Remembering 9/11
Thursday marked 24 years since America experienced the deadliest terrorist attack in our nation's history. On the anniversary of this tragedy, we remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who were killed and honor the brave heroes who saved lives on 9/11, as well as those who answered the call to defend our nation against terrorism in the years that followed. We will never forget.


Welcoming Brigadier General Nick Hague Home to Kansas
On Monday, I spoke at the Rotary Club of Wichita to welcome keynote speaker – NASA astronaut and U.S. Space Force Brigadier General Nick Hague – home to Kansas. As Commander for NASA’s Crew-9 mission, General Hague played a critical role in the safe return of Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had to remain at the International Space Station for an unexpected nine months after their spacecraft experienced technical difficulties. Thanks to General Hague’s leadership and the entire team at NASA, our astronauts safely made it home earlier this year. From the small town of Hoxie to outer space, Nick’s example is an inspiration to the next generation of young explorers. I also had the opportunity to recognize Nick’s service to our country in the presence of his parents, Don and Bev Hague, who were in attendance. Thank you to Rotary President Ebony Clemons for extending the invitation to participate.


Honoring WWII Italian Campaign of 1943
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor in support of a resolution I introduced recognizing the military victories and sacrifices of the many U.S. and Allied partners who fought in the Italian Campaign during WWII. This bipartisan resolution recognizes the men like my father, Staff Sergeant Raymond Moran, who served in this campaign throughout North Africa and Italy. We remain grateful to the uniformed men and women who fought courageously and sacrificed much to liberate Rome, and so many other European capitals, from Nazi aggression.

You can watch my full remarks here, and read more from KCLY Radio here.


U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2025 Global Aerospace Summit
On Tuesday, I addressed a gathering of government and aviation industry leaders during a fireside chat at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Global Aerospace Summit. During my conversation with former Congressman Rodney Davis, we discussed the significance of America’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce and making certain they are adequately staffed and equipped to make our skies safe. We also discussed the robust aerospace supply chain in Kansas, tariffs, new aviation technology and how Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can support their safe and efficient integration.

As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Aviation Subcommittee and a senior Appropriator for the Department of Transportation (DOT), I am committed to supporting America’s aerospace sector and making certain that Congress continues to provide direction to the DOT and FAA to create a safe and innovative environment for aerospace companies, both large and small. Kansas is home to hundreds of small aerospace supply chain companies that are vital to American aerospace. Their success is instrumental to achieving continued American leadership in the aerospace industry.

Thank you to Congressman Davis and to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to speak at this event. You can learn more about the 2025 Global Aerospace Summit from the U.S. Chamber website here.


Nomination Hearing for VA Under Secretary for Benefits
This week, I led the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs nomination hearing for Dr. Karen Brazell to be Under Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Karen is currently a senior advisor at the VA and previously served as the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Enterprise Integration and Chief Acquisition Officer at the VA. She is an Army veteran herself, as well as a military spouse and child. During the hearing, we discussed the importance of having productive leadership at the Veterans Benefits Administration to make certain that veterans, survivors and other VA beneficiaries receive their benefits in a timely and accurate manner. I am grateful to Dr. Brazell for her willingness to serve and for appearing before the committee.

You can watch my opening statement here and my questioning here.


Applauding CMS Decision to Increase Federal Hospital Reimbursements
This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Kansas’ 2025 provider tax preprint, increasing the provider tax from 3 percent to 6 percent. Revenue generated from prospective payment system (PPS) hospitals in Kansas will be matched with federal Medicaid dollars. This change will allow Kansas hospitals and physicians to see an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates.

Last year, the Kansas legislature passed a bill to increase the state’s hospital provider tax, enabling Kansas hospitals and physicians to receive additional federal dollars from Medicaid. Considering Kansas’ pending application before CMS, I worked to make certain the Medicaid reforms in the Reconciliation Bill would permit Kansas’ pending application to still be considered and approved. I worked with Kansas hospitals, the Kelly administration and CMS Administrator Oz to make certain Kansas’ application was submitted and considered in a timely manner. CMS’s approval of Kansas’ increase will provide hospitals across the state with additional resources to provide quality, affordable care to Kansans.

You can read more from the Topeka Capital-Journal here.

Trump Administration Awards Kansas $5.7 Million in Federal Disaster Aid
This week, President Trump announced a disaster declaration granting $5.7 million in federal emergency aid to the state of Kansas. In August, I led the Kansas delegation in urging President Trump to make a disaster declaration for the State of Kansas following the severe wind storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred from June 3 through June 7, 2025. Governor Kelly formally submitted the request for federal support on August 6, 2025.

I appreciate President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approving Kansas’ request for federal support and a major disaster declaration following these devastating storms. This declaration will provide our state and local governments with resources to help Kansans recover and rebuild even stronger.

Meeting with Kansans
2025 Kansan of the Year Elyce Arons
It was great to host the Kansas State Society’s 2025 Kansan of the Year, Elyce Arons, a native of Sedgwick and co-founder of Kate Spade and Frances Valentine, for a Capitol tour and to introduce her at the Kansas State Society’s annual dinner. I enjoyed hearing about her childhood on her family’s farm and time as a student at the University of Kansas. Elyce has carried her Kansas values of hard work, resilience and respect for others into her career as an entrepreneur and represents our state well.


WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash
On Wednesday, I met with Dr. Sheree Utash, President of Wichita State University Tech, and Mandy Fouse, Executive Director of Public Affairs, to discuss the latest updates from the college. WSU Tech continues to play a vital role in building and strengthening Kansas’ workforce, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear more about how Dr. Utash and her team are expanding opportunities for students, particularly through the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT).

In August, I joined WSU Tech in breaking ground on a new, state-of-the-art, 85,000-square-foot facility at NCAT. Once complete, this facility will prepare young Kansans for careers in aerospace and help make certain the Air Capital of the World continues to produce the next generation of highly skilled workers. Beyond aerospace, WSU Tech is also setting the standard for high school workforce training through its FutureReady Centers, a partnership with Wichita Public Schools and the City of Wichita. These centers provide high school students with hands-on, career-focused education and tuition-free technical training across various critical industries.

Thanks to Dr. Utash, Mandy Fouse and the entire WSU Tech faculty for their dedication to preparing students with the skills needed to succeed in aircraft manufacturing and beyond.


Kansas Chamber of Commerce
On Thursday, I joined members of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce to discuss important legislative priorities for Kansas and the work I am doing in Washington, D.C. to support Kansans. I discussed the ongoing efforts to modernize our Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems, including funding for ATC modernization in the Reconciliation bill, and the ROTOR Act, legislation I cosponsored to improve airport and aviation safety.  I also spoke on the positive impact of new companies moving to Kansas for our state’s workforce development and supply chain capabilities, as well as the economic growth experienced by these new investments.

I also discussed the importance of passing full appropriations bills to bolster our national security, strengthen federal law enforcement and invest in critical scientific and technological research to improve America’s global competitiveness. Thank you to the Kansas Chamber of Commerce for hosting me and your work to support Kansas job creators.


Topeka Greater Partnership
On Tuesday, I met with Bob Ross, the new interim head of the Greater Topeka Partnership, and local leaders to discuss their work to support and strengthen the Topeka community. We also discussed the innovation lab in downtown Topeka and the impacts of tariffs on the community, as well as my efforts to secure federal resources for Forbes Regional Airport in order to spur economic growth and bolster our national defense. Thank you to Beth Easter, Chad Gerhardt, Nick Xidis, Michelle Stubblefield, Eric Johnson, Greg Schwerdt, Yana Ross, Amanda Chavez Thomson, Joe Caldwell, Curtis Sneden, David Wolfe and Molly Howey for joining.


Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas
On Wednesday, I met with Mary Shannon, the President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Kansas. We spoke about the work BBBS is doing to provide our youth with positive role models and setting them up for success in the future, as well as the importance of federal assistance through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs (OJJDP) at the Department of Justice. For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has played an important role in our communities by providing mentorship for kids who have often faced overwhelming adversity.

As the chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee which funds grants used by BBBS, I remain committed to assisting BBBS in its work of providing many young people with a positive role model and better opportunities. Thank you to BBBS and all who are involved for your dedication to making a life better for our youth.


Ascension Via Christi
On Wednesday, I met with representatives of Ascension Via Christi, including Kansas Chief Advocacy Officer, Bruce Witt, and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sam Antonios, along with Kansas Hospital Association CEO Chad Austin. Ascension Via Christi operates six hospitals and ten therapy clinics across our state. During our meeting, we discussed Ascension Via Christi’s efforts to expand access and improve health outcomes for Kansans, as well as the challenges affecting health care providers. We also discussed key health care priorities as Congress continues its appropriations process as we approach the end of the year. Thank you to all at Ascension Via Christi for your continued work to provide Kansans with quality healthcare.


Kansas Farm Bureau
On Wednesday, members of Kansas Farm Bureau's Leadership KFB program stopped by my office. The program was created with the purpose of developing their members as grassroots advocates and leaders. This year-long program focuses on training leaders who choose to engage in and look for solutions to problems across agriculture and rural communities. I appreciated the time to meet this group of Kansans who are dedicated to preserving our rural way of life and wish them luck as they conclude their time in the program.


Kansas Automobile Dealers Association
On Tuesday, I met with members of the Kansas Automobile Dealers Association to discuss developments in the new vehicle sales industry. During our meeting, we discussed the importance of rolling back impracticable vehicle emissions standards imposed by the Biden administration and deregulation in the sale of new vehicles that removes certain burdensome reporting requirements from thousands of dealerships across the U.S.

Thank you to KADA President Don McNeely, of Topeka; KADA Chairman Eric Genry, who owns Victory Auto Group of Garnett, Ottawa and Paola; NADA Director and former Kansas Senator Jeff Longbine, who owns Longbine Auto Plaza in Emporia; NADA Western Region Minority Director Robert Brogden, who owns Robert Brogden Auto Group in Olathe, Hays and Garden City; Andy Hoffman, President and General Manager of Peterbilt Wichita and Larry Carl, CEO of the Automobile Dealers Association of Kansas City, for their time and insights.


Growth Energy
This week, I met with members of Growth Energy, who presented me with the 2025 Fueling Growth Award in recognition of my support for the biofuels industry. We discussed the importance of year-round availability of E15 fuel and the potential for growing ethanol exports around the world. I remain committed to working to support the priorities of the biofuels industry.


Russell Stover
On Thursday, I met with Nic Starace, President and CEO of Russell Stover. The company has a long history in Kansas, with its founder from Alton and two manufacturing facilities in the state. Mr. Starace and I discussed the importance of recruiting and retaining a strong workforce in Kansas, the outlook on trade and making certain that food safety and nutrition standards for consumers remain science based. Thank you to Mr. Starace and everyone at Russell Stover for their continued investment in Kansas.


Visits Across Kansas
Troy High School
On Friday, I visited Troy High School for a tour of the campus. During my visit, I met with students, faculty and staff to learn more about the programs Troy High School provides to better prepare students for the future. Thank you to Principal Jeremy Prudden and the student leaders for providing me a tour.


Kickapoo Nation School
Later Friday morning, I traveled to Powhattan for a tour of Kickapoo Nation School. Kickapoo Nation School is a tribally controlled K-12 school and is the only Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) K-12 school in Kansas. I learned more about the academic and cultural programs provided to students at the school. I also discussed with students and administrators the challenges facing Kickapoo Nation School and other BIE-supported schools, and how I can best be of service to support them in Washington, D.C. During the visit, I also visited with my longtime friend and former Chairman of the Kickapoo Tribe, Steve Cadue. Thank you to Superintendent Otis Clark, Kickapoo Tribe Chairwoman Gail Cheatham, Tribal Council member Michelle Cadue and all the students and faculty at Kickapoo Nation School for the conversation and tour.


Holton Community Hospital
This week, I made a stop in Holton for a tour of Holton Community Hospital. During my visit, I met with CEO Carrie Lutz to discuss the work being done to provide quality, affordable care to Jackson County and my efforts to secure federal resources for rural health care facilities. Thank you to Carrie and the entire Holton Community Hospital staff for hosting me and for your continued efforts to provide lifesaving care to your community.


Honoring Charlie Kirk
On Wednesday, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking on campus at Utah Valley University. Charlie Kirk was a father, husband, son and a voice for young conservatives. He was a man of faith who deeply loved his country. His assassination is an appalling act of violence, and I am heartbroken for his wife, Erika, his children and loved ones.

My prayers continue to be with the Kirk family and our nation during this difficult time.

Celebrating National Aerospace Week
This week, our nation celebrated National Aerospace Week. Thank you to the more than 450 aerospace suppliers in Wichita, the Air Capital of the World, and the entire workforce across Kansas who contribute to the American aerospace industry. As co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus, I’m committed to bolstering America’s role as a leader in aviation, space and defense.


Now Accepting Spring 2026 Internship Applications
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.

Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the spring 2026 session are due Sunday, October 19. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.

Now Accepting Spring 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Summer Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 19. You can learn more about the Senate Page Program here.

Kansans in the Office  

Capitol Tour

Elyce Arons of Sedgwick

Marti Becker of Olathe

Robert Becker of Olathe

Bob Dursa of Topeka

Amanda Fouse of Andover

Matt Hastings of Hesston

Susan Hastings of Hesston

Lee Marks of Basehor

Vivian Rivarola of Lenexa

Jeanette Wilke of Derby

American Academy of Dermatology Association

Drew Emge of Leawood

Holly Fritch of Leawood

Kevin Varghese of Leawood

American Academy of Neurology

Tyler Allison of Overland Park

Sarah Hon of Kansas City

American Geophysical Union

Mathhew Brueseke of Manhattan

American Israel Public Affairs Committee

Bonnie Seigel of Leawood

American Kidney Fund

Curtisha Anderson of Kansas City

Elexxus Clarke of Kansas City

Ascension Via Christi

Sam Antonios of Wichita

Chad Austin of Topeka

Bruce Witt of Wichita

Association of Independent Research Institutes

Jennifer Pawlosky of Kansas City

Jay Unruh of Kansas City

Black & Veatch

Thomas Allen of Overland Park

Steve Meck of Overland Park

Brydon Ross of Overland Park

Children’s Mercy Kansas City

Lisa Horn of Kansas City

Dallas Polen of Kansas City

Rob Steele of Kansas City

Community America Credit Union

Rick Schier of Lenexa

Global Liver Institute

Melanie Smith of Garrett

Tracy Smith of Garrett

Good & Associates

Chelsea Good of Kansas City

Growth Energy

Whitney Bergkamp of Lyons

Trevor Hinz of Andover

Chris Mitchell of Wichita

Steve Seabrook of Wichita

Greg Stone of Liberal

Steve Rust of Wichita

Andrew Wilson of Liberal

Kansas Automobile Dealers Association

Robert Brogden of Olathe

Eric Genry of Ottawa

Andy Hoffman of Wichita

Jeff Longbine of Emporia

Don McNeely of Topeka

Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters

Gene Camarena of Wichita

Gabe Schlickau of Wichita

Mary Shannon of Wichita

Josh Shorter of Wichita

Steve Webb of Wichita

Andrew Wein of Wichita

Kansas Corn Commission

Taylor Williamson of Manhattan

Kansas Farmers Union

Nicole Faulconer of Holcomb

Robert Faulconer of Holcomb

Rob Fisher of Ozawkie

Matthew Fowler of Emporia

Acacia Kindel of Concordia

Jeff Kindel of Concordia

Nick Leoendosky of Courtland

Zack Pistora of Linwood

Kansas Impact Coalition

Miranda Bachman of Salina

Shelby Hermosillo of Salina

Rebecca Norlin of Salina

Christie Peterson of Topeka

Kansas Independent College Association

Matt Lindsey of Topeka

Kansas Pork Association

Kent Condray of Clifton

Dan Murray of Topeka

Michael Springer of Neodesha

Kansas State University

Matt Casey of Manhattan

Hans Coetzee of Manhattan

Lynn Jenkins of Manhattan

Jaylen Lam of Manhattan

Marshall Stewart of Manhattan

Michael J. Fox Foundation

Teanna Echols of Wichita

Shana Gatschet of Wichita

Delia Jackson of Wichita

Connie Urbanek of Wichita

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Matt Bretz of Hutchinson

National Alliance for Care at Home

Kristen Ada of De Soto

Anita Angstadt of Derby

Ashley Hartwigsen of Overland Park

Maria Warren of Leawood

Northwestern Mutual

John Goodwin of Prairie Village

Russel Stover

Niccolo Starace of KC

Sepsis Alliance

Steve Simpson of Fairway

EMD Serono

Jason Rottinghaus of Overland Park

Tekniam

Jamie Gilbert of Lenexa

Andrew Heaton of Eudora

Mike Murphy of Lenexa

Topeka Chamber

Joe Caldwell of Topeka

Amanda Chavez-Thomson of Topeka

Beth Easter of Topeka

Chad Gerhardt of Topeka

Molly Howey of Topeka

Eric Johnson of Topeka

Yana Ross of Topeka

Greg Schwerdt of Topeka

Curtis Sneden of Topeka

Michelle Stubblefield of Topeka

David Wolfe of Topeka

Nick Xidis of Topeka

Wichita State University

Kristen Brewer of Wichita

Andy Schlapp of Wichita

Zach Gearhart of Wichita

Wichita State University Tech

Mandy Fousse of Wichita

Sheree Utash of Wichita