Kansas Common Sense
Honoring Fallen Kansas City Police Officer Hunter Simoncic
Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic was laid to rest this week, and I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution to honor his life and sacrifice. On August 26, Officer Simoncic was killed in the line of duty when an armed suspect fatally and intentionally struck Officer Simoncic with a car as the suspect was trying to evade law enforcement. At the age of only 26, Officer Simoncic made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community; his loss is a heartbreaking tragedy for all Kansans.
A native of Galesburg, Kansas, Officer Simoncic lived a life of integrity and courage, devoting himself to public service even at risk to his own safety. He also served as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas and volunteered to read to local children each week. Officer Simoncic’s life ended far too soon, but he left a lasting legacy of service, kindness and commitment to others.
While we can never repay his sacrifice, we have a duty to honor his life and make certain his legacy is remembered. Officer Simoncic was a true hero, and my prayers are with his family, his loved ones and the entire law enforcement community as they mourn his passing. You can read more from KCTV5 here and find our full Senate resolution here.
Breaking Ground on KBI Regional Crime Center & Laboratory
On Friday, I joined Pittsburg State University (PSU) and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to break ground on a state-of-the-art crime center and laboratory that will bolster the capabilities of law enforcement across Kansas. Once completed, it will house the PSU Police Department, as well as collaborative workspaces for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
The facility will feature advanced technology and resources, including a full-service evidence control center, a drug chemistry lab and a child victims’ unit. With these tools, law enforcement will be better equipped to combat urgent challenges like the fentanyl epidemic and violent crime. Modeled after the success of the KBI’s collaboration with Washburn University, the center will give students the chance to learn alongside agents and investigators, preparing the next generation of criminal justice professionals.
I applaud the southeast Kansas community and law enforcement for partnering together to fill the need in the region, and I will continue to support our law enforcement in my role as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. Thank you to KBI Director Tony Mattivi, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kansas Board of Regent Chair Blake Benson, PSU Police Chief and Pittsburg City Commissioner Stu Hite, Pittsburg City Manager Daron Hall, Kansas Highway Patrol Colonel Erik Smith, Kansas Sheriff’s Association Director Sandy Horton, Pittsburg Police Chief Brent Narges, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, former Congressman Jake Laturner and all who joined to mark this significant event.
It was also great to meet the new President of PSU, Dr. Thomas Newsom and welcome him and his wife Vicky to Kansas. I look forward to working together to support PSU and the entire Pittsburg community.
Space Race Against China
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a hearing focused on the role that Congress and NASA play in the space race against China. The hearing also covered legislative proposals that the Senate will consider to reauthorize NASA. In my leadership roles as Chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I am committed to making certain that NASA has the strategic capabilities and resources necessary to maintain and advance U.S. leadership in space.
During the hearing, we heard testimony from Allen Cutler, President and CEO of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration; Michael Gold, President of Civil and International Space for Redwire; Jim Bridenstine, Managing Partner of the Artemis Group and Former NASA Administrator; and John Shaw, Former Deputy Commander of the U.S. Space Command. I pressed the witnesses on the importance of passing the appropriations bill that funds NASA, the value of the James Webb Space Telescope and the critical value of a unified space strategy to defeat China and other adversaries in space. I look forward to working with my colleagues, NASA and the space industry to advance America’s ambitious space agenda.
You can watch my questions from the hearing here.
Update from WSU’s Midwest Criminal Justice Institute
This week, I met with leaders from Wichita State University (WSU) and officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to discuss the progress on WSU’s Midwest Criminal Justice Institute. WSU’s partnership with the ATF is helping to put our state on the map as a leader in the criminal justice field. The applied learning opportunities available at WSU, paired with the high-level training provided through the ATF’s support, is helping to equip current and future generations of criminal justice professionals both in the state and around the nation.
Thanks to ATF Deputy Director Robert Cekada, Chief of Staff Justin Demaree, Special Assistant Mike Gajewski, WSU Executive Director Kristin Brewer and WSU Associate Vice President Robert Gerlach for their dedication to providing Kansas students with cutting-edge learning opportunities and helping to bolster the capabilities of the criminal justice field.
Discussing Support for Veterans with Fisher House Foundation
I met with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Fisher House Foundation, Ken Fisher, to discuss the foundation’s work to support veterans, servicemembers and their families. The Fisher House Foundation has built a network of homes where families of ill and injured veterans and servicemembers can stay at no cost while receiving health care treatment far from home.
The foundation began in 1990 after Ken’s great-uncle learned from a friend of a family struggling to afford housing while their loved one was receiving care at the National Naval Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Since then, the Fisher House Foundation has built 100 homes that have provided over 12.5 million nights of lodging, in order to make certain military and veteran families can stay near their loved ones during their medical journeys. I appreciate the work of the Fisher House Foundation to support those who have sacrificed for our nation, and I look forward to continuing to support their efforts.
Visiting New Fort Scott Hospital
On Friday, I attended the grand opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, a new emergency department, 10-bed acute care hospital in Bourbon County. Since Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in 2018, the community has worked to fill the void it left. Access to quality healthcare services is critical to the success of our rural communities, and a hospital closure can have a devastating impact. Freeman Health Systems officially reopened the facility and began seeing patients on Thursday. Thank you to Chief Administrative Officer Anita Walden for the tour and to the community for their support of this reopening, increasing healthcare access in southeast Kansas.
You can read more from Fort Scott Biz here.
Ribbon Cutting for New Labette Healthcare Center
While in Montgomery County, I participated in the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Labette Health Independence Healthcare Center. Labette Health is headquartered in Parsons, and it opened an emergency department in Independence in 2017, two years after the community’s hospital closed. Since then, Labette Health has not only restored emergency services but also increased access to primary care, cancer infusions and laboratory services for area residents. I secured a $6 million federal investment to help fund the roughly $8 million cost of the facility’s expansion and to meet the region’s needs as a designated Medically Underserved and a Healthcare Primary Shortage Area.
Independence Healthcare Center is a testament to the importance of federal investment in improving healthcare access in rural America, and I look forward to seeing the success from this facility. Thank you to Labette Health Chief Executive Officer Brian Williams and the hospital’s Board of Trustees. It was great to be joined by Kansas State Senator Virgil Peck, Representative Doug Blex, Representative Ron Bryce, Independence City Commissioner Dean Hayse and Independence Mayor Scott Smith.
Touring Wilson Medical Center
Later on Friday, I stopped by the Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha. This 15-bed hospital provides the community with an emergency department, surgical services and certain specialty clinics. I have prioritized visiting every hospital in our state on a regular basis in order to better understand the unique needs of the towns they serve and the challenges they face. It is encouraging to see the continued efforts of Wilson Medical Center to make certain that Neodesha and the surrounding area have access to healthcare services. Thank you to Chief Financial Officer Lori Smith for providing an update on the important services their medical providers and staff provide daily to care for the community.
Touring Flesh Company in Parsons
This week, I was in Parsons to visit the Flesh Company, a local business that began in 1913 and specializes in trade-only printing. With more than 100 years of expertise and leadership in the industry, the Flesh Company is one of the largest private-label printed business product suppliers in the nation. The business serves a variety of customers, including Home Depot and industries such as healthcare, business and manufacturing. I appreciate the informative tour provided by General Manager Brad Keys, and thank you to City Manager Jeff Cantrell, Economic Development Director Jim Zaleski and Chamber Director Liz Cochran for joining.
Hearing from Kansas Farm Bureau Agricultural Representatives
On Saturday, I spoke with leaders in the agriculture industry from across the state at Kansas Farm Bureau’s Agriculture Leadership Breakfast at the Kansas State Fair. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I appreciate hearing from farmers and ranchers about the challenges they are facing. I spoke about the improvements to the farm safety net made through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the opportunity the administration has to secure market access for agriculture through trade deals. Thank you to Kansas Farm Bureau members and their President Joe Newland for hosting me at this long-running event.
Visit my Booth at the Kansas State Fair
The Kansas State Fair has begun and is open from now until September 14th. You can visit my booth in the Pride of Kansas building each day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Members of my staff are available to answer questions and provide information on constituent services. Click here to learn more about the State Fair.
Attending Kansas State University-Army Football Game
On Saturday, I attended the Kansas State University (KSU) vs. Army football game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan. I appreciated visiting with KSU students, alumni and administrators along with West Point cadets and servicemen and women of the United States Army, including Chanute-native U.S. Army Ranger and West Point Class of 2023 graduate Jack Martin and his family. Thank you to KSU for welcoming me, and thank you to the cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point and all our nation’s servicemembers for your continued service to our country.
Enroll This Fall: Working Parents Can Save More for Childcare
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, working parents can contribute more of their hard-earned paycheck to their flexible spending account (FSA) to help pay for services like childcare and preschool. Starting on January 1, 2026, the annual contribution for dependent care for families will be increased from $5,000 to $7,500.
During open season enrollment in mid-November to mid-December, you can enroll in or renew your enrollment in your Dependent Care FSA through FSAFEDS. Find more information and learn how to enroll here.
Now Open: KU Veterans Legal Support Clinic
The University of Kansas’ Veterans Legal Support Clinic is now open to help veterans across Kansas with free legal assistance as they transition into civilian life. This clinic, the only clinic of its kind in the U.S., aims to provide crucial assistance to veterans facing legal obstacles that can prevent them from succeeding in their civilian lives. The clinic also trains lawyers to assist veterans’ in Kansas and across the country with their legal needs. I secured federal resources to support this legal clinic to help make certain that our country can keep the promises we have made to our nation’s veterans. If you are a Kansas veteran or know one who would benefit from the resources of this clinic, you can find more information here.
Victory Over Japan Day
On September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered, marking the end of World War II. 80 years later, we honor and remember the heroic sacrifices of the Greatest Generation, whose service defended freedom and safeguarded the world from tyranny. To all of our veterans: we respect you, we thank you for your service and we love you.
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
David Gress of Seneca
Tsedenia Tesfaye of Overland Park
Stephany and Cameron Rohleder of Overland Park
Tonya Bailey of Silver Lake
Lance Bailey of Silver Lake
Diane Smith of Kansas City
Gary Smith of Kansas City
Targeted Justice
Chris Mettler of Overbrook
Sterling Battelle of Topeka
WSU Midwest Criminal Justice Institute
Kristin Brewer of Wichita
Rob Gerlach of Wichita
Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic was laid to rest this week, and I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution to honor his life and sacrifice. On August 26, Officer Simoncic was killed in the line of duty when an armed suspect fatally and intentionally struck Officer Simoncic with a car as the suspect was trying to evade law enforcement. At the age of only 26, Officer Simoncic made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community; his loss is a heartbreaking tragedy for all Kansans.
A native of Galesburg, Kansas, Officer Simoncic lived a life of integrity and courage, devoting himself to public service even at risk to his own safety. He also served as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas and volunteered to read to local children each week. Officer Simoncic’s life ended far too soon, but he left a lasting legacy of service, kindness and commitment to others.
While we can never repay his sacrifice, we have a duty to honor his life and make certain his legacy is remembered. Officer Simoncic was a true hero, and my prayers are with his family, his loved ones and the entire law enforcement community as they mourn his passing. You can read more from KCTV5 here and find our full Senate resolution here.
Breaking Ground on KBI Regional Crime Center & Laboratory
On Friday, I joined Pittsburg State University (PSU) and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to break ground on a state-of-the-art crime center and laboratory that will bolster the capabilities of law enforcement across Kansas. Once completed, it will house the PSU Police Department, as well as collaborative workspaces for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
The facility will feature advanced technology and resources, including a full-service evidence control center, a drug chemistry lab and a child victims’ unit. With these tools, law enforcement will be better equipped to combat urgent challenges like the fentanyl epidemic and violent crime. Modeled after the success of the KBI’s collaboration with Washburn University, the center will give students the chance to learn alongside agents and investigators, preparing the next generation of criminal justice professionals.
I applaud the southeast Kansas community and law enforcement for partnering together to fill the need in the region, and I will continue to support our law enforcement in my role as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. Thank you to KBI Director Tony Mattivi, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kansas Board of Regent Chair Blake Benson, PSU Police Chief and Pittsburg City Commissioner Stu Hite, Pittsburg City Manager Daron Hall, Kansas Highway Patrol Colonel Erik Smith, Kansas Sheriff’s Association Director Sandy Horton, Pittsburg Police Chief Brent Narges, Crawford County Sheriff Billy Tomasi, former Congressman Jake Laturner and all who joined to mark this significant event.
It was also great to meet the new President of PSU, Dr. Thomas Newsom and welcome him and his wife Vicky to Kansas. I look forward to working together to support PSU and the entire Pittsburg community.
Space Race Against China
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a hearing focused on the role that Congress and NASA play in the space race against China. The hearing also covered legislative proposals that the Senate will consider to reauthorize NASA. In my leadership roles as Chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I am committed to making certain that NASA has the strategic capabilities and resources necessary to maintain and advance U.S. leadership in space.
During the hearing, we heard testimony from Allen Cutler, President and CEO of the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration; Michael Gold, President of Civil and International Space for Redwire; Jim Bridenstine, Managing Partner of the Artemis Group and Former NASA Administrator; and John Shaw, Former Deputy Commander of the U.S. Space Command. I pressed the witnesses on the importance of passing the appropriations bill that funds NASA, the value of the James Webb Space Telescope and the critical value of a unified space strategy to defeat China and other adversaries in space. I look forward to working with my colleagues, NASA and the space industry to advance America’s ambitious space agenda.
You can watch my questions from the hearing here.
Update from WSU’s Midwest Criminal Justice Institute
This week, I met with leaders from Wichita State University (WSU) and officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to discuss the progress on WSU’s Midwest Criminal Justice Institute. WSU’s partnership with the ATF is helping to put our state on the map as a leader in the criminal justice field. The applied learning opportunities available at WSU, paired with the high-level training provided through the ATF’s support, is helping to equip current and future generations of criminal justice professionals both in the state and around the nation.
Thanks to ATF Deputy Director Robert Cekada, Chief of Staff Justin Demaree, Special Assistant Mike Gajewski, WSU Executive Director Kristin Brewer and WSU Associate Vice President Robert Gerlach for their dedication to providing Kansas students with cutting-edge learning opportunities and helping to bolster the capabilities of the criminal justice field.
Discussing Support for Veterans with Fisher House Foundation
I met with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Fisher House Foundation, Ken Fisher, to discuss the foundation’s work to support veterans, servicemembers and their families. The Fisher House Foundation has built a network of homes where families of ill and injured veterans and servicemembers can stay at no cost while receiving health care treatment far from home.
The foundation began in 1990 after Ken’s great-uncle learned from a friend of a family struggling to afford housing while their loved one was receiving care at the National Naval Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Since then, the Fisher House Foundation has built 100 homes that have provided over 12.5 million nights of lodging, in order to make certain military and veteran families can stay near their loved ones during their medical journeys. I appreciate the work of the Fisher House Foundation to support those who have sacrificed for our nation, and I look forward to continuing to support their efforts.
Visiting New Fort Scott Hospital
On Friday, I attended the grand opening of Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, a new emergency department, 10-bed acute care hospital in Bourbon County. Since Mercy Hospital Fort Scott closed in 2018, the community has worked to fill the void it left. Access to quality healthcare services is critical to the success of our rural communities, and a hospital closure can have a devastating impact. Freeman Health Systems officially reopened the facility and began seeing patients on Thursday. Thank you to Chief Administrative Officer Anita Walden for the tour and to the community for their support of this reopening, increasing healthcare access in southeast Kansas.
You can read more from Fort Scott Biz here.
Ribbon Cutting for New Labette Healthcare Center
While in Montgomery County, I participated in the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Labette Health Independence Healthcare Center. Labette Health is headquartered in Parsons, and it opened an emergency department in Independence in 2017, two years after the community’s hospital closed. Since then, Labette Health has not only restored emergency services but also increased access to primary care, cancer infusions and laboratory services for area residents. I secured a $6 million federal investment to help fund the roughly $8 million cost of the facility’s expansion and to meet the region’s needs as a designated Medically Underserved and a Healthcare Primary Shortage Area.
Independence Healthcare Center is a testament to the importance of federal investment in improving healthcare access in rural America, and I look forward to seeing the success from this facility. Thank you to Labette Health Chief Executive Officer Brian Williams and the hospital’s Board of Trustees. It was great to be joined by Kansas State Senator Virgil Peck, Representative Doug Blex, Representative Ron Bryce, Independence City Commissioner Dean Hayse and Independence Mayor Scott Smith.
Touring Wilson Medical Center
Later on Friday, I stopped by the Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha. This 15-bed hospital provides the community with an emergency department, surgical services and certain specialty clinics. I have prioritized visiting every hospital in our state on a regular basis in order to better understand the unique needs of the towns they serve and the challenges they face. It is encouraging to see the continued efforts of Wilson Medical Center to make certain that Neodesha and the surrounding area have access to healthcare services. Thank you to Chief Financial Officer Lori Smith for providing an update on the important services their medical providers and staff provide daily to care for the community.
Touring Flesh Company in Parsons
This week, I was in Parsons to visit the Flesh Company, a local business that began in 1913 and specializes in trade-only printing. With more than 100 years of expertise and leadership in the industry, the Flesh Company is one of the largest private-label printed business product suppliers in the nation. The business serves a variety of customers, including Home Depot and industries such as healthcare, business and manufacturing. I appreciate the informative tour provided by General Manager Brad Keys, and thank you to City Manager Jeff Cantrell, Economic Development Director Jim Zaleski and Chamber Director Liz Cochran for joining.
Hearing from Kansas Farm Bureau Agricultural Representatives
On Saturday, I spoke with leaders in the agriculture industry from across the state at Kansas Farm Bureau’s Agriculture Leadership Breakfast at the Kansas State Fair. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I appreciate hearing from farmers and ranchers about the challenges they are facing. I spoke about the improvements to the farm safety net made through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the opportunity the administration has to secure market access for agriculture through trade deals. Thank you to Kansas Farm Bureau members and their President Joe Newland for hosting me at this long-running event.
Visit my Booth at the Kansas State Fair
The Kansas State Fair has begun and is open from now until September 14th. You can visit my booth in the Pride of Kansas building each day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Members of my staff are available to answer questions and provide information on constituent services. Click here to learn more about the State Fair.
Attending Kansas State University-Army Football Game
On Saturday, I attended the Kansas State University (KSU) vs. Army football game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan. I appreciated visiting with KSU students, alumni and administrators along with West Point cadets and servicemen and women of the United States Army, including Chanute-native U.S. Army Ranger and West Point Class of 2023 graduate Jack Martin and his family. Thank you to KSU for welcoming me, and thank you to the cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point and all our nation’s servicemembers for your continued service to our country.
Enroll This Fall: Working Parents Can Save More for Childcare
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, working parents can contribute more of their hard-earned paycheck to their flexible spending account (FSA) to help pay for services like childcare and preschool. Starting on January 1, 2026, the annual contribution for dependent care for families will be increased from $5,000 to $7,500.
During open season enrollment in mid-November to mid-December, you can enroll in or renew your enrollment in your Dependent Care FSA through FSAFEDS. Find more information and learn how to enroll here.
Now Open: KU Veterans Legal Support Clinic
The University of Kansas’ Veterans Legal Support Clinic is now open to help veterans across Kansas with free legal assistance as they transition into civilian life. This clinic, the only clinic of its kind in the U.S., aims to provide crucial assistance to veterans facing legal obstacles that can prevent them from succeeding in their civilian lives. The clinic also trains lawyers to assist veterans’ in Kansas and across the country with their legal needs. I secured federal resources to support this legal clinic to help make certain that our country can keep the promises we have made to our nation’s veterans. If you are a Kansas veteran or know one who would benefit from the resources of this clinic, you can find more information here.
Victory Over Japan Day
On September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered, marking the end of World War II. 80 years later, we honor and remember the heroic sacrifices of the Greatest Generation, whose service defended freedom and safeguarded the world from tyranny. To all of our veterans: we respect you, we thank you for your service and we love you.
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
David Gress of Seneca
Tsedenia Tesfaye of Overland Park
Stephany and Cameron Rohleder of Overland Park
Tonya Bailey of Silver Lake
Lance Bailey of Silver Lake
Diane Smith of Kansas City
Gary Smith of Kansas City
Targeted Justice
Chris Mettler of Overbrook
Sterling Battelle of Topeka
WSU Midwest Criminal Justice Institute
Kristin Brewer of Wichita
Rob Gerlach of Wichita
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