Merry Christmas
Robba and I hope you all a Merry Christmas filled with family, friends and joy.

Thank you to our law enforcement, servicemembers and first responders for sacrificing their time with loved ones to keep our local communities, state and nation safe this holiday season.

New & Better Care Options for Veterans in Western Kansas
On Tuesday, I participated in the opening of the new Hays Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), which will be offering improved access, expanded services and a modern environment for veterans in Kansas. The new CBOC will provide primary care, mental health care and laboratory services, among other services.

The CBOC has gained significant space, nearly 1,300 square feet, allowing the VA to offer an enhanced experience for more than 1,000 veterans. Three additional exam rooms mean shorter wait times and faster access to the care Kansas veterans need. I am excited for the VA to welcome Kansas veterans to the new Hays CBOC and for them to see the modern facilities and explore the expanded services.



You can read more about the CBOC here.

National Security Crisis at the Southern Border
This week, we saw a record of 14,509 migrants cross the southern border in a single day. This is a national security and humanitarian crisis and a product of Biden’s failing border policies. We need new policies and legislation that protect the border and re-establish order. As we approach the third year of President Biden’s term, it is evident that our border is no more secure today than it was on day one. Not only is there an unprecedented surge of immigrants, but an alarming 140,000 pounds of fentanyl seized at our border and nearly 24,000 Chinese nationalists encounters this year alone.

These statistics are dangerous and unacceptable. I will continue to work with my colleagues and demand the Biden administration to create solutions and policies that protect our nation and its interests.

Cybersecurity Growth in Wichita
This week, I was pleased to host leaders from the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Office of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) at Novacoast Headquarters in Wichita to announce a new partnership. Novacoast will operate a Browser Security Plugin Research Program through DOT&E to improve cybersecurity across the DOD. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I was pleased to support this new program by securing funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations process. This newest initiative will assist the Pentagon with our nation’s security and continue to showcase Wichita’s growing cybersecurity sector.

Thank you to DOT&E Program Manager Steve Gates and Novacoast CEO Paul Anderson for their leadership in spearheading this partnership. Thank you also to representatives from the Greater Wichita Partnership, McConnell Air Force Base 177th Information Aggressor Squadron and Millennium Corporation for taking part in this important occasion. 

You can read more about the partnership in the Wichita Business Journal.

Supporting Military Spouses and their Families
This week, I introduced legislation that supports federally employed military and foreign service spouses and their families by allowing increased flexibility when their servicemember is deployed or relocated. The READINESS Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill, provides options to service spouses experiencing involuntary relocation due to their spouse's service to retain employment. The READINESS Act outlines existing retention tools and dictates that agencies use these options for military and foreign service spouses amidst an involuntary relocation.

Military and foreign service spouses experience unemployment rates six times the national average due to involuntary relocation. The READINESS Act is a low-cost, commonsense solution to reducing burdens on the families that sacrifice so much for our freedoms. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to have this important legislation signed into law.

Expanding Fuel Production in Kansas
This week, Azure, a Canadian company that produces jet aviation fuel, announced a $900 million investment in Montgomery County. Their partnership with Barlett Grain will convert soybean oil into renewable fuel. The facility would use commercially proven technology and once fully operational, will produce approximately 135 million gallons per year of renewable fuels. The development will create significant job growth and bring an estimated $1.4 billion worth of investment to Montgomery County.

The market for low-emission aviation fuel is projected to grow considerably over the next decade, and Kansas has an opportunity to be a major contributor to this industry. A processing facility in Kansas would help bolster the U.S. energy security, create a new market for regional agriculture producers and provide good-paying jobs for the surrounding communities.

You can read more about the partnership and facility here.

Visits Across Kansas
Hays
On Monday morning, I stopped in Hays to visit people in the community. I visited Dillon’s Grocery, Auto World, Salon 1007, Master Cleaners, and the Schmidt Foundation. I also stopped by the Bank of Hays and Davidson Chiropractic Clinic. On my way out of town, I visited the Matt Lyon State Farm. Thank you to the people of Hays for being welcoming and taking the time to meet with me.

Chaparral High School
On Monday, I toured Chaparral High School and met with faculty and students to talk about the school, programs available and different vocational interest. Thank you to Principal Eryn Guy, Timmy Adams, Alaina Bellesine, Zachary Graves and Jason Swindle for showing me around the campus.

Barber County North High School
Later on Monday, I had the opportunity to tour Barber County North High School in Medicine Lodge, where I met with students, teachers and administrators who showed me around campus. I am grateful to the students and teachers of Barber County North for taking time out of the hectic end of semester season to visit and show me their school.

Thank you to Principal Adam Maloney and Superintendent Ryan Cunningham and to Barber County North seniors Avrie Maloney, Aydan Bryan, Carter Cunningham and Derrek Randels for their time.

South Central High School
I also caught up with students and staff at South Central High School on Monday. I appreciated the dedication of the teachers at South Central to the success of their students and the diligence of the students as they wrap up the semester. Thank you to Superintendent Bud Valerius for taking the time to show me around and to the students and teachers at South Central for the opportunity to visit their lovely campus.

Applequist Manufacturing, Inc.
This week, I stopped by Applequist Manufacturing with Kansas State Representative Ken Rahjes in Smith Center to learn more about Roy Applequist’s agricultural equipment manufacturing operation. Roy’s company, founded in 2019, specializes in the manufacture of the Falcon stripper header, which enables more efficient and higher yield wheat and rice harvesting, and the TerrainGrade land plane, a forty-foot machine that levels acreage for planting season. People like Roy and his 50 employees make Kansas the pride of American agriculture, and I am grateful to Applequist for the excellent work they do.

Thank you to Plant Manager Brady Cline and his staff for showing me around the Applequist facilities.

Mankato
I ended my day on Monday with a stop in Mankato where I met with local businesses and leaders. At the Jewell County Courthouse, I met with the County Clerk, Register of Deeds, the County Appraiser and the Sheriff’s Department. I also stopped by City Hall to meet the Utilities Clerk and City Administrator. I visited the Farm Bureau Financial Services, Hair and More, Farmway Credit Union, the City Library, and the local pharmacy. On my way out of town, I stopped by the Jewell County Hospital to visit with the hospital CEO, Doyle McKimmy, and the staff at Jewell County Hospital to talk about how they offer caring, personal, small-town health care.

Thank you to the people of Mankato for showing me around your town and taking the time to meet with me.

El Dorado Rotary Club
I traveled to Butler County to speak at the weekly meeting of the El Dorado Rotary Club. We discussed the importance of bringing high-speed internet to the region. In addition to spending time with fellow Rotarians, I enjoyed hearing from El Dorado native and Pittsburg State University student, Trip Baker, who placed third in the National Collegiate Cornhole Championship and qualified to be a professional beginning in 2024.

I also appreciated the opportunity to visit with Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital CEO Melissa Hall and board member Vince Haines about the importance of community hospitals. Thank you to Butler Electric Cooperative for hosting the meeting and to club president David Dillner for the warm welcome.

Everest
I also had the chance to visit the city of Everest, in Brown County. I stopped by Everest Middle School, the U.S. Post Office, Rainbow Communications and Union State Bank. Thank you to the people of Everest for your warm welcome.
Amberwell Hospital
While in Hiawatha, I toured Amberwell Hiawatha Hospital, where I had the pleasure of meeting and visiting with the hard-working health care providers that serve Kansans every day. Rural hospitals like Amberwell Hiawatha are critical to sustaining the communities they serve, and I remain committed to preserving these facilities by equipping them with the federal resources they need to provide the highest standards of care. Thank you to Nicole Chamley, the Chief Nursing Officer at Amberwell Hiawatha, for showing me the hospital, and to the dedicated doctors, nurses, administrators and staff for the care they provide to the people of Hiawatha.

Lincoln
On Friday, I stopped by the city of Lincoln where I caught up with several county and city officials at the Lincoln County Courthouse and at the Lincoln City Hall, including the county’s economic development team, the county appraiser, the county clerk, the county treasurer and folks from the Register of Deeds office. I also had the chance to stop by the Bank of Tescott and to visit some of Lincoln’s local businesses. Thank you to the proprietors of Patterson Pharmacy, Downtown Thrift Store, and Marcon Pies for all of your hospitality and for making my trip to Lincoln one to remember.