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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today thanked Fort Hays State University (FHSU) students James Kelly of Elkhart, Kan., and Arin Powers of Mooreland, Okla., for serving as U.S. Senate Interns in his Washington, D.C., office this spring.
“James and Arin have been doing important work for Kansans and gaining valuable experience that will help them in the future.” Sen. Moran said. “I was an intern myself – it’s what got me interested in public service. Our interns continue to prove to me that there are a lot of great individuals across our state who have an interest in making a difference in the lives of others. People like James and Arin give me confidence that good things are going to happen in this country, especially in Kansas, because our kids are growing up to become impressive, hardworking adults.”
Kelly is a 2011 graduate of Elkhart High School and recently received a degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing from FHSU. He is joining Sen. Moran’s staff in Washington, D.C., full-time as correspondence director and hopes to further his education by pursuing a joint J.D./M.B.A. degree.
Powers is a 2011 graduate of Mooreland Junior-Senior High School and is in her senior year at FHSU. She will complete a bachelor’s degree in business management, and after graduation hopes to pursue a career in business and attend law school.
During their time working in the United States Senate, Kelly and Powers assisted Sen. Moran with legislative and administrative duties on behalf of the state of Kansas.
Kansans interested in applying for U.S. Senate Internships can learn more by visiting Sen. Moran’s website: https://www.moran.senate.gov.
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WASHINGTON – During a Senate Defense Appropriations Hearing this week, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) questioned Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford about the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay (GITMO), end-strength levels and cyber threats. Sen. Moran is staunchly opposed to the closure of GITMO and the transfer of detainees to facilities on American soil.
Sen. Moran Supports Legislation to Demand Accountability, Change Culture at VA
Bipartisan bill to hold bad actors at the VA accountable, prohibit bonuses for poor performers and protect whistleblowers
Apr 28 2016
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today praised the introduction of the Veterans First Act – comprehensive legislation that includes numerous provisions to improve services for our nation's veterans. The bill would demand a higher level of accountability from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) 335,000 employees in the wake of scandals that have plagued the VA. It would also give VA leadership tools to fire bad actors, prohibit bonuses for employees accused of wrongdoing, and institute protections for whistleblowers.
“I’m honored to serve veterans in Kansas and across the country as a member of this committee, and am pleased there are commonsense ideas included in this legislation to benefit those who served our nation,” Sen. Moran said. “One provision I’m particularly proud to see included is related to toxic exposure. Many veterans have experienced significant medical challenges related to their exposure to toxic substances, and unfortunately those same symptoms are showing up in their children and grandchildren who shouldn’t have to pay a price for the service of their parents and grandparents.”
Sen. Moran added, “The Veterans First Act also includes a number of fixes for the Choice Act – which despite its poor implementation by the VA – is a great opportunity for veterans, especially veterans who live in rural America. But, an equally important aspect is holding the VA accountable, and accountability is front and center in this legislation. Those who violate the trust of those who serve our country should suffer a consequence for that behavior.”
The Veterans First Act also includes numerous provisions to improve services for our nation’s veterans, including expanding a VA program that allows seriously-injured veterans to receive care in their own homes, enhancing programs for veterans’ mental health care, and beginning to address the VA’s massive backlog of veteran disability claims appeals.
Notable provisions stemming from legislation led by Sen. Moran include:
- Creates a mechanism for research on the potential health effects from toxic exposure to veterans and their descendants;
- Changes the culture at the VA by improving accountability to make it easier for the VA Secretary to remove bad actors, especially at the highest levels, of the department;
- Develop protections for whistleblowers and strengthen methods evaluating the performance of supervisory employees;
- Increases access to chiropractic care services for veterans at VA medical centers in each Veterans Integrated Service Network;
- Strengthens the Veterans Choice program by establishing prompt payment standards and streamlining the requirements for community medical providers to enter into agreements with the VA;
- Addresses the crisis of opioid over-prescription among veterans;
- Improves the disability claims and appeals process by requiring the VA to launch a pilot program that will cut down the massive backlog of appeals awaiting action.
Related Files:
Text of bill
Full bill one pager
Accountability one pager
Health one pager
Benefits one pager
Education one pager
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently appointed a new member to his agriculture policy team in Washington, D.C. Garrett Kays of Weir, Kan., will serve as a Legislative Correspondent in Sen. Moran’s Washington, D.C., office working alongside Legislative Assistant Judd Gardner.
“Garrett is an important addition to my legislative staff,” Sen. Moran said. “His background allows him to understand first-hand the challenges facing Kansas farmers and ranchers. Ensuring a bright future for agriculture in our state is one of my top priorities in the Senate, and I am confident he will serve Kansans well on my behalf.”
Kays will focus his efforts on agriculture and energy policy, as well as meet and work with Kansans and agriculture organizations to address policy concerns.
Kays will receive a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University next month. He previously served as an intern in Sen. Moran’s office, as well as at the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Land O’Lakes and Kansas State University. In addition to his studies and work experience, Kays was raised on a small cow/calf operation in Weir. He has been engaged in agriculture his entire life; he serves as a College of Agriculture Ambassador and was selected as a national Farm Foundation Roundtable Undergraduate Cultivator, among other accolades.
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Sen. Moran Visits Fort Leavenworth, Sees Great Progress in Army Education, SHARP Program
"As we try to make certain that good things happen in Kansas, Fort Leavenworth has become one of those shining examples where something exceptional is occurring that will benefit not only our state, but the nation."
Apr 25 2016
FORT LEAVENWORTH, KAN. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran visited Fort Leavenworth on Friday, April 22. He received a detailed briefing concerning numerous issues on the installation from Lt. Gen. Robert Brown, commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center. Other attendees of the meeting were Kirby Brown, deputy of the commanding general of U.S. Army Combined Arms Center; Lt. Gen. Robert Arter (Retired), civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army - Kansas; Maj. Gen. Victor Braden, commanding general for 35th Infantry Division; and Brig. Gen. Eugene LeBeouf, vice provost for Academic Affairs at The Army University.
“I’ve always cared about Fort Leavenworth and what goes on here,” Moran said. “It’s important to the Army, to the military and to the country. We wanted to make a stop today to be briefed by General Brown on the latest developments here. The post is a significant and integral part of Army education, and I wanted to make certain I knew what was going on at Fort Leavenworth and particularly wanted to know how I could be of help.”
Moran believes discussions with senior leadership at Fort Leavenworth will assist with his role on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, which has responsibility of determining where and how much money is spent on defense issues.
“I’m certainly an advocate for Fort Leavenworth, but I also want to know if there’s ways we can make sure the money is wisely spent, appropriately targeted and that the priorities the leadership here at Fort Leavenworth see as important are reflected in the budget,” Moran said.
Brown discussed the importance of Fort Leavenworth’s role in training and educating Army personnel. He emphasized the changing battlefield and challenges the Army face in a complex world full of uncertainty.
“In the past, it was complicated on the battlefield, but today it is complex because the battlefield has no boundaries,” Brown said. “Future military leaders need to contemplate the new unseen threats and be able to adapt and react faster than our adversaries.”
“It was reaffirmed to me today the importance of making sure we invest in the intellectual leadership and capabilities of those you serve our country,” Moran said. “World conditions have changed over time in such a way that simple training is no longer sufficient to be successful in our military efforts around the globe. We now need to help individuals who serve our country be more capable, more qualified and better able to meet the variety of circumstances that they are now going to experience.”
The Army University – a concept launched last year that encompasses all U.S. Army Training and Command schools – was one of the topics discussed during the visit.
“With the creation of The Army University we hope to provide Veterans with more options whenever they leave the military,” Brown said.
“There are a number of aspects to the university here at Fort Leavenworth,” Moran said. “One is to make certain those who serve our country have the necessary tools to perform their jobs. Secondly, our country desperately needs leaders and this will help ensure those individuals are available to both the public and private sector – to the military and the business sector. Additionally, it’s an opportunity for us to make certain that those who serve our country have the necessary certification and educational background to have successful, meaningful careers if – and when – they leave the military.”
Moran is known for spending a lot of his time working on veteran issues, making sure the Department of Veterans Affairs is meeting the needs of those they serve. He sees The Army University educating Soldiers while they serve as a way to reduce the heavy workload shouldered by the VA.
“When it comes to employment, it seems to me that if we adequately and appropriately train and educate our military men and women, when they fulfill their service we’ll have less of a challenge to the Department of Veterans Affairs in helping those individuals get a skill set that allows them to be employable,” Moran said.
After receiving the briefing on The Army University, Moran said he believes this institution could provide an ideal solution to this issue.
“(The Army University) is a great development,” Moran said. “It’s a necessity due to the changing nature of the threats we face in this world, but it also is an investment in people, which is most important aspect of defending our country.”
He was also impressed with the idea of The Army University providing credentials to service members when they transition to the civilian sector.
“In my view, we’re taking care of the defense needs of our country, but we’re also investing in the individual Soldier so he or she has a bright future when they leave the Army,” Moran said. “You shouldn’t have to be recertified to do a career you’ve pursued in military life. You ought to have your credentials follow you into the private sector.”
Moran went on to say he is sponsoring legislation to allow Veterans the option to use their G.I Bill education benefits to assist in starting a business in lieu of education.
“If Veterans don’t need the money for an education they should be able to use it toward starting a business,” Moran said.
Since Fort Leavenworth is home to the U.S. Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Academy - the only one of its kind in the military, it was another major topics discussed during the visit. Moran said he pays a lot of attention to domestic violence issues while serving in Congress and as a member of the Board of Visitors for the Air Force Academy.
“I was pleased to receive the briefing today on SHARP,” Moran said. “In both the public and military sectors, I’ve had concerns about the threat and instances of assault. It is pleasing to me to see the emphasis this program is receiving - not just here at Fort Leavenworth, but - throughout the military. It’s clear to me this is not just some program created to try to get the focus off of the issue. It’s a program created - and expertise developed - to actually rid us, as best we can, of the assaults that occur.”
After the briefing, Moran shared his excitement as a Kansas Senator the for increasing role Fort Leavenworth and the Command and General Staff College are playing across the military and civilian sectors in providing leaders for the nation.
“Obviously this is good for our country and our military,” Moran said. “But as a Kansan, I’m proud this is occurring in our state and I see significant potential. Fort Leavenworth is a place that’s going to grow - increase its importance within the Pentagon. As we try to make certain that good things happen in Kansas, Fort Leavenworth has become one of those shining examples where something exceptional is occurring that will benefit not only our State, but the nation.”
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WASHINGTON – During a Senate Defense Appropriations Hearing this week, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) urged Department of Defense (DoD) officials to leverage Wichita State University’s (WSU) unique research, development and testing, and engineering capabilities to maintain and prepare military aircraft, which would lead to cost savings and acquisition efficiencies.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today commended the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Fallen Heroes Flag Act (S. 2755). Sen. Moran was a sponsor of the legislation, which honors fallen first responders by providing their immediate family members with American flags flown over the United States Capitol.
“Law enforcement officers, firefighters, members of rescue squads and ambulance crews, and public safety officers are the everyday heroes of our communities,” Sen. Moran said. “We owe much gratitude to those killed in the line of duty, and I was proud to sponsor and support this legislation, which gives us a chance to demonstrate our appreciation to those who have served and sacrificed for the safety of others.”
The legislation, introduced by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) now awaits consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The full text of the Fallen Heroes Flag Act may be found here.
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Sen. Moran Praises Senate Passage of Equus Beds Extension
Legislation ensures safe drinking water supply in south central Kansas
Apr 20 2016
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) legislation (S. 2488) to extend federal funding authorization for the Equus Beds Aquifer Recharge and Recovery Project by 10 years passed the U.S. Senate today.
“The Equus Beds Aquifer Recharge and Recovery Project has significant consequences not only for Wichita, but also for all aquifer stakeholders,” Sen. Moran said. “I’m pleased legislation to support this project passed the United States Senate, and look forward to swift consideration and passage in the House. This bill will help make certain citizens of South Central Kansas have a safe drinking water supply for decades to come.”
“The City of Wichita appreciates Senator Moran’s efforts to quickly introduce and pass critical legislation to support the Equus Beds project to ensure a safe drinking water supply for our region,” Wichita Mayor Jeff Longwell said. “Our community has made a significant investment in this project, and we are delighted to be one step closer to safeguarding this asset for future generations.”
The original authorization of federal funds for the project – which is administered by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) under the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) – began on Oct. 5, 2006, and was valid for 10 years from that date. Expiration of the authorization would make the project ineligible for further federal funding. Equus Beds is the primary fresh water source for south central Kansas and lies under parts of Sedgwick, Harvey, Reno and McPherson Counties.
The legislation, which is also sponsored by U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), would allow for ongoing discussions to take place with the USBR regarding the available options to make certain the federal government fulfills its obligations to protect Wichita’s primary source of potable water.
Sen. Moran has visited the Equus Beds and Groundwater Management District office in Halstead, Kan., and met with District Manager Tim Boese to learn about the aquifer and the groundwater management practices.
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Sen. Moran Announces Federal Screening Services to Resume at Salina Regional Airport
Two Weeks After Meeting in Sen. Moran’s Office, TSA Confirmed Federal Screening Will Resume
Apr 20 2016
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced that “upon further review” the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will provide federal screening resources at Salina Regional Airport (KSLN) in Salina, Kan.
TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger, Salina Airport Authority Executive Director Tim Rogers and Great Lakes Airlines CEO Doug Voss met in Sen. Moran’s Washington office on April 6, 2016, and two weeks later TSA confirmed its commitment to restore federalized security screening to the airport.
“Air service means so much to Salina and Central Kansas, and without this decision Salina would not be able to resume commercial service,” Sen. Moran said. “The safety of travelers in both Kansas and at destination airports would be jeopardized without proper security screening. I appreciate the commonsense decision made by TSA Administrator Neffenger to ensure thousands of Kansans will be able to fly safely and efficiently from Salina to their final destinations. Thanks to Tim Rogers and Doug Voss for your persistence and leadership to help resolve this important issue.”
Great Lakes was scheduled to begin nonstop commercial service from Salina, Kan., to Denver, Colo., on April 1, 2016, but that service has been postponed indefinitely while KSLN waited for a commitment from TSA to provide federalized security screening. However, the process of transferring necessary security screening equipment and personnel could still take several weeks.
Sen. Moran sponsors the TSA Fairness Act (S. 2549), which would require TSA to provide federalized screening services at any U.S. airport that lost commercial service since 2013 and has a commitment from a commercial carrier to resume service, such as KSLN. Last month, Sen. Moran offered this legislation as an amendment to the FAA Reauthorization bill and it was successfully adopted.
Yesterday, the full Senate passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2016 (S. 2658), by a 95-3 vote. This legislation reauthorizes the FAA through Fiscal Year 2017, and now heads to the House for consideration.
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Sen. Moran Sponsors Bill to Ensure Responsible Update of Federal Overtime Rules
Bill would stop Department of Labor from redefining overtime rules
Apr 19 2016
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week sponsored the Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act (S. 2707) to challenge the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) troubling actions to drastically redefine exemptions to overtime rules.
“DOL’s proposed overtime rules changes will damage both the workforce and employers by imposing costly regulatory burdens on the businesses and nonprofits that can afford it least,” Sen. Moran said. “This legislation will prevent a bad idea from being rushed into effect, and guarantee the voices of Kansans are considered in the conversation about overtime regulations.”
Overview
In 2014, the Obama Administration began an effort to update the rules surrounding federal wage and hour standards. As part of that effort, DOL released a proposal that would more than double the salary threshold under which employees qualify for overtime pay. Concerns have been raised by a broad range of businesses and nonprofits that the department’s proposed rule would result in workers having less flexibility and opportunity for advancement in the workplace. The proposal would also raise costs on small businesses, while doing nothing to streamline a complex and outdated maze of overtime rules.
With the department expected to release a final rule in the coming months, S. 2707 would:
- Prevent the department from finalizing a proposal that will limit opportunities for employees and place significant burdens on job creators;
- Require the department to fully and accurately consider the economic impact of any rule on small businesses, nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and others who will be affected;
- Ensure future changes to the salary threshold accurately reflect the economic realities facing workers and employers by making clear automatic increases are not allowed under current law; and
- Promote transparency and accountability by requiring any changes to the duties tests be made available for public review and comment.
The full text of the Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act can be found here.
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