Kansas Common Sense
Cleared for Takeoff: Advocating for FAA Legislation
This week, I spoke on the Seante floor regarding the importance of passing a long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization. When I became Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, I stated the importance in passing a long-term reauthorization and pledged to work with Sens. Duckworth, Cruz and Cantwell, as well as my other colleagues on the Commerce Committee, to get a comprehensive agreement completed.
We have worked hard to bring the FAA and aviation community together to make certain that we do not end up with a result of one more extension after extension and provide some certainty so the FAA can fulfill its mission. Continuous short-term extensions are detrimental to the agency, industry and the flying public. This week and next week, Congress must come together to ensure our current extension of the FAA – which is until May 10 – will be our last. If the United States is to remain a leader in the aviation and aerospace domain, it is critical we provide the FAA the resources and tools they require.
Our bill provides critical safety enhancements, grows America’s aviation workforce, invests in infrastructure at airports in urban and rural communities, sets clear priorities for advancing innovative aviation solutions, improves the flying public’s travel experience and ensures a healthy general aviation sector for years to come. I encourage my colleagues to work hard to see that we get this completed in the next few days.
You can watch my floor speech here.
Protecting AM Radio
On Tuesday, I joined my colleagues in introducing the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. This legislation would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in new vehicles at no additional charge. In parts of the country with limited connectivity, AM radios are often the only means to notify residents of tornadoes, snowstorms and other dangerous weather. AM radios also connect rural communities with news, sports, weather and much more. This legislation will help make certain new vehicles are equipped with an AM radio, so that folks in every corner of the country can stay connected to broadcasting and local updates during emergencies. I will continue to work with my colleagues to make certain this important legislation is passed.
You can read more about the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in KAKE here.
Meeting with SAFFire
This week, I met with SAFFiRE Renewables CEO, Tom Nealon, to discuss the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from renewable ethanol. Last fall, Conestoga Energy and SAFFiRE Renewables announced an agreement to host SAFFiRE’s cellulosic ethanol pilot plant at Conestoga’s ethanol facility in Liberal, Kansas. SAFFiRE’s production of corn stover into ethanol has the potential to place Kansas agriculture and ethanol industries at the forefront of SAF growth. The burgeoning SAF industry has the potential to provide new markets for farmers while increasing our domestic energy production and security, and I look forward to continuing to support SAFFiRE and the entire SAF industry.
Thank you to Tom Nelson for taking the time to meet with me.
Fighting for Veterans Care and Benefits
On Wednesday, I joined my colleague, Sen. Jon Tester, in leading a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing on the President’s budget request for the VA. There were two witness panels, the first consisting of VA Sec. Denis McDonough, and the second from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). It’s important to hear from multiple stakeholders regarding VA’s budget so that the committee can have a better understanding of what resources VA needs from Congress to best deliver care and benefits to our nation’s veterans.
During the hearing, I asked Sec. McDonough what the VA is doing to help veterans receive care as quickly and close to home as possible while also making sure VA facilities are well-staffed. Veterans deserve the right to decide when, where and how they seek the care they need, and VA has a responsibility to consistently provide veterans with timely information and approvals. I also asked the veteran service organizations witnesses about the importance of increased funding for State Veteran Homes, including funding for new State Veteran Home in Topeka. We also discussed how to improve the disability exam process for veterans, especially those in rural areas.
I would like to thank Sec. McDonough, Roscoe Butler from PVA, Shane Liermann from DAV, and Kristina Keenan from VFW for testifying before the committee and continuing to support the best interest of veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors.
You can watch my opening remarks here.
Announcing Resources for Atchison
Monday morning, I joined Atchison Mayor La Rochell Young and Benedictine College President Steve Minnis at Benedictine College to announce new federal resources for the city and college. Atchison will use funds to implement the sewer separation project which will prevent sewer discharge from leaking into the Missouri River during rainfall events and expand its runway at the Ameila Earhart Airport. Benedictine will also be purchasing new equipment for their engineering department.
Thank you to Mayor Young and President Minnis for the invitation to share the good news.
Senate Passes bill to rename VA Clinic for Kansas Veteran
On Thursday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation that I introduced with Sen. Roger Marshall M.D. (R-Kan.) to name the VA outpatient clinic in Kansas City, Kansas after Captain Elwin “Al” Shopteese. Elwin Shopteese was born in Mayetta, Kansas, on July 16, 1921, and was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Upon high school graduation, he immediately enlisted in the Kansas National Guard and became a member of Company E, 137th Infantry Regiment. Shopteese and his company were involved in several battles across Europe during World War II, including the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He received a battlefield commission for his leadership while in combat at Omaha Beach, along with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service during World War II. In 1946, Shopteese attended Haskell University before serving in the Korean War. After returning, he began serving his fellow Native Americans, specifically the Potawatomi. He served as a Tribal Council member and was directly involved in the creation of the Indian Community Alcoholism Resources Expeditors (I.C.A.R.E.) Recovery Home, where he served as executive director until the time of his passing on June 25, 1992.
I am grateful the Senate passed this piece of legislation that honors a distinguished Kansas servicemember who dedicated his life to his country and community. In recognition of Captain Shopteese’s service for our country and his service to the Native American community, this legislation honors his legacy and preserves his story for generations to come.
Biden Must Enforce Iran Oil Sanctions
Iran’s leaders regularly espouse the goal of eradicating the state of Israel. Earlier this month, Iran acted on that goal, launching for the first time an attack on Israel from its own soil. Iranian leaders have threatened future responses from Iranian territory. A line has been crossed. This attack and any future escalation pose a threat to Israel and regional stability, as well as to U.S. troops stationed in the region. Just as concerning: Iran is increasing its defense cooperation with Russia and China, participating in military exercises with both countries and pursuing advanced military equipment from and to Moscow.
Iran’s nefarious plans require funding, and the regime’s economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, which represent up to 70% of its government revenues. By cutting off Iran’s lucrative oil market, we can drain their terrorist slush funds and weaken Iran’s ability to promote further violence.
Since 2010, Congress has passed numerous bipartisan laws to restrict Iran’s oil exports. In the last six months alone, there have been more than 100 bills introduced in Congress aimed at diminishing Iranian oil sales. Nonetheless, it is the responsibility of the president to enforce these sanctions, and the Biden administration has failed to do so in any meaningful way.
You can read full my Op-Ed in the Washington Examiner here.
Celebrating National Space Day
This week, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution I introduced with my colleague, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, designating May 3 as National Space Day. The resolution recognizes the significant impact the aerospace community has and will continue to have on the United States. Space innovation and exploration has grown exponentially in recent years as a result of the hard work and determination of aerospace leaders, researchers and innovators. National Space Day recognizes the individuals and communities within the aerospace industry who have made contributions to space exploration and helped grow the United States’ leadership in space.
I particularly appreciate the leadership of the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas for working together with Congress to inspire the next generation of astronauts, scientists and engineers, and recognize the storied history of aerospace excellence and leadership in the United States.
Read more about National Space Day and a feature on Kansas native and NASA engineer Erik Stalcup in the Wellington Daily News, here.
Meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers – Tulsa District
On Wednesday, I met with Colonel Timothy Hudson, Commander of the Tulsa District of the Army Corps of Engineers responsible for managing water resources throughout the southern portion of our state. We discussed the importance of the Army Corps’ flood control mission in Kansas, particularly in Coffeyville, which has experienced severe flooding events and is currently working to improve the levee protecting the city from the Verdigris River.
I would like to thank Colonel Hudson for meeting with me during his time in Washington, and I look forward to working with him to ensure our water resource projects are well maintained and are working for Kansans.
Thanking First Responders in Westmoreland
On Tuesday, an EF 3 tornado ripped through northern Pottawatomie County with little warning, and the community of Westmoreland absorbed a direct hit. I visited the area on Friday with Sen. Roger Marshall and Representative Tracey Mann to receive a damage and recovery update, personally thank first responders and speak to those impacted by the tornado. Tragically, the life of Ann Miller was lost during the tornado.
Thank you to Pottawatomie County Sheriff Shane Jager, Under Sheriff Doug Adams, Emergency Management Director Jennifer Merrow, Pottawatomie County Commissioner Greg Riat, Administrator Chad Kinsley and Fire Supervisor Chad Kinsley for an informative briefing. Thank you also to Westmoreland Mayor Mark Jack and members of the city council for their leadership during this challenging time.
Read more about the visit in KSN, here.
Meetings with Kansans
Kansas Teacher of the Year
On Wednesday, I met Kansas’ Teacher of the Year, Taylor Bussinger, during his trip with the Council of Chief State School Officers. Taylor currently serves as an 8th grade history teacher at Prairie Trail Middle School in Olathe, where he has taught for the last nine years. It was great to visit Taylor, and I thank him for his service in helping Kansas students reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond. The future competitiveness of our state and nation is directly linked to the quality of our children’s education, and I’m thankful educators are being commended for their contributions to Kansas students.
National Association of Home Builders
This week, I met the new Chairman of the Board of the National Home Builders Association (NAHB), Carl Harris. I am thrilled that NAHB selected Carl to serve as their chairman since he understands the current housing crisis we’re experiencing as a nation and is familiar with the struggles facing housing in Kansas.
I look forward to working with Carl on crucial housing issues facing Kansas including rising input costs and workforce development.
Textron
On Thursday, I met with Scott Donnelly, the CEO of Textron. Bell-Textron was recently awarded a contract for the V-280 Valor to support the Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. Wichita continues to play a critical role in the development of this novel Army program. I enjoyed talking to Mr. Donnelly about the aircraft’s future in Wichita and the opportunities this will bring to the world-class aerospace workforce here in Kansas.
We also discussed the critical need to support our aviation workforce. Throughout the drafting of the FAA Reauthorization bill, I prioritized the inclusion of manufacturing technical workers to be eligible for grant dollars. I was also happy to discuss the funding for Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology to expand their aviation maintenance training program across the state and allow high schools students to receive college credits and aviation training while still in high school. It is opportunities such as these that, when complemented with federal grant opportunities, increase our state’s competitiveness in the aviation industry.
Thank you to Scott Donnelly for meeting with me, and I look forward to the continued success of these programs and partnerships in Kansas.
Visits Across Kansas
Leavenworth High School
On Monday, I stopped at Leavenworth High School to tour the campus and visit with students and faculty. Leavenworth High School was the first public school established in Kansas and is home to the first Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) program in the nation. While touring the campus, I was shown the school's automotive technology program that partners with Highland Community College and the many athletic ROTC awards. During the tour, I also had the opportunity to participate in an improvisation exercise with the theater class.
Thank you to Superintendent Dr. Kellen Adams, Principal James Vanek and the students Madisen Finch, Katherine Moen and Ian Morgado who took time out of their day to visit with me and provide me a tour of their school.
Capitol Tours
Sallie Force of Wheaton
Annie Force of Wheaton
Amy Bernd of Lawrence
Carolyn Ward of Topeka
Diane Dixon of Derby
Niamh Dixon of Derby
Cindy Green of Lenexa
Joe Bohr of Lenexa
Diane Bohr of Lenexa
Laurel Hupp of Overland Park
Tom Hemmer of Salina
Kelsey Rawcliffe of Wichita
Jack Taylor of Emporia
Paula Taylor of Emporia
National Development and Research Institutes – USA
Sara Jahnke of Prairie Village
TreeTop Security
Dallas Haselhorst of Hays
Holganix
Barrett Eisek of Lenexa
Salina Regional Health Center
Ashley Hutchinson of Salina
Joel Phelps of Salina
Rob Freelove of Salina
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses
Raquel Fernandez of Topeka
Lauren Dandreo of Lawrence
Libby Rosen of Topeka
Melissa Liddle of Prairie Village
Independent Community Bankers Association
Shawn Mitchell of Topeka
Blake Heid of Paola
Steven Suellentrop of Wichita
Jeremy Smail of Paola
Irv Mitchell of Russell
Rex Reynold of Wichita
Joe Rottinghaus of Wichita
Jay Kennedy of Frankfort
Margaret Nightengale of Ulysses
Tanner Johnson of Courtland
Ella Johnson of Courtland
PNC Bank
Kyle Myers of Overland Park
Wichita Fire Department
Chris Fleming of Wichita
Zero to Three
Reed Crater of Topeka
Gracie Crater of Topeka
National Association for College Admission Counseling
Benjamin Censky-Kieklak of Lawrence
Kansas Beverage Association
Edward Bryant of Lenexa
Justin Bridgeman of Lenexa
NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association
Terry Force of Wheaton
Rob McDonald of Madison
Mason McDonald of Madison
Beau Rebel of La Crosse
David Nance of Caldwell
Todd Houseman of Dodge City
Adam Peterson of McPherson
Mike Phillis of Mound City
Council of Chief State School Officers
Taylor Bussinger of Lawrence
National Automobile Dealers Association
Jeff Longbine of Emporia
National Association of Home Builders
Carl Harris of Wichita
Textron
Scott Donnelly of Kansas City
The Kansas City Indian Center
Carole Cadue-Blackwood of Lawrence
Gayleu Crouser of Kansas City
National Air Traffic Controllers Association
James Heath of Olathe
Patrick James of Lenexa
Aaron Merrick of Lenexa
Moda Domani
Noah Fakeri of Leawood
Kansas NEA Directors
Kimberly Howard of Wichita
Angie Powers of Wichita
Brian Skinner of Wichita
Hydraulic Institute
Ansell Sims of Lenexa
National Council of Urban Indian Health
Amy Feimer of Wichita
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