5 million to fully fund and fiscally close out construction for flood protection improvement to Manhattan's levees. Sen. Moran made this authorization request in the 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, and has since stressed the need for federal support of this project, especially with the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility's (NBAF) construction and impending operations.\r\n \r\nAdditional Items to Note:\r\n \r\nSen. Moran advocated for the Kansas River Basin Study to then-Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Jo-Ellen Darcy, in a November 2016 letter.\r\nSen. Moran advocated for the Study to then-Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army, Ryan Fisher, in a December 2017 letter.\r\nSen. Moran stressed the importance of the Study in an October 2018 meeting with Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, R.D. James.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/sen-moran-to-again-support-yemen-war-powers-resolution", "Sen. Moran To Again Support Yemen War Powers Resolution", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement regarding his support for S.J. Res. 54, the Yemen War Powers Resolution:\r\nIt's Congress's constitutional responsibility to authorize when the American military engages in war. Therefore, I will once again vote in favor of the joint resolution denying American military involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. If the resolution prevails, it should help force a diplomatic resolution on the nearly four-year-long war and reduce the humanitarian crisis where 14 million Yemenis are on the brink of death from starvation.\r\nItems to note:\r\n \r\nOn March 20, 2018, Sen. Moran was one of five Republicans who voted to proceed to consideration of S. J. Res. 54. It failed 55-44.\r\nSen. Moran also joined letters to the Administration expressing concern regarding the humanitarian impact of the siege of Hudaydah, Yemen, as well as questioning the certification of Saudi compliance with American law.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/lawrence-journal-world", "Lawrence Journal-World: Editorial: Approve reform in justice system", "2018-11-27", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lawrence Journal World  Editorial Staff\r\nCongress should endeavor to finish 2018 on a bipartisan note by approving common-sense criminal justice reform legislation.\r\nThe so-called First Step Act would eliminate mandatory minimum federal sentencing guidelines, giving judges more discretion in sentencing. It would change the so-called three strikes rule by reducing the mandatory sentence for a third violent crime or drug offense from life in prison to 25 years.\r\nThe act includes prison reforms that would increase inmates' access to meaningful job training and other recidivism reduction programs. It would require the Bureau of Prisons to place inmates in facilities close to their families and ban the shackling of pregnant inmates.\r\nThe First Step Act is a Senate bill that merges reforms from legislation already approved in the House with provisions included a bill advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year.\r\nPresident Trump supports the legislation. So does the American Civil Liberties Union.\r\nThe Senate version of the bill features sponsors from both sides of the aisle, including Democrats Dick Durbin, Cory Booker and Sheldon Whitehouse and Republicans Chuck Grassley, Mike Lee, Lindsey Graham and Kansas' Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts.\r\nMandatory minimum sentencing, a product of America's failed war on drugs, has driven incarceration, especially at the federal level, where nearly half of all inmates are there on drug charges. But mandatory minimum sentencing has not worked as intended to deter crime and instead has driven inmate populations to all-time highs. And as conservatives and liberals both have come to understand, incarceration is enormously expensive. It makes far more sense to invest in programs that offer treatment, education and training than it does to impose unduly harsh sentences without regard to circumstances.\r\nOpponents of the First Step Act argue the legislation is soft on crime and could provide early release to violent offenders and illegal immigrants. But the bill categorizes crimes and has specific exceptions for illegal immigrants and for violent crimes such as assault with the intent to murder, sex offenses, child pornography, terrorism offenses, and offenses that result in death or serious bodily injury.\r\nIt isn't clear whether Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will bring the Fair Step Act to the Senate floor for a vote before the end of the year. If not, the legislation will have to be introduced again after the new Congress takes over in January.\r\nThat would be unfortunate. Criminal justice reform is long overdue and has broad appeal from both sides of the aisle. It is exactly the kind of bipartisan action Americans have been seeking from their representatives in Washington. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/implementation-matters-making-certain-the-va-mission-act-will-work-for-veterans", "Implementation matters: Making certain the VA Mission Act will work for veterans", "2018-11-26", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This op-ed ran in The Hill on November 14, 2018.\r\n  Last month, I had the honor of meeting the nearly 100 young Kansans who applied for my recommendation to our nation's Service Academies. Year after year, these applicants' energy and eagerness to serve our country in this capacity humbles me and reminds me of the grave sacrifices millions before them have made for our nation.\r\nAs a member of the United States Senate, I take seriously my responsibility to provide our Armed Forces with the resources necessary to remain the strongest military in the world, and to provide our servicemembers with the tools they need to be successful on and off the battlefield. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I remain committed to fulfilling this responsibility.\r\nBut our work to support those who sacrifice so much for our nation cannot end when their service in uniform ends. These young Kansans will someday transition back to civilian life, and we must make certain that the next generation of veterans  tech-savvy and accustomed to accessing care when they need it  has a VA that meets their 21st Century needs.\r\nIn my home state of Kansas, taking care of people  particularly those who have sacrificed for and served our nation  is a way of life, and caring for our veterans is not reserved for just one day per year. My job as a United States senator is to bring that way of life to Washington, D.C. and work to make certain veterans receive the care they deserve.\r\nIn this vein, I sponsored theVeterans Access, Choice and Accountability Actin 2014, legislation that created the Veteran's Choice Program to grant flexibility to veterans who otherwise would have experienced inexplicably long wait-times, drive-times, or both, to access their health care benefits. The Veterans Choice Program has certainly helped thousands of veterans, but some have still struggled to access care they need due to unnecessary VA red tape that undermined congressional intent.\r\nOver the past several years, I have worked with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to modernize and improve the Veteran's Choice Program and ultimately pass several pieces of reform legislation aimed at providing the tools and authorities the VA needs to complete its mission of caring for our nation's heroes.\r\nOne such piece of legislation, named in honor of the late Sen.John McCain(R-Ariz.), is theVA Mission Act of 2018 what I believe to be the single most transformative VA reform legislation in 30 years. This legislation requires the VA to develop access and quality standards that do not limit access to care based on arbitrary or ambiguous guidelines, and to create strategic plans and financial forecasting that will help establish a long-term path toward a highly integrated health care network. The law also increases access to telemedicine service, provides much-needed support to rural community hospitals and allows veterans to utilize walk-in care clinics  all of which are designed to provide greater access to care.\r\nThe provisions of theVAMissionActare not yet fully integrated, and implementation of the VA's regulations will determine the success of the law. I continue to work closely with my colleagues and the VA to make certain these provisions are implemented as Congress intended with the best interest of our nation's heroes at the forefront of every decision. I am hopeful that the culture of denial, delay and the dismissal of veterans who deserve the very best our nation has to offer will be destroyed.\r\nAs I shook each of the Service Academy applicants' hands I met with last month  young men and women whose military service is just beginning  and thanked them for their desire to serve our nation, I also acknowledged my responsibility to make them proud by ensuring they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve when they separate from service and return to civilian life. There is no group of people I value more than our nation's veterans. To the nearly 200,000 veterans across Kansas and millions across the country: I work to serve and honor you.\r\nAmericans of all ages, from all backgrounds and walks of life, have bravely stepped up to defend our nation, and I remain committed to fostering a world in which they return home and have ample career and educational opportunities, the ability to pursue the American dream, and, most importantly, access to timely, quality health care. If implemented correctly in the best interest of veterans, theVA Mission Actwill be a significant leap forward in accomplishing that goal.\r\nClick here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/kansas-common-sense-spending-thanksgiving-alongside-our-men-and-women-in-uniform", "Kansas Common Sense - Spending Thanksgiving Alongside Our Men and Women in Uniform", "2018-11-26", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hello,\r\n\r\nWelcome 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.\r\nSpending Thanksgiving Alongside Our Men and Women in UniformRobba and I wish you a Happy Thanksigiving and hope you were able to spend the long weekend with your friends, family and loved ones. On Thanksgiving Day, we had the privilege of visiting patients and healthcare professionals at Irwin Army Hospital on post. Following our time at Irwin, we had Thanksgiving lunch with soldiers and their families at Fort Riley, including Major General and Mrs. Kolasheski. On Thanksgiving, and on every day, we are thankful for the sacrifices and selfless-service of these individuals in uniform, across Kansas and the nation. I am reminded that many soldiers, including some stationed here at Fort Riley, are deployed across the globe and can't make it home for holidays  and so much more. Robba and I ask you to join us in keeping them in our thoughts this season.\r\n\r\nHosting my 13th Kansas Conservation TourOn Tuesday, I hosted my 13th Annual Kansas Conservation Tour with stops in Neosho, Labette, Cherokee and Crawford counties. The Conservation Tour is an opportunity for me to learn more about conservation efforts across the state, including water and soil conservation, river sustainability, and wetlands and grassland prairie preservation efforts, as well to discuss irrigation practices and other important agricultural issues for producers. During the tour, I met with an impressive group of farmers and representatives from our state and federal agricultural and natural resource agencies, various associations, and private organizations, including; the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Forest Service, Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Kansas Wheat Growers Association, Kansas Corn Growers Association, and the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association.\r\nHosting this tour on the week of Thanksgiving is appropriate, as it embodies the values of the holiday: being thankful for the resources our state has been blessed with. Preserving and protecting what we have been given is critical to the future of Kansas.\r\nThis year, we highlighted the important conservation work being done by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Kansas Forest Service, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, the Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and private landowners.\r\nWe started the day at the Lil Toledo Lodge, located on the Neosho River near Chanute, for a discussion about the Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP). The SRP is a nationwide partnership between The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that focuses on preserving river flow while balancing the needs of water consumption with the ecological considerations of the river. We also discussed the Nature Conservancy's Healthy Streams Initiative and the work in the state related to that program.\r\n\r\nThe second stop of my Kansas Conservation Tour took us to the Parsons Arboretum. We were joined by the Kansas Forest Service to discuss community forestry efforts across the state that assist municipalities with tree planting and proper tree management in cities. We also received updates on their fire management programs that provide fire-fighting resources and equipment to fire departments in rural areas. With a number of devastating wildfires across the state in recent years, this program is of special importance to our Kansas farmers and ranchers.\r\n\r\nFollowing our session in Parsons, the tour headed to a wetland and native tallgrass prairie area near Chetopa where the group was briefed on the Natural Resources Damages Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) program. NRDAR is a partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism aimed at restoring the wetland and grassland areas that were previously contaminated by decades of lead and zinc mining. We heard from stakeholders in the project, including Ducks Unlimited, who is a private partner of NRDAR.\r\n\r\nOver lunch, we heard from the Kansas Soybean Association, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Wheat Growers Association, and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association about conservation topics pertaining to their interest areas. During my remarks to the group, I discussed the history, purpose and importance of my Kansas Conservation Tour, and gave updates on work I'm doing in Washington pertinent to the group and their collective conservation efforts.\r\n\r\nOur last two stops were both farms that had improvements with assistance from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). At the Egbert's farm near McCune, we saw an irrigation pond and terraces that were installed by these fifth-generation farmers with cost-sharing assistance provided by the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and technical assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.\r\n\r\nFor the last stop on my Kansas Conservation Tour, we visited Misty Mornings Farm near Mulberry to hear from the farm owner, Misty, and her husband, Charlie. They showed the group their high tunnels that provide a unique opportunity to extend the growing seasons for their crops while using fewer resources.\r\n\r\nOne thing that was clear throughout the tour is that a strong Farm Bill conservation title is vital to Kansas farmers and ranchers. I would like to send a special thanks to State Conservationist Karen Woodrich, State FSA Director David Schemm, State Forester Larry Biles, and all those who participated in sharing their experiences, farms, land and best practices with one another.\r\nAnnouncing New HRSA Grants at Pittsburg State UniversityOn Tuesday, I was at Pittsburg State University (PSU) to announce two new grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded to the PSU Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing. These new grants will allow nurses at PSU to be specially trained in helping care for victims of sexual assault, will establish a comprehensive Rural Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Program and will help train nurses who will work specifically in community health in our medically underserved areas.\r\nThe PSU School of Nursing is a tremendous asset to our state and to the talented Kansans who aim to serve their community through medicine. The school's ability to bring federal grant dollars back to Kansas is extremely valuable, and the grants announced this week will empower nurses to advance their education and place an emphasis on serving communities in need of their skills. Through my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to help Kansas healthcare providers and the federal government establish partnerships that benefit our Kansas communities. To read more on the grants and Tuesday's announcements, click here.\r\n\r\nMoran in Moran\r\nOn Monday, I held a townhall meeting in Moran as my Allen County stop on the Kansas Listening Tour. This townhall  the last of my 105 meetings this Congress  was well attended by folks from Allen County. During our discussion, we covered a number of topics, including the high cost of prescription drugs and the need to control those prices, tariffs and ongoing trade disputes, tax reform, immigration and the need for a skilled workforce in the Kansas economy, securing our borders and the status of the Farm Bill that is so important to our Kansas farmers and ranchers. I appreciated the many residents who took time to visit with me on Monday, and I also thank the Moran United Methodist Women for serving lunch prior to my townhall meeting.\r\n\r\nVisiting with Local Residents in ErieOn Monday, following a day of events in southeast Kansas, I stopped in Erie to visit with local residents and business owners. I enjoyed stopping by the office of Rick Hines, Attorney at Law, Richey's Pharmacy, City Hall, as well as the Neosho County Courthouse to visit the Neosho County Clerk, Treasurer, and Clerk of the Court. During this stop, I heard about issues of relevance in Erie, received feedback on items important to locals and gave updates on the work I'm doing in Washington, D.C. Thank you to folks in Erie who took time out of their day to visit with me on Tuesday.\r\nKansans in the Office\r\nCapitol TourChuck Grier of Wichita  Susie Grier of Wichita  Gabriel Grier of Wichita  Ryan Huffaker of Salina  Dana Huffaker of Salina  Jacob Huffaker of Salina  Trinity Huffaker of Salina  Joel Huffaker of Salina  Jessica Jones of Overland Park  Kathy McQueen of Kansas City  Patricia Ralph of Dodge City  Mandy Ridder of Manhattan  Dustan Ridder of Manhattan  Charles Wilkerson of Dodge City  LaDainna Williams of Lenexa  Mark Willey of Abilene  Renae Willey of Abilene\r\nHonored 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 letter, a Facebook comment, or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.\r\nPlease 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.\r\nVery truly yours, Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/sen-moran-completes-105-county-kansas-listening-tour-this-congress", "Sen. Moran Completes 105-County Kansas Listening Tour This Congress", "2018-11-26", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MORAN, Kan. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) brought his 105-county Kansas Listening Tour this Congress to a close with an Allen County townhall meeting in Moran, Kan. on Monday, November 19, 2018. Since he was elected to the United States Senate in 2010, Sen. Moran's Kansas Listening Tour has taken him to every county in Kansas every two years.\r\nOne of the highlights of visiting every county in our state is meeting people in every corner and getting to witness the beauty that is Kansas, said Sen. Moran. Everywhere I've been, I've experienced Kansas Kindness.' But in almost every meeting throughout this listening tour, Kansans have also acknowledged the contentious nature of politics today, and I felt this tension during many of my Listening Tour stops.\r\nFrom nationally syndicated townhalls in Palco and Lenexa where Kansans were debating issues for a national audience, to smaller meetings all across the state, I met Kansans in every county who both agreed and disagreed with me about the issues most important to them, continued Sen. Moran. However, over these 105 townhall meetings  and the 1,312 townhall meetings I've held throughout my time in Congress  one thing always remains the same: the Kansans I meet with care deeply about our state and the future of our nation. I want to thank the thousands of Kansans who took the time to attend my Kansas Listening Tours and share their thoughts, concerns and ideas with me this Congress. These meetings and the conversations we have during these important meetings continue to shape the work I am privileged do in Washington, D.C.\r\nTo watch a recap of this Kansas Listening Tour and of the townhall meeting in Moran, click here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/completing", "Completing My 105-County Kansas Listening Tour This Congress", "2018-11-25", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Completing My 105-County Kansas Listening Tour This CongressThroughout this Congress, I have crisscrossed the 82,000+ square miles of our state, holding townhall meetings in all 105 Kansas counties as part of my Kansas Listening Tour. These meetings take me to every county in Kansas every two years. On Monday, I brought this listening tour to a close with an Allen County townhall meeting in Moran, Kansas.\r\n  One of the highlights of visiting every county in our state, is meeting people in every corner and getting to witness the beauty that is Kansas. In almost all of those places, I often find myself thinking, I could live here. Everywhere I've been, I've experienced Kansas kindness.\r\n\r\nBut in almost every meeting throughout this listening tour, Kansans have also acknowledged the contentious nature of politics today, and I felt this tension during many of my Listening Tour stops. From nationally syndicated townhalls in Palco and Lenexa where Kansans were debating issues for a national audience to smaller meetings all across the state, I met Kansans in every county who both agreed and disagreed with me about the issues most important to them. However, over these 105 townhall meetings  and the 1,312 townhall meetings I've held throughout my time in Congress  one thing always remains the same: the Kansans I meet with care deeply about our state and the future of our nation.\r\n\r\nI want to thank the thousands of Kansans who took the time to attend my Kansas Listening Tours and share their thoughts, concerns and ideas with me this Congress. These important townhall meetings and the many conversations we have during them continue to shape the work I am privileged do in Washington, D.C.\r\n\r\nTo watch a recap of my Kansas Listening Tour and my townhall meeting in Moran, clickhere.   \r\n\r\n\r\nHonored 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.\r\nPlease 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.\r\nVery truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/topeka-capital-journal", "Topeka Capital-Journal: U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran ready to cross partisan divide with infrastructure, farm bills", "2018-11-25", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Topeka Capital-Journal  Tim Carpenter  November 25, 2018 U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran's tour of the state's 105 counties exposed both deep division on national policy issues and weariness with partisanship that inhibits progress on key issues in Washington, D.C.\r\nMoran, who visits each county on a two-year cycle, said he would embrace greater collaboration in January once the Democrat-led U.S. House takes position along with the GOP-controlled U.S. Senate and the White House of President Donald Trump.\r\nI've looked at elections like New Year's Day, he said. You establish your resolutions and you look for a brighter future. A brighter future would involve Republicans and Democrats working together. It would involve Congress working together with the White House.\r\nMoran said the partisan, divisive decision two years ago was to use Republican influence in Washington to take down the Affordable Care Act. He said the opening act next year should be a bipartisan plan for better highways, rural broadband connections, upgraded water treatment facilities and a portfolio of other infrastructure projects linking urban and rural, Republican and Democratic lawmakers.\r\nMaybe we could prove to ourselves and the American people at the same time there is a way to work together, the senator said.\r\nIn the interview, Moran shared insights into what he learned from his latest town halls across the state.\r\nWhy are you drawn to this type of interaction when so many federal lawmakers avoid unscripted, direct contact with voters outside of campaigns?These conversations give me a feel and understanding of what Kansans care a lot about, most about, intensely about. It gives me, in many instances, the encouragement or enthusiasm to fight harder or to engage more in an issue.\r\nWas the vibe in this round different than in the past?This tour was different. There is a lot of anxiety and anger. The country, including Kansas, is significantly divided. I think that maybe the whole tone of the town hall meeting is different, because of social media.\r\nPeople are there to make a declaration rather than find answers?They're there to make a point and make certain I understand. In some ways, it's getting things off the proverbial chest. Issues have become, over time, much more national and less what I'd call community and local.\r\nAssuming the House, Senate and Trump gets through an infrastructure bill, what next?At the moment what is pending is a farm bill. It is something that historically, traditionally has been bipartisan. There are many more members of Congress who are concerned about nutrition programs than they are about farm programs. Therefore, it's to our advantage, rural agricultural Kansans, to make sure those things remain together or there will be little or no farm policy.\r\nYou're suggesting Midwest Republicans should be less isolated by warming to policy goals of coastal Democrats?If we don't pursue common ground with people on both coasts, my ability to represent Kansans and have any level of success is diminished.\r\nWhat was the most consistent issue raised in this round of town halls?It was health care, the Affordable Care Act. That issue is more driven by peoples' personal experiences rather than politics. Most people who came intentionally to see me were those that did not want it repealed, but there was a corresponding set of folks, particularly when you walk out of a town hall meeting, they'd tell you that they disagree with that.\r\nIn terms of political leadership, what's that signal to you?I'm trying to find a way to thread a needle in which we could do something that protects and preserves pre-existing condition coverage and takes us a step further in how do we reduce the cost of premiums.\r\nWhat about the president's trade conflicts with North America, China and Europe?Absolutely. I would put trade over the last six months toward the top of the list of conversations with Kansans. I'm pretty outspoken on the importance of trade and exports to Kansas.\r\nIs that seed of thought resonating in the Trump administration or do you feel like you're talking to a fence post?Sometimes you're told things you want to hear. My view is that I would not be representing Kansans if I didn't make the case at every opportunity that exports matter and we earn a living in our state by what we sell around the world.\r\nWhat do you prefer the president do on trade?Let's try to settle our differences with Mexico, Canada and the European community and then let us go after China in a united way and beat back their stealing of our trade secrets, cyber attacks and patent infringement. There has to be a more direct approach than just we raise tariffs and they raise tariffs in retaliation.\r\nIs it odd an intellectual property dispute brought the hammer down on Kansas farmers?Soybean farmers do not understand why they would pay a price for it.\r\nDo the federal deficit numbers attached to the tax law signed by President Trump still sound like policy shaped by fiscally conservative Republicans?Both parties at one point in time saw a balanced budget as a desirable thing. Nationally, Democrats began to abandon that belief and over time Republicans have done the same thing.\r\nYou're chairman of a Senate subcommittee looking into sexual abuse in Olympic sports. Preliminary conclusions?We saw in this investigation that, with way too few exceptions, when the story of sexual assault was told, people looked the other way. Are Kansans concerned about investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election? What about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi?Kansans, not in large numbers, but in numbers, are disappointed in the way the president ... is not listening to his own intelligence services.\r\nHow do you think Kansans view the reported reluctance of President Trump to visit combat zones like you have?I'll leave it to his security folks to make a decision about the desirability of the president, this president, to visit a war zone. But I can tell you it is important to me. The most challenging issue I face as a member of Congress is the decision about whether or not we should put people in harm's way. It is important for me to see and understand what those risks are. We have military men and women who are serving constantly around the globe and it's important for me to convey to them that they're not forgotten.\r\nWhere did you finish this tour of Kansas?Moran in Moran. I thought it would be clever. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=639", "Rep. Estes Shares Thanksgiving with  U.S. Troops in Kuwait", "2018-11-23", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Camp Buehring, KuwaitCongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) joined U.S. Army troops stationed at Camp Buehring for a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, Nov. 22. Among the troops Rep. Estes met with was an aviation regiment from the Kansas National Guard. \"As families in Kansas and around the country come together this week to celebrate Thanksgiving, it's important to remember all the brave men and women in uniform stationed around the world making incredible sacrifices to protect our nation and freedoms,\" said Rep. Estes. \"I was humbled and honored to join our troops in the Middle East and thank them for their service.\"\r\nRep. Estes was one of six members of Congress on a bipartisan delegation to the Middle East which included a stop at Camp Buehring. Ron 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://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-marshall-serves-thanksgiving-meals-troops-overseas", "Rep. Marshall serves Thanksgiving meals to troops overseas", "2018-11-23", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "They are spending the holidays far from their families, it was a privilege for me to be able to serve them a Thanksgiving meal and sit down with them to discuss their mission and their time abroad,\" Rep. Marshall said.\"Some of these soldiers were newly married or had young children back at home, but they explained to me how grateful they are to serve our country and for all the continued support they get back at home.\n\t\tOn his trip, Rep. Marshall was briefed by military leaders on the current posture, readiness, and security concerns of our U.S. forces.\n\t\tWe have the strongest military in the world, I saw that first hand this week. The holidays are especially hard to be away from home, and I enjoyed hearing each soldier tell me about their families' Thanksgiving traditions. I learned a lot from these brave men and women in the past few days, and their love for our country will inspire me for days to come.\n\t\tThe soldiers on this mission are expected to return to the states in March of 2019.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/sens-moran-blumenthal-statement-on-charges-against-former-msu-president-lou-anna-simon", "Sens. Moran, Blumenthal Statement on Charges Against Former MSU President Lou Anna Simon", "2018-11-20", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)  chairman and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security with jurisdiction over the health and safety of USA Gymnastics, US Olympic and NCAA athletes  today released the following statement regarding the charges against former Michigan State University (MSU) President Lou Anna Simon: The charges brought against Lou Anna Simon today illustrate her desire to first and foremost protect her own position and institution, even when it came in direct conflict with doing right by Michigan State athletes in the wake of repeated abuse claims at the hands of Larry Nassar. These charges, Ms. Simon's hesitation to testify at our hearing in June and recent charges against Steve Penny continue to point to the systemic mismanagement and enablement of abuse that occurred at MSU and within the Olympic movement. Our subcommittee will continue to make certain that leaders of these organizations are putting the protection of athletes above all else.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/usda-awards-1-million-ks-veterans-ag-program", "USDA awards $1 million to KS Veterans Ag program", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.-On Thursday, the USDA- NIFA announced six awards to help military veterans pursue farming and ranching careers. Kansas' Servicemember Agricultural Vocation Education Farm (SAVE) program will receive a $1 million grant.\n\tSAVEworks to provide a pathway for servicemen, servicewomen, and veteransto pursue careers in agriculture. This program works with Kansas State University,CloudCommunity College, the K-State Extension Service, Manhattan Area Technical College, and other local schools so that veterans can receive their certificates in animal husbandry, row crops, produce, apiaries, farm maintenance, welding, auto repair, construction, farm business planning, plan execution, farm economics, marketing and more.\n\tSAVEprovides amazing pathways for our vets to start their own agribusiness, and I am so glad that NIFAhasacknowledgedthis programand is rewardingit with this sizable grant so that they can continue to expand and provide opportunities for our veterans wanting to enter the agriculture industry,Rep. Marshall said.\n\tRetired Lieutenant General Mike Dodson, a board chairman for SAVE, from Manhattan, KS said the following:\n\tSAVEis grateful to USDA for providing these grant opportunities. KDA was essential to the crafting of the application. As always KSU, was a great partner. The availability of funding began on 1 September and enabledSAVEto provide some of our veterans with full-time paid positions.\n\tIt also allowedSAVEto begin the programmed purchase of farm equipment which will enableSAVEto offer better instruction in the field to our students.\n\tWe appreciate the support of our Senators and Congressmen in working with USDA to shape these programs which offer such great opportunities to our veterans to lead meaningful lives, find solace and healing and provide for themselves and their families.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/allen-county-listening-tour-moran", "Allen County Listening Tour, Moran", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "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\tALLEN COUNTYMonday, November 19Moran Senior Community CenterMoran", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/kansas-common-sense-sponsoring-bipartisan-prison-sentencing-reform-legislation", "Kansas Common Sense - Sponsoring Bipartisan Prison, Sentencing Reform Legislation", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hello,\r\n\r\nWelcome 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.  \r\n\r\nWishing Kansans a Happy Thanksgiving HolidayWith the Thanksgiving Holiday approaching, Robba and I would like to wish everyone across Kansas safe travels and a Happy Thanksgiving. During this time of gratitude and reflection, we recognize the wonderful things about the state we get to call home. I am grateful for the many Kansans who I've had the honor of visiting with and meeting over the course of the last year. I'm especially grateful for the men and women at home and abroad who will spend their Thanksgiving away from their families and loved ones. Thank you to our servicemembers, past and present, who continue to make countless sacrifices on behalf of us and this great nation.\r\nSponsoring Bipartisan Prison, Sentencing Reform LegislationThis week, I joined Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle in sponsoring S. 3649, theFirst Step Act. This sensible legislation  that's backed by the President  provides an opportunity for Congress to set aside our differences and make historic progress on bipartisan criminal justice reform. TheFirst Step Actincreases fairness in crime and drug sentencing, helps curb the devastating opioid epidemic and helps make our communities safer. This bill also promotes proven recidivism reduction and professional development programs which will create better opportunities for inmates to succeed after they serve time. Under this legislation, any savings generated by the reforms would automatically be reinvested into law enforcement programs to further reduce crime and improve community safety.\r\nTheFirst Step Actcombines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the bipartisanSentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in February. Additionally, the legislation is supported by a wide range of stakeholders from key law enforcement organizations to reform advocates.\r\nTo read more on this legislation and its wide-ranging support, clickhere.\r\n\r\nConfirming a Kansan to the Federal Reserve Board of GovernorsOn Thursday, the Senate confirmed Kansan, Michelle Miki' Bowman for the seat reserved for a community banker or a community bank regulator. Miki's experience as Kansas State Bank Commissioner, her time at Farmers and Drovers Bank in her hometown of Council Grove, and many other positions in both public service and the private sector make her the perfect addition to the Federal Reserve Board. Miki understands the importance of the relationship between the community and the local banker.\r\nCommunity banks are an important part of rural communities and small cities across the country, from lending for homes, small businesses and farms, to sponsoring little league baseball teams and the school band. In Kansas and across rural America, these banks are an economic engine, leveraging relationships with local community members that rely on trust and honesty to benefit the individuals they see every day. Miki will bring this approach to the Federal Reserve Board and I am proud to have a fellow Kansan hold such an important positon.\r\nWatch my full remarks urging support for Miki prior to the vote on her nominationhere.\r\n\r\nSpeaking on Digital Infrastructure at the Bloomberg Next.2018 EventOn Wednesday, I keynoted a Bloomberg's Next.2018 discussion, an event bringing together policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, executives and regulators in the digital realm. I discussed how I am leading the charge in Congress to help bridge the digital divide, and highlighted the need to modernize America's networks and expand digital infrastructure. Additionally, I shared perspectives from Kansas and how the digital divide has affected our state and the ability of communities to innovate and grow. My colleagues and I, the FCC, and a group of government and private sector organizations are working together to help deploy and expand broadband across the nation, specifically in rural areas. A significant challenge in this effort is the coverage maps being utilized by the FCC. I provided an update on our efforts to correct those maps, and the importance of getting these maps right due to the foundational nature they play in our work to expand 5G coverage.\r\nOne of the biggest issues facing Kansas is the widening digital divide and the lack of resources available to our rural communities and businesses. Technology is the most significant driver of innovation and economic development in Kansas and across the nation. Our rural communities in Kansas will be better served in their efforts to grow their economy and recruit new individuals and families if they have access to this needed technology and digital infrastructure. These issues are not of passing interest to me, and I'm committed to continuing this work in close partnership with private sector stakeholders, federal entities and state and local organizations.\r\n\r\n\r\nAttending the Senate's Veterans Appreciation EventOn Tuesday, the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee honored our nation's heroes in the nation's capital with a special Veterans Day event, attended by leaders in the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration who are charged with caring for those who serve our country. I had the pleasure of visiting with Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General Mark Milley, former Big Red One Commander and now Director of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Joseph Martin, Secretary of the Army Mark Esper, Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson and Secretary of the VA Robert Wilkie.\r\nI always appreciate time spent with each of these senior leaders to discuss ways in which we can improve and advance our military and provide our servicemembers, past and present, with the kind of support and resources they need and deserve through their dedicated service to our nation.\r\n\r\nIntroducing Legislation to Expand Access to Chiropractic Healthcare for Current and Former Military PersonnelThis week, I joined Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin in introducing bipartisan legislation to expand chiropractic health services for military retirees and members of the National Guard and Reserve. TheChiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Actwould require TRICARE to cover chiropractic services for all military servicemembers, both active and retired, and non-activated reservists. Currently, healthcare programs through the U.S. Department of Defense, including TRICARE, do not cover chiropractic care for military retirees and non-activated reservists.\r\nMany of the retired servicemembers and Reservists who served our country have sustained back and other neuromusculoskeletal injuries that can be treated through chiropractic care. However, the Department of Defense offers limited access to chiropractic care for Active duty and certain members of the Reserve Component  leaving many in need at a disadvantage. I've long advocated for increased access to chiropractic care in the VA, and this legislation will similarly increase access to chiropractic care for all military enrollees by expanding TRICARE coverage for retirees and all reservists. The men and women who have served our nation deserve access to the same care they received while on active duty, and I'm pleased to introduce legislation that makes certain they do. Clickhereto read more.\r\nMaking Certain the VA MISSION Act Meets the Needs of Our VeteransAmericans of all ages, from all backgrounds and walks of life, have bravely stepped up to defend our nation, and I remain committed to fostering a world in which they return home and have ample career and educational opportunities, the ability to pursue the American dream, and, most importantly, access to timely, quality healthcare. If implemented correctly in the best interest of veterans, theVA MISSION Actwill be a significantleap forward in accomplishing that goal.\r\nAs we recognize Veterans' Month this November, it is timely to again call attention to this important legislation and the impact it ought to have on our veterans. Clickhereto read my op-ed inThe Hillon the need for a successful implementation.\r\n\r\nVisiting with Students and Staff at Concordia Junior-Senior High SchoolOn Friday, I joined student leaders at Concordia Junior-Senior High School to tour their facility, visit classrooms and talk with students, faculty and staff. I heard an update on their fall semester, various student body activities and fall athletic teams. I was also lucky enough to hear the middle school choir perform during a stop into their music classroom. Thank you to the many students and teachers who took time to visit with me during my tour, and thank you to Principal Troy Keiswetter for arranging my visit to the school.\r\n\r\nMaking a Community Visit to BellevilleAfter my time in Concordia, I stopped in Belleville to visit with community members, business owners and local leaders. I appreciated the chance to hear firsthand the issues residents care about, and the opportunity to offer an update on the work I'm doing in Kansas and in Washington, D.C. In Belleville, I was able to stop by various businesses and organizations including Gottschalk & Company, CPAs, the Belleville Public Library, the USDA Service Center. Republic County Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and County Clerk, Astra Bank and Casey's General Store. Thank you to the many Republic County residents who took time to visit with me during my stop in town.\r\n\r\nSpeaking at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts Annual ConventionIt was great to be with members of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts (KACD) in Wichita for their annual conference. This group is committed to conserving our natural resources, efforts that are critical to preserving Kansas for the next generation. Water conservation and natural resource management is particularly important to our economy and quality of life. Water is the lifeblood of our municipalities, the foundation for statewide recreation, and will direct the future of manufacturing and production agriculture.\r\nDuring my remarks to the group, I discussed the conservation issues across the state, the 2018 Farm Bill and the conservation title program, trade and the new United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. I was also able to echo the importance of production agriculture in rural Kansas and the need for sustainable conservation practices that will make certain these farms and our communities can thrive for generations to come. Thank you to KACD Executive Director Dan Meyeroff for inviting me to speak, and thanks also to the many members of KACD who I was able to visit with.\r\n\r\nWatching Fort Hays State University Football in HaysOn Saturday, I was in Hays where I watched Fort Hays State University (FHSU) play the University of Indianapolis in the opening round of the 2018 NCAA Division II playoffs. The game remained close until Indianapolis was able to pull away in the final quarter of the game. Congratulations to FHSU's football players, coaches and staff on a great season. Thank you to members of the Hays community and FHSU leadership for inviting me to attend Saturday's watch party on campus at the Robbins Center. I always appreciate the chance to be back in Hays.  \r\n\r\nHonored 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.\r\nPlease 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.\r\nVery truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/pittsburg-morning-sun", "Pittsburg Morning Sun: Nursing program receives $800k grant  Money will fund sexual assault training", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pittsburg Morning SunDawson White\r\nSenator Jerry Moran (R.-Kansas) announced a federal nursing grant for the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing at Pittsburg State University on Monday.\r\nThe grant, which will total $800,288 over three years, will fund the Advanced Nurse Education Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program at PSU. SANE nurses are registered nurses who have completed specialized education in medical forensic care of patients who have experienced sexual abuse. PSU is one of 19 institutions to receive the grant.\r\nSenator Moran lauded PSU for the university's commitment to equipping healthcare professionals to care for victims of sexual assault.\r\nThis place is a role model for Kansans, he said. The school's ability to bring federal grant dollars back to Kansas is extremely valuable, and the grants announced today will empower nurses to advance their education and place an emphasis on serving communities in need of their skills.\r\nCurrently, there is only one SANE nurse serving Crawford County. PSU alum Wendy Overstreet will use her expertise to serve as coordinator for the SANE Program at PSU.\r\nOverstreet said that because she is the only SANE nurse in the area, she must limit her care to pediatric patients. Adults over the age of 17 are sent to another county, and sometimes another state, to be examined. Those under 17 are sent to a facilities as far as two hours away and at greater personal and financial cost.\r\nBeing told help is unavailable in our county can worsen the trauma for these victims, she said. We never want to tell a victim no.\r\nOverstreet, said that SANE nurses are not on call and only help when needed.\r\nI work full time and have a family and sometimes I have to make a choice, she said. I feel guilty when I have to say no.\r\nShe says having more SANE nurses will help keep victims in the county and hopefully lead to an increase in incident report and follow through on prosecution.\r\nVia Christi Emergency Department Physician, Dr. Tim Stebbins, said the rural nature of the county has been a hurdle in serving victims.\r\nIt's a challenging issue already, then you add in the rural nature of the area and it's even tougher, he said. We hope that being able to provide the service locally will serve in gathering evidence and maybe increase the amount of prosecutions and convictions.\r\nStebbins said the goal is for the SANE program to expand in the area.\r\nWe're hoping to eventually reach eight surrounding counties, he said.\r\nThe SANE grant had a rather unconventional genesis. Associate Professor of Nursing, Amy Hite, said she initially wrote the grant as part of a grant writing class.\r\nI spoke to my teacher and asked if I could do a real grant proposal instead of a fake one, she said.\r\nThat evening, Cheryl Giefer, Director of the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing, received an email about the SANE grant opportunity and offered to mentor Hite in the writing process. Hit spent three weeks collecting data and interviewing law enforcement before writing the grant.\r\nI received an A on the project, Hite said.\r\nMoran emphasized the importance of hands-on care in improving life for residents.\r\nIt's one thing to educate people, Senator Moran concluded, it's another thing to change their hearts and souls. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/sen-moran-announces-new-hrsa-grants-at-pittsburg-state-university", "Sen. Moran Announces New HRSA Grants at Pittsburg State University", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PITTSBURG U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies  was at Pittsburg State University (PSU) today to announce two new grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to fund programs at the PSU Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing.\r\n  Sen. Moran speaking at the HRSA grant announcement at PSU. Photo courtesy of PSU.\r\nThe PSU School of Nursing is a tremendous asset to our state and to the talented Kansans who aim to serve their community through medicine, said Sen. Moran. The school's ability to bring federal grant dollars back to Kansas is extremely valuable, and the grants announced today will empower nurses to advance their education and place an emphasis on serving communities in need of their skills.\r\nNotably, the ANE-SANE grant award will allow nurses at PSU to be trained in conducting sexual assault forensic examinations, allowing nurses to provide better physical and mental healthcare for survivors in moments of crisis, continued Sen. Moran. PSU will also establish a comprehensive Rural Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Program that will benefit Crawford and surrounding counties, ensuring that victims of sexual assault receive the best care possible, no matter the size of the community. Through my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to help Kansas healthcare providers and the federal government establish partnerships that benefit our Kansas communities.\r\nPSU is the recipient of two new HRSA grants. The first grant, the Advanced Nursing Education  Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (ANE-SANE), was awarded to only 19 academic institutions in the country. The grant aims to train providers that conduct sexual assault forensic examinations. These individuals would be equipped to provide better physical and mental healthcare for survivors, perform better evidence collection and have higher prosecution rates. This grant will enable PSU to establish a comprehensive rural sexual assault nurse examiners program.\r\nThe second grant, the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention-Registered Nurses in Primary Care program (NEPQR), funds a four-year training program that will recruit and train nursing students and current registered nurses to practice to the full scope of their license in community-based primary care teams. This measure will increase access to care with an emphasis on chronic disease prevention and control, including mental health and substance abuse conditions. Specifically, the grant will provide tuition scholarships and laptops to 26 registered nurses who enroll at PSU to complete an online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. PSU and community health agencies  many of which are in medically underserved areas  have partnered so that these students can earn the required clinical experience.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yoder.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoder-announces-military-academy-nominations-0", "Yoder Announces Military Academy Nominations", "2018-11-19", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Kevin Yoder", "Y000063", "yoder.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Overland Park, KS Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) announced today that he has nominated 24 area students to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.\nThe Third District's 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.\nIt's an honor and a privilege to announce the nomination of 24 remarkable Kansans from the Third Congressional District to a United States Service Academy, Rep. Yoder said. Each man and woman nominated today represents distinguished character, scholarship, leadership, and service. I'm 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.\n\nUnited States Naval Academy  Annapolis, Maryland\nRyan Ingraham  Overland Park\nThomas Joyce  Prairie Village\nCaleb Masters  Shawnee\nJacob Stenslie  Overland Park\nGage St. Pierre  Olathe\nAlex Totta  Overland Park\nCalvin Tran  Shawnee\nBrock Weinstein  Overland Park\nUnited States Air Force Academy  Colorado Springs, Colorado\nBrock Baker  Lenexa\nMakensie Blum  Gardner\nLendel Brown  Overland Park\nChad Buzzell  Overland Park\nConnor Chase  Olathe\nJP Larson  Overland Park\nJoseph Lee  Leawood\nEthan Marshall  Lenexa\nNick Moussa  Shawnee\nEric Olson  Leawood\nCamden Schieffer  Leawood\nCooper Schram  Leawood\nUnited States Military Academy  West Point, New York\nMatt Ebenstein  Gardner Edgerton\nBrooke Thomas  Overland Park\nRyan Williams  Shawnee\nJames Wilson  Olathe\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-marshall-co-hosts-health-care-roundtable", "Rep. Marshall co-hosts health care roundtable", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.-Congressman Roger Marshall, M.D. and Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. hosted a roundtable this week to discuss the ways basic research supported by federal agencies can be used to improve and drive innovation within the medical community.\n\t\tA key speaker at the roundtable was Dr. Scott Weir, the Director of the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation at the University of Kansas.Dr. Weir shared the advances in cancer treatment KU is bringing to the medical community.\n\t\tTestimony provided by the panelists demonstrated that in order to realize patient benefit of federally-funded research, a multidisciplinary team effort involving basic, translational and clinical science experts is required,Dr. Weir said following the roundtable.Training the next generation of researchers who excel in transdisciplinary collaboration is critically important to improving human and animal health.\n\t\tEight experts in fields varying from nuclear security to pharmacy industry leaders participated in the discussion held by the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.\n\t\tIt was an honor to advocate for basic science research funding on behalf of the orthopedic community,said Martha Murray, M.D., member of the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.Federal grant funding makes possible the critical innovations we need for our growing patient population.Dr. Murray discussed her background as an engineer and physician researcher and how she has applied basic science to ACL repairs, improving patient outcomes, recovering, and costs.\n\t\tThe roundtable focused on new opportunities for basic science research to improve care and lower health care costs,including ways the pharmacy industry can work to ensure these medical innovations are accessible to all, in both rural and urban America.\n\t\tDr. Troy Trygstad, a community pharmacist,health economist, and researcher, discussed how the pharmacy industry must utilize interdisciplinary research to optimize patient outcomes.\"Interdisciplinary efforts are now widely recognized as catalyzing innovation and improving productivity, Dr. Trygstad said. To bring together NSF, the DOE and leaders from diverse foundational sciences together with downstream, frontline health care providers to discuss a framework for addressing our biggest health care challenges is both refreshing as well as forward thinking. I was so impressed to see eleven Members fully engaged in the conversation.\"\n\t\tThe roundtable was well attended, with nearly a dozenbipartisan members joining Rep. Marshall, M.D. and Rep. Dunn, M.D.to learn more about the benefits of this research.\n\t\tIt was an honor to sit alongside these brilliant minds and discuss ways that we can work together to improve health care outcomes and cut costs. The medical industry has come a long way thanks to technology and research, and it's exciting to see the continual advances being made,Congressman Marshall said. Science and research investments play a key role in delivering advancements for the next generation. I look forward to seeing the future success of projects like those discussed today and remaining a champion of research funding.\n\t\tFrom the ability to image proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease to improved procedures in ACL repair, basic science plays a huge role in advancing medicine that is improving outcomes for patients across the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/sen-moran-sponsors-bipartisan-prison-sentencing-reform-legislation", "Sen. Moran Sponsors Bipartisan Prison, Sentencing Reform Legislation", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies  this week sponsored S. 3649, the First Step Act, to reduce recidivism, promote public safety and improve fairness in the sentencing of federal crimes.\r\nThis crucial, sensible legislation provides an opportunity for Congress to set aside our differences and make historic progress on bipartisan criminal justice reform that will benefit Kansans and Americans innumerably, said Sen. Moran. The First Step Act will increase fairness in crime and drug sentencing, help curb the devastating opioid epidemic, and ultimately, make our Kansas communities safer. This bill also promotes proven recidivism reduction and professional development programs which will create better opportunities for inmates to succeed after they serve their time.\r\nThe First Step Act combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the bipartisan, Sen. Moran-sponsored Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee in February.\r\nThe comprehensive package aims to reduce crime by helping low-risk inmates prepare to successfully rejoin society through participation in proven recidivism reduction and professional development programs.It recalibrates certain mandatory minimum sentences, grants greater discretion for judges in sentencing of low-level, nonviolent drug crimes and clarifies congressional intent on sentencing enhancements for certain crimes involving firearms. It also preserves the maximum potential sentences for violent and career criminals. The legislation also allows petitions for retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act to be considered on an individual basis to reduce sentence disparities between crack and powder cocaine offenses.\r\nUnder this legislation, any savings generated by the reforms would automatically be reinvested into law enforcement programs to further reduce crime and improve community safety.\r\nThe First Step Act was introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and sponsored by Senators Moran, Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.).\r\nItems to note:\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/manhattan-nonprofit-receives-million-dollar-grant-in-first-round-of-moran-championed-usda-program", "Manhattan Nonprofit Receives Million-Dollar Grant in First Round of Moran-Championed USDA Program", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member and former chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture  today issued the following statement regarding a $1 million grant received by the Servicemember Agricultural Vocation Education (SAVE) Farm based in Manhattan, Kan., as part of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) first round of AgVets grant distribution:\r\n\"The work being done by Gary and his team at SAVE offers an innovative solution to assist our nation's heroes in finding jobs after returning to civilian life, and to establish a new generation of agricultural producers and leaders. SAVE's transition assistance, training and behavioral health services will equip these veterans with the tools and resources they need to earn a living and contribute to the ag economy. In 2016, Gary testified about SAVE before my Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee, where we began a larger, ongoing conversation about the program and its extraordinary value. Today, I am pleased to see our efforts to draw USDA's attention to the capability of the program he built and designed are paying off.\r\nItems to Note:\r\n \r\nGary LaGrange, the founder and President of SAVE, testified in an April 2016 hearing chaired by Sen. Moran in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture about the SAVE program.\r\nThe following month, Sen. Moran's appropriations bill, which included $5 million in funding for veteran outreach passed out of the full Appropriations committee. This language became law as part of the FY2017 omnibus after passing the House and Senate in May of 2017.\r\nThe FY2018 and FY2019 Agriculture Appropriations bills include language that would continue funding for this grant program.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/sen-moran-votes-to-confirm-kansan-michelle-bowman-to-federal-reserve-board", "Sen. Moran Votes to Confirm Kansan Michelle Bowman to Federal Reserve Board", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs  today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Kansan Michelle Miki' Bowman on a bipartisan 64-34vote to serve on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System:\r\nMichelle Bowman will bring a unique and important perspective to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. Her distinguished leadership in the Kansas banking community, her experience as Kansas Bank Commissioner and her small-town Kansas roots will make her an exceptional member of the Board. I look forward to working with Miki on issues that our consumers and community financial institutions face in rural America.\r\nPrior to the vote on Ms. Bowman's nomination, Senator Moran spoke on the Senate floor urging his colleagues to confirm Bowman to the Board of Governors.\r\nClick Here to Watch Remarks\r\nRemarks As Delivered:\r\nMr. President, tomorrow the Senate will consider Kansan Michelle Bowman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors for a seat reserved for a community banker or a community bank regulator. To understand her qualifications, we should first look at the position for which she has been nominated.\r\nThe original Federal Reserve Act requires appointments to the Board to include a representative of the agriculture community. When Congress further defined the Fed's representation, it created a specific seat for someone with a community bank background, having either worked in or supervised a community bank.\r\nMiki Bowman has done both. Miki's experience as both a Kansas State Bank Commissioner, and her time at Farmers and Drovers Bank in Council Grove, Kansas, satisfies both of those statutory requirements, and she is even more qualified with her impressive background in public service and the private sector.\r\nIn total, Miki Bowman has served as bank supervisor and regulator for nearly two years, and has been a community banker for seven.\r\nMiki was nominated on April the 26, 2018 as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors as a Community Bank Representative for the remainder of a 14 year term expiring January 31, 2020.\r\nIf confirmed, she will represent Region Eight, The St. Louis region, Missouri, of the Federal Reserve.\r\nMiki will also be the first person nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate to hold the seat specifically reserved for one member with demonstrated primary experience working in or supervising community banks. She would be one of seven members of the board.\r\nMiki's early years echo that of many Kansans. She attended the University of Kansas to earn a bachelor's degree, and then went on to earn a law degree from Washburn University.\r\nAnd after graduation, Miki was called to public service where she served in a variety of capacities, including as a staff member of Senator Dole;and Counsel for several House committees; Director of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs for FEMA; and a Deputy Assistant Secretary and Policy Advisor at the Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Tom Ridge. Following that, she and her husband moved to London, where Miki consulted on government and public affairs.\r\nLike many Kansans who love and appreciate our state, Miki made her way back home. She returned to Council Grove to take the helm of a family bank for the next seven years. Far from London and Washington, D.C., Miki felt the need to return to her community to make a good life for her children and to serve her community.\r\nOnce again called to public service, Miki was nominated by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback to serve as the Kansas Bank Commissioner, a position she's held since February 2017 and still holds to this day.\r\nMiki's experience as both Kansas State Bank Commissioner, and her time at Farmers and Drovers Bank in Council Grove, satisfies both statutory requirements with her impressive background in public service and the private sector.\r\nCommunity banks are an important part of communities and small cities across the country. They extend credit for homes, and small businesses for farm equipment, while also sponsoring little league baseball teams and the school band.\r\nIn addition, Miki understands the role that relationships play in the approach to business. In rural Kansas and across America, community banks act as economic engines, leveraging relationships with local community members that rely on trust and honesty.\r\nMiki could tell story after story about the friendships and high levels of trust that she's built with her customers  it is a different kind of banking, and one that will help make certain that rural America can thrive well into the future.\r\nI urge my colleagues to vote tomorrow in favor of Miki Bowman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors so we can bring her experience and unique perspectives to the Federal Reserve Board.\r\nMr. President, thank you, and with that, I yield the floor.\r\nBiography provided by the White House at the time of Ms. Bowman's nomination: Ms. Bowman currently serves as the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, a position to which she was the first woman appointed and confirmed by the Kansas State Senate. As Commissioner, she is the chief regulator for State-chartered banks and non-depository lenders. Previously, Ms. Bowman served as an executive at Farmers and Drovers bank. Additionally, she has served on the staff of Senator Bob Dole, as counsel for several U.S. House committees, as Director of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Policy Advisor to Secretary Tom Ridge at the Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Bowman graduated from the University of Kansas and received a J.D. from Washburn University School of Law.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/sen-moran-votes-to-confirm-kansan-michelle-bowman-to-federal-reserve-board1", "Sen. Moran Votes to Confirm Kansan Michelle Bowman to Federal Reserve Board", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs  today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Kansan Michelle Miki' Bowman on a bipartisan 64-34 vote to serve on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System: Michelle Bowman will bring a unique and important perspective to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. Her distinguished leadership in the Kansas banking community, her experience as Kansas Bank Commissioner and her small-town Kansas roots will make her an exceptional member of the Board. I look forward to working with Miki on issues that our consumers and community financial institutions face in rural America. Prior to the vote on Ms. Bowman's nomination, Senator Moran spoke on the Senate floor urging his colleagues to confirm Bowman to the Board of Governors.\r\nClick Here to Watch Remarks\r\nRemarks As Delivered:\r\nMr. President, tomorrow the Senate will consider Kansan Michelle Bowman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors for a seat reserved for a community banker or a community bank regulator. To understand her qualifications, we should first look at the position for which she has been nominated.\r\nThe original Federal Reserve Act requires appointments to the Board to include a representative of the agriculture community. When Congress further defined the Fed's representation, it created a specific seat for someone with a community bank background, having either worked in or supervised a community bank.\r\nMiki Bowman has done both. Miki's experience as both a Kansas State Bank Commissioner, and her time at Farmers and Drovers Bank in Council Grove, Kansas, satisfies both of those statutory requirements, and she is even more qualified with her impressive background in public service and the private sector.\r\nIn total, Miki Bowman has served as bank supervisor and regulator for nearly two years, and has been a community banker for seven.\r\nMiki was nominated on April the 26, 2018 as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors as a Community Bank Representative for the remainder of a 14 year term expiring January 31, 2020.\r\nIf confirmed, she will represent Region Eight, The St. Louis region, Missouri, of the Federal Reserve.\r\nMiki will also be the first person nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate to hold the seat specifically reserved for one member with demonstrated primary experience working in or supervising community banks. She would be one of seven members of the board.\r\nMiki's early years echo that of many Kansans. She attended the University of Kansas to earn a bachelor's degree, and then went on to earn a law degree from Washburn University.\r\nAnd after graduation, Miki was called to public service where she served in a variety of capacities, including as a staff member of Senator Dole;and Counsel for several House committees; Director of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs for FEMA; and a Deputy Assistant Secretary and Policy Advisor at the Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Tom Ridge. Following that, she and her husband moved to London, where Miki consulted on government and public affairs.\r\nLike many Kansans who love and appreciate our state, Miki made her way back home. She returned to Council Grove to take the helm of a family bank for the next seven years. Far from London and Washington, D.C., Miki felt the need to return to her community to make a good life for her children and to serve her community.\r\nOnce again called to public service, Miki was nominated by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback to serve as the Kansas Bank Commissioner, a position she's held since February 2017 and still holds to this day.\r\nMiki's experience as both Kansas State Bank Commissioner, and her time at Farmers and Drovers Bank in Council Grove, satisfies both statutory requirements with her impressive background in public service and the private sector.\r\nCommunity banks are an important part of communities and small cities across the country. They extend credit for homes, and small businesses for farm equipment, while also sponsoring little league baseball teams and the school band.\r\nIn addition, Miki understands the role that relationships play in the approach to business. In rural Kansas and across America, community banks act as economic engines, leveraging relationships with local community members that rely on trust and honesty.\r\nMiki could tell story after story about the friendships and high levels of trust that she's built with her customers  it is a different kind of banking, and one that will help make certain that rural America can thrive well into the future.\r\nI urge my colleagues to vote tomorrow in favor of Miki Bowman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors so we can bring her experience and unique perspectives to the Federal Reserve Board.\r\nMr. President, thank you, and with that, I yield the floor.\r\nBiography provided by the White House at the time of Ms. Bowman's nomination: Ms. Bowman currently serves as the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, a position to which she was the first woman appointed and confirmed by the Kansas State Senate. As Commissioner, she is the chief regulator for State-chartered banks and non-depository lenders. Previously, Ms. Bowman served as an executive at Farmers and Drovers bank. Additionally, she has served on the staff of Senator Bob Dole, as counsel for several U.S. House committees, as Director of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Policy Advisor to Secretary Tom Ridge at the Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Bowman graduated from the University of Kansas and received a J.D. from Washburn University School of Law.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/senator-roberts-senate-confirms-nomination-of-kansan-michelle-bowman-to-the-board-of-governors-of-the-federal-reserve-system", "Senator Roberts: Senate Confirms Nomination of Kansan Michelle Bowman to the  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today announced the Senate has confirmed the nomination of Kansan Michelle Miki Bowman to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The final vote was 64-34.\r\nWe must continue progress in providing regulatory relief to our nation's community banks, Roberts said. Community banks did not cause the financial crisis, and should not be regulated as if they did. Miki understands where the pain points are for community banks, and will be a strong advocate for commonsense, risk-based regulation.\r\nIn 2015, Congress mandated that at least one seat on the Federal Reserve Board be designated for a community banking specialist.\r\nBowman currently serves as the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, where she oversees hundreds of financial institutions in Kansas. She is also involved in her family's cattle and farm operation.\r\nPrior to moving back to Kansas in 2010 to work for Farmers & Drovers Bank, Bowman worked in Washington, D.C. for Kansas' native son, Senator Bob Dole, served as counsel on the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and served in the Bush Administration at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.\r\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=630", "Rep. Estes Interviews Service Academy Applicants", "2018-11-14", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WICHITACongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas), along with panels of local community leaders, interviewed 26 area high school students who applied for nomination to a U.S. service academy on Friday, Nov. 9, at his Wichita District Office. Two additional students were interviewed by phone.\"I'm always impressed by the quality of students we have here in Kansas,\" said Rep. Estes. \"Each student I met with had an exceptional academic record and displayed the character and qualities needed to learn and serve at one of our U.S. service academies.\" Every year, Members of Congress may nominate up to ten candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy; the U.S. Naval Academy; the U.S. Air Force Academy; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. Academies make the final selection for appointments based on additional evaluations. Nominations will be made after the first of the year. High school students interested in applying for 2020 should visitestes.house.gov/forms/serviceacademynomination. Students who applied for a service academy are listed below in alphabetical order, along with their parents, high school and desired service academies. Nathan Adler,son of Marcus and Michelle Adler  \r\nTrinity Academy | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Zachary Bollinger,son of Shane and Emily Bollinger  \r\nHesston High School | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Nataleigh Cantu,daughter of Joseph and Karen Cantu  \r\nAugusta High School | U.S. Military Academy Monty Christo,son of Monty and Jody Christo  \r\nAndover Central High School | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Devin Dickinson,son of Jacob and Jill Dickinson  \r\nWellington High School | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Audrey Doffing,daughter of John and Melissa Doffing  \r\nConway Springs High School | U.S. Air Force Academy Paige Doran,daughter of Jim and Eloise Doran  \r\nSt. John High School | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Nicole Gish,daughter of Jason and Kim Gish  \r\nTrinity Academy | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Ethan Grimm,son of Scott and Brandy Grim  \r\nWichita High School Northwest | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Wyatt Hendrickson,son of Todd and Lynette Hendrickson  \r\nNewton High School | U.S. Air Force Academy Ethan Hull,son of Jason and Cheree Hull  \r\nBishop Carroll Catholic High School | U.S. Military Academy Collin Jensen,son of Dale and Denise Jensen  \r\nValley Center High School | U.S. Air Force Academy Milo Jones,son of Ben Jones and Maria Deckert  \r\nNewton High School | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Tanner Morris,son of Gary Morris  \r\nDerby High School | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Manmeet Pelia,daughter of Yuvraj Singh  \r\nWichita High School East | U.S. Air Force Academy Taylor Pollock,daughter of Mark and Krista Pollock  \r\nSouth Barber High School | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Trevor Reed,son of Michelle Reed  \r\nValley Center High School | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Arron Russell,son of Brandon and Mary Russell  \r\nWichita High School Northwest | U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Michael Shuey,son of Jennifer Hadley  \r\nWichita High School East | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy Kiley Sweet,daughter of Donald and Michelle Sweet  \r\nMaize South High School | U.S. Military Academy Hunter Waite,son of Jason and Janine Waite  \r\nTrinity Academy | U.S. Air Force Academy Sophia Weidner,daughter of Deborah Balentine  \r\nAndover High School | U.S. Air Force Academy Courtney Weir,daughter of Richard and Tonja Weir  \r\nMaize South High School | U.S. Naval Academy Sydney Wekamp,daughter of Charles and Penny Wekamp  \r\nAndover High School | U.S. Air Force Academy Timothy Whetstone,son of David and Kate Whetstone  \r\nWest Elk High School | U.S. Air Force Academy Addison Willett,son of Jeff and Brandy Willett  \r\nWichita Collegiate School | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Annalise Young,daughter of William and Dacia Young  \r\nEl Dorado High School | U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy Ron 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/2018/11/sen-moran-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-access-to-chiropractic-healthcare-for-current-and-former-military-personnel", "Sen. Moran Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Chiropractic Healthcare for Current and Former Military Personnel", "2018-11-14", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) today introduced bipartisan legislation to expand chiropractic health services for military retirees and members of the National Guard and Reserve. The Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act would require TRICARE to cover chiropractic services for all military service members, both active and retired, and non-activated reservists.\r\nCurrently, healthcare programs through the U.S. Department of Defense, including TRICARE, do not cover chiropractic care for military retirees and non-activated reservists. Sen. Moran's bill continues his bipartisan efforts to address the opioid epidemic by expanding access to complementary and integrative health services, which includes chiropractic care, for members of the military and veteran communities to treat chronic pain.\r\nMany of the retired servicemembers and Reservists who served our country have sustained back and other neuromusculoskeletal injuries that can be treated through chiropractic care, said Sen. Moran. However, the Department of Defense offers limited access to chiropractic care for Active duty and certain members of the Reserve Component  leaving many in need at a disadvantage. I've long advocated for increased access to chiropractic care in the VA, and this legislation will similarly increase access to chiropractic care for all military enrollees by expanding TRICARE coverage for retirees and all reservists. The men and women who have served our nation deserve access to the same care they received while on active duty, and I'm pleased to introduce legislation that makes certain they do.\r\nMilitary retirees, reservists and National Guard members have served and sacrificed for our nation and the freedoms we all cherish. We all have a shared responsibility to do right by them, said Sen. Baldwin. I've heard from Wisconsin veterans who are in desperate need of chiropractic health services so they can access non-opioid pain management care and live healthier lives. My bipartisan legislation with Senator Moran would make sure these individuals can get the health care benefits they've earned and deserve.\r\nOn behalf of the 45,000 members of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) and the nearly 500,000 soldiers and airmen of the National Guard, NGAUS is pleased to support this legislation addressing Chiropractic health care services for as part of the TRICARE program. NGAUS continues to advocate to close the current gaps in healthcare coverage for our National Guard service members. NGAUS believes this legislation is an important step in affording our reserve component service men and women the ability to access the types of healthcare their active duty counterparts receive. We would like to thank Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas for taking the lead on this initiative and for their continued support of our nation's service men and women, especially our reserve component soldiers and airmen, in the National Guard and Reserve, said J. Roy Robinson, Brigadier General (Ret.), President of the National Guard Association of the United States.\r\nChiropractors have become valued members of the military healthcare team. Their non-drug, non-addictive and noninvasive approach to pain management is particularly relevant today for people who wish to avoid the risk of addiction from prescription opioid pain medications. This legislation will ensure that military retirees in the TRICARE system have access to the same effective, non-drug options for their pain, said Dr. Ray Tuck, President of the American Chiropractic Association.\r\nAs a member organization of the National Military and Veterans Alliance, the Armed Forces Retirees Association (AFRA) is pleased to collaborate with many other military and veterans service organizations in support of this legislation. Many retirees benefited from chiropractic care while on active duty and these injuries need continued treatment upon retirement. Your legislation will provide continuity in care for retirees while also making chiropractic coverage available to certain reservists, recognizing that they often suffer from the same injuries as their active duty counterparts, said Ted Painter, Executive Director of the Armed Forces Retirees Association (AFRA) and Co-Director of the National Military and Veterans Alliance.\r\nWe deeply appreciate Sen. Baldwin's and Sen. Moran's work to help our military, and Veterans for Common Sense is in strong support of the Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act. Medicare already covers chiropractic care, but our career military retirees and their survivors and dependents can't get it through TRICARE unless this legislation is enacted. And, I've experienced firsthand the benefits of chiropractic care, including improved mobility, chronic pain relief, and improved quality of life -- all without addictive pain drugs or expensive and risky back surgery. This inequity literally hurts our military and must be fixed, said Anthony Hardie, National Chair & Director of Veterans for Common Sense.\r\nThe Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act is supported by the American Chiropractic Association, the Military Officers Association of America, the National Guard Association of the United States, the Air Force Sergeants Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans for Common Sense, and the following members of the National Military and Veterans Alliance: American Military Society, American Retirees Association, Armed Forces Marketing Council, Armed Forces Retirees Association, Army and Navy Union, Association of the United States Navy, Military Order of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Military Order of World Wars, Reserve Officers Association, Society of Military Widows, The Independence Fund and The Retired Enlisted Association.\r\nMore information about the legislation is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.roberts.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/senator-roberts-senate-moves-to-consider-nomination-of-kansan-michelle-bowman-to-the-board-of-governors-of-the-federal-reserve-system", "Senator Roberts: Senate Moves to Consider Nomination of Kansan Michelle Bowman to the  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System", "2018-11-14", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Pat Roberts", "R000307", "www.roberts.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today announced the Senate has moved to consider the nomination of Kansan Michelle Miki Bowman to be a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The final vote to confirm Bowman is expected in the coming days.\r\nBowman was nominated for her experience with community banking as both a regulator and a banker, Roberts said. Her background in public service and agriculture make her uniquely qualified for this appointment.\r\nIn 2015, Congress mandated that at least one seat on the Federal Reserve Board be designated for a community banking specialist.\r\nBowman currently serves as the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, where she oversees hundreds of financial institutions in Kansas. She is also involved in her family's cattle and farm operation.\r\nPrior to moving back to Kansas in 2010 to work for Farmers & Drovers Bank, Bowman worked in Washington, D.C. for Kansas' native son, Senator Bob Dole, served as counsel on the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and served in the Bush Administration at the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/kansas-common-sense-honoring-our-nation-s-veterans", "Kansas Common Sense - Honoring Our Nation's Veterans", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Recognizing Veterans DayAs we come together as a nation to recognize Veterans Day, we honor the incredible sacrifices men and women in uniform have made on behalf of our nation and for our freedom. America has been made exceptional by the enduring courage and bravery of our troops, who have waged war against our adversaries in far off places so that our country and world could remain more peaceful. We also are called today to rededicate ourselves to make certain that veterans are treated with the care and respect they deserve following their service to our nation, and I hope we all take time to reflect on the profound impact of our servicemembers, past and present. To all those who have served our country: thank you, we respect you and we love you.\r\nSpeaking at the Johnson County Veterans Day Observance  On Saturday, I attended the Johnson County Veterans Day Observance where I had the the honor of thanking those who have so honorably served our nation. We have much to learn from our veterans, who didn't serve because of Republican this or Democrat that, but because of a deeply-rooted belief in protecting the freedoms our nation has to offer. Thanks to all who came out for this special event during the cold weather.\r\n\r\nHosting U.S. Air Force Under Secretary Donovan at Wichita State\r\nOn Friday I hosted U.S. Air Force Under Secretary Matthew Donovan at Wichita State University to tour their Innovation Campus. During the tour, we saw their Experiential Engineering Building, the National Institute for Aviation Research, and visited with various faculty, staff, students and industry professionals. The Innovation Campus is a unique opportunity for our state and features innovative technology and equipment that benefits students and employers across the aerospace industry.\r\nNearly every Air Force platform relies on the expertise or parts supplied by Kansans, and the manufacturers and engineers in Wichita are eager to not only continue their work for the Air Force, but to grow that work. Wichita  the Air Capital of the World  offers the expertise, capacity and desire to be an epicenter of talent, innovation and efficiency for the Air Force and I am committed to making certain the Pentagon remains acutely aware of the ways the Wichita area can serve the Department of Defense. I will continue to work to bring defense leaders to Wichita to see the abundant opportunities for growth and the value of increased partnerships with academic and industrial leaders here. I'm proud of Wichita State, Spirit Aerosystems, and the various local businesses and manufacturers who play a critical role in the development of the Air Force. I remain committed to helping orchestrate these continued partnerships. Click here to read more on Friday's events.\r\n\r\nResignation of Attorney General Jeff SessionsOn Wednesday, the president announced the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Jeff Sessions served our country honorably and fulfilled the duties that were statutorily required of him. As Chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, it was an honor to host Attorney General Sessions recently in Kansas, and I am appreciative of his work to ensure Kansas has the resources it needs to keep our communities safe. I expect that during this transition period, the Department will make certain federal law enforcement agencies continue to protect our country, carry out the rule of law and allow the Special Counsel investigation to continue unimpeded.\r\nMy Subcommittee's Continued Work to Protect Olympic Athletes from AbuseRecently, the United States Olympic Committee announced it would begin the process to decertify and disassociate with USA Gymnastics. This week, the Washington Post highlighted my subcommittee's work to investigate sexual abuse within the Olympics and amateur sports. As this work continues and as various announcements continue to be made surrounding the\r\nUSOC and USA Gymnastics, it is important that my subcommittee continues to press those involved for answers and that all bad actors are held accountable. Click here to read more from the Washington Post on our successful investigation and the subcommittee's pragmatic approach to solving this long-overdue problem.\r\nTouring Morton County HospitalThis week I was in Elkhart to visit the Morton County Hospital. During my visit I toured their facilities and held a discussion with hospital board members, staff and administrators, including Morton County Hospital CEO Richard Bergling.\r\nMorton County Hospital is currently in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program  an important Medicare initiative that helps certain rural hospitals in sparsely populated states expand care to patients in their communities. Making certain Kansans have access to quality health care in their own communities is one of my top priorities and an issue I've continued to advocate for. This program allows Kansas hospitals who utilize the program to continue receiving Medicare reimbursements that more accurately reflect the true cost of providing care to their patients. For Elkhart and similar communities, access to robust healthcare services offered by community hospitals are essential because access to quality healthcare services determines whether Kansans can remain in the communities they call home, and whether their children can return to raise families of their own.\r\n\r\nVisiting with Students at Elkhart High SchoolDuring my visit to Morton County, I stopped by Elkhart High School to visit with students, faculty and staff. While there, I toured their facility and students shared an update on their fall semester and coursework. During my tour we also discussed the school's athletic teams and ways in which their current education is influencing their plans for life after high school\r\nElkhart was recently the recipient of a donation of five computers through my office as part of the United States Senate's Computers for Schools program. This program, administered by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, channels surplus computers into classrooms across the country to help encourage and enable technology use in the classroom in this digital age. I was pleased to hear how the school plans to utilize these computers, and am honored to have a positive impact on these students' education.\r\nThank you to students Shayden Hanes, Torie Cayton, and Ethan Buck for my tour, I appreciate Principal Chris Hattabaugh and Superintendent Rex Richardson for hosting my visit.\r\n\r\nSpeaking to the Dodge City Kiwanis ClubLast week, I joined the members of the Dodge City Kiwanis Club at their regular meeting. During the meeting I heard an update on the club, its activities and their engagement with the Dodge City community. We also discussed the importance of civic engagement in communities across Kansas. Kiwanis clubs all across Kansas and the country play a vital role in communities of all shapes and sizes, and I'm grateful for the positive impact they've had on this state.\r\nI appreciated the warm welcome from the members I met, and thank you to Club President Lee Griffith for inviting me to speak.\r\n\r\nVisiting Fort Hays State UniversityAttending David Basgall's Ag Law and Policy ClassOn Monday, I was on the campus of Fort Hays State University (FHSU) to visit with various administrators, faculty, staff and students. While on campus, I joined David Basgall's agricultural law and policy class. During this class I was able to hear about the course's curriculum and the various topics that students are covering throughout the semester. I also fielded a number of questions from students regarding the farm economy, trade, recent trade announcements and issues facing the Kansas ag economy. Thank you Mr. Basgall for allowing me to join in on Tuesday's class, and thanks to FHSU Department of Agriculture Chair and University Farm Superintendent Dr. Clyde Cranwell for arranging my visit to campus.\r\nTouring FHSU's Center for Applied TechnologyI also had the opportunity to tour the FHSU Center for Applied Technology (CAT). The CAT building is the newest building on FHSU's campus, having just recently opened in August 2017. It houses the industrial technology, technology, engineering teacher education, sculpture, blacksmithing and foundry programs. The building is equipped with industrial equipment that gives students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology to better prepare them for their career.\r\nProviding opportunities to Kansas students in the STEM fields will remain absolutely essential to developing, attracting, and retaining a modern workforce in our state that can compete in the increasinglyglobalized economy. The future of our country depends on bright students, such as those I met at FHSU. FHSU is striving to provide Kansas students with quality STEM education to ensure their success.Thank you to Chair of the Department of Applied Technology Mr. Kim Stewart, Interim Dean of the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics Dr. Grady Dixon and to various students and faculty for the visit and for arranging my tour of this facility.\r\n\r\nVisiting with Ellsworth ResidentsOn Wednesday, I stopped in Ellsworth to visit with various community leaders, residents and business owners. Community visits allow me the chance to visit with local residents on the issues most important to them, and allow for me to offer an update on the work I'm doing in Kansas and in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many folks who took time out of their day to visit with, especially those at the county courthouse during a busy time of the year.\r\nTouring Wichita Area BusinessesOn Thursday, I was in Wichita where I had the opportunity to tour area businesses and hear from their owners and various employees. My first stop was at Red Guard. RedGuard manufactures secure, blast resistant modules, which are put to use in places like our oil fields, as well as by the U.S. State Department for our diplomatic missions all over the world. Through their subsidiary, SiteBox Storage, they also create mobile offices, mobile refrigerators, storm shelters and portable storage containers. I was able to get a better understanding of how the decisions made in Washington ultimately impact these jobs in Wichita, and RedGuard's customers in Kansas and across the globe. I appreciated Ross Draney, Troy Lorenz, Mike Kastens, Darren Hillman and owner Jeff Lang for the tour of the facility and for our thoughtful discussion.\r\nAdditionally, I stopped by Alloy Architecture, an architecture firm that serves Wichita, the surrounding region and the state of Kansas. During my visit to Alloy I was able to hear relevant updates on their work in the Wichita community and the innovative and new technologies they're using in their business. Thank you to numerous employees for taking time to visit with me and to long-time friend and President of Alloy Architecture David White for the tour and conversation.\r\n\r\nHonored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a 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/2018/11/sen-moran-hosts-air-force-under-secretary-donovan-in-wichita", "Sen. Moran Hosts Air Force Under Secretary Donovan in Wichita", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WICHITA, Kan. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus  today hosted U.S. Air Force Under Secretary Matthew P. Donovan and Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Dr. Will Roper in Wichita for tours at Wichita State University's (WSU) National Institute for Aviation Research and Spirit AeroSystems.\r\nSen. Moran, Under Secretary Donovan and Assistant Secretary Roper tour the 3-D Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) in the Virtual Reality Lab at the Wichita State University Innovation Campus.\r\n\r\nI am pleased Under Secretary Donovan joinedme in Wichita to see firsthand how Kansans supportour United States Air Force inthe Air Capital of the World', said Sen. Moran. Nearly every Air Force platform relies on the expertise or parts supplied by Kansans, and the manufacturers and engineers in Wichita are eager to not only continue their work for the Air Force, but to grow that work. Wichita offers the expertise, capacity and desireto be an epicenter of talent, innovation and efficiency for the AirForce, and I am committed to making certain the Pentagon remains acutely aware of the ways the Wichita area can serve the Department of Defense. I will continue to work to bring defenseleaders to Wichita to see the abundant opportunities for growth and the value of increased partnerships with academic and industry leaders here.\"\r\nNearly 70 percent of an aircraft's cost over its lifetime goes to operating and sustaining it, said Under Secretary Donovan. Senator Moran has been a great advocate for the Air Force and I'm looking forward to harnessing some of the technology and expertise offered by Wichita State University and local companies to increase lethality and readiness.\r\nWe were honored to host Senator Moran, U.S. Air Force Under Secretary Donovan, Dr. Roper and others at our Wichita facility today, said Spirit AeroSystems Senior Vice President for Defense and Fabrication Duane Hawkins.Spirit has a history that includes producing some of the most important aircraft for our nation's security, and we are committed to continue delivering innovation to meet the evolving needs of the warfighter today.Thank you to Senator Moran for allowing us to showcase our advanced design-build capabilities to our visiting Air Force guests.\r\nWe are honored that Senator Moran chose to host officials from the Air Force at Wichita State, said Wichita State University President John Bardo. We are proud of the important and critical research that is being done at Wichita State University and thankful to Senator Moran for helping organize a visit from key Air Force personnel highlighting the great work being done here and the partnerships between education, industry, military and government. We enjoyed highlighting the National Institute for Aviation Research and College of Engineering for Senator Moran and Under Secretary Donovan, and believe they are closely aligned with the Air Force's needs for sustaining existing aircraft and innovating for the future.\"\r\nThe greater Wichita region is the Air Capital of the World. Our immense manufacturing capabilities and industry expertise are driven by cooperation between the the aerospace industry, local and state government, the U.S. Department of Defense, and Wichita State University, said Greater Wichita Partnership President Jeff Fluhr. Aerospace companies from all over the world are drawn to our collaboration  it is a significant competitive advantage for our region and state. The U.S. Air Force is integral to that collaboration through McConnell Air Force base and the thousands of warfighters and retired personnel that comprise our talented labor market.\"\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/11/sen-moran-statement-on-the-resignation-of-attorney-general-jeff-sessions", "Sen. Moran Statement on the Resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions", "2018-11-07", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies  today released the following statement after the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions:  Jeff Sessions served our country honorably and fulfilled the duties that were statutorily required of him. As Chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, it was an honor to host Attorney General Sessions recently in Kansas, and I am appreciative of his work to ensure Kansas has the resources it needs to keep our communities safe. I expect that during this transition period, the Department will make certain federal law enforcement agencies continue to protect our country, carry out the rule of law and allow the Special Counsel investigation to continue unimpeded.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=629", "Fourth District Constituents Appointed to 400 Years of African-American History Commission", "2018-11-05", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced today that two community leaders from Wichita have been appointed to a U.S. Department of the Interior commission commemorating four hundred years of African-American history. Ms. Kenya Cox, NAACP Kansas State President and Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission in the Office of the Governor, and Rev. Nora Anyanwu Cox, minister and founder of Holy Spirit Healing Ministry and a retired nurse, were among 15 members appointed to the commission by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke on Friday, Nov. 2. In May, Rep. Estes nominated Kenya Cox for appointment to the commission, while Rev. Cox was nominated by others from the community.This vital commission will lead our country's commemoration of African-American history throughout 2019 and I'm proud Kansas' 4th District will be well represented, said Rep. Estes. Kenya Cox and Rev. Cox have both dedicated their lives to serving our community. Their experience will help the commission fulfill its goal to educate and celebrate the contributions of African-Americans throughout our country. The 400 Years of African-American History Commission was established by Congress and enacted by President Donald Trump on Jan. 8, 2018, to plan, develop and carry out programs and activities throughout the United States to recognize 400 years of African-American contributions. Rep. Estes supported the bipartisan legislation creating the committee. The committee members will serve through July 1, 2020, and will begin meeting later this year. Read more here. Ron 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/2018/11/kansas-common-sense-standing-with-the-jewish-community", "Kansas Common Sense - Standing with the Jewish Community", "2018-11-05", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hello,  \r\nWelcome 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.\r\n\r\nStanding with the Jewish CommunityThe tragic shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh was carried out by a domestic terrorist who seeks to destroy the idea of America. The shooter was driven by anti-Semitism, among the most disgusting constants through modern human history. Kansans know this all too well: in 2014, a white supremacist shot and killed innocent people in Overland Park at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City and Village Shalom. We must be better.\r\nI met on Tuesday with leaders from the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City to listen and learn about how I can better support our Jewish community in Kansas during this worrisome time, and to offer my condolences for those who were killed. We also discussed ways to help our nation recover and heal, and how I can support the Federation's efforts to keep their people and places of worship safe.\r\nWe must collectively recommit ourselves today to supporting our Jewish friends and neighbors. We should not need another tragedy to remind us of the importance of standing together for people of all faiths and religions.\r\nParticipating in the Midterm ElectionsAs Americans, one of the most fundamental elements of our system of government, and at the foundation of who we are as a nation, is the ability and freedom to cast a vote in elections. Tomorrow, people across the state and country will head to the polls to make their voices heard in the 2018 midterm elections I encourage all Kansans who haven't voted already to vote tomorrow, on Tuesday. To look up your polling location and find more information about the election, clickhere.\r\n\r\nHosting Acting EPA Administrator in Kansas CityThis week, I hosted Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Region 7 lab in Kansas City for a meeting with lab employees, a roundtable with Wyandotte County community leaders and a tour of the lab. We discussed the importance of the lab being located in Kansas and the services it provides to our state, including testing water samples to ensure safe drinking water, research on reducing algae blooms in our lakes and efforts to promote clean air for our citizens. The discussion included my priority to see the lab stay in its current location beyond the expiration of the current lease in 2023. I appreciated the many officials who were at this discussion including General Services Administration officials Michael Copeland, Judy Dungan and Kelly Juarez, Kansas City Kansas Mayor David Alvey, Wyandotte County Administrator Doug Bach, Unified Government of Kansas City and Wyandotte County Director of Economic Development Katherin Carttar, Wyandotte Economic Development Council President Greg Kindle, Kansas City Chamber Executive Director Daniel Silva and Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey.\r\nDuring the visit, I also had the chance to discuss a number of past and present projects specific to Kansas, including research to better understand algae blooms, research on pesticides and herbicides used by Kansas farmers and their responsible use, as well as water testing in Neodesha during a recent contamination where EPA lab employees where readily available to assist with various efforts.\r\nWhile at the lab, Acting Administrator Wheeler signed a proposed rule clarifying that normal, low-level emissions from animal waste are exempt from certain EPA reporting requirements. Farmers and ranchers continue to face numerous challenges, and the removal of this unnecessary and burdensome regulation is welcome news for producers across our state. It was never the intent of Congress for normal odors from animal waste on farms to fall under our nation's emergency hazardous waste reporting requirements, so I appreciate Administrator Wheeler taking definitive action to provide certainty to the livestock industry. The resources of our emergency responders ought to be focused on protecting the public from true environmental and chemical emergencies, not odors from animal waste.\r\nThank you to Administrator Wheeler for visiting the lab and to the dedicated staff at the lab who provided us with the tour.\r\n\r\nTouring the Atchison AirportI joined a group of community leaders in Atchison on Monday afternoon at Amelia Earhart Airport for a discussion about the importance of aviation to small communities and the economic value it brings. We discussed the runway expansion, rehabilitation of buildings and the construction of the Amelia Earhart Airport Museum. The Museum will showcase Muriel, a Lockheed Corp. Electra Model 10E, which is the same model that was flown by Earhart. I appreciate and commend the efforts of Karen Seaberg and her family to make \"Muriel\" a reality for the Atchison community.\r\nThank you to Vice-Mayor David Hausmann, City Commissioner Shawn Rizza, Chamber President Jacque Pregnot and members of the Airport Advisory Board for joining me. Thanks also to thank City Manager Becky Berger for setting up the meeting.\r\n\r\n\r\nSpeaking at the National Institute on Aging Regional MeetingI was in Overland Park on Thursday to share my support for our nation's medical research effort with new and prospective medical researchers at the 2018 National Institute on Aging (NIA) Director's Regional Meeting hosted by the University of Kansas. The NIA is our nation's lead agency supporting research on diseases of aging, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The purpose of this meeting was to provide information on research opportunities, training and other forms of support offered by NIA to new and prospective researchers, as well as to facilitate recruitment of diverse and underrepresented students and investigators to pursue research on aging. Students and researchers from throughout the region came to Overland Park to take part in these events.\r\nDuring my visit, I met with NIA officials and University of Kansas Medical Center representatives, including leaders of the KU Alzheimer's Disease Center (ADC). We discussed progress being made toward finding cures and treatments for Alzheimer's disease and dementia, the importance of attracting young people to careers in medical research, the efforts of the KU ADC to extend the reach of its services and support to Kansans in every corner of our state, and how NIA has supported and may continue to support those efforts. One of my top priorities is to advance policies that enable students who are interested in STEM and research to pursue those careers in Kansas. I'm proud to see that our nation's investment in biomedical research is having that effect here at home.\r\nThank youto NIA Director Dr. Richard Hodes and his team for coming to Kansas to provide information, resources and support for emerging and prospective medical researchers. Thank you also to KUMC Executive Vice Chancellor Robert Simari, KUMC Vice Chancellor for Research Richard Barohn and Vice Chancellor of KU Edwards David Cook for hosting the eventand for inviting me to address those in attendance.\r\n\r\nMeeting with K-State Ag Students and Ag Secretary PerdueThursday afternoon, it was a pleasure to welcome back Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to Kansas.Secretary Perdue visited Manhattan to deliver a Landon Lecture at Kansas State University.Secretary Perdue and I then had a discussion with K-State Agriculture students that primarily focused on the importance of rural development, hunger initiatives, trade and passing a new farm bill.\r\nThis visit gave Secretary Perdue the chance to see the talent and dedication of our state's young people who work in agriculture and at our research and academic institutions. I will continue working with the secretary to advocate that the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Economic Research Service, who will soon be moving out of Washington, D.C. have access to this talent and that they call Kansas home.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nVisiting Veterans and Staff at the Topeka VAI am committed to providing the VA with the resources and oversight it needs to accomplish its mission through legislation like the John McCain VA MISSION Act, passed earlier this year.On Thursday, I visited the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka. I'm always glad to spend time with our veterans. On behalf of Kansans, I thanked Associate Director of Patient Care Service Nelson Dean and the many caregivers of the VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare for their service to our veterans and our communities.\r\n\r\nTouring the Fort Hays State University FarmOn Friday, I had the opportunity to be on the campus of Fort Hays State University (FHSU) and learn more about their university farm. Nestled on the west side of the university, the 3,825 acre farm operates primarily as a commercial farm, affording students the ability to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it in a practical agricultural setting. The university farm focuses on beef, swine, sheep and crop production. During my visit, I received an update from Biology Professor Dr. Bill Stark on the university's precision agriculture program. Concluding my visit, Agriculture Department Chair, Dr. Clyde Cranwell provided me a tour of the university farm. The FHSU Department of Agriculture is seeing significant growth in their student population and after having toured the farm and learning more about what the department has to offer students, it is apparent why the program is so successful. Thank you to Dr. Cranwell, Dr. Stark and Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics Dean Dr. Grady Dixon for hosting my visit.\r\n\r\nSpeaking with General Vincent BrooksOn Friday, I spoke with General Vincent Brooks, the outgoing commander of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and the United States Forces Korea. During this call, we discussed General Brooks' service to our nation, discussed our progress on issues in the U.S. Military during his time in command and his vision for the future of our country's national defense. Most importantly, I had the opportunity to thank General Brooks for his many years serving our nation, including his time as Commanding General of the 1stInfantry Division at Ft. Riley from 2009-2011. I wish he and Carol well in their next chapter. I look forward to working with General Robert Abrams, who will replace General Brooks, on issues regarding our national defense and our efforts to make the world more safe and secure for generations to come.\r\nVisiting with Residents in SolomonOn Saturday, I was in Solomon where I had the opportunity to visit with local residents, community leaders, business owners and elected officials. Community visits like this allow me to hear directly from Kansans on issues most important to them, and also allows me the chance to offer updates on the work I'm doing in Washington, D.C. and across Kansas. Much of my work is shaped by what I hear from people across our state, I appreciate the many community leaders, business owners and local elected officials who took time out of their day to visit with me.\r\nHonored 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.\r\nPlease 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.\r\nVery truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://marshall.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-marshall-supports-rolling-back-red-tape-nursing-homes", "Rep. Marshall supports rolling back the red tape on nursing homes", "2018-10-31", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Roger Marshall", "M001198", "marshall.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C.-Congressman Marshall recently signed on to H.R. 698, the Nursing Home Workforce Quality Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving our Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) workforce. This legislation rolls back outdated regulations that have kept skilled nursing facilities, especially in rural America,from training CNAs and further impairing the already lacking workforce. As the law currently stands, any skilled nursing facility that has received civil penalties totaling over $10,000 in fines is banned from doing CNA training for two years, whether or not those penalties had any relevance to the CNA program itself.\nBurdensome, outdated regulations are a practice of the past, this Congress and administration is dedicated to rolling back the red tape,Rep. Marshall said.It is imperative that we are not penalizing our workforce and our nursing facilities' patientsin rural America due to irrelevant issues.\nThe Prairie Wind Villa Assisted Living/Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg, Kansas has experienced the negative impact of these regulations firsthand when they received a citation for failing to update their door codes. Even though this violation had nothing to do with the CNA program, Prairie Wind was banned from CNA training for two years.\nH.R. 6986 will fix an outdated federal law that blocks nursing homes from training and recruiting new nurse aide staff to improve their quality of care,The Prairie Wind Villa Assisted Living/Phillips County Retirement Center Administrator, Nate Glendening said.Our nursing home fell under this ban for two years, costing us potential workers in our community, and narrowing opportunities to better serve our residents. Passage of H.R. 6986 will help a lot of nursing homes improve care, and reverse federal requirements that cause real harm to rural health care providers and their communities.\nLeading Age and the American Health Care Association, two of the nation's largest skilled nursing facility associations, support this legislation. HR 6986 will not interfere with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service and the state's ability to enforce other regulations that ensure the health and safety of the facility residents.\nWhile it is imperative that all skilled nursing facilities are held to a high standard, HR 6986 will establish updated, relevant regulations that will ensure both the safety of these facilities and an adequate CNA workforce for our loved ones,Rep. Marshall said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yoder.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-yoder-to-tour-kansas-and-missouri-rivers", "Chairman Yoder Tours Kansas and Missouri Rivers", "2018-10-31", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Kevin Yoder", "Y000063", "yoder.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Overland Park, KS Homeland Security Appropriations Chairman Kevin Yoder (R-KS) will host a tour of Army Corps projects on the Kansas River and demonstration of Coast Guard operations on the Missouri River this morning. The site visit includes federally funded projects supported by Rep. Yoder, including the Kansas Cities levees projects and Turkey Creek. Rep. Yoder issued the following statement:\nI am looking forward to seeing firsthand the important projects I've supported in Congress here in the Third District. This visit is especially timely with the recent passage of the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act, which authorizes key water infrastructure projects in our region. It will be great to review these activities with the Coast Guard and Army Corps - the agencies we count on to reduce flood risks and ensure the safe and efficient movement of commerce along our waterways.\nFollowing the tour, Rep. Yoder will be available to the media at 11:30 AM CT in Kansas City, Kansas. If you plan to participate, please email Haley.Brady@mail.house.gov. Location and arrival instructions will be provided upon RSVP.\nWith any media questions, please contact Haley.Brady@mail.house.gov.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/sen-moran-hosts-epa-acting-administrator-wheeler-in-kansas-city-to-sign-deregulatory-emissions-rule", "Sen. Moran Hosts EPA Acting Administrator Wheeler in Kansas City to Sign Deregulatory Emissions Rule", "2018-10-30", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KANSAS CITY, Kan. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works  today hosted U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler in Kansas City, Kan. at the EPA Region 7 Lab. Acting Administrator Wheeler signed a rule to amend the emergency release notification regulations under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to make clear that reporting of air emission from animal waste at farms is not required under EPCRA.\r\nSen. Moran also hosted Administrator Wheeler for an all-hands meeting with EPA's employees, a roundtable with community leaders and a tour of EPA's Region 7 Lab. While at the lab, Administrator Wheeler signed the proposed EPCRA exemption with Sen. Moran. They were joined by Kansas Department of Agriculture Secretary Jackie McClaskey, NASTTPO President Tim Gablehouse, and representatives from USDA, the Kansas Farm Bureau, the Kansas Livestock Association, Nebraska Cattlemen, the Livestock Marketing Association and the National Pork Producers Council.\r\nFarmers and ranchers continue to face numerous challenges, and the removal of this unnecessary and burdensome regulation is welcome news for producers across our state, said Sen. Moran. It was never the intent of Congress for normal odors from animal waste on farms to fall under our nation's emergency hazardous waste reporting requirements, so I appreciate Administrator Wheeler taking definitive action today to provide certainty to the livestock industry. The resources of our emergency responders ought to be focused on protecting the public from true environmental and chemical emergencies, not odors from animal waste.\r\nThis proposed rule is intended to make it clear to the regulated community that animal waste emissions from farms do not need to be reported under EPCRA, said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. This action provides much-needed certainty and clarity to America's farmers and ranchers. It also ensures our emergency response officials are focusing their time and resources on hazardous waste emergencies and not routine animal waste.\r\nOur proposed rule would provide enhanced clarity for small and large animal producers and reduce confusion for emergency response officials throughout EPA Region 7, which covers the agricultural Midwest including Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri, said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford.\r\nBackground on the rule:\r\n \r\nIn May 2017, the D.C. Circuit Court vacated EPA's 2008 regulatory exemption for livestock reporting under EPCRA. Following that court action, the EPA issued guidance stating reporting still does not need to occur from livestock producers based on EPA's interpretation of EPCRA.\r\nToday's proposal requests comment on the EPA's interpretation that these types of releases are not subject to EPCRA reporting. If finalized, this proposal would maintain consistency between the emergency release notification requirements of EPCRA and CERCLA in accordance with the statutory text and framework of EPCRA.\r\nThe proposed rule reflects the EPA's interpretation that, based on the relationship between CERCLA and EPCRA reporting requirements, air emissions from animal waste at farms do not need to be reported under EPCRA.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=628", "Rep. Estes Releases Statement on Kansas Troops Defending U.S. Border", "2018-10-29", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement on reports that troops from Kansas will be among those deployed to support border protection efforts at the U.S.-Mexico border:As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I know that securing our border is key to our national security, said Rep. Estes. I am thankful to the members of the Kansas National Guard, the active-duty soldiers stationed at Fort Riley, and all Kansans who will be among the engineers, military police, cooks, medical personnel and others deployed to support efforts to secure our border. These men and women make our state and country proud. Ron 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/2018/10/kansas-common-sense-continuing-to-advocate-to-move-usda-agencies-to-kansas", "Kansas Common Sense - Advocating to Move USDA Agencies to Kansas", "2018-10-29", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hello,  \r\nWelcome 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.\r\nContinuing to Advocate to Move USDA Agencies to KansasIn August, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Purdue announced that the USDA's Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture would relocate away from the Washington, D.C. metro area by the end of 2019  a move that will benefit the USDA, rural America and federal taxpayers for many reasons.\r\nI penned an op-ed in The Topeka Capital-Journal highlighting why Kansas is the right place to move these entities. With the animal health corridor stretching through our state, robust critical infrastructure, outstanding academic and research institutions and an excellent workforce, a move to Kansas simply makes sense. As Secretary Purdue and USDA leadership review the over 130 expressions of interest  five of which came from Kansas communities  I'll continue to advocate that the ERS and NIFA will call Kansas home. Click here to read my op-ed.\r\nArranging the Donation of Senate Computers to Kansas High SchoolsThis week, I secured the donation of five computers each to five Kansas high schools as part of the United States Senate's Computers for Schools program. This program, administered by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, channels surplus computers into classrooms across the country to help encourage and enable technology use in the classroom in this digital age.\r\nComputers are a central and invaluable part of classroom learning, and I am grateful to play a part in providing students the tools they need by securing the donation of these computers. We chose these schools based on a demonstrated need for new technological resources to help make certain these students do not get left behind in the digital age as digital fluency is becoming increasingly more important to employers in all fields. I will continue working with local educators, parents, students and businesses to make certain our students are prepared for the workforce.\r\nFive computers were delivered to each of the following schools:\r\n \r\nAshland Jr/Sr High School\r\nElkhart High School\r\nKinsley Jr/Sr High School\r\nHill City Jr/Sr High School\r\nLincoln Jr/Sr High School\r\n \r\nTo read more on this program and the schools that received these computers, click here.\r\nLandmark, Bipartisan Opioids Relief Package Signed into LawI am pleased the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a targeted opioid package that will enable us to better prevent opioid-related deaths and treat opioid addiction, is now law. This bipartisan legislation supportsresearch and innovation for non-addictive opioid alternatives, reauthorizesgrants to states most impacted by opioids, and bolstersour customs and border protection to halt the flow of foreign, synthetic opioids  like fentanyl toour communities.\r\nThe provisions included in this legislation will better help reduce the number of dangerous drugs in our country and expand treatments for those suffering from opioid addiction. We will be able to lessen the burden of opioids on our country additionally through increased efforts at NIH for research on non-addictive pain management, and additional investments in mental health will help reduce the burden of opioids on our country. This is only the next step, not the final one, in our fight against these addictive and dangerous drugs. I will continue to work with my colleagues to end the scourge of addiction.\r\nMeeting with U.S. Diplomats and Foreign Officials in Eastern EuropeLast week, I traveled with Senate colleagues to Europe to consult with elected officials, U.S. State Department personnel and foreign leaders about a number of important strategic interests to the United States, such as national security, continued Russian aggression and ongoing counterterrorism and intelligence efforts. On each of our stops, I had the privilege to visit with and learn from our country's men and women working to promote U.S. diplomacy abroad. As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and as Chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee overseeing law enforcement funding, this trip was important to better understand how taxpayer funding is being utilized to accomplish strategic objectives abroad.\r\nOn one of our stops in Chisinau, Moldova, I met with elected officials, including the Moldovan Speaker and members of Parliament, and received vital input on a range of topics. During our stop in Moldova, I also met fellow Kansan and McPherson native Charles Vetter, a commissioned Foreign Service Officer within the U.S. State Department. Charles works tirelessly to support American ideals and foreign policy overseas, and his distinguished service to our country and the State Department should make McPherson and all of Kansas proud.\r\nIn Vienna, the delegation met with U.S. State Department embassy staff. I also met with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Legal Attach and their team on issues such as ongoing counterterrorism efforts, the growing prevalence of cybercrime and other law enforcement related matters. Our last stop in Europe was Tallinn, Estonia, where U.S. Embassy staff discussed various issues such as Russian aggression, the U.S. and Estonia's military cooperation, collaboration and continued commitment, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security's recent efforts to stop the proliferation of certain dangerous products while also promoting U.S. exports abroad, the FBI's role promoting U.S. security abroad, and many more.\r\n\r\nMeeting with Kansas Cadets at the United States Air Force AcademyOver the weekend I joined several Kansas cadets at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs for a church service and lunch. One of the most meaningful responsibilities I have as a United States Senator is nominating young Kansans for our service academies as they work to serve our nation.At the Academy, these young men and women experience a world class education, go through rigorous training, develop core values and strengthen their leadership skills.The cadets I met with are some of Kansas' best and brightest and I am proud to see how well they represent our state.\r\nThanks to all of the cadets who spent their lunch hour with me, including Luke Socolofsky, Jacob Taylor, Cole Dudley, Nicholas Clark, Vance Thompson, Cole Resnik, Leah Wiegers, Charlie Bermel and Joe Harms.\r\n\r\nTouring Colby Community College's Vet Tech ProgramOn Monday I toured Colby Community College (CCC) on Monday. I met with CCC President Seth Carter about the school's latest initiatives. Dr. Jennifer Martin, Director of the Vet Tech Program, discussed how students receive training through advanced technologies in veterinary medicine and have access to a lab equipment. Students shared with me their experiences at the school, as well as their perspective on the current state of higher education. I appreciate the efforts of all the educators and staff at these colleges for working to help Kansas students have bright futures. Thanks to CCC President Seth Carter, Dr. Jennifer Martin and the Board of Trustees for hosting me.\r\n\r\nVisiting Wheatland High School in GrainfieldFollowing my visit to Colby Community College, I was in Grainfield to tour and visit with students and staff of Wheatland High School. During the tour, I was able to visit with the math, science and art classes, and was happy to hear from many students on their fall semester, future plans and more. As we work to make careers in STEM a real possibility for students across Kansas, Wheatland High School should be commended for the special focus they place on STEM education and career-focused classes for all students. Thank you to Senior Class President Angel Mong, Student Body Vice President Ethan Beckman and Student Body President Morgan Zimmerman for leading my tour of the school. Thanks also to Principal Todd Flinn and Superintendent Gary Kraus for arranging my visit.\r\n\r\nKansans in the office\r\nCBW BankSuchitra Padmanabhan of Weir\r\nKansas Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsBreta Alstrom of Halstead  Carol Gilmore of Lawrence  Jennifer Morris of Hiawatha  Caitlyn Neuendorf of Goddard  Johannah Schrader of Hiawatha\r\nLMI AerospaceJohn McMahon of Lenexa\r\nCapitol TourTimothy Alsin of Shawnee  Kristine Alsin of Shawnee  Deborah Brehm of Wichita  Gordon Buss of Wichita  Shane Cordes of Overland Park  Jennifer Cordes of Overland Park  Shane Cordes of Overland Park  James Cordes of Overland Park  Liam Cordes of Overland Park  Jackie Demott of Ft. Scott  Joyce Earp of Ft. Scott  Pat Graham of Gillette  Jolene Graham of Gillette  Col. Christopher Haar of Silver Lake  Shelly Haar of Silver Lake  Andrew Haar of Silver Lake  Carolyn Haar of Silver Lake  Alexandria Haar of Lawrence  Judy Holt of Ft. Scott  David Johannes of Overland Park  Lauren Johannes of Overland Park  Lisa Johannes of Overland Park  Alexander Johannes of Overland Park  Johna Lederhouse of Ft. Scott  Elizabeth Maddox of Covington  Janet Schill of Falling Water  Lynda Sims of Topeka  Keith Vogts of Manhattan  Shirley Vogts of Manhattan  Neil Wieland of Atchison  Sylvia Zimmerman of Liberal\r\nHonored 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 letter, a Facebook comment, or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.\r\nPlease 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.\r\nVery truly yours,  Jerry", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/sen-moran-meets-with-u-s-diplomats-and-foreign-officials-in-eastern-europe", "Sen. Moran Meets with U.S. Diplomats and Foreign Officials in Eastern Europe", "2018-10-29", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)  member of the Senate Appropriations Committee; chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; and member of the Subcommittee on Defense  traveled last week to Eastern Europe where he and Senate colleagues met with U.S. Diplomats and foreign officials on issues including national security, continued Russian aggression and ongoing counterterrorism and intelligence efforts.\r\n  Alongside my Senate colleagues in Europe, I had the privilege to visit with and learn from our country's men and women working to promote U.S. diplomacy abroad, said Sen. Moran. I consulted with elected officials, U.S. State Department personnel and foreign leaders about a number of important strategic interests to the United States and I thanked them for their service to our country and their work to keep us safe. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, this visit was important to better understand how taxpayer funding is being utilized to accomplish strategic objectives abroad.\r\n  In Chisinau, Moldova, I met with the Moldovan Speaker, members of Parliament and U.S. Embassy personnel on topics ranging from Russian aggression, the importance of increasing U.S. exports abroad and resource needs, continued Sen. Moran. In Vienna, the delegation met with U.S. State Department embassy staff and with the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Legal Attach on issues such as ongoing counterterrorism efforts, the growing prevalence of cybercrime and other law enforcement-related matters. Our last stop in Europe was Tallinn, Estonia, where U.S. Embassy staff discussed Russian aggression, the U.S. and Estonia's military cooperation, collaboration and continued commitment, the Department of Commerce's recent efforts to stop the proliferation of certain dangerous products and the FBI's role in promoting U.S. security abroad. Defending our nation necessitates an increased focus on cybersecurity and election protection and, as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees funding for the FBI, the discussions I had in Europe will help inform my work in Washington, D.C. on these serious issues.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://estes.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=627", "Congressman Estes Announces New Agriculture and Energy Staff", "2018-10-25", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Ron Estes", "E000298", "estes.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONCongressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced Dan Martin has joined his staff as a legislative assistant for agriculture and energy. Martin is a native of Hugoton, KS and was most recently on the staff of Kansas Senator Jerry Moran.Agriculture and energy are crucial drivers of our state's economy and major industries in our district, said Rep. Estes. I am glad to have Dan's experience on our team as we work to grow the agriculture sector, support our farmers and ranchers and further Kansas' leadership in securing America's energy independence. A graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Communications and Journalism, Martin has worked for the U.S. Senate since 2016. Rep. Estes's priorities for agriculture include passage of a Farm Bill, advocating for free and fair trade, repealing Obama-era regulations like Waters of the United States (WOTUS), and expanding rural broadband access. For energy, Rep. Estes has supported efforts to expand wind and solar energy capabilities throughout the 4th District, as well as initiatives in Congress to expand ethanol production as part of an all of the above strategy to securing America's energy independence. Ron 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://yoder.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yoder-nominee-sunayana-dumala-wins-consensus-civility-award", "Yoder Nominee, Sunayana Dumala, Wins Consensus Civility Award", "2018-10-25", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Kevin Yoder", "Y000063", "yoder.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Overland Park, KS Sunayana Dumala was named one of five winners of this year's Consensus Civility Award. This award highlights people who have worked across differences to improve the community. Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) issued the following statement:\nCongratulations to my friend, Sunayana Dumala, for receiving this year's Consensus Civility Award. I have been honored to get to know Sunayana and have seen her work every day to promote civility, community and a sense of welcome to people around the globe. Unfortunately, I met Sunayana under the most horrific of circumstances when her husband was the fatal victim of a hate crime at a neighborhood restaurant in Olathe. While Sunayana was dealing with her intense grief and loss, she was inspired to establish Forever Welcome, a social media campaign supported by her employer to show that America is still a welcoming and safe place for current and future immigrants.\nSunayana's message of unity and acceptance continues to spread across our region and across the world, creating a wave of positive change. I am humbled and honored to have nominated her for this important award. Congratulations again to Sunayana, and to all of the winners of this year's award.\n2018 award winners:\nJohn Couture, owner, Bier Station;  \n\tDamon Daniel, Ad Hoc Group Against Crime;  \n\tSunayana Dumala, Forever Welcome;  \n\tRachel Gonzalez, Young Democrats of Missouri; and  \n\tRosilyn Temple, Mothers in Charge.\nTo learn more about Consensus and its Civility Project, including the Civility Awards, please visit: http://www.consensuskc.org/civilityproject/.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/10/sen-moran-arranges-for-donation-of-five-senate-computers-to-elkhart-high-school", "Sen. Moran Arranges for Donation of Senate Computers to Kansas High Schools", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced that he has secured the donation of five computers each to five Kansas high schools as part of the United States Senate's Computers for Schools program. This program, administered by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, channels surplus computers into classrooms across the country to help encourage and enable technology use in the classroom in this digital age.\r\nComputers are a central and invaluable part of classroom learning, and I am grateful to play a part in providing students the tools they need by securing the donation of these computers, said Sen. Moran. Digital fluency is becoming increasingly more important to employers in all fields and I will continue working with local educators, parents, students and businesses to make certain our students are prepared for the workforce.\r\nWe extend our thanks to Senator Moran for his work to provide computers to five of our Kansas schools, said Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education. Technology plays an important role in the education of today's students and these donations will ensure students in those classrooms have access to critical learning tools.\r\nSen. Moran secured the donation of computers to each of the following five schools:\r\n \r\nAshland Jr/Sr High School\r\n \r\nSen. Moran's District Representative, Tyler York, graduated from Ashland Junior/Senior High in 2005.\r\n\r\nSen. Moran's State Agriculture Representative, James Kelly, graduated from Elkhart High School in 2011.\r\n \r\nKinsley Jr/Sr High School\r\n \r\nSen. Moran's Legislative Assistant who manages the banking, energy and water infrastructure portfolios, Jordan Ebert, graduated from Kinsley Junior/Senior High in 2009. Ebert's mother, Lisa Ebert, is a second grade teacher in USD #347.\r\n \r\nHill City Jr/Sr High School\r\n \r\nSen. Moran's Senior Foreign Policy Advisor, Nathan Heiman, graduated from Hill City High School in 2001. Heiman's father, Tom Heiman, served as superintendent of USD #281 from 1985-1999.\r\n \r\nLincoln Jr/Sr High School\r\n \r\nSen. Moran's Tour Coordinator, Jeanette Featherall, graduated from Lincoln Junior/Senior High in 1987. Sen. Moran's Director of Operations Victoria Lee's grandmother, Barb Gourley, retired from Lincoln Junior/Senior High in 2001 after teaching history there for 30 years.\r\nEach school will receive five computers consisting of a central processing unit, keyboard, mouse and a 17 or larger monitor.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://yoder.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-yoder-responds-to-this-mornings-attempted-attacks", "Chairman Yoder Responds to This Morning's Attempted Attacks", "2018-10-24", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "KS", "Kevin Yoder", "Y000063", "yoder.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Overland Park, KS  Homeland Security Appropriations Chairman Kevin Yoder (R-KS) issued the following statement in response to this morning's attempted attacks on prominent Democratic leaders and the news media:\nViolence has no place in American politics, and this attempt to harm prominent Democratic leaders and the news media is terrorism, plain and simple. Republicans and Democrats must come together to prioritize civility and ensure that the divides between us never lead to violence. I hope that the perpetrator of this attack can be swiftly brought to justice, and as Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I will work with the Secret Service and other law enforcement to closely monitor the situation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 701, "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": "2018"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 701, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=KS&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 701, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2018&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "KS", "label": "KS", "count": 701, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 701, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-10-24,https~3A~2F~2Fyoder~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fchairman-yoder-responds-to-this-mornings-attempted-attacks", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=KS&year=2018&_next=2018-10-24%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fyoder~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fchairman-yoder-responds-to-this-mornings-attempted-attacks&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 117.29630804620683, "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"}