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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently announced the addition of Sharon Springs native and Fort Hays State University alum, James Robben to his staff to serve as a district representative based in the Hays office. Robben – one of Sen. Moran’s three First Congressional District representatives – will serve as a liaison with community leaders, local government officials and businesses and provide assistance for Kansans seeking help with federal agencies.
“James has a strong understanding of northwest Kansas, a vast background in agriculture and a deep commitment to his community,” said Sen. Moran. “As our district representative in Hays, James will ensure northwest and central Kansans who request assistance with federal agencies are provided guidance and helped in a timely fashion. I have no doubt that James will be an asset to my staff as we continue working to serve the great people of Kansas.”
Robben graduated from Wallace County High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from Fort Hays State University in 2015. Following graduation, he worked at Carrico in Hays.
Robben is a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church in Hays, Hays Rotary Club and serves as chair of the Hays Area Young Professionals Advisory Council. James and his wife Kaitlin (Fabrizius) live in Hays, where Kaitlin is a registered nurse at Hays Medical Center.
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Sen. Moran, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Bill to Create Three-Digit Suicide Hotline
Bipartisan bill designates 9-8-8 as a suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline
Oct 23 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) – to introduce the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, bipartisan legislation to designate a three-digit phone number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline and ensure states have the flexibility to strengthen local crisis call centers. The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis line are 10-digits, which is a barrier to Americans in crisis seeking support.
“The state of Kansas and the entire country stand to benefit from increased access to critical suicide prevention and mental health services that a dedicated nationwide hotline would offer,” said Sen. Moran. “I commend the work of Chairman Ajit Pai and the entire FCC on this important issue thus far, and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the commission and my Senate colleagues to make certain this is an effective tool for those who need it.”
“We must do more to destigmatize access to mental health resources and prevent suicides in our country. Approximately every seven hours, a Coloradan dies by suicide. As the father of three young Coloradans, it breaks my heart to know that youth suicide rates have increased by 58 percent in the last three years,” said Sen. Gardner. “If this bipartisan idea becomes law, Americans could dial a three-digit phone number in times of any crisis: 9-1-1 for an emergency, and 9-8-8 for a mental health emergency. This legislation is more than smart policy that will help save lives, it’s a statement that our government recognizes the crisis and is working across party lines to address it.”
“In America, we lose about 45,000 people every year to suicide, including more than 6,100 veterans, making it one of the leading causes of death in this country,” said Sen Baldwin. “We need to do everything we can to prevent suicide and that means improving the tools we have to help people who are suffering from depression or other mental health issues. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to make it as quick and easy as possible for Americans in crisis to get the help and support they need through the National Suicide Hotline.”
“This is about saving lives. A nationwide, three-digit number for suicide prevention and mental health crises will connect people with the specialized help they need, when they need it. Mental health care works, and this bill will help get people into care, but it’s just a first step that will require the federal government to put up real resources,” said Sen. Reed.
“The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) applauds Senator Gardner’s efforts to establish a national three-digit suicide prevention hotline number. Having an easy to remember number will ensure that individuals across the country who are in emotional distress will have ready access to crisis services that can save lives,” said American Foundation for Suicide Prevention CEO Bob Gebbia.
“If you are in a car accident, you don’t have to remember a 7-digit number to get immediate help - a mental health emergency should be no different,” said National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Acting CEO Angela Kimball. “That’s why NAMI supports the introduction of both the House and Senate versions of a bill that would establish a 3-digit, easy to remember universal number for those seeking help during a mental health crisis and for suicide prevention. The creation of a nationwide ‘988’ number could mean the difference between life and death by diverting people from the criminal justice system and instead get them the right care when they need it most.”
After support from Sens. Moran, Gardner, Baldwin and Reed, the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act was signed into law in 2018. Through implementation of this legislation, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration evaluated the potential to use a 3-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
In August, the FCC recommended in their report the use of a 3-digit line and the number 9-8-8. They noted that a 3-digit line would help with mental health and suicide prevention access.
The National Suicide Hotline Designation Act directs the FCC to designate 9-8-8 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This line would include the Veterans Crisis Line for veteran-specific mental health support. Additionally, the legislation will authorize the ability of states to collect fees to ensure local call centers are able to support increased volume.
This legislation is endorsed by: American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, American Association of Suicidology, American Counseling Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Legion, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Telemedicine Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Association For Ambulatory Behavioral Health, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, Behavioral Health Association of Providers, Behavioral Health Link, Centerstone, Confederation of Independent Psychoanalytic Societies (CIPS), Depression Association of America, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Education Development Center, Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, Illinois Association of Behavioral Health, Kevin & Margaret Hines Foundation, Mental Health America, Mental Health Colorado, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association for Rural Mental Health, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National Board for Certified Counselors, National Council for Behavioral Health, National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, NowMattersNow.org, Open minds, Postpartum Support International, RI International, SMART Recovery, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, Tourette Association of America, The Trevor Project, United Suicide Survivors International and 2020 Mom.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) – members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation – today introduced the Small Community Transit Improvement Act. This bipartisan legislation would increase the efficiency and capacity of public transportation in communities with populations between 50,000 and 200,000.
“In communities across Kansas and the country, public transportation provides a critical service in helping individuals get to work, healthcare services and more,” said. Sen. Moran. “By building on the successful Small Transit Intensive Cities Program, our sensible legislation would make certain that high-performing public transit systems in smaller urban and suburban communities have the same access to federal resources as their more populous peers. I look forward to working with stakeholders in Kansas and my colleagues in the Senate to continue developing public transportation opportunities and get this bill across the finish line.”
“Investing in Arizona’s public transportation system will create jobs and expand opportunities for the city,” said Sen. Sinema. “I’ll keep partnering with Arizona communities to support critical infrastructure investments.”
"On behalf of CTAA's more than 140 small-urban transit provider members across the country, we applaud Senators Moran and Sinema for their leadership in introducing bipartisan legislation to increase the STIC program set-aside from two to three percent," said CTAA Executive Director Scott Bogren in a letter of support. "This performance-based approach to transit investment incentivizes small-urban systems to enhance service availability and effectiveness, thereby generating more riders and delivering crucial outcomes in their communities, including accessing jobs, health care, education, veterans services and so much more. We encourage the full Congress to support this important legislation."
The Small Transit Intensive Cities (STIC) Program is an existing and successful Federal Transit Administration (FTA) program that rewards high transit performance by providing funds to small-urban transit providers. The populations of these communities are between 50,000 and 200,000 and the resources are based on meeting at least one of six measurable performance criteria established annually by the average service levels of larger public transit agencies.
There are eight Kansas communities that fall within the population threshold including Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Topeka, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa and Manhattan. Whenever a public transit agency exceeds the average service level of a large transit agency, it is rewarded with additional federal transit investment. This funding has allowed smaller transit systems to fund projects that increase the efficiency and capacity of public transportation nationwide.
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Sen. Moran Discusses Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Water Rights with FWS Nominee Aurelia Skipwith
“I am pleased that Ms. Skipwith committed to working with local stakeholders to find a voluntary solution to satisfy the Quivira water impairment. . .”
Oct 21 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) met with Aurelia Skipwith, the nominee to be the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the current Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks at the Department of the Interior. During the meeting, Sen. Moran raised concerns regarding the water rights dispute surrounding the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
“In my meeting with Ms. Skipwith, I explained the need for farmers and ranchers to be able to utilize groundwater in the basin and the importance of agriculture to the regional economy,” said Sen. Moran. “I am pleased that Ms. Skipwith committed to working with local stakeholders to find a voluntary solution to satisfy the Quivira water impairment before requesting that the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) move forward with an administrative order to regulate junior water rights. This solution should include augmentation of Rattlesnake Creek, voluntary water conservation efforts and maximizing use of the water the refuge currently receives. I look forward to continue working with Ms. Skipwith to pursue commonsense solutions to this issue that will impact Kansas producers and the regional economy.”
While water rights are generally handled at the state and local government level, the impairment claim directly involved a federal agency, the FWS. The FWS holds a senior surface water right near the bottom of Rattlesnake Creek for its Quivira NWR. After an investigation, KDA’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) concluded in 2016 that Quivira NWR’s water supply has been impacted by upstream junior groundwater pumping.
On July 30, 2019, KDA rejected the latest Local Enhanced Management Area proposal put forth by the Groundwater Management District #5 intended to resolve the impairment. Subsequently, KDA has communicated with junior water rights holders – primarily farmers and ranchers – in the Quivira NWR stating their intentions to move forward with regulations limiting irrigation and other water usage. These regulations will only be implemented if FWS – the senior water rights holder – makes a formal request for action to settle the impairment.
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Sen. Moran, Bipartisan Colleagues Raise Concerns Over Alarming Increase in National Guard Suicides
Oct 18 2019
WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – today joined U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) in leading a bipartisan group of Senators in calling on the Department of Defense to address the increasing suicide rate among members of the National Guard. Recent suicide reports conducted by the Department of Defense (DoD), the most recent of which was released last month, found that the suicide mortality rate per capita for the National Guard is consistently higher than that of Active Duty and Reserve members.
In a letter to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, the senators cited potential reasons for the discrepancy in National Guard suicide rates, stemming from problems finding full time employment and a lack of access to quality mental health care, particularly in rural areas, among others. The senators emphasized that the unique position of National Guard servicemembers as both soldiers and civilians necessitates tailored solutions for accessing mental health care and community-based support.
“We cannot continue to treat the National Guard as just another branch of the Active Army and Air Force while not paying special attention to their unique needs. We must ensure the National Guard has care and community that is comparable to the Active components,” wrote the senators. “The National Guard maintains comparable operational tempos but lacks the support of a community that fully empathizes with their unique and sometimes isolating experience of being both soldier and civilian.”
The senators requested that the DoD provide an analysis of the gaps in existing suicide prevention programs and the factors contributing to the discrepancy in National Guard suicide rates.
“We therefore ask that your office prepare a brief no later than December 2019 on the gaps, if any, that remain across Department of Defense, branch-level, or interagency suicide prevention programs for the National Guard. We also ask that you provide an analysis of any explanatory factors contributing to differences in suicide rates between the Active and Reserve Component and the National Guard,” concluded the senators.
The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).
Item to note:
- In May 2019, Sen. Moran introduced the 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.
The full text of the letter can be found here and below:
The Honorable James Stewart
Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
400 Defense Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20301-4000
Dear Secretary Stewart:
We write to express our serious concern regarding the tragic occurrence of suicide among servicemembers, specifically members of the National Guard.
For several years, suicide mortality rates for the National Guard have been consistently higher than rates for Active component members. The Department of Defense Annual Suicide Report for Calendar Year 2018 found that suicide rates in the National Guard are higher than the rates for the general U.S. population after controlling for differences in age and sex. In 2018, the suicide rate for members of the Guard was 30.6 suicides per 100,000 population. That is compared to 24.8 suicides per 100,000 population in the Active component and 22.9 suicides per 100,000 population in the Reserves.
Recent Department of Defense Suicide Event Report (DoDSER) Annual Reports have also found similar trends in suicide rates over the past few years. In 2017, the suicide rate for the National Guard Component was 29.1 suicides per 100,000 population, compared to 25.7 suicides per 100,000 population in the Reserve Component and 21.9 suicides per 100,000 population among Active Duty servicemembers. In 2016, the suicide rate for members of the National Guard was 27.3 suicides per 100,000 population, while the rates in the Reserves and Active component were 22.0 and 21.1, respectively. The increase in the suicide rate among members of the National Guard from 2016 to 2018 is concerning, especially since the rate is consistently higher than that of both Reserve and Active Duty servicemembers.
There are several possible reasons for the discrepancy in National Guard suicide rates. The first is access to mental health care. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has identified a number of risk factors associated with suicide, one of the most prominent being the lack of access to mental health care. National Guard servicemembers face a unique challenge in accessing quality mental health care. Some members of the National Guard are eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select; however, many members choose not to enroll due to access concerns, especially in rural areas, and find it cost prohibitive. Existing mental and behavioral health care resources for members of the National Guard are unfortunately inadequate.
A second consideration is employment. According to a 2017 paper on suicides in the Army National Guard from 2007 to 2014, approximately 20% of suicides during this time were associated with problems finding full time employment. While not necessarily a differentiating factor between Reserve and National Guard servicemembers, this could explain some of the gap in suicide rates between the Active component and National Guard. Finally, we believe it is important to look at the potential ramifications of institutional and conditional isolation. While this is more difficult to quantify, the reality that National Guard soldiers and airmen are not connected to the military community on a daily basis is important to consider. Their inherently more isolating structure could be another contributing factor that is worth examining.
Over the last two decades, the National Guard has been deployed at nearly comparable levels to Active Duty. According to a 2015 RAND report on deployment experiences across services, Active Army units had an average of 17.5 months deployed, while those in the Army National Guard had an average of 12.7 months. Those in Active Air Force units had an average of 12 months deployed, while those in the Air National Guard had an average of 7.3 months. For the National Guard, these combat deployments are in addition to the increasing domestic deployments across the country, including to the southern U.S. border, active wildfires in the Western U.S., and hurricanes in the South and Mid-Atlantic, along with other natural disasters. In a comprehensive study published in January, The U.S. Army in Iraq, Army researchers found that in Iraq in 2005, half of all the brigades in country were Guard units.
We cannot continue to treat the National Guard as just another branch of the Active Army and Air Force while not paying special attention to their unique needs. We must ensure the National Guard has care and community that is comparable to the Active components. The National Guard maintains comparable operational tempos but lacks the support of a community that fully empathizes with their unique and sometimes isolating experience of being both soldier and civilian.
We therefore ask that your office prepare a brief no later than December 2019 on the gaps, if any, that remain across Department of Defense, branch-level, or interagency suicide prevention programs for the National Guard. We also ask that you provide an analysis of any explanatory factors contributing to differences in suicide rates between the Active and Reserve Component and the National Guard.
Thank you and we look forward to your response.
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WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs and co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus – joined U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) to introduce a resolution to designate October 16 as “World Food Day.”
Each year, the United States joins 130 countries and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in recognizing World Food Day. To learn more about what you can do to end hunger and promote healthy diets, click here.
“The United States, and specifically my home state of Kansas, has a long tradition of demonstrating humanitarian concern for the hungry and malnourished people of the world,” said Sen. Moran, member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. “While much work remains to feed a hungry world, I am encouraged by the progress we’ve made in finding expedient, affordable and efficient ways to get food grown by Kansas farmers to those who need it most. Our country's collective moral convictions make fighting hunger the right thing to do, and the benefits we receive as a nation from reducing global food insecurity make it the smart thing to do. In addition to helping farmers and ranchers, U.S. international food assistance programs strengthen our national security by promoting stability in areas of the world important to our national strategic interests. As we all work together to raise awareness and promote action on World Food Day, let us also recommit to finding new and innovative ways to bolster food security and end hunger.”
“World Food Day is an important reminder of why the United States should sustain our investments in food security both at home and abroad. I’m commemorating World Food Day this year by celebrating the millions of people around the world involved in getting food from our farms to our tables,” said Sen. Coons, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “Food security is not just a humanitarian issue. Global food security is national security, as growing concentrations of poverty and hunger leave communities around the world vulnerable to instability, violence, and extremism. I’m pleased to work with my colleagues to both celebrate World Food Day and recognize the work that still needs to be done to ensure that all people have access to quality food.”
“World Food Day serves as both a call to action and an opportunity to recognize the many who have stepped up and been a champion on this issue on a global scale and in our individual communities,” said Sen. Boozman, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “While considerable progress has been made to alleviate global hunger, much work remains to be done both here at home and abroad. American leadership is vital to finding solutions to help those struggling with food insecurity and I offer my gratitude to all who have committed to improving nutrition and agriculture worldwide. As co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I am proud to lend my support to this resolution and pledge to continue working with my colleagues to build on American efforts to stamp out world hunger.”
“Food security is fundamental to human life, and we have a moral obligation to lead the fight against hunger both here and abroad,” said Sen. Leahy, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “The impact of climate change on our global food system only compounds the urgency of this work. I am proud to once again recognize World Food Day and reaffirm our commitment to reducing hunger and improving food access through critical international aid, nutrition, and local food access programs. To invest in food security is to invest in a more healthy, sustainable and secure world for us all.”
In recent decades, eating habits and diets have changed dramatically due to globalized economies, urbanization, and rising incomes around the world. While the quality of food available to some has improved, the quantity is still lacking for over 820 million people who suffer from hunger. At the same time, over 670 million adults and 120 million girls and boys (5-19 years) are obese, and over 40 million children under 5 are overweight.
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Sen. Moran: Trade Agreement Between U.S. and Japan is a Win for Kansas Farmers and Ranchers
Oct 08 2019
MANHATTAN – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement applauding the president’s signing of the US-Japan Trade Agreement:
“The trade agreement between the United States and Japan is a win for Kansas farmers and ranchers. Japan is the second largest export market for agricultural products from Kansas and this agreement will result in even greater market access for beef, wheat, sorghum and pork, and put American producers on a level playing field with our foreign competitors. It will also benefit Kansas dairy producers by expanding cheese exports, and will eliminate tariffs on certain types of ethanol. As farmers and ranchers continue to struggle with low commodity prices, we must continue to find new export opportunities for the food, fuel and fiber produced in Kansas. I commend President Trump, Ambassador Lighthizer and Ambassador Doud for their leadership in securing this much-needed victory for our producers.”
The signing of the trade agreement comes after President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reached an agreement in principle in August, and then finalized negotiations on September 25. This signed, finalized agreement reduces tariffs on a wide range of agricultural and food products, as well as digital goods and software. This agreement covers roughly $55 billion in trade and is part of larger, ongoing negotiations between the two countries that span a range of various industries and products.
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Sen. Moran Announces New Resources for Remediation of the Former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant
Action follows years-long effort from Sen. Moran to accelerate clean-up of 9,000 acre property
Sep 27 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced new contracts for remediation and clean-up efforts on behalf of the United States Army for the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in De Soto. The awards include a $12 million contract toward environmental remediation construction, investigation, production piping and cleanup of environmental contamination, and a $2.6 million contract to conduct field investigations and develop subsequent reports.
“I am pleased that the Army awarded two new contracts totaling nearly $15 million to continue much-needed remediation at the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in De Soto,” said. Sen. Moran. “I look forward to seeing this progress and will continue to work closely with the Army and Johnson County stakeholders to see this project to completion.”
The Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant is a 9,000 acre, 15-square-mile property in Western Johnson County. At one time the massive property was home to facilities that produced raw materials, including gunpowder, during World War II. It has since sat empty, contaminated from the old facilities, with remediation efforts pending for years. Since coming to the Senate in 2011, Sen. Moran has worked with Johnson County stakeholders and local officials to make certain the Sunflower Plant was on the path toward usability by the public, with numerous efforts to increase transparency of the Army’s process and accelerate the timeline of the clean-up.
Items to note:
- In June 2017, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and Related Agencies, Sen. Moran convened a hearing on remediation efforts of the Sunflower Plant.
- In May 2018, the Kansas City Star detailed clean-up efforts including Sen. Moran’s work to increase transparency within the Army.
- In September 2018, Sen. Moran met with Assistant Secretary of the Army Jordan Gillis and Brigadier General Joy Currier to discuss clean-up efforts and to urge and accelerated timeline of the project.
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Senate Appropriations Committee Passes Chairman Moran’s FY2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill
Bill Supports Law Enforcement, Economic Development, Space Exploration & Scientific Research
Sep 26 2019
WASHINGTON – The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved Chairman Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) FY2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act. The FY2020 CJS Appropriations Act funds the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation, and related agencies.
“I take my role of being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars very seriously and I’m pleased this bill is fiscally responsible and prioritizes key investments for public safety, law enforcement, rural broadband, aerospace initiatives and infrastructure, the National Science Foundation, NASA and a number of additional programs important to Kansans,” said Chairman Moran. “In addition, this bill accelerates the goal of returning American astronauts to the moon, cements America’s leadership in space exploration and includes important resources for STEM Education programs to inspire the next generation of scientists.”
“This legislation will also provide a pay raise for law enforcement and continue to fund important programs to keep communities in Kansas safe,” continued Chairman Moran. “This includes programs created by the STOP School Violence Act and resources to conduct “Operation Triple Bean” and “Operation Save a Casing.” Kansans will benefit from this legislation for many years to come, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this measure to the President’s desk.”
For a full summary of the FY2020 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, click here.
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Sen. Moran Priorities Included in FY2020 Ag Appropriations Bill
Fully funds completion of NBAF, USDA Relocation to Kansas City
Sep 19 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies – today applauded the Senate Appropriations Committee’s approval of the FY2020 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. Included in this legislation is language from Sen. Moran that fully-funds the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan and provides the necessary resources for the USDA’s planned relocation of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to Kansas City.
“From farmers and ranchers to researchers and veterinarians, this appropriations bill includes a number of measures to support agriculture across our state during an extremely tough time for the ag community,” said Sen. Moran. “I’m proud to have many Kansas priorities included in this legislation on issues relating to NBAF, USDA’s relocation of agencies to Kansas City, rural broadband and veterans in agriculture. I appreciate the Senate coming together in a bipartisan fashion to show our care, appreciation and support for our nation’s producers and all those who support this noble work.”
This appropriations bill supports NBAF, the USDA’s relocation of ERS and NIFA, 2018 Farm Bill implementation, rural broadband deployment, agricultural research, conservation programs and food and drug safety. It also creates incentives for military veterans to enter careers in agriculture.
Included in this legislation are several Sen. Moran-supported provisions:
NBAF – Champions the completion of and fully-funds the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan and supports the workforce needs of this state-of-the-art facility with the inclusion of $3 million for workforce development, training and education.
Relocation of ERS & NIFA – Provides the necessary resources for USDA’s planned relocation of the ERS and NIFA to the Kansas City region, a move that was announced in June.
Agricultural Research – Increases investments in key agricultural research priorities important to Kansas farmers and ranchers, including research focused on wheat, sorghum and alfalfa.
Farmer Mental Health – Includes funds for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network to provide grants to extension services and nonprofit organizations that offer mental health and stress assistance programs to farmers, ranchers and others involved in agriculture.
Rural Broadband – Continues investments in broadband to support deployment of this critical digital infrastructure across rural and underserved areas. Includes measures to ensure the coordination between the Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in their work to expand broadband and prevent overbuilding. This bill also requires USDA to review the administration of its new pilot ReConnect broadband loan and grant program to ensure these significant federal investments are maximized and put to use in rural communities that need it most.
International Food Assistance – Maintains the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, erected by former U.S. Senators Bob Dole (R-Kan.) and George McGovern (D-S.D.). This legislation also prioritizes Food for Peace initiatives which support the delivery of American-grown food to foreign countries experiencing chronic hunger crises.
Veterans in Agriculture – Includes $5 million for a grant program established by Sen. Moran to help veterans transition into farming, ranching and other careers in agriculture.
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