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Chairman Moran Convenes Hearing on Preventing Veteran Suicide

Kansas Witnesses Include Military Veteran Project CEO and VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare System Suicide Prevention Coordinator

May 01 2017

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and Related Agencies – convened the subcommittee’s second hearing of the 115th Congress last week to address how Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs and community partners can work together to meet the needs of veterans in crisis.

“We must make certain no veteran feels abandoned by the country they served when they make the brave decision to seek mental healthcare services,” Chairman Moran said. “Congress must better understand how to support the Department, the Department should seek assistance from community partners and embrace the helpful findings of outside experts, and veterans’ support groups must be vocal about the needs of in-crisis veterans and their families. I hope this hearing helps bring us together to end veteran suicide – even one suicide is too many.”

Witnesses included:

  • Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D.
    Veterans Health Administration Deputy Undersecretary for Health for Organizational Excellence
  • Dr. Harold S. Kudler, M.D.
    Veterans Health Administration Chief Consultant for Mental Health Services
  • Stephanie A. Davis, Ph.D.
    Veterans Health Administration VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System
    Suicide Prevention Coordinator and Staff Psychologist
  • Melissa D. Jarboe
    Military Veteran Project Chief Executive Officer
  • The Honorable Michael L. Missal
    U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General
  • Rajeev Ramchand, Ph.D.
    Rand Corporation Senior Behavioral Scientist

Click here to watch the hearing.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement applauding the inclusion of food aid funding in the FY2017 omnibus bill:

“The world is facing one of the greatest humanitarian crises in modern history. Estimates show that nearly 70 million people worldwide will need emergency food assistance this year. Fighting global hunger is not only the right thing to do, it also reduces conflict and civil unrest and promotes stability in regions important to our national interests. Utilizing food grown by American farmers and ranchers also provides an important export market for our ag producers. This will require strong American leadership, which is why the billions in food aid included in this funding bill are so critical.

“Earlier this year, I requested detailed plans from USAID and USDA on our efforts to respond to the declared famine in South Sudan and near famine conditions in Nigeria, Somalia, and Yemen – where almost 20 million people are facing starvation. These funds will provide lifesaving assistance to millions suffering from hunger and food insecurity in these nations.”

Background

  • Sen. Moran serves as co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus and previously chaired the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which allocates funding for certain USAID and USDA global food programs. He remains a member of that subcommittee.
  • Click here to learn more about Sen. Moran’s views on the importance of food aid.
  • The FY2017 omnibus bill includes $1.9 billion for Food for Peace Title II funding, a USAID initiative that provides in-kind donations of American agriculture commodities to countries with critical food needs. The bill also maintains funding for McGovern-Dole Education, a program that promotes education for children by providing meals at schools located in areas most critically in need.


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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement applauding the inclusion of $2 billion in NIH funding in the FY2017 omnibus bill:

“Funding for the National Institutes of Health is absolutely essential to investing in the next generation of Americans. The priority we place on NIH research now has the capacity to save millions of lives long into the future. This $2 billion increase assists our nation’s top researchers in finding ground-breaking discoveries, including new treatments and cures for diseases, which makes our healthcare system more effective and efficient while also lowering overall healthcare costs.”


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Sens. Moran and Udall Introduce MGT Act

Legislation Would Accelerate Adoption of Cloud Computing by Federal Agencies

Apr 28 2017

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) – both members of the Senate Commerce and Appropriations Committees – today introduced the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act (S. 990/H.R. 2227). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is designed to reduce wasteful IT spending and strengthen information security by accelerating the federal government’s transition to modern technology like cloud computing.

“In the 10 months since we first introduced legislation, Americans have come to understand firsthand the importance of cybersecurity,” Sen. Moran said. “Meanwhile, federal government data and critical infrastructure are currently compromised by outdated IT systems incapable of supporting best practices to help safeguard sensitive information. Bringing the government’s aging IT systems into the 21st century would not only shore up our cybersecurity, but also save billions of taxpayer dollars through reductions in wasteful spending for years to come. The IT investment reforms included in this legislation are an important step toward a more efficient, effective and secure government.”

Each year, the federal government spends more than $80 billion on information technology (IT), most of which used to maintain outdated systems rather than investing in new technologies. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that many of the government’s IT systems and components are increasingly obsolete and, in some cases, at least 50 years old. Such “legacy” IT systems often use old software languages and unsupported hardware.

Cloud computing and other modern IT solutions can often offer faster processing time, more flexibility and greater efficiency than older systems. Yet cloud computing adoption by the federal government is hampered by traditional federal acquisition approaches and bottlenecks for commercial providers seeking to be certified as compliant with federal cybersecurity standards.

IT Alliance for the Public Sector (ITAPS) Senior Vice President Trey Hodgkins praised the bill, "Incidents like the OPM breach underscore why the federal government needs to invest in modernizing outdated technology, but it cannot, because it is trapped in a funding cycle where it spends $60 billion dollars just to sustain the systems that it has. The MGT Act will help federal agencies adopt new technologies like cloud computing, other innovative technologies and strengthen their cybersecurity. We hope the strong bipartisan backing behind this bill compels Congress to act swiftly and send this legislation to the president to sign into law and boost our national security."

“The Professional Services Council (PSC) would like to thank Senators Moran and Udall, Chairman Hurd and Ranking Member Connolly for their continued leadership to advance policies that will upgrade the government’s legacy IT systems,” David Berteau, President & CEO of PSC added. “PSC supports the Modernizing Government Technology Act because we believe the bill will help make government more effective and its networks more secure, while reducing overall costs.”

U.S. Representatives Will Hurd (R-Texas) and Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) – chairman and member, respectively, of the House Subcommittee on Information Technology – introduced the House companion legislation.

Click here to read the bill.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued a statement following President Trump’s announcement that he intends to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA):

“Positive trade relations with Mexico and Canada are critical to the success of American agriculture and the Kansas economy. Our state’s manufacturers, factory workers and agricultural producers depend on the ability to sell their goods to our two largest export markets. Especially as farmers and ranchers face low commodity prices, U.S. trade policy should be focused on expanding exports to these neighboring countries by reducing non-tariff barriers, enforcing the current trade rules and strengthening these relationships.”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) visited the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) last week to tour and discuss the role of the facilities in the future of space exploration. Sen. Moran is a senior member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which has oversight over NASA.

“I appreciated learning more about the priorities and missions of NASA and discussing ways to advance STEM education and opportunities in the aerospace industry for Kansas research institutions and manufacturers,” Sen. Moran said. “Thanks to JSC Deputy Director Mark Geyer, Kevin Templin and the space center team for the opportunity to visit their impressive facilities.”

Joining Sen. Moran on the tour was Wichita State University Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer and National Institute for Aviation Research Executive Director Dr. John Tomblin. Wichita State serves as the lead institution on the Kansas Space Grant Consortium. 

“I was pleased to join Senator Moran to tour NASA’s first class facilities at the Johnson Space Center,” Dr. John Tomblin said. “Wichita State is proud to partner with NASA, enabling WSU students to have direct involvement in NASA projects through the Jump Start program and helping to advance research and education in the aviation and space industries. I appreciated the opportunity to share my thoughts on the benefits of the program and NIAR’s role in R&D in Kansas with those at the Space Center, and I am thankful for Senator Moran’s leadership in protecting STEM education and learning opportunities for students beginning their careers in the aerospace industry.”

During the visit, Sen. Moran visited with a number of Kansans, including Anthony Williams of Murdock, Kan. Serving as an intern this semester at JSC, Anthony is a Kansas State University senior double-majoring in physics and digital media. 

Also at JSC from the Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchinson were President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Remar and Director of Information Technology Jack Graber. The Cosmosphere was recently selected for participation in the renovation of the Mission Operations Control Room exhibit at JSC, set to be unveiled for the 50th anniversary of the first steps by man on the moon in 2019. The only Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Kansas, the Cosmosphere claims the Apollo 13 command module among its 13,000 spaceflight artifacts – the largest collection in the world.

As the leader and originator in human space flight, JSC’s mission has expanded to pursue more distant “deep space” explorations, with new spacecraft known as Orion that will carry Americans into these challenging new frontiers. Manufacturing suppliers for the Orion program include 10 Kansas companies. 

On March 21, 2017, Congress passed into law the NASA Transition Authorization Act, providing stability for NASA to sustain and build upon existing national space investments designed to advance space exploration and science. 

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today voted to confirm former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

“Our ag secretary has a big job ahead of him,” said Sen. Moran. “Farmers and ranchers in Kansas and across the country count on the USDA to assist with much-needed research, promote American products overseas to increase market access, provide rural housing services, and maintain the crucial safety net that empowers our agricultural producers to succeed. These tasks, which impact the livelihoods of millions of Americans, require strong, active leadership. I look forward to seeing Governor Perdue get to work on behalf of the ag community.”

Sen. Moran met with Gov. Perdue in February in his Washington, D.C., office to share some of the unique challenges and opportunities facing Kansas farmers and ranchers, as well as to learn more about Gov. Perdue’s background, experience and priorities.

Please click here to download an audio recording of Sen. Moran’s statement.

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MANHATTAN, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) in recently introducing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veteran Transition Improvement Act (S. 899). The legislation would ensure veterans with a disability rating of 30 percent or higher who are hired by the VA in critical medical positions can access additional paid sick leave during their first year on the job to receive medical care related to their service-connected condition.

“I’m pleased to support legislation to assist service-disabled veterans in Kansas and across the country in the transition into the federal workforce and civilian life,” Sen. Moran said. “This legislation builds on the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act to ensure veterans who sustained wounds or injuries while defending our nation can take time off to seek medical treatment without affecting their livelihood or paycheck. Providing men and women with service-related disabilities greater flexibility to pursue medical care is a simple way to show our gratitude for protecting our freedoms.”

Since the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act – led by Sen. Moran – became law in November 2016, 104 hours of additional paid sick leave has been available to newly hired service-disabled veterans for positions in the federal government. The law currently applies to most federal agencies, but personnel occupying certain VA medical positions are not currently eligible.

S. 899 will ensure all newly hired VA physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, chiropractors, podiatrists, optometrists, dentists and expanded-function dental auxiliaries who are service-disabled veterans will not have to face the added financial hardship of taking unpaid leave to receive necessary medical treatment. With this benefit expanded to these VA medical positions, disabled-veterans may be more incentivized to apply and fill the more than 18,000 vacancies for medical personnel across the VA health system, including 118 vacancies in Kansas.

“It is imperative that our great nation protects veterans seeking medical treatment for service-connected disabilities from discrimination or reprisal,” said American Legion National Commander Charles E. Schmidt. “Under the current Wounded Warrior Federal Leave Act, disabled veterans employed by the VA do not enjoy the same benefits as other veterans who are federal employees. Specifically, the law as currently written excludes them from participating in the paid sick leave program available to other veteran federal employees. On the behalf of our 2.2M members around the world, the American Legion strongly urges our elected officials to pass Senators Hirono, Moran and Tester’s proposed Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Transition Improvement Act - enabling all qualified veterans in the federal workforce to participate in this important paid sick leave program.” 

The VA Veteran Transition Improvement Act is also supported by the National Association of VA Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD), Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Disabled American Veterans, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) and the Federal Managers Association (FMA).

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MANHATTAN, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced he is accepting applications for congressional internships in his Washington, D.C., and Kansas offices for fall 2017.  

“My first experience in Washington, D.C., was working as a congressional intern,” said Sen. Moran. “Internships offer Kansas students the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and work on behalf of our great state.”

An internship in Sen. Moran’s office – focused on either policy or communications – provides a unique opportunity to work closely with Senate staff on behalf of Kansans. Legislative interns will gain a better understanding of the legislative process in the United States Congress and develop knowledge and professional skills valuable to future career pursuits. Communications internships provide a unique opportunity to learn about how political communications and the legislative process intersect, and gain practical knowledge about the inner workings of a fast-paced press office.

The Office of Senator Jerry Moran intern program is open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students – or recent graduates – who have a strong interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence.

The application deadline for fall 2017 internships is Friday, June 2, 2017. Applications can be found and completed under the “Students” section of Sen. Moran’s website at www.moran.senate.gov. Applicants should submit a completed application form, resume, academic transcript, two letters of recommendation and a cover letter explaining their interest in public service and what they hope to learn serving as an intern for Sen. Moran.

For questions, please contact Sen. Moran’s office at internships@moran.senate.gov or call 202-224-6521 and request to speak with the intern coordinator.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and U.S. Representative Roger Marshall (R-KS-01) recently introduced congressional resolutions (S. Res. 115 and H. Res. 267) to formally recognize the 100th anniversary of the First Infantry Division – officially nicknamed “The Big Red One” – based at Fort Riley, Kan.

“Americans are forever indebted to the brave soldiers of the Big Red One to whom our nation owes so much,” said Sen. Moran. “Since delivering the first Allied victory of World War I, the Fighting First has led the way on battlefields around the world. Kansans are proud to claim the First Infantry Division as their own and this anniversary is an occasion to pay tribute to the more than 13,000 soldiers who lost their lives in battle over the last century. To the fallen – and to the men and women of the Big Red One who uphold their legacy today – thank you and God bless you.”

“Since 1917 in World War I, the Big Red One has led our fighting forces and protected our nation from threats around the world,” said Sen. Roberts. “I am proud to introduce this resolution to recognize the valiant efforts of these men and women in uniform over the past 100 years and honor the lives of the 13,000 soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division who have made the ultimate sacrifice during their service to our nation. It is an honor to represent Ft. Riley and the 1st Infantry Division, and we are forever grateful for the service of the Big Red One.”

“On this upcoming anniversary, we honor and admire the tradition of leadership from the First Infantry Division,” said Rep. Marshall. “For 100 years, the Big Red One has led the way in combat, and have been an integral part of maintaining the freedoms we enjoy today. We also recognize the more than 13,000 soldiers of the Big Red One who have given their lives in the service of their country. One of the greatest honors of my job is to represent the Big Red One at Fort Riley, and we work to honor them today and every day.”

The oldest continuously serving unit of the U.S. Army, the Big Red One has led and supported our fighting forces in conflicts around the globe since World War I. Since its organization on June 8, 1917, the division’s efforts have made the difference for our armed forces as they fought bravely to protect our nation from threats, global and domestic. Those in the Big Red One who gave their lives for our freedoms are memorialized at monuments throughout the United States and Europe, including Normandy, France, overlooking Omaha Beach and sites in Belgium and the Czech Republic. You can find the full text of the Senate resolution here and the House resolution here.

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