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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today called for emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands to help livestock producers suffering from sustained and critical drought.
The following is the text of the letter the Senators sent to U.S. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Tom Vilsack dated today:
“Thank you for your commitment to provide every USDA resource to help producers and communities deal with the devastating effects of an ongoing drought. In many Kansas counties, the drought rivals that of the 1930s. While many parts of the country have received much-needed rainfall, according to the July 2, 2013 Drought Monitor, 85 percent of Kansas is suffering from four and in some cases five years of drought.
“Illustrating the cumulative effects of drought in our state, the July 1, 2012 Drought Monitor Index listed zero percent of Kansas in the D-4 category and 18 percent D-3. Only a year later, conditions have deteriorated to 24 percent D-4 and 21 percent D-3.
“The Kansas State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee, FSA Executive Director Adrian Polansky, and the State Technical Committee are considering several proposals for the use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage in 2013. These proposals should be consistent with the relief that was granted in 2012. We urge you to swiftly authorize those actions so they can effectively respond to Kansas’ deteriorating conditions. USDA should reject any proposal that adds additional requirements on a producer’s ability to utilize CRP acreage under emergency haying and grazing provisions.
“USDA agencies and personnel have forged a partnership with farmers, ranchers, local communities and state government agencies to utilize every available resource and program authority for survival and sustainability until weather patterns improve. Without adequate forage, the Kansas cattle industry, which generates more than $7 billion in cash receipts annually, will be impacted as producers will be forced to sell their cattle. Irreplaceable genetics and traits bred for generations could be lost in the open market jeopardizing our state’s leading industry.
“Access to additional forage resources will reduce the pressure on non-CRP native grass which will help facilitate restoration of quality and quantity of vegetation for livestock and wildlife habitat when normal rainfall returns. Thank you for your consideration and timely response to this critical situation.”
Sen. Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Sen. Moran is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.
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Sen. Moran to Offer Senate Appropriations Bill Amendments to Delay ACA Individual and Employer Mandates
"Implementation has not lowered costs or increased access as promised, and if businesses are getting relief from Democrats' costly, defective law, why aren't individuals and families?"
Jul 10 2013
Sen. Moran Statement on Administration Delaying Affordable Care Act Employer Mandate
"While the Administration finally admitted that the employer mandate is unworkable in 2014, it now must recognize that the real problem continues to be the entire Affordable Care Act."
Jul 02 2013
Agricultural Flight Demonstration Underscores Benefits and Economic Impact of Unmanned Aircraft
Jul 02 2013
Salina, Kan. – Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) will have a significant impact on Kansas’ precision agriculture industry and overall economy, according to elected officials, academics and industry leaders speaking at a press conference today. U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined leaders at Kansas State University and Michael Toscano, president & CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), to launch a flight demonstration of numerous UAS used to enhance the care of crops, livestock, pasture and rangelands. Sen. Moran and Toscano also delivered remarks on the significant economic growth and job creation potential of UAS in Kansas.
“As a global leader in aviation and aerospace, Kansas is a pioneer in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems market, which holds great promise for boosting the economy and creating jobs in our state,” Sen. Moran said. “As the aerospace industry grows and looks to take on new UAS ventures and industries, there is real potential for this platform to be used responsibly and safely in an industry already booming in Kansas: agriculture. The number of ways farmers and ranchers can utilize UAS are endless — from mapping the spread of disease or insects within a field to applying fertilizer to a specific area of crops — and I look forward to continued progress in this field.”
As a national leader in UAS advancement, Kansas is poised to benefit significantly from the rapidly growing unmanned systems industry and the forthcoming integration of UAS into the U.S. airspace. A recent AUVSI study projects that UAS integration will contribute an economic impact of $2.9 billion and create 3,716 new jobs in Kansas by 2025.
“Today’s flight demonstrations highlight one of the greatest potential applications for unmanned aircraft technology – saving farmers millions of dollars in time and resources,” said Michael Toscano. “Integrating UAS into the national airspace will lead to a host of new uses, and Kansas is well-positioned to reap the economic benefits that will accompany the expanded use of this technology.”
The agriculture sector is expected to be the largest market for UAS technology, the AUVSI study finds, accounting for 80 percent of all commercial use. Among many other agricultural benefits, UAS could provide a cost-effective way to protect crop health and observe overall farm performance. In 2015 alone, the total economic impact of agriculture spending on unmanned aircraft in Kansas is estimated to reach more than $75 million, with 772 new jobs created.
"We at Kansas State are excited to see the progression of this technology to the point where it can really start benefiting the general population and agriculture is the perfect place to start since it touches
so many people,” said Dr. Kurt Barnhart, a professor, head of the department of aviation, and executive director of the Applied Aviation Research Center at Kansas State University.
The incorporation of UAS is a growing trend in precision agriculture, as it makes farming more efficient and cost effective. UAS could provide farmers with a low-cost way to spray for pests and diseases, analyze soil patterns, and check crops for signs of drought and blight. UAS can save farmers the significant cost of hiring or operating manned aircraft.
Scientists in the United States have already begun using small remote-controlled helicopters to help farmers detect diseases and stress in their crops. The helicopters take photographs and measurements that allow farmers to keep an eye on their large fields. An increasing number of American colleges and universities, such as Kansas State, are advancing UAS technology as a tool in agriculture as well.
For example, researchers at Kansas State have been able to use UAS to far more accurately and efficiently locate and quantify harmful algae affecting many Kansas lakes and ponds. The University has also successfully demonstrated that UAS can be used to greatly reduce the time required to identify how environmental and genetic interactions affect the characteristics of plants. In addition, researchers are currently working on projects that will deliver detailed economic benefits on how UAS can impact growers, seed distributors, and crop breeders.
Legislative Background
On February 14, 2012, President Obama signed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act into law, which includes important provisions on the integration of UAS into the national airspace system by September 2015. To ensure a safe and responsible integration process, the legislation created a number of benchmarks to be reached along the way, including the establishment of six test sites around the country for the testing and development of UAS.
According to media reports, at least 30 states have expressed interest in hosting a test site, either individually or as part of a multi-state consortium. Because the test sites would attract government and industry personnel, many states see the remarkable economic benefits of a test site.
As a leader in the development of UAS, Kansas already has the capability of a test site, through the research, operational, and regulatory expertise of different entities throughout the state. The state also possesses the accessible restricted airspace needed to test UAS. Kansas State has also partnered on a joint test site proposal where it would play a significant role in the research and development activities.
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Sen. Moran Votes "No" on Passage of Gang of Eight Bill
"Like Kansans, I am skeptical this 1,200-page bill will create an immigration system that is fair, efficient, meets the needs of the American economy, and discourages future illegal activity."
Jun 27 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement on his vote against final passage of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act:
"Our immigration system has long been broken and our borders are not secure. I had hoped Congress would solve the critical issues before us for national security, economic and humanitarian reasons. Like Kansans, I am skeptical this 1,200-page bill will create an immigration system that is fair, efficient, meets the needs of the American economy, and discourages future illegal activity.
"Rather than focusing on tackling the problem in manageable increments and delivering the reforms Americans are asking for, the Senate chose to lump every immigration and border security problem together into one massive and flawed bill. Americans are keenly aware of where this irresponsible method of legislating has gotten us in the past – but the Senate has clearly learned nothing from the failure of the 1986 immigration reform bill, and more recently the rushed passage of Dodd-Frank and Obamacare.
"My Senate colleagues and I were poised to solve the problems in this bill during the amendment process, but the open debate Americans were promised was replaced by backroom talks, limited amendments and excessive haste. In total, more than 530 amendments were offered but votes were blocked on all but ten of those amendments. On an issue of such significance, the American people deserved to have their voices heard through an open process that allowed their elected representatives to debate and vote on amendments.
"Americans want Congress to fix our flawed immigration system the right way – and fix it for good. Unfortunately, this bill that the Congressional Budget Office estimates would only reduce the number of illegal immigrants by 25 percent does not meet that standard. This bill fails to fix our broken immigration system."
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To subscribe to Sen. Moran’s newsletter, visit his website at https://www.moran.senate.gov.
Sen. Moran: President's "War on Coal" Will Especially Hurt Kansas
"Kansans could see the loss of thousands of good-paying jobs sent overseas to developing countries - like China and India - that are massive energy consumers, as well as significant increases in natural gas, electricity and gasoline costs, and pocket-numbing decreases in household incomes."
Jun 25 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) made the following remarks today regarding the President’s Climate Action Plan, which amounts to a national energy tax that would hinder economic growth, lead to higher energy costs for middle class families, cripple entire industries and destroy local jobs. Sen. Moran believes the President should focus on common-sense policies to make energy cleaner and more affordable rather than more red tape and harmful regulations.
Excerpts from Sen. Moran’s remarks can be found below, along with links to video downloads.
(0:01) “President Obama this week continued the pattern of overreach by his Administration – and Kansans should pay close attention. His latest end-run around Congress will hurt our economy, your family’s pocketbook, and the quality of life that we want for our children and grandchildren…
(0:30) “The President fails to see that the free market – not heavy-handed government regulation – has brought about an American CO2 policy that is “greener” than even the policies in Europe.
(0:43) “The reality is President Obama’s plan will do little to curb emissions at great cost to the American workforce. And states like ours – Kansas – which rely upon coal for electricity and have a large manufacturing base, would be especially hurt. Kansans could see the loss of thousands of good-paying jobs sent overseas to developing countries – like China and India – that are massive energy consumers, as well as significant increases in natural gas, electricity and gasoline costs, and pocket-numbing decreases in household incomes. Kansans are already facing a staggering increase in their cost of living due the looming implementation of Obamacare.
(2:09) “We cannot tolerate policies that harm our economy and drive businesses overseas to countries that have demonstrated a commitment to growing their economies regardless of the environmental consequences. America will then be worse off on two counts – fewer jobs in the United States and no reduction in worldwide CO2 emissions.”
FTP LINK: Click here to download the video of the remarks. (Save to your desktop.)
YOUTUBE: Click here to watch the remarks on YouTube.
AUDIO: Click here to download the full audio of the remarks. (Save to your desktop.)
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Sen. Moran Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Review Constitutionality of President Obama's "Recess" Appointments
"The Supreme Court today agreed with Senate Republicans to review the constitutionality of the President's 'recess' appointments, and the decision validates my concerns with the alarming pattern of overreach by the Obama Administration."
Jun 24 2013
Sen. Moran Statement on Opposition to Corker-Hoeven Amendment and Gang of Eight Bill
"Unfortunately, the 'we can't do anything unless we do everything' approach has prevailed once again. The final result is a massive bill I cannot support because it fails to fix our broken immigration system."
Jun 24 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement on his vote against Senate Amendment 1183, as well as his stance on S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act:
"Our immigration system is broken and our borders are not secure. Rather than focus on solving one or two issues at a time and delivering the reforms Americans are asking for, the Senate has chosen to lump every immigration and border security problem together into one massive and flawed bill. Americans are keenly aware of where this irresponsible method of legislating has gotten us in the past – but the Senate has clearly learned nothing from the failure of the 1986 immigration reform bill, and more recently the rushed passage of Dodd-Frank and Obamacare.
"Not surprisingly, the open debate Americans were promised has been replaced by backroom talks, limited amendments and excessive haste. On an issue of such significance, the American people deserve to have their voices heard through a process that allows their elected representatives to offer and vote on amendments. Even the failed immigration bill of 2007 had a more open process, with 46 amendments being voted on compared to just 10 amendments to the current bill.
"The most recent of these amendments is a hastily crafted ‘border security deal’ that promises to finally secure the border. Yet, time and time again Congress has passed laws directing the administration to secure the border, only to see those directives never fully implemented. If Congress is going to link a pathway to citizenship to the promise of border security, Americans deserve assurances up front – not flexible enforcement provisions and exceptions.
"Americans want Congress to fix our flawed immigration system the right way, and fix it for good. A 1,000-page bill that the Congressional Budget Office estimates would only reduce the number of illegal immigrants by 25 percent does not meet this standard. There are many issues on which Republicans and Democrats agree – such as making certain American companies have the high-skilled talent they need to grow and create jobs – and I believe the Senate could have passed several targeted bills by wide margins. Unfortunately, the ‘we can’t do anything unless we do everything’ approach has prevailed once again. The final result is a massive bill I cannot support because it fails to fix our broken immigration system.”
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To subscribe to Sen. Moran’s newsletter, visit his website at https://www.moran.senate.gov.
McConnell AFB Slated to Receive $219 Million for Upgrades as Home for New KC-46A Tankers
Jun 21 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), along with Representative Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), today announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill – which passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee today – includes $219 million for upgrades to McConnell Air Force Base (AFB) to accommodate the new KC-46A tankers. This figure is $27 million more than the May estimate of $192 million for military construction at the time of McConnell AFB’s selection as the Main Operating Base (MOB) #1 for replacing KC-135R tanker aircraft with KC-46A’s beginning in 2016. The appropriations bill must next be passed by the full Senate.
"The passage of this appropriations bill out of committee is a step forward in McConnell Air Force Base’s path toward becoming the home of the new KC-46A tankers," Sen. Moran said. "This investment will prepare McConnell for the arrival of the tankers in 2016. It is great news for our state and the city of Wichita, which is and will remain the air capital of the world."
"McConnell Air Force Base is the largest tanker base in the world, and, as the first Active Duty installation to receive the new KC-46A tankers in 2016, we intend to keep it that way," Sen. Roberts said. "These funds are critical to ensuring our nation’s ability to conduct global reach and meet vital mission needs. I am pleased that Wichita, the Air Capital of the World, will continue fueling freedom."
"The men and women of McConnell, the premier tanker facility in the world, continue to do an amazing job serving our nation and warfighters across the globe. As a veteran and co-chairman of the Air Mobility Caucus, I have a deep appreciation of the sacrifice our Airmen and their families make every day for the freedoms we hold dear," Rep. Pompeo said. "The new KC-46A tanker mission, which calls for this new military construction, ensures a longstanding commitment from the Air Force for years to come. Wichita, Derby, and the entire south-central Kansas community are excited and proud of the continued success of McConnell Air Force Base."
As the largest air tanker base in the world, McConnell Air Force Base is a key stakeholder in the Wichita community and its selection by the U.S. Air Force as the new home for KC-46A tankers recognizes critical role Kansas plays in national security and global air mobility. The base has been the recipient of numerous awards since its beginning in 1941, and received more awards over the past 16 months than all other Air Mobility bases combined. McConnell supports more than 17,000 people, military and civilian, and has an economic impact of $619 million. It assists all branches of the military and allied partners, refueling off of either coast and around the world every day.
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