United States Senator Jerry Moran

Sen. Moran to Offer Amendment to Immigration Bill Focused on Innovation and Job Creation

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, Sen. Moran spoke on the U.S. Senate Floor in anticipation of floor consideration of immigration legislation. He has been speaking with entrepreneurs, investors and startup policy experts to develop an amendment that would improve the legislation.

Sen. Moran to Offer Amendment to Immigration Bill Focused on Innovation and Job Creation

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

"I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting changes to the legislation that will result in the creation of new jobs for Americans."...

Sen. Moran Announces McConnell AFB's Selection for New KC-46A Tankers

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

On Wednesday, May 22, 2013, Sen. Moran announced on KNSS Radio in Wichita that McConnell Air Force Base was selected to receive the new KC-46A tankers in 2016.

Sens. Moran & Roberts, Reps. Pompeo & Jenkins Comment on Mcconnell AFB Selection As Home for New Kc-46A Tankers

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Air Force recognizes critical role Kansas plays in national security and global air mobility...

Sen. Moran Accepting Applications for Fall 2013 Internships

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced he is accepting applications for congressional internships in his Washington, D.C., and Kansas offices for fall 2013.

Kansas Common Sense - IRS Targeting

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Dear Friend,

Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thank you 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.

IRS Targeting: Pursuing Answers to the Many Questions Americans Have
The politicization of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is not a conservative or liberal issue. No matter your political stripes – the revelations that surfaced this week of the IRS’ intentional targeting of groups based on their political leanings are highly offensive. On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) released a report detailing the targeting of applications for conservative groups seeking tax exempt status based solely on the presence of political buzzwords such as “tea party” and/or “patriot” listed in the application. TIGTA’s formal recognition that this entirely inappropriate protocol took place gives real credibility to numerous reports over the last year that the IRS also "inadvertently" released donor information from conservative groups – and that information ended up in the hands of political opponents. I believe this is one more facet of a scandal that is not going away anytime soon.

I am a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the budgets of the Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service. Last Wednesday, May 8, I questioned Treasury Secretary Jack Lew and Acting IRS Commissioner Steven Miller in this committee directly about the troubling evidence that the IRS illegally released donor lists for partisan political purposes.The release of nonprofit donor lists is not only highly illegal – it is terribly damaging to our Democracy. To make matters worse, evidence suggests the groups that improperly received this information intended to use it for partisan political purposes. Even though publishing unauthorized tax returns or return information is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both, the group that received the information appears to have done just that. Less than 48 hours after I questioned Secretary Lew about this issue, the IRS apologized for the unfair targeting of conservative nonprofit applicants.

I have further questions as to whom and how protected Schedule B donor lists were released to the political opponents of targeted conservative groups. In a formal written inquiry to Secretary Lew and Acting Commissioner Miller, I questioned the extent of the improper release of these documents by IRS employees as well as the status of any pending criminal investigation into the political groups who knowingly published this legally protected information. Click here to read my full list of questions.

Every American should expect even-handed treatment by the Internal Revenue Service – and that clearly is not the IRS we have. I look forward to receiving answers from the Administration. Click here to watch my discussion of this issue on Fox News.

Discussing Importance of Medical Research with NIH Chiefs
On Wednesday, I participated in a Senate Appropriations Labor-Health-Education Subcommittee hearing on the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget request for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). I serve as the lead Republican of this subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over funding for NIH – the focal point of our nation’s health research infrastructure. NIH Director Francis Collins and several of NIH’s institute chiefs were the witnesses at this hearing, so it presented a good opportunity to visit with them about the medical research advances that are enabling Americans to live longer, healthier lives as well as the challenges currently facing our nation’s role as a global biomedical research leader.

Science and research are the foundation of innovation, growth in our economy, and the solution to the myriad of issues that confront the health and well-being of our nation. Because of our sustained commitment to biomedical research, U.S. cancer death rates are now falling 1 percent each year, with each 1 percent decline saving our nation about $500 billion. U.S. death rates from heart disease and stroke have declined more than 60 percent in the last half-century. And, between 1997 and 2006, the death rate among adults with diabetes declined by 23 percent.

While health advances are paramount, the reduction of health care costs in the future may be one of the most significant contributions medical research can make to society. As baby boomers age, the cost of health care will continue to increase. For example, data shows that the cost of dementia care is projected to double over the next 30 years, surpassing health care expenses for both heart disease and cancer. Without a way to prevent, cure, or effectively treat dementia, it will be difficult – if not impossible – to rein in costs. But science has enabled us to confront similar health care challenges in the past and prevailed.

As we confront difficult spending choices over the next few years, I believe we must prioritize our federal commitment to NIH. It is crucial that our next generation of biomedical researchers – those who will develop better and more cost-effective health care – remain in the scientific research field. Without continued investment in the NIH, we jeopardize our current scientific progress, risk losing a generation of scientists, and stunt our nation’s global competitiveness. This is not the time to waiver on America’s commitment to the NIH and the health of all Americans.

Click here to see video clips of my discussions with the NIH chiefs, which included updates on: The Learning Collaborative, the first-of-its-kind partnership among NIH, the University of Kansas, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to identify new drug therapies for patients with rare blood cancers; and KU Medical Center’s participation in NIH’s Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials (NeuroNEXT), a coalition of research institutions working to expedite the development of new treatments for neurological disorders.

Working to Make Certain Veterinarians Can Fully Practice Veterinary Medicine
Veterinarians play a crucial role in public safety and making certain animals in Kansas and across the country are cared for properly. That is why on Wednesday, I introduced the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act – bipartisan legislation to allow veterinarians to legally carry and dispense controlled substances necessary to protect the health and welfare of the nation’s animals, ensure public safety, and safeguard the nation’s food supply. This legislation is particularly important for veterinarians who work in rural areas, conduct research, or respond to emergency situations. Companion legislation, H.R. 1528, was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Click here to read more about the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act.

Visiting with the Kansas Honor Flight
On Thursday, I welcomed Kansas veterans making their first visit to the World War II Memorial as part of the Honor Flight program. One gentleman fought at Bastogne and another survived the Bataan Death March. All of them played such important roles in achieving a common goal of preserving our freedom and values. I was grateful for the opportunity to visit with them and thank them for their service and sacrifice. The day reinforces my commitment to working for a better country for future generations. Please click here to see photos from the day.

(Pictured are brothers Don Graham of Hutchinson and Eddie Graham of Wichita.)

Celebrating National Police Week
This week was National Police Week, in which we honor the service of our peace officers and take time to remember in a special way those who died in the line of duty. This past year, Kansas tragically lost two brave men, Officer Jeff Atherly and Corporal David Gogian, both of the Topeka Police Department. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt for the loss of these two men. I spoke with Officer Atherly’s parents, loved ones, and fellow officers in my office on Thursday to convey my condolences for their loss. The goodness and strength of those closest to Officer Atherly was apparent, and I am appreciative of them taking the time to visit with me and share their stories.

A candlelight vigil was held Monday at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and a memorial service was held at the Capitol on Wednesday. Back home in Kansas, flags were at half-staff in honor of the fallen. This week serves as a reminder of the danger so many men and women face in protecting our communities – a fact that we should not lose sight of in our daily lives – and I am deeply grateful for their service.

(Pictured here are Topeka Police Officers in my Washington, D.C., office)

Touring Cashco, Inc. in Ellsworth
On Friday, I had the opportunity to tour and meet with staff from Cashco, Inc. in Ellsworth. It is companies like Cashco that exemplify the resiliency and pride of Kansas. In 1984, instead of letting Cashco be sold and closed, a group of local investors organized by-then Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, came together to purchase and retain this important company for the benefit of the Ellsworth community. As a manufacturer of a broad line of regulators and valves, as well as of fuel burning parts for Riley Stoker Corporation, Cashco continues to be an integral part of Ellsworth County and Central Kansas. Thanks to Cashco General Manager Clint Rogers for the invitation, the opportunity to learn more about the good things happening in our state, and discussing the issues in Washington effecting this and other small businesses. Click here to see a photo from my visit.

Paola High School Graduation
On Saturday I was honored to speak at Paola High School’s Commencement, where we celebrated the 125th anniversary of the school. I challenged the class to become people of character who pursue excellence and put others first. I left them with a few words spoken by one of Kansas’ most famous sons – President Dwight D. Eisenhower – to a gathering of college students more than half a century ago: “Sooner or later the day will come when the decisions which control the affairs of your community, your nation, your world, must be made by another generation – yours. The nation’s future is what you make it… I have faith in America’s young men and women, and in the future they will build.”

I wish all the 2013 graduates true success, marked not only by your achievements but by the kind of person you become. Thanks to Superintendent Judy Welter, Assistant Superintendent Matt Meek, Principal Phil Bressler, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Jeff Hines, and to graduate Zach Trigg, who was a Senate Page in the spring of 2012, for the invitation to speak. Click here to see a photo from the graduation.

Miami County Multi Chambers Business After Hours
While in Kansas I enjoyed visiting with chamber members about the issues in Washington, D.C. at the 2nd Annual Miami County Multi Chambers Business After Hours. It was held at the Jayhawk Marina at Hillsdale Lake which is owned by entrepreneurs who are growing a recreational business enjoyed by many. Thanks to the Miami County Chambers, including Osawatomie, Paola, Louisburg and Spring Hill for hosting a great event. Click here to see a photo from the event.

Now Accepting 2013 Service Academy Applications
Even as students are beginning their summer breaks, I want to remind them of the opportunity to apply to a United States Service Academy. Appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, is one of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator.

To find out the requirements and apply, please download an application from my website or contact my Olathe office. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by September 6, 2013. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board, which will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene.

In the Office
Last week we had several visitors in the Washington, D.C., office, including the Kansans listed below:

Kansas World Languages
Phyllis Farrar of Lawrence

Praxair
Omar Vargas of Ulysses

Thales Air Traffic Management
Mark Boguski of Olathe

Kansas Dental Association
Brett Roufs of Newton
Hal and Cindy Hale of Wichita

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
Tim Franta of Wichita
Shelly Smith of Wichita
Brian Alexander of Wichita
Stan Chapman of Wichita
David Robertson of Viola
Gary L. Hall of Wichita
Tim Johnson of Wichita
Howard C. Thompson of Augusta
Lynne Strickland of Wichita

U.S. Bank
Mark Jorgenson of Overland Park
John Elmore of Lawrence

American Feed Industry Association
Bill Barr of Overland Park

University of Kansas
Ngondi Kamatuka of Lawrence

National Industries for the Blind
Michael Monteferrante of Wichita
Teri Monteferrante of Wichita

Beechcraft
Jay Gibson of Wichita

50 States United for Healthy Air
Erin Flory-Robertson of Wichita

Kansas Academy of Family Physicians
Gretchen Dickerson of Wichita
Lynn Fisher of Plainville
Wakon Fowler of Prat
Carolyn Gaughan of Wichita
Mike Munger of Overland

Physician Hospitals of America
Paul Kerens of Leawood
Tim Hand of Wichita

Eisenhower Women National Leadership Series
Sue Colaluca of Wichita
Mellinda Craft of Wichita
Kay Curtis of Ottawa
Ann Hoelting of Shawnee
Ashley Moretti of Lawrence
Cheryl Reynolds of Topeka
Juvetta Slane of Wichita
Kristy Straub-Hogan of Great Bend
Jennifer Szambecki-Benninga of Wichita
Marisel Walston of Lenexa
Kristey Williams of Augusta
Jennifer Cook of Topeka
Emily Wellman of Lawrence

Russell Stover and Mars

Kansas Highway Patrol
Mike Blood II of Topeka
Sharity Kranz of Topeka
Joni Atherly of Berryton
Mike Burns of Topeka
Steve Atherly of Berryton
Tammy Krane of Whiting
Stephen Evans of Topeka

Kansas Association of Realtors
Dan Sight of Leawood
Linda Briden of Topeka
John Brocker of Iola
Rob Curtis of Overland Park
Angie Danner of Manhattan
Jon Fort Garden City
Jamie Holt of Wichita
Rob Hulse of Lawrence
Joe Vaught of Kansas City
Liesel Kirkfink of Topeka
Steve McCullough of Newton
Kathy Minden Paola
John Ringgold Topeka
Cindy White Independence
Aaron Mesmer of Overland Park

Petroleum Marketers Association of America
Scott Zaremba of Lawrence
Marvin Spees of Topeka
Tom Palace of Topeka

Association of American Cancer Institutes
Roy Jensen of Kansas City

Society of Hospital Medicine
Harold Taylor of Manhattan

D.C. Capitol Tours
Frederick and Kim Davis of Wichita
Joseph and Marilyn Wasser of Wichita
Donald and Carolyn Durham of Goddard
Max and Jane Harris of Wichita
Ben Heusted of Topeka
Richard Huested of Topeka
Jason Dunderdale of Topeka
Jared Strathman of Topeka
Christopher Keil of Topeka
Justin Mackey of Topeka
Gene Dixon of Topeka
Jared Hall of Shawnee
Sarah McNeal of Shawnee
Ronald and Leslie Gish of Topeka
Natalie Gish of Topeka
Caleb Gish of Topeka
Nancy Prosser of Overland Park
Alexandra Prosser Overland Park
Bab and Nancy Kellerman Overland Park
Anna Hand of Ellsworth
Steve and Carol Naylor of Topeka
H. Philip and Becky Martin of Larned
Daniel and Lisa Linhart of Olathe

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. In recent weeks, I’ve been listening to Kansans calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the debt crisis and big issues our country faces. Whether your thoughts are in the form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, please know that I am listening and I appreciate messages from Kansans who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. To send me an email, click here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Very truly yours,

Jerry

Sen. Moran Now Accepting 2013 Service Academy Applications

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced that he is accepting applications for nominations to the United States Service Academies. The academies include the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Those selected will enter the academies in June 2014.

Sen. Moran Discusses Latest on IRS Investigation on Fox News with Mike Emanuel

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

On Thursday, May 16, 2013, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) discussed the newest revelation that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) official in charge of the tax-exempt organizations at the time when the unit targeted groups based on their political leanings now runs the IRS office responsible for the implementation of President Obama's health care law. Sarah Hall Ingram served as commissioner of the office responsible for tax-exempt organizations between 2009 and 2012 and is now the director of the IRS' Affordable Care Act office.

Sen. Moran Demands Answers from Administration on FAA Salary Bonuses

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

"At the time when sequestration was one month away, the FAA’s leadership ignored Secretary LaHood’s specific guidance and awarded bonuses."...

Sen. Moran on Administration's Decision to Sign U.N. Arms Trade Treaty

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

"The Administration has clearly abbreviated this review process to a meager six weeks… simply unheard of for a treaty of this significance and scope. I am greatly disappointed at the lack of seriousness on the part of the Administration to review the ATT before agreeing to sign it."...

Sen. Moran Signals Support for Kansan Nominee to U.S. Court of Appeals

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Mr. Srinivasan is one of Kansas' most accomplished legal minds and among the nation’s leading appellate lawyers. I intend to support his confirmation....

Sen. Moran Introduces Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Angus King (I-Maine) today introduced the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act. The bipartisan legislation will allow veterinarians to legally carry and dispense controlled substances to protect the health and welfare of the nation’s animals, ensure public safety, and safeguard the nation’s food supply. Companion legislation, H.R. 1528, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by veterinarians, Reps. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) and Ted Yoho (R.-Fla.).

“Veterinarians play a crucial role in public safety and making certain animals in Kansas and across the country are cared for properly,” Sen. Moran said. “The Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act allows licensed practitioners to legally transport and dispense the controlled substances necessary to practice veterinary medicine. This legislation is particularly important for veterinarians who work in rural areas, conduct research or respond to emergency situations.”

“It is essential that veterinarians be able to transport the drugs they need to appropriately treat their patients,” said Kansas State University Department of Clinical Sciences Professor Mike Apley, DVM, Ph.D. “This includes the transport and use of controlled substances to treat multiple species in situations that may not be anticipated prior to examining the patient. These situations include restraint, anesthesia, and humane euthanasia. It is apparent that legislation is urgently needed to enable creating the regulations which will allow this transport, and to avoid needless pain and suffering of veterinary patients as well as safety concerns for the people handling these patients.”

The 1970 Controlled Substances Act (CSA) stipulates that controlled substances must be stored and dispensed at the specific address veterinarians have on file with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA enforces the CSA and has informed organized veterinary medicine that without a statutory change, veterinarians are in violation and cannot legally provide complete veterinary care.

The practice of veterinary medicine requires veterinarians to treat patients in a variety of settings, including rural areas, “house calls” or mobile clinics, research and disease control activities, emergency response situations, and removal or transfer of dangerous wildlife.

The legislation is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

To read the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act in its entirety, click here.

###

Sen. Moran on IRS Scandal: Take Second Look at Political Donor Information Leaks at IRS

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

"Leaks like this are not only illegal, they are terribly damaging to our Democracy. I believe this is one more facet of a scandal that is not going away anytime soon, and I am anxious to hear what Secretary Lew and Acting Commissioner Miller have to say."...

Sen. Moran: IRS Releasing Donor Info for Political Purposes

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

"Every American should expect even-handed treatment by the Internal Revenue Service - and that clearly is not the IRS or the Administration we have."...

Sen. Moran on the IRS Releasing Information for Political Purposes

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee with oversight over the U.S. Department of Treasury – of which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is a bureau – today said the developing IRS scandal lends credibility to reports of politically-motivated donor information leaks at the IRS. Sen. Moran believes the leaks deserve a second look as one more facet of the scandal. The remarks were made at the weekly Senate Republican Leadership Press Conference.

Sen. Moran Discusses IRS Leaks on Fox News

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

"It doesn't matter what your political stripes are - this is highly offensive. This harks back to days of President Nixon and the use of the IRS for political purposes."...

Kansas Common Sense - Victory for Common Sense

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Dear Friend,

Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thank you 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.

My Washington, D.C., office has moved to a new location in Russell Senate Office Building, Room 361. This historic office was occupied by Richard Nixon during his time serving as Vice President of the United States from 1953-1961. If you are planning a trip to our nation’s capital please take note of the new location. Click here for a full list of contact information for my Washington and Kansas offices.

Victory for Common Sense
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it will cancel the June 15 planned closure of 149 airport control towers, keeping them open through the end of the budget year.

Thanks to bipartisan legislation passed by Congress last month, Secretary Ray LaHood was forced to find savings elsewhere rather than target control towers for closure. The bill provides $253 million in additional funding flexibility, enough to protect all contract towers while also preventing midnight shift eliminations and furloughs for air traffic controllers. Given the absence of a full safety risk assessment, the FAA has avoided setting a dangerous precedent with this process.

It’s been a long fight since my original amendment to prevent the towers from closing and preserve aviation safety was blocked from a vote, but in the end common sense prevailed over politics. This victory is thanks to a bipartisan coalition of Senators and Congressmen and women who came together to demonstrate that there are more responsible ways to cut spending than by compromising safety. I appreciate Senator Blumenthal of Connecticut’s leadership and willingness to work across the aisle with me on this issue.

Kansas Air Traffic Control facilities protected from closure include: Philip Billard Municipal in Topeka; Hutchinson Municipal in Hutchinson; New Century Air Center in Olathe; Johnson County Executive in Olathe; and Manhattan Regional in Manhattan. The Contract Tower Program was targeted for a 75 percent cut as part of the FAA’s attempts to implement sequestration budget cuts, while other accounts within the agency were subjected to only five percent reductions. Click here to read more.

Questioning Treasury Secretary Lew about the IRS Leaking Confidential Tax Information
On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew testified in front of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government during which, I was able to question the Secretary about a troubling issue. There is evidence that the IRS released Schedule B donor lists belonging to 501 (c)(4) nonprofit groups to other outside groups. The release of these donor lists for nonprofits is forbidden by U.S. tax law, as well as internal IRS regulations. To make matters worse, the evidence also suggests that the groups that improperly received this information intended to use it for partisan political purposes. Even though publishing unauthorized tax returns or return information is either a felony punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both, the group that received the information appears to have done just that. I brought this issue to Secretary Lew’s attention and you can click here to view my comments. On Friday, less than two days after I questioned the Secretary about the handling of this issue, the IRS apologized for the unfair targeting of nonprofit applicants.

While an apology is a good start, it does little to rectify the mishandling of this situation and more must be done to find out what happened as well as seeking ways to make certain this does not happen again. Additionally, I submitted a written inquiry for which he and Acting Commissioner of the IRS Steven Miller must answer and anxiously await their response. When Americans file their taxes or donate to a cause they believe in, they have a right to assume that their information will not be used for political purposes.

State-Specific Education Needs
The U.S. Department of Education should not impose regulations and directives that restrict the rights of Kansas parents, educators, and communities to educate their children as they see fit. I am opposed to the manner in which the Department has pressured states to opt-in to Common Core standards. Nationalizing education standards is extremely dangerous because it bolsters federal power over education matters and undermines the local and state oversight of education that is so important to the success of Kansas schools. I have long believed that education functions best as a local and state function. In 2001, I opposed passage of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the primary source of federal aid for K-12 education, because I believe a one-size-fits-all federally-mandated approach to education is not in the best interest of Kansas students. Decisions about what content our students are taught in the classroom should be made by the individuals in the best position to know the unique needs of our students – parents, teachers, administrators, and local school boards – rather than federal bureaucrats in Washington. While Kansas was one of the states that opted-in to Common Core standards, I will continue working to increase the flexibility for Kansas and other states to address the specific needs of their respective students.

Senate Hunger Caucus Briefing
As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I joined Farmers Feeding the World in hosting a briefing with nearly 100 attendees on Tuesday to discuss international agriculture and food security among public, private and NGO experts. Speakers at the event included special guest Bill Gates, along with former Senate Agriculture Committee Chief Economist Stephanie Mercier and DuPont Pioneer Vice President of Strategy Jeff Austin.

We discussed international food and agriculture development programs that are authorized in the Farm Bill, DuPont Pioneer’s work to develop seed technology that improves yields and accommodates growing conditions in African countries, and agriculture’s role in today’s global economy. The Senate Hunger Caucus exists to promote anti-hunger causes and provide a forum for briefings about hunger issues. In addition to raising awareness, the caucus facilitates communication between those working to combat hunger and lawmakers who support programs and policies assisting those in need. Click here to see a photo from the event.

Questioning Secretary Vilsack at an Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing
This week, at an Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing, I questioned Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) FY 2014 budget and the availability of crop insurance and other risk management tools in the coming year for crop and livestock producers. Secretary Vilsack committed to making certain that the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) would do everything in its power to prioritize crop insurance and also work to develop new insurance products. As producers face another year of drought and uncertain weather, risk management is especially important, I also encouraged the Secretary’s full support for agricultural research. If we are going to feed and clothe a hungry and cold world, we must invest in crops that are more productive and can survive in less than perfect weather conditions. I am pleased with Secretary Vilsack’s commitment to agricultural research.

During the hearing, we also discussed the Rural Utility Administration’s (RUS) broadband loan portfolio. In October 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved an order to reform the Universal Service Fund (USF), which is used to provide telecommunications services to rural Americans. Many telephone companies borrow from the RUS and depend upon predictable USF funds to repay part of their loan. Due to FCC rule changes, demand for broadband has virtually been halted. Secretary Vilsack recently met with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to express concern, and suggested changes to the order that will help create greater certainty for companies impacted by the order. Broadband access is one of my top priorities, and I will continue to work with both RUS and the FCC to make certain we have common sense rules that will encourage investment and expansion of broadband in Kansas. I look forward to working with the Secretary on issues facing Kansas and rural America.

Maintaining the Tradition of Charitable Giving
Because of the generous annual donations of millions of Americans, nonprofits have impacted the lives of countless individuals. In 2011, Americans gave nearly $300 billion to support important programs and services, from food pantries and medical research to youth programs and seed grants to start new businesses. Unfortunately, President Obama has proposed changes in his FY 2014 Budget request to cap the total value of tax deductions at 28 percent for higher income Americans – including the charitable deduction.

A reduction of this magnitude would have a devastating impact on the future of charitable organizations in our country. According to the Charitable Giving Coalition, this proposal could reduce donations to the nonprofit sector by more than $5.6 billion every year. This cut amounts to more than the annual operating budgets of the American Red Cross, Goodwill, the YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Clubs, Catholic Charities, and the American Cancer Society combined.

Nonprofits are best equipped to provide assistance on the local level and can often do so in a far more effective manner than the government. Studies have shown that for every dollar subject to the charitable deduction, communities receive $3 in benefits. With our economy still recovering and many still struggling to provide benefits for their families, Congress should be encouraging Americans to give more, not less. Click here to see me speak on the floor regarding this topic.

Visiting Sylvan-Lucas Unified Junior Senior High School
On their last day of high school, I had the opportunity to visit with Sylvan-Lucas High School's 17 graduating seniors. Listening to their post-graduation plans makes me very proud of them, their families and our schools. Click here to see a photo from my visit. Thank you to Sylvan-Lucas High School Principal Devon Walter for allowing me to stop by.

In the Office
Last week we had several visitors in the Washington, D.C., office, including the Kansans listed below:

DaVita
Stan Langhofer of Topeka

McDonald’s
Mark McCoy of Fort Scott
Hugh O’Reilly Jr. of Olathe

National Wheat Growers Association
Paul Penner of Hillsboro

Christian Science Committee on Publication
Ruth Ann Wefald of Manhattan
Bunny McBride of Manhattan
Pam Peck of Mission

National Association of Trailer Manufacturers
Pam Trusdale of Topeka
Tom Grieshaber of Manhattan
Meghan Ryan of Topeka

Kansas Pharmacists Association
Brian Caswell of Baxter Springs
Peter Stern of Topeka
Michael Larkin of Topeka
Sam Boyajian of Gardner
Van Coble of Winfield

American College of Radiology
Robert Gibbs of Parsons
James Owen of Topeka
John Lohnes of Wichita
Brett Meggison of Topeka
Shaun Gonda of Wichita

Assistive Technology for Kansans
Sara Sack of Parsons

Kansas Library Association
Robert Banks of Topeka
Jo Budler of Topeka
Cindy Roupe of Topeka

Eagle Communications
Gary Shorman of Hays

National Association of Enrolled Agents
Elizabeth Crist of Overbrook

Henry W. Bloch School of Management at UMKC
Larry Silver of Leawood

American Travel Plazas and Truck Stops
Guy Walker of Salina

American Land Title Association
Elizabeth Daniel of Overland Park
Polly Epting of Burlington
Chris St. John of Topeka
Trudy St. John of Topeka
Joyce Huddleston of Tribune

College of American Pathologists
Patrick James of Leawood

Hermes Landscaping
Dalton Hermes of Lenexa

Coffeyville Connection
Chris Felix of Coffeyville

National Brain Tumor Society
Amanda & Richard Haddock of Wichita

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
John Neis of Shawnee

Kansas City District Army Corps of Engineers
Col Anthony Hormann of Overland Park
Steven Iverson of Lenexa
Jenifer Switzer of Overland Park

Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinics
Ann Modrcin of Kansas City

Hutchinson Credit Union
Garth Strand of Hutchinson

Kansas World Language Association
Phyllis Farrar

National Breast Cancer Coalition
Stephanie Barr of Solomon

ALS Association Keith Worthington Chapter
Julie Williams of Mission
Steven Kander of Shawnee
Sam Ashworth of Shawnee

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Ann Genovese of Mission Hills
Cheryl Dobson of Wichita
Tim Dobson of Wichita
Rebecca Daily of Wichita

DC Capitol Tour
Sue Dieker of Wichita
Mark and Amy Fleischman of Leawood
Mariah Fleischman of Leawood
Mason Fleischman of Leawood
Maverick Fleischman of Leawood

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. To send me an email, click here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Very truly yours,

Jerry

Sen. Moran Speaks on IRS Targeting Conservative Groups

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

On May 13, 2013, Sen. Moran discussed the intentional targeting of groups based on their political leanings by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on the Senate Floor. Sen. Moran cited three specific examples, and said the startling revelations hark back to the days of President Richard M. Nixon and must be investigated fully.

Sen. Moran Discusses IRS Targeting on FOX News

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

On Sunday, May 12, 2013, Sen. Moran discussed the troubling evidence that the IRS targeted conservative groups and disclosed donor names for political purposes.

Sen. Moran Discusses State of Economy

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

On Thursday, May 9, 2013, Sen. Moran discussed the economic state of the United States on the Senate floor. He references his conversation with August Busch III, the long-time president of Anheuser-Busch.