WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) will serve as the next co-chair of the U.S. Senate Aerospace Caucus. The future of aerospace and aviation is especially important to the state of Kansas and the community of Wichita, known as the “Air Capital of the World.” Roughly 32,000 Kansans support more than 450 aerospace companies – from large companies like Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, Bombardier and Textron, to hundreds of smaller suppliers – and their work contributes more than $7 billion annually to Kansas’ economy.

Sen. Moran joins U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) as co-chair and replaces U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) who has served as co-chair since 2011 and is retiring at the end of this Congress.

"Safeguarding our nation for future generations means both a strong national defense and a strong economy,” Sen. Moran said. “The aerospace industry is where these two priorities converge. That is why I am proud to be co-chairing the Senate Aerospace Caucus. Promoting education, workforce and research development, as well as increasing manufacturing within the aerospace industry is vital to our Kansas and national economies. I look forward to continuing my work to make certain this historical and innovative American industry remains strong, secure and competitive globally."

"When a Navy P8 pilot takes off from Whidbey Island, Washington, he is flying not only one of the most advanced maritime surveillance aircraft in the world, but also a product of both Wichita, Kansas, and Renton, Washington,” Sen. Murray said. “When an Air Force KC-46 pilot launches from McConnell Airbase in Wichita, she’s seated in a cockpit made in Kansas and assembled into a modern air to air refueling platform in Washington. I have always respected Senator Moran for his integrity and energy and I look forward to working with him to ensure that these kinds of productive collaborations can continue as we fight to ensure a strong and competitive American aerospace sector."

"I can think of no one more appropriate to take my place as co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus than Senator Jerry Moran,” said Sen. Chambliss. “He is a strong and passionate advocate for the industry and, alongside Senator Murray, he will lead this caucus to even greater heights. The United States has the most robust aerospace and defense program in the world, and I know that Senator Moran will continue to serve as a great champion for this important industry."

"AIA welcomes Senator Jerry Moran’s selection to co-chair the Senate Aerospace Caucus,” said Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “Kansas is a major center for aerospace innovation, and we know Senator Moran will continue advocating for strong U.S. leadership in this field.  Our industry makes an important contribution to our nation’s economy and national security, and we look forward to working with Senator Moran to keep our nation second to none.”

Founded in 2010, the Senate Aerospace Caucus provides a forum for Senators and aerospace industry representatives to discuss issues of importance to the nation’s defense, civil aviation and space sectors. The aerospace caucus:

• Provides critical oversight of the U.S. government’s aerospace defense industry program;

• Promotes increased government investment in U.S. aviation infrastructure and development;

• Ensures a competitive industrial base; and

• Promotes education and workforce development programs that prepare Americans for careers in the aerospace industry.

Kansas serves as a crossroads for global aerospace. According to the Kansas Aviation Museum, Kansas aviation workers have supplied 74 percent of all general aviation aircraft since the Wright Brother’s first flight at Kitty Hawk. Today, roughly 32,000 Kansans support more than 450 aerospace companies – from large companies like Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, Bombardier and Textron, to hundreds of smaller suppliers – and their work contributes more than $7 billion annually to our state’s economy. General aviation is Kansas’ largest industry and generates nearly $2.9 billion in exports each year.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee – today called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to listen to feedback from producers in Kansas and across the country who have real concerns about the creation of a new beef checkoff under the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996.

“Cattlemen have been loud and clear in their objections to a new beef checkoff,” Sen. Moran said. “I am deeply concerned that USDA is ignoring the voices of producers. I believe changes to the checkoff should be supported by producers, and not forced upon them by the federal government.”

See below the full text of the letter to Sec. Vilsack:

November 20, 2014

The Honorable Thomas J. Vilsack

Secretary of Agriculture

United States Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Ave., SW Room 200-A

Washington DC 20250

Dear Mr. Secretary:

Recently the U.S. Department of Agriculture requested public input on the development of a checkoff program that would operate parallel to the current Beef Checkoff Program. As you are aware, there are serious concerns within the beef industry with a checkoff established under the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996. I share those concerns and do not support this administrative, top-down approach from the federal government to develop a new, separate checkoff under the 1996 Act.

The current Beef Checkoff Program, created under the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985, has proven to be successful in both the research and promotion of U.S. beef. A recent Cornell University study concluded between 2006 and 2013 there was an $11.20 return to the beef industry for each $1 invested in the checkoff. Given the high rate of return, it is not surprising a Beef Producer Attitude Survey conducted earlier this year found that a vast majority of beef producers across the country express overall support for the current checkoff and believe it is well managed.

Much of the success of the current Beef Checkoff Program is attributable to its structure. After rejecting two previous versions, producers supported the checkoff created under the 1985 Act partially due to the fact that it allows for significant grassroots involvement. In particular, the current checkoff involves state beef councils like the Kansas Beef Council. This crucial grassroots involvement is not assured under the 1996 Act. In addition, there is a good chance a new, separate checkoff created under the 1996 Act operating parallel to the current checkoff would add administrative expenses and red tape to the current successful system.

While it is easy to find substantial evidence of its success, I support the ongoing efforts by the beef industry to find ways to enhance the checkoff. The Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group, comprised of an array of general farm and livestock groups, has worked diligently to craft consensus reforms to enhance the checkoff. There is no doubt that $1 today has less buying power compared to 1985 when the Beef Checkoff Program was established. Yet, the decision on whether to increase the checkoff, or to make other modifications to the structure of the checkoff, should rest in the hands of the producers who fund the checkoff, not the federal government.

Using executive authority under the 1996 Act to placate a minority of cattle producers would run counter to its purpose and result in a less effective program. If you persist with this course of action, it will not be viewed favorably by Congress, which specifically created the 1985 Act to meet the needs of the beef industry and function as a producer operated program.

The current Beef Checkoff Program established under the 1985 Act is successful and popular. I understand your frustration with the progress made thus far by the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group and the temptation to make rash decisions for the industry. However, I join beef producers and cattlemen across the country in insisting that you leave the decision to potentially modify the checkoff to the beef industry and not create a new beef checkoff under the 1996 Act.

Sincerely,

Jerry Moran

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, the U.S. Senate passed S. Res. 588 – a resolution introduced by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – to recognize the importance of hospitals and other health care providers to the survival and success of communities in Kansas and throughout the country.  Sen. Moran introduced the original version of this bipartisan Senate resolution (S. Res. 26) in February 2013, and he introduced the updated version earlier this week to pass the Senate in commemoration of National Rural Health Day, which was celebrated yesterday.

“When visiting towns across Kansas, I am reminded of what I loved about growing up in rural America – the strong sense of community,” Sen. Moran said. “Our special way of life in these towns would not be possible without the quality health care that our rural doctors, nurses, support staff, and administrators provide. Additionally, rural health care providers are a vital part of the local economy of a community. I am pleased that last night the Senate formally recognized the importance of rural health care.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement on President Obama’s plan to issue an executive order on immigration:

“I am deeply concerned about the President offering amnesty to millions of individuals who have entered the country illegally. The President is aware that he is overstepping his bounds – and has explained at least 22 times that he does not have the authority to unilaterally alter immigration laws. I oppose President Obama’s plan to act alone on an issue of such importance. The President is choosing to allow 5 million people to jump the line in front of those who have followed the rules and are waiting to come to our country legally. This irresponsible decision encourages and incentivizes illegal activity – it will increase the number of people illegally entering the United States, while making it more difficult for Congress to address the problems of our immigration system.

“President Obama declared his policies were under referendum on Election Day. He was correct, and on November 4, the American people voted to take our country in a different direction.”

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