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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, along with U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) called on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to commit to maintaining medical services veterans receive through the Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) program as the VA prepares to deliver a consolidation plan for non-VA community care to Congress next week.
In a letter, the senators stated, “ARCH provides medical care for veterans living in rural areas or for those who are burdened with long wait times for services…According to Congressionally mandated reports to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs, more than 90 percent of veterans participating in ARCH are overwhelmingly satisfied with their access to care and the medical services they receive from the participating community providers.”
Since 2011, the ARCH pilot program has been operating in five rural sites across the country including Pratt, Kan. ARCH serves rural veterans by giving them access to health care from a community provider close to home instead of traveling several hours to seek care at a VA facility. The inclusion of a two-year extension of the ARCH program in the Choice Act helped to make certain rural veterans were able to continue accessing timely, high-quality care closer to home. Sen. Moran urges Secretary McDonald to capitalize on the demonstrated success of the ARCH program in the VA’s consolidated plan for non-VA, community care.
Sen. Moran has been an advocate for improved accessibility to health care for rural veterans through the ARCH program. In 2014, Sen. Moran sponsored the Choice Act, which implemented significant reforms at the VA and created the Choice Program – a pilot initiative based in part on the success of ARCH.
The full text of the senators’ letter is available here.
Sen. Moran encourages veterans in rural areas to enroll in VA health care and receive the care they have earned through the Choice Act. Click here to see if you qualify for the ARCH program.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke on the U.S. Senate Floor and issued the following statement to express his opposition to the two-year budget agreement. Sen. Moran has repeatedly voted against lifting the debt ceiling and believes it is irresponsible to increase spending without serious cuts to entitlements:
“Congress’ borrowing power is firmly rooted in our constitutional tradition, and the debt limit is an important tool to force us to maintain, or in recent years, regain a grip on fiscal responsibility. Congress may be able to suspend the debt ceiling, but it can’t suspend reality.
“Expenditures on entitlements – Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – continue to rise as more Americans retire and fewer workers replace them. As a result, over the next few decades, our debt will grow to more than three times the size of our entire economy. During my time in Congress, I have voted against lifting the debt ceiling because it is irresponsible to lift it without serious changes to the way we spend money. This budget deal does far too little to put us on the path toward fiscal solvency.
“The debate on government spending is often seen as a philosophical or academic, or an opportunity for more partisan point scoring here in Washington. The reality is our out-of-control government borrowing and spending is a moral issue, and it has very real consequences on the lives of Americans. Each time Congress lifts the debt ceiling without genuine and substantial reductions in spending, it undermines our nation’s long-term economic health and reduces the ability of our children and grandchildren to pursue the American Dream.
“The time to correct our failures is now. We know what is going to happen if we don’t act, and it is immoral for us to look the other way. The consequences of failing to tackle our debt crisis are far greater than failing to lift the debt ceiling yet again.”
Click here to view Sen. Moran’s speech on the U.S. Senate Floor.
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WASHINGTON – The United States Senate last night delivered a victory for our nation’s veterans by unanimously passing the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act (H.R. 313). Companion Senate legislation (S. 242) was introduced by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), which passed the Senate in July before advancing to the House. The legislation (H.R. 313) now heads to the president’s desk for his signature.
The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act will make certain disabled veterans receive the health care they need by providing first-year federal workers who have service-related disabilities with additional leave time for medical care.
“I am pleased this critical legislation to improve the lives of our nation’s veterans is on its way to the president’s desk,” Sen. Moran said. “Service-disabled veterans have demonstrated tremendous bravery in their selfless service, and we have a duty to make their transition to civilian life as seamless as possible. This legislation will help make certain our nation’s heroes may pursue careers in federal service and support their families, while also addressing their medical treatment needs.”
First-year government workers currently accrue four hours of sick leave each pay period. This forces many veterans with disabilities to take unpaid leave for medical appointments because they have not built up the necessary leave time. The Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act gives these veteran employees additional leave up front, freeing them from having to make the hard decision between receiving care and taking unpaid leave after they start their new job.
Click here to read Sens. Moran and Tester’s bipartisan Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) sponsored legislation this week to recalibrate prison sentences for certain drug offenders by allowing judges greater sentencing discretion for lower-level drug crimes. The bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015 (S. 2123) – introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and sponsored by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) – also aims to reduce violent crime and curb recidivism by helping prisoners successfully re-enter society.
“A fair and effective criminal justice system is critical to protecting our communities and upholding core American values,” Sen. Moran said. “I support these criminal justice reforms that combine to reduce recidivism, reduce violent crime, and reconsider the judicial treatment of non-violent offenders. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to pass this important legislation.”
The bill would narrow the scope of mandatory minimum prison sentences to focus on the most serious drug offenders and violent criminals, while broadening and establishing new outlets for individuals with minimal non-felony criminal histories that may trigger mandatory minimum sentences under current law. S. 2123 would also reduce certain mandatory minimums, provide judges with greater discretion when determining appropriate sentences, and preserve cooperation incentives to aid law enforcement in tracking down kingpins. Additionally, it would make the Fair Sentencing Act retroactive and certain statutory reforms that address inequities in drug sentences.
Earlier this year, Sen. Moran also sponsored the Smarter Sentencing Act (S. 502), which served as the foundation for several of the provisions found in S. 2123.
Reports from the U.S. Sentencing Commission estimate that these reforms would alleviate prison overcrowding and substantially reduce federal incarceration costs. Sen. Moran joins the American Bar Association, FreedomWorks, NAACP and numerous religious organizations in supporting these criminal justice reforms.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement today following President Obama’s veto of the fiscal year 2016 defense authorization bill:
“The president’s veto of our nation’s defense authorization bill is a reckless political maneuver that leaves our nation at risk. Our greatest constitutional responsibility is protecting our nation, and we must make certain our men and women in uniform are trained, ready and able to defend our nation from the ever-changing threats we face – especially in the rapidly deteriorating Middle East. By rejecting the bipartisan work of Congress, the president is putting the safety of those who serve our country at risk.”
The bill passed with broad support from senators who recognized the importance of putting the defense of the country ahead of engaging in a show of partisan politics. Funding for the military in fiscal year 2016 will remain in question pending a congressional override of the president’s veto.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), member of the Senate Appropriations Health Subcommittee, visited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week to learn more about how CDC safeguards the United States from health, safety and security threats. Sen. Moran was joined by The University of Kansas Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lee Norman. Dr. Norman also serves in the National Guard, and is an advisor to Homeland Security and regional disaster preparedness agencies.
“It is important for me to understand how the agency allocates its scientific expertise, tools and resources to promote health, prevent disease, and prepare for new health threats,” Sen. Moran said. “Our discussion focused on CDC’s response to disease outbreaks, including Ebola. I was pleased to be joined on the visit with KU Hospital’s Dr. Norman, and appreciate CDC Director Frieden hosting us.”
“I was pleased to join Senator Moran on his visit to the CDC, to meet with Dr. Frieden and his staff, to see and hear first-hand their remarkable work to date and to scope out the daunting tasks ahead,” Dr. Lee Norman said. “While the CDC’s roots have always been in stopping infectious illness and outbreaks, their less-appreciated role in tackling chronic diseases is well-recognized as critical to the health of this nation as well. Their work is getting more complex as time goes on.”
Dr. Frieden added, “With all of Senator Moran’s responsibilities in Washington and Kansas, we are so pleased he took the time to visit us at CDC. I am always proud to show our leaders how CDC works 24/7 to protect the health of Americans.”
During his visit, Sen. Moran met with CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden and two of the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officers – including a graduate of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. EIS Officers are on the scene when disease outbreaks or other threats emerge, as well as support more than 100 public health investigations each year in the United States and across the globe.
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Sen. Moran Hosts FDA Commissioner in Kansas
Visit Highlights Kansas Producers' Safe and Judicious Use of Antibiotics in Livestock
Oct 20 2015
GREAT BEND, KAN. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, hosted Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Commissioner Michael Taylor in Kansas on Friday, Oct. 16. They made stops in Manhattan, Kan., and Great Bend, Kan., along with experts and stakeholders at the local and state level.
“As someone who places tremendous value in learning about issues through conversations with Kansans, it was a pleasure to host FDA representatives to discuss important issues impacting our state,” Sen. Moran said. “The FDA plays a critical role in reducing resistance to medically important antibiotics and overseeing the safe and judicious use of antibiotics in livestock production. The responsible use of antibiotics is both an agriculture and public health issue, impacting everyone from farmers and ranchers, to veterinarians, to consumers. It’s important the FDA learn directly from the best experts in the field, including right here in Kansas, about the issue.”
FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine Michael R. Taylor said, “We are grateful to Senator Moran and his fellow Kansans for the opportunity to meet directly with livestock producers, veterinarians and veterinary students as we transition toward more veterinary oversight of legitimate uses of medically-important antibiotics in food producing animals. The actions the FDA has taken to date represent important steps in addressing antimicrobial resistance, and we look forward to continuing our work with stakeholders to ensure the judicious use of antimicrobials to protect public health while ensuring that sick and vulnerable animals can receive the treatment they need.”
Earlier this year at a Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Sen. Moran invited Commissioner Michael Taylor to visit Kansas. As chairman of the agriculture subcommittee, he has the opportunity to play a role in overseeing the activities at both the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). During the visit, Sen. Moran introduced Deputy Commissioner Taylor to Kansans to learn firsthand about some of the issues facing the state, particularly the agency’s oversight of antibiotic use in the livestock industry, which directly impacts Kansas agriculture producers and has implications on overall public health.
The visit included a tour of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine clinics, research labs, and diagnostic services. They also visited with a number of students about issues facing the next generation of veterinarians, their experience at K-State, and future plans after graduation. Additionally, they traveled to Great Bend Feeding to learn about the safe and judicious use of antibiotics in livestock production.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement today after the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the EPA from making changes to the regulatory definition of “waters of the United States” nationwide:
“The ruling today gives a voice to the concerns I heard from individuals in Kansas and across the country about the EPA’s flawed attempt to expand the definition of the waters of the United States. We can protect our nation’s waters without this kind of federal regulatory overreach and violation of private property rights that would harm our economy and cost us jobs. I am pleased this ruling will protect landowners from the new costs and burdens that would have been imposed by the regulation, and will continue working to get the Federal Water Quality Protection Act passed to make certain WOTUS implementation is halted indefinitely.”
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Moran supported the inclusion of a provision in the FY2016 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill to block funding for the implementation of the WOTUS rule.
Sen. Moran is also a sponsor of the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, a bill that would stop the implementation of the WOTUS regulations and force the agency to redraft it in a clear, legal manner that truly protects our nation’s waters without infringing on private property rights.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced legislation this week to increase the number of health professionals serving veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Sen. Moran’s bill, introduced with U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), will provide veterans who served as medics in the armed forces with the opportunity to attain the education and training needed to become a physician assistant.
“I am proud to introduce this initiative to support the servicemen and women who are transitioning back to civilian life,” Sen. Moran said. “The GOOD Pilot Program would allow veterans who have served their country and fellow service members as medics to leverage their unique skills and training to further their careers. It would also help to make certain their fellow veterans have greater access to timely, quality care.”
Currently, veterans who served as medics have the opportunity to work at the VA through the Intermediate Care Technicians (ICT) Pilot Program, but they do not receive the additional training they need to advance their careers at the VA.
Sen. Moran’s bill would authorize the Grow Our Own Directive (GOOD) Pilot Program for five years to advance training and education opportunities for participants of the ICT program, individuals who agree to work in VA facilities in underserved states, and former service members with military health experience. Once veterans are certified as physician assistants, they would be required to work at the VA for at least three years. Additionally, this bill would require the VA to establish competitive pay for physician assistants employed by the Department.
Physician assistants are one of the most in-demand positions at the VA. In September, USA Today reported that there is a 23 percent vacancy rate at the VA for physician assistants. According to the Veterans Affairs Physicians Assistants Association, there are an estimated 30,000 open physician assistant positions in the United States, making it difficult for the VA to recruit and retain physician assistants.
This bill is endorsed by the Veteran Affairs Physician Assistant Association, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Blinded Veterans Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Federation of Government Employees, and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).
“Ready access to quality patient care is among the most critical issues facing our nation’s veterans at VA healthcare facilities. We are thrilled that Senators Tester and Moran have sponsored legislation to increase the PA workforce, while creating a pathway for veterans to be educated in this critical healthcare profession. This creative model, along with needed policy improvements, holds great promise for the recruitment and retention of PAs at the VA,” said Jennifer L. Dorn CEO of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
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WASHINGTON – This week, the United States Senate passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) to congratulate the University of Kansas on its 150th Anniversary.
“On this historic anniversary, it is a pleasure to honor the students, faculty and fellow alumni of my alma mater, the University of Kansas,” Sen. Moran said. “From academia to public service to athletics, the University of Kansas represents the best our state has to offer. The University of Kansas has been critical to the success of our state and nation, and I look forward to continued success in the next 150 years.”
“Since its founding, the University of Kansas has received national recognition for the exceptional education it provides students,” Sen. Roberts said. “Over the past 150 years, from its humble beginning on the banks of the Kaw, The University of Kansas has expanded to accommodate the growing needs of its 28,000 students. I am proud of the important role they play in educating students from our state and from around the nation. It is with great pride that I recognize and congratulate the University of Kansas on its accomplishments over the past 150 years. Rock Chalk!”
Click here to read the full text of the resolution.
