Medical Research News

There are no records to display that match the provided criteria.

MANHATTAN, KAN. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement in response to President Obama announcing that he will seek Congressional authorization to use military action against Syria:

“Congress will soon use its Constitutionally-vested power to debate and vote on whether to intervene in Syria. America cannot afford another conflict that taxes our resources without achieving goals that advance American interests, and I will not support authorizing military action against Syria at this time.” 

###

Senator Moran Asks IRS for Answers on Attempt to Audit Veteran Service Organizations

Calls on IRS to cease carrying out the audits until the mandate is reviewed

Aug 27 2013

Senator Moran Asks IRS for Answers on Attempt to Audit Veteran Service Organizations

Calls on IRS to cease carrying out the audits until the mandate is reviewed

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today demanded answers from Acting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Daniel Werfel regarding the IRS’ attempt to audit Veteran Service Organizations in Kansas and across the country. Sen. Moran asked that the IRS cease carrying out the audits until the mandate is reviewed in order to be certain the privacy of the nation’s veterans is respected.

“…Even after they return home from war, veterans in America continue to fight battles. Many struggle to find a job, face difficulties accessing quality health care services, or wait senselessly long periods of time for their benefits claims to be processed by the federal government,” Sen. Moran said in a letter to the Acting IRS Commissioner. “The last thing veterans should have to worry about is their privacy within veteran service organizations, or the ability of those organizations to endure seemingly arbitrary IRS audits and the severe financial penalties that could ensue. This news is deeply concerning to me and the thousands of veterans I represent in Kansas.”

Sen. Moran asked that the following questions to be specifically addressed by the agency:

  • What legal authority does the IRS have in carrying out a mandate for personal, military service records? Was this mandate reviewed by IRS general counsel? Please provide documentation that gives the IRS the authority to collect this information;
  • Under whose leadership was this mandate initiated, for what direct purpose, and who had approving authority for this mandate?;
  • Were veteran service organizations ever specifically notified of the requirement? If so, please provide the documentation that was issued to these organizations. If not, please explain why organizations were not notified; and
  • Is it true that an organization unable or unwilling to provide this information could be charged penalty fees of $1,000 per day? Please provide clarification regarding the penalty for noncompliance.

The full text of Sen. Moran’s request can be found below.

Click here to watch a special report from On the Record with Greta Van Susteren on the IRS’ attempt to audit veteran service organizations.

###

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement regarding the Internal Revenue Services’ (IRS) attempt to audit veteran service organizations in Kansas and across the country:  

“On the heels of Americans’ anger over revelations that the IRS intentionally targeted certain groups, it has been brought to my attention that the IRS is now turning their sights toward our nation’s veterans. The IRS seems to be auditing veteran service organizations by requiring private member military service forms. If a post is unable or not willing to turn over this personal information, it’s possible they could face a fine of $1,000 per day.

“I am deeply concerned about this revelation and will insist on answers. This policy seems to be crafted with the oversight of Lois Lerner and deserves, at a minimum, a thorough look to make certain the IRS is not overstepping bounds of privacy and respect for our nation’s heroes.”

Sen. Moran is calling on Acting IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel and hopes to receive answers immediately.

###

Colorado Springs, Colo. - On Monday, Aug. 19, 2013, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) met with eight Kansas Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. "Days like these serve as a reminder that Kansas produces smart, hard-working and civic-minded individuals who want to give back to their country," Sen. Moran said.

USDA Approves CP25 Emergency Haying and Grazing

"Western Kansas has not experienced relief from the recent rains in other parts of the state, and farmers and ranchers continue to struggle. USDA's decision…is welcome news and will allow livestock operations to continue across our state in spite of the exceedingly dry conditions."

Aug 05 2013

HAYS, Kan. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it will allow emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) CP25 acreage in order to provide additional relief to Kansas livestock producers still struggling as the historic drought continues to persist in Kansas.

"As I travel throughout Kansas, I continue to see the devastating impact the ongoing drought is having on producers and communities," Sen. Moran said. "Western Kansas has not experienced relief from the recent rains in other parts of the state, and farmers and ranchers continue to struggle. USDA’s decision to allow haying and grazing on CP25 acreage is welcome news and will allow livestock operations to continue across our state in spite of the exceedingly dry conditions."

Multiple years of historic drought have depleted forage supplies and affected the growth of hay and pasture across Kansas. Kansas has more than 840,000 acres currently enrolled in CP25, the majority of which are within the drought region. Many Kansas livestock producers have worked closely with Farm Service Agency (FSA) county directors and utilized CP25 to enhance environmental benefits. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized this same land to be used for emergency haying and grazing in 2012 and extreme drought conditions have made the authorization necessary again this year.

Emergency haying is authorized for a single period through Aug. 31, 2013. Emergency grazing is authorized for a single period  through Sept. 30, 2013. According to FSA, there are currently 66 counties that will qualify for CP25 release. In order to utilize the acreage the producer must file a request with their local FSA office. The request will then be reviewed and, if approved, a 10 percent reduction in the CRP payment will be taken.

In July, Sen. Moran joined U.S. Senator Pat Roberts in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Tom Vilsack, calling for emergency haying and grazing of CRPlands to help livestock producers suffering from sustained and critical drought.

Sen. Moran is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

 

###

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) introduced legislation to honor WWII Veteran and Kansan Lieutenant General Richard “Dick” Seitz by designating the Junction City Community-Based Outpatient Clinic as the “Lieutenant General Richard J. Seitz Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.” The U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs facility provides primary care, behavioral health, personal care, laboratory, prescriptions and psychiatry services for veterans.

“Our country lost a great man, a dedicated soldier, and an American hero when Lieutenant General Dick Seitz recently passed away,” Sen. Moran said. “Dick was a mentor, a friend, and someone I hold in extremely high regard. I’m grateful for his commitment to serving the community of Junction City and am delighted to honor him by working to name the community-based outpatient clinic in his honor.”

“General Dick Seitz is an American icon. He was at Anzio, the Black Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. When Hitler’s troops almost broke out, it was Dick Seitz’s paratroopers that stopped them,” said Sen. Roberts. “Over his lifetime, General Seitz’s honor and valor were only out shown by his commitment to his fellow men and women who bravely serve in our nation’s armed forces. I can think of no more fitting tribute to this great American hero than naming a facility dedicated to the service of his fellow soldiers in his honor.”  

Lt. Gen. Seitz is a WWII Veteran who successfully led his battalion through the Battle of the Bulge. During his Army career, which included nearly 37 years of active duty, Lt. Gen. Seitz received numerous awards including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart.

Following his military retirement, Lt. Gen. Seitz settled in Junction City, where he frequently visited Ft. Riley to greet deploying and returning units from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as mentor young and noncommissioned officers. He was also involved with the Coronado Council of the Boy Scouts, served on the Board of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, and was named an Outstanding Citizen of Kansas. In 2012, the General Richard J. Seitz Elementary School at Ft. Riley was named in his honor.

###

Sen. Moran Signals Support for Kansan Judicial Nominees

"After many months of serious negotiations with the White House, I am pleased we were able to come to an agreement. The President has sent the Senate two highly qualified candidates."

Aug 01 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement today regarding the judicial nominations of two Kansans. Daniel D. Crabtree of Kansas City, Kan., has been nominated to the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, and Justice Nancy L. Moritz of Topeka, Kan., and the Kansas Supreme Court has been nominated to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

"Providing advice and consent of Presidential nominees is one of the most important roles of the United States Senate and a responsibility that I take seriously," Sen. Moran said. "After many months of serious negotiations with the White House on the importance of filling these vacancies, I am pleased we were able to come to an agreement. The President has sent the Senate two highly qualified candidates. Dan Crabtree is a one of Kansas’ most accomplished legal minds and has had a distinguished career in litigation. Nancy Moritz’ professional credentials and commitment to the Rule of Law are well documented. I intend to support confirmation for both Mr. Crabtree and Justice Moritz."

Daniel Crabtree is a partner at the law firm of Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP in Kansas City. He joined Stinson Mag & Fizzell, PC – a predecessor of his current firm – as an associate in 1981 and has spent his entire legal career at the firm, becoming a partner in 1988. Over the course of his career, he has represented businesses and governmental entities in complex civil litigation in federal and state courts. He also acts as the General Counsel for the Kansas City Royals Baseball Club. Daniel Crabtree received his B.A. in 1978 from Ottawa University and his J.D. in 1981 from the University of Kansas School of Law.

Justice Nancy L. Moritz has served as a Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court since 2011. During her career, she has handled a broad array of legal matters before both state and federal courts as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Kansas, an Appellate Coordinator for the District, and as a member of the Kansas Court of Appeals. Justice Moritz was born in Beloit, Kan. and was raised in the small community of Tipton, Kan. She received her B.B.A. from Washburn University in Topeka in 1982, and her J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in 1985. 

# # #

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) today to announce the introduction of their bipartisan Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act. The bill would continue and expand a proven and effective tax incentive to encourage businesses and farms to donate surplus food to local food banks.

“Permanently extending the hunger relief tax incentive is a commonsense solution to increase food bank contributions — in rural and urban areas alike — and make use of the millions of pounds of food that go to waste each year,” Sen. Moran said. “This legislation is especially critical during these difficult economic times when food banks have an increased need to provide emergency food assistance.”

“Charity cannot meet the needs of the hungry alone,” said Valerie Nicholson-Watson, President and CEO of Harvesters—The Community Food Network, the food bank serving northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. “We need the continued partnership of nonprofit, business and government to help the hundreds of thousands of Kansans at risk of hunger. The hunger relief tax incentive has a proven track record as a targeted and effective way to encourage donations of excess nutritious food to those in need. We are grateful for Senator Moran’s leadership to permanently extend this vital tax incentive.”

During and since the recent economic recession, demand on food banks across the country has risen dramatically, with more than 50 million Americans living in food insecure households, according to a 2011 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Despite this, as much as 40 percent of the food that is produced, grown and transported in the United States will never be used as some businesses find it too costly to donate the excess food, amounting to 70 billion pounds of wasted food each year.

The Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act would address this by permanently extending the same tax incentives to donate food, that are now available to corporations, to all businesses including small businesses, farmers, ranchers and restaurant owners. Congress recently extended this tax incentive through the end of 2013. After this most recent renewal, in the restaurant industry alone there was a 137 percent increase in the pounds of food donated. The Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act would make this provision permanent, and would extend the deduction to farmers who often have large amounts of fresh food to donate.

The bipartisan bill is supported by many organizations including Feeding America, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Food Marketing Institute, Grocery Manufactures Association and the National Restaurant Association. 

###

Mr. President, three years ago Congress passed a massive health insurance law which didn't have a single Republican vote, and it had significant opposition by the public. In an administration proclaiming to be the most transparent ever, this 2,700 page bill was rammed through Congress in the early morning hours on Christmas Eve. Even then, Speaker of the House Pelosi said Congress had to pass this bill so that we could find out what was in it. Well, we did. It was passed, and the American people are not liking what they have discovered.

While the President promised the Affordable Care Act would lower health care costs and strengthen our health care system, the law, instead, is increasing health insurance premiums, slowing economic recovery, and hindering job creation. We should not allow the administration to continue to ignore this reality. We must permanently delay the Affordable Care Act.

Since its enactment in 2010, 18 components of the health care law have been changed, cancelled, or delayed. The President downplays the law's substantial defects by characterizing them as “glitches and bumps” that are to be expected. He also claims that the Affordable Care Act critics are responsible for the law's broken promises by arguing that the problem is with “folks out there who are actively working to make this law fail.”  Meanwhile, the Affordable Care Act is slowly unraveling.

Every day brings new information about missed deadlines, funding shortfalls, soaring health insurance premium rates, and a technical implementation that is floundering.  It is any wonder that this law continues to be publicly unpopular. With the majority of mandates, fees, and taxes taking effect in 2014, we are already beginning to see the alarming effects of the law on individuals, families, employers, and on our economy. It is one broken promise after another.

Promise No. 1. In attempting to convince the American people that the ACA was good, the President promised it would “save families $2,500 in the coming years.”  But since 2008, the average American family has seen health insurance premiums rise more than $3,000. Nonpartisan actuaries estimate that national health spending will grow at an average rate of close to six percent annually between 2011 and 2021. As national spending ticks up, American families will continue to see their monthly premiums go up. States are beginning to release details on the rates consumers will pay for ACA-related health insurance starting on January 1. An unfortunate pattern is emerging: ACA mandated insurance is going to increase costs for many Americans.

Recently, the State of Indiana announced that insurance rates will increase 72 percent for consumers in the individual market. Consumers in Ohio, Florida, South Carolina, and Maryland have also announced they are expecting to see their premiums increase significantly. Just yesterday, the Georgia insurance commissioner asked the Department of Health and Human Services to extend the deadline to approve health plans in their State because some rates were expected in Georgia to rise by 198 percent.

In my home State of Kansas, I consistently hear concerns from individuals, business owners, and even local government officials about the impending costs of the Affordable Care Act. For example, rural Kansas school districts and special education co-ops, whose budgets are already stretched thin, will now be forced to cover the costs associated with the law. This has resulted in reductions in employees' hours and may trigger layoffs in order for the districts to avoid significant ACA-related penalties. It is sad to visit with the director of a special education co-op only to learn that less services are going to be provided to special needs students because of the costs associated with the Affordable Care Act. The American people were promised savings and security. Instead, we are experiencing less of both. The Affordable Care Act is leaving Americans with less options and simply unaffordable care.

Promise No. 2. In 2009, the President said: No matter how we reform health care, we will keep this promise: If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor, period. Reality has since whittled down this promise dramatically. If you go to the Affordable Care Act Web site today, you will find this far less confident statement:  “Depending on the plan you choose in the Marketplace, you may be able to keep your current doctor.”

Mr. President, even large labor unions have recently criticized the President and congressional Democrats for breaking this promise. Notably, the National Treasury Employees Union, the union that represents most IRS employees, is urging its members to write their elected officials to oppose any effort that would force them to participate in the health insurance exchanges.  Further, several unions stated:  “When you and the President sought our support for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you pledged that if we liked the health plans we have now, we could keep them.” Sadly, that promise is under threat.

And another statement: approximately 3 million laborers, retirees, and their families now face the very real prospect of losing their health benefits. This, I must remind you, was something that you promised would not happen.

Promise No. 3. The President indicated that the Affordable Care Act would ``lower costs for the federal government, reducing our deficit by over $1 trillion in the next two decades. It is paid for. It is fiscally responsible.''

The only way the Affordable Care Act will reduce deficits is by grossly increasing the taxes and fees associated with this law. One wonders how anyone believed at the time that the new entitlement program would ever save money. These broken promises are more than just words. The administration's false starts and early failures in implementing the Affordable Care Act are just the beginning. The harm this law will do to individuals, families, and businesses will continue to emerge. In less than 3 months, individuals will be asked to start enrolling in a health insurance exchange when insurance rates, coverage requirements, and subsidy amounts are still largely unknown. And, increasingly, the question being asked is, what happens to individuals required to buy health insurance or face penalties if the exchanges are not ready on time?

I am the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services. I offered two amendments to the fiscal year 2014 bill that would bring some certainty to this overarching issue.

First, I offered an amendment to codify the administration's decision to delay the employer mandate. While many of my colleagues on the Democratic side issued press releases praising the administration's decision to delay, when asked to affirmatively vote in committee to delay for 1 year, they all voted no. The amendment failed on a straight party-line vote.

The second amendment I offered delayed the implementation and enforcement of the individual mandate for one year. While I support the delay of the employer mandate, in that decision, like it or not, the administration undermined its own credibility in stating that the Affordable Care Act would be implemented on time, as promised. We should not, and cannot, require individuals to risk their health care coverage by signing up for an unworkable program with a dubious future.

Unfortunately, my colleagues—again, on the Democratic side—disagreed. They refused to extend the exemption the President granted to businesses, to employers, to all Americans, to families and individuals. The evidence continues to show that the Affordable Care Act is so large and convoluted that it cannot be implemented into practice. Reports from State actuaries, the Congressional Budget Office, the Government Accountability Office, and nonpartisan think tanks have reached the same conclusion: Almost everything we were told about the Affordable Care Act is untrue.

Mr. President, we were told three years ago that we need to pass the Affordable Care Act to find out what is in it. Now we know, and it is not good. We don't need to force American families to endure another three years just to see how bad it actually will be.