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Sen. Moran Cosponsors ARTICLE ONE Act
Legislation would restore Congressional authority over emergency declarations
Mar 13 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Committee – released the following statement after cosponsoring the Assuring that Robust, Thorough, and Informed Congressional Leadership is Exercised Over National Emergencies (ARTICLE ONE) Act:
“The National Emergencies Act of 1976 cedes too much of Congress’s legislative and appropriations authority to the president. The ARTICLE ONE Act appropriately rebalances the law to restore Congressional authority over taxpayer funds, while still giving the president the ability to act quickly when facing a national emergency.”
The ARTICLE ONE Act was introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
This legislation would restore to Congress significant legislative powers that were improperly given to the executive branch by the National Emergencies Act (NEA) of 1976. Specifically, the ARTICLE ONE Act would automatically end all future emergency declarations made pursuant to the NEA after 30 days unless Congress votes affirmatively to extend the emergency. Currently, Congress can cancel an emergency declaration only by passing a resolution that can withstand a presidential veto.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
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U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation – questioned industry representatives on the impact of broadband investments in rural America during a Commerce Committee hearing on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.
Sen. Moran Measure to Improve & Modify Fort Scott National Historic Site Signed into Law
Mar 12 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded the president’s signing of the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act, which was included in S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act, a package of over 100 bills relating to public lands, natural resources and water projects.
“I am pleased that the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act is law of the land, making certain that our state’s history will be kept alive for future generations,” said Sen. Moran. “I have enjoyed working with Fort Scott community leaders over the past several years to secure this boundary modification – it is because of their continued dedication and enthusiasm that this bill has finally crossed the finish line. I know that the Fort Scott National Historic Site will remain a point of pride for Kansans, and safe and enjoyable for visitors.”
“The Fort Scott National Historic Site is the heart of our community,” said City Manager Dave Martin. “We appreciate the support of President Trump, Senator Moran, Congressman Watkins, former Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, and the many other people that have worked on this expansion over the years. It’s a proud moment for the City of Fort Scott to see this accomplished and we look forward to the growth of the Fort created by this legislation.”
“The Fort Scott community acknowledges the diligence executed by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran to author legislation as the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act, included in S. 47, and see it through to passing and the signature of President Trump,” said Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison. “This is a great milestone for our site to protect and preserve the adjacent Lunette Blair Civil War Block House, and to acquire additional property to shelter staff and visitors in emergency weather conditions. The National Historic Site hosts over 25,000 visitors annually of all ages that will benefit from these improvements. Our community values the Fort as the cornerstone of our city, and it is impressive for the site to gain recognition on a national level.”
“We greatly appreciate the fulfillment of this milestone, as our Friends group continues to support the mission and programs at the National Historic Site,” said Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Reed Hartford.
The Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act will improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site in Fort Scott, Kan. by allowing the care of the Lunette Blair Civil War Block House to be transferred to the National Park Service (NPS). Additionally, it will modify the site’s boundaries so future improvements can be made to enrich the quality of visitors’ experiences. Site managers indicated the location lacks an adequate public emergency shelter. Specifically, a shelter is needed in the event of severe weather to protect volunteers and regular visitors, such as local school children. The potential buildings in the site’s new boundaries could be used for other functions, such as an on-site storage area for artifacts currently stored outside the community due to space limitations, or as an educational center for visitors and local schools.
Items to note:
- On September 29, 2015, Sen. Moran introduced legislation to improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
- On January 23, 2017, Sen. Moran reintroduced legislation to improve the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
- Last month, the Senate passed the Fort Scott National Historic Site Boundary Modification Act as part of the Natural Resources Management Act on a 92-8 vote.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement on the passing of Wichita State University President John Bardo:
“Working with President Bardo to advance the interests of students in Kansas and across the country has been a distinct pleasure, and his impact on Wichita State will be felt for generations to come. President Bardo was a public servant, believing wholeheartedly that as president of WSU, his job was to help students transform their lives and build meaningful careers that would have an impact on the Wichita region, Kansas and the country. Please join Robba and me in praying for the Bardo family and the entire Wichita family as we celebrate and reflect on President Bardo’s life.”
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Sens. Moran, Smith Reintroduce Bill to Make Life-Saving Orally Administered Cancer Medications More Affordable
Legislation Makes Certain Oral Drugs are Covered in Same Way as Traditional IV Chemotherapy
Mar 12 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) today reintroduced the Cancer Drug Parity Act to bring down healthcare costs for cancer patients by making certain insurance companies cover orally administered cancer drugs in the same way as traditional intravenous (IV) chemotherapy.
“As the number of orally administered cancer drugs increase each year, patients ought to be able to immediately benefit from these medical advancements,” said Sen. Moran. “This sensible legislation would keep health insurance on pace with the latest cancer treatments, build on laws already implemented in 43 states and expand access to orally administered cancer drugs for 100 million individuals covered through group and individual health plans. I am a strong supporter of medical research to find new treatments, therapies and cures, and I will work to make certain these cutting-edge treatments can reach cancer patients and ultimately save lives.”
“Advances in cancer treatment have made it possible for Americans to get life-saving oral cancer medication. This means people can now take the life-saving medicine they need without having to leave their homes, and in a far less intrusive way than traditional IV chemotherapy,” said Sen. Smith. “But since oral cancer medications are self-administered, many people are having to shell out more dollars because this medication isn’t covered the same way as IV treatments. I’m reintroducing my bipartisan bill with Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas to put a stop to charging more for oral cancer drugs because we should be doing all we can to make life-saving cancer treatment more affordable for all Americans.”
“Science is dramatically changing the way cancer is treated. Even with these breakthroughs, too many cancer patients can’t access their treatments because insurance rules have not kept pace with innovation,” said Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D., President and CEO of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “The Cancer Drug Parity Act will eliminate the financial barriers that stand between many cancer patients and the breakthrough treatments that could save their lives. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society applauds Senator Smith and Senator Moran for their leadership on behalf of cancer patients and stands ready to work with Congress to move this important bill forward.”
Currently, over 40 states – including Kansas and Minnesota – and the District of Columbia have passed “oral parity” laws that stop insurers from charging more for prescribed orally administered cancer medicine than traditional (IV) chemotherapy. The Cancer Drug Parity Act would build on this work by expanding these protections at the federal level.
The Cancer Drug Parity Act would prevent insurers from covering oral and self-administered medicines at different cost sharing rates than traditional IV chemotherapy. It would not mandate that healthcare plans provide chemotherapy coverage, but rather only apply to plans already covering chemotherapy.
This bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
The Cancer Drug Parity Act has broad support from a number of organizations, including AIM at Melanoma, American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, Association of Community Cancer Centers, Association of American Cancer Institutes, Astellas Pharma US, CancerCare, Cancer Support Community, Celgene, Community Oncology Alliance, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer, Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), Fight Colorectal Cancer, Genentech, Inc., Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, International Myeloma Foundation, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, LUNGevity, Lymphoma Research Foundation, Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Co., Medical College of Wisconsin, National Brain Tumor Society, National Patient Advocate Foundation, Oncology Nursing Society, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Patient Services, Incorporated, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Susan G. Komen, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Richard J Solove Institute, WVU Medicine and Zero – The End of Prostate Cancer.
Items to note:
- A summary of the legislation can be found here, and full text of the bill can be found here.
- On December 12, 2018, Sens. Moran and Smith first introduced this legislation.
- On December 14, 2018, numerous organizations and individuals expressed their support for the Cancer Drug Parity Act.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Committee – today issued the following statement after President Trump released his budget request for FY2020:
“I am encouraged the president’s budget outline fully supports the implementation of the VA MISSION Act, includes a significant and well-deserved pay raise for our troops and bolsters border security and immigration enforcement at our ports of entry. I remain committed to working with President Trump to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington while keeping our country safe and secure.
“I am still assessing the president’s outline and I look forward to seeing his full budget next week – specifically as it pertains to programs under my Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies’ funding jurisdiction. As we gather more details and conduct oversight hearings with department and agency heads over the next several months, I will work with my colleagues and the administration in a bipartisan manner to fund the priorities most important to Kansans and Americans.”
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Sens. Moran, Peters Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Reiterating Support for the United States Postal Service
Mar 07 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) today led 23 of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing a bipartisan resolution opposing privatization of the United States Postal Service (USPS). The resolution notes that the USPS is a self-sustaining establishment and that potential privatization would result in higher prices and reduced services for USPS customers, especially in rural communities.
“The U.S. Postal Service has a significant history in Kansas dating back to the Pony Express, and it continues to play a vital role in the American economy – especially in Kansas’ rural communities,” said Sen. Moran. “In order to provide certainty for rural America and to protect taxpayers, Congress must continue to assert itself and push back on any proposals to privatize the USPS, which threaten its future and the well-being of the communities the Postal Service serves. I will continue working with my colleagues to fight for our rural communities and the future of the USPS.”
“Since 1775, the United States Postal Service and its dedicated employees – including over 100,000 of our nation’s veterans – have performed an essential government service, maintaining an affordable and universal network that connects households and businesses in rural, suburban and urban communities,” said Sen. Peters. “Congress should take all appropriate measures to prevent privatization and ensure the Postal Service remains a strong institution that will serve the American people for generations to come.”
The USPS is a self-supporting, independent entity that relies on revenue derived from the sale of postal products and services, not on taxpayer dollars. The USPS employs over half a million Americans, including over 105,000 military veterans, who provide postal services to more than 157 million residential and business customers. The USPS serves as the center of the $1.4 trillion mailing industry, which employs 7.5 million people in the United States.
This resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).
The measure is also supported by the National Association of Letter Carriers, the American Postal Workers Union, the National Rural Letter Carriers Association, the National Association of Postal Supervisors, the United Postmasters and Managers of America, and the Coalition for a 21st Century Postal Service.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (Mont.) – members of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – today introduced their bipartisan Care and Readiness Enhancement (CARE) for Reservists Act to improve Guardsmen and Reservists’ access to consistent mental health services, regardless of their deployment status. Currently, members of the National Guard and Reserves undergo annual health assessments to identify medical issues that could impact their ability to deploy, but any follow-up care must almost always be pursued at their own expense.
“It is critical we provide our servicemembers every opportunity to access mental healthcare” said Sen. Moran. “Unfortunately, many National Guardsmen and Reservists struggle to receive mental healthcare when they are not deployed or drilling. This legislation will remove existing barriers to care for National Guardsmen and Reservists by allowing them to access readjustment counseling at VA Medical Centers and through VA mental health services. We have a duty to care for the men and women who bravely serve our nation, especially as it relates to mental illness and thoughts of suicide. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that moves us closer toward delivering on this promise.”
"We’ve got to do everything we can to improve access to mental health care services for every man and woman who serves in uniform," said Sen. Tester. "Our bill will go a long way toward expanding mental health options for our citizen soldiers and airmen, particularly those in rural areas, and shows them we are serious about treating the invisible wounds of war."
The CARE for Reservists Act allows the Department of Defense to fund needed behavioral or mental healthcare, regardless of whether that reservist is within his or her pre-deployment window or has never deployed at all. Their bill also allows members of the Guard and Reserve to access Vet Centers for mental health screening and counseling, employment assessments, education training and other services to help them return to civilian life.
The CARE For Reservists Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
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Senate Passes Moran, Roberts Legislation to Provide Honorary Military Promotion for Sen. Bob Dole
Mar 06 2019
WASHINGTON – Legislation to grant an honorary military promotion for former U.S. Senator Bob Dole is one step closer to becoming law, after the U.S. Senate passed S. 252. U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) introduced this legislation in January to authorize the honorary promotion of Bob Dole to the grade of colonel in the U.S. Army.
“I can think of no one more worthy of an honorary promotion to the rank of colonel in the United States Army than Senator Bob Dole, who has for decades served our country with the utmost distinction,” said Sen. Moran. “From his time in the military and in Congress, to his continued leadership on veterans, hunger and disability issues, he is a true model of public service for Kansans and all Americans. It is only fitting that Senator Dole be promoted for his exemplary service and sacrifice as an Army officer and I am pleased that the United States Senate unanimously agrees.”
“Senator Bob Dole is an American hero and Kansas’ favorite son. I’m proud my colleagues in the Senate acted quickly to pass this important legislation, which will give Senator Dole the military promotion he has earned during his decades of service to our country,” said Sen. Roberts. “I urge the U.S. House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead in passing this legislation.”
Sens. Moran and Roberts introduced this legislation after an Army advisory panel reviewed Dole’s service to the Armed Forces, veterans and the national security of the United States in 2018 and recommended Dole receive an honorary promotion from captain to colonel. The Secretary of the Army endorsed this recommendation and forwarded it to Congress for further action.
“There are few Americans who have compiled such a record of leadership and achievement in both war and peace as has Sen. Bob Dole,” said Secretary of the Army Mark Esper. “This promotion is in recognition of the Army’s continued appreciation for Senator Dole’s bravery, service and lifelong commitment to improving the lives of men and women in uniform.”
“Bob Dole’s legacy of valor in combat and lifelong career of selfless service to the nation represents the highest ideals and values of the Army as well as the Greatest Generation,” said Chief of Staff of the Army General Mark Milley.
Rep. Roger Marshall (KS-01) introduced a companion bill earlier this year, which awaits action in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“It was really good to see the Senate take swift action on this,” said Congressman Marshall. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honorary promotion than Kansas’ finest, Senator Dole. I now call on the House to honor his exemplary service and sacrifices to this country and pass this legislation.”
Dole enrolled in the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps in 1942 while he was a student at the University of Kansas. He was called to active duty the following year and served in World War II. While deployed to Italy as an infantry lieutenant, he was seriously wounded in combat and was twice cited for acts of heroism under fire. He finished his military service with two Purple Hearts and two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with “v” device for valor. He was also awarded the American Campaign medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal and the World War II Victory medal.
Following his military service, Dole was elected to Congress where he served from 1961 to 1969. He was then elected to the Senate where he served from 1969 until 1996.
Dole received the Congressional Gold Medal last year, after all 100 United States Senators cosponsored legislation for this award. Senator Dole is only the 8th senator to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1997.
This honorary promotion will have no cost to taxpayers.
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