Medical Research News
There are no records to display that match the provided criteria.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense – cosponsored the bipartisan Military Special Victims Protection Act to increase oversight in the prosecution of sexual misconduct and domestic violence cases by providing more senior commanders with decision-making responsibilities.
This legislation, led by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), would also expand eligibility for Special Victim Counsel services to victims of certain domestic violence offenses, and would provide for the correction of military records and discharges for former military members that were survivors of military sexual trauma or intimate partner violence. This legislation also explores options for ensuring that the best interests of child-victims are protected during legal proceedings.
“Those willing to sacrifice for our country by joining our Armed Forces face enough high-stress and high-stakes circumstances while defending our nation, and must be able to rely on their brothers and sisters in arms to keep them safe within the ranks and feel secure to focus on their mission,” said Sen. Moran. “This bipartisan legislation would provide counseling services and the correction of military records for servicemembers who have experienced assault or violence, while also requiring the Department of Defense to further develop strategies to prevent this abuse from happening in the first place. Sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse must be addressed head-on, and I will continue supporting efforts to rid this violence from our society and our military.”
# # #
Sen. Moran Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Enable All Military Women to Count Maternity Leave Toward Years of Service
The MOMs Act would create parity, guarantee paid maternity leave for approximately 150,000 women serving in National Guard and Reserve
May 29 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense – introduced bipartisan legislation to support military mothers by making certain that women serving in the National Guard and Reserve can take maternity leave without worrying about how it will affect their creditable military service. The Mothers of Military Service (MOMS) Leave Act would allow women servicemembers of the Reserve Component to receive pay and points towards retirement while on maternity leave.
In 2016, the Department of Defense established new policies that authorized 12 weeks of fully-paid maternity leave after pregnancy and childbirth for active-duty servicemembers. But under current law, women serving in the National Guard and Reserve can lose out on credit for their military service and points towards retirement while they are on maternity leave. Members of the Reserve Component in inactive duty training status are still required to attend unit training assembles – or weekend drill – in order to receive points toward creditable military service. And if the woman service member misses drill, she is in jeopardy of not receiving credit toward retirement.
This bipartisan legislation would make certain that women serving in the Reserve Component receive pay and points for 12 pay periods (equal to six drill weekends) towards retirement after pregnancy and childbirth, thereby guaranteeing paid maternity leave for approximately 150,000 women currently serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
“Women who serve our country should not be inadvertently penalized for having a child, nor should they be expected to return to drill duties in the weeks following childbirth,” said Sen. Moran. “This bipartisan, sensible legislation would support new mothers in our National Guard and Reserve by making certain that they receive the same paid maternity leave benefits as their active duty counterparts. This proposal is an important step forward in ensuring that women can both serve our nation and build their families without having to sacrifice their pay or credits.”
Full bill text can be found here.
# # #
Sen. Moran Urges POTUS to Expeditiously Provide Disaster Aid to Kansas
“I do not remember a time where flooding in my state has been worse . . . I urge you to approve this request”
May 28 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today urged President Trump to expeditiously approve of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s request for federal disaster relief and emergency protective measures, noting that “nearly half of Kansas’ 105 counties are part of a state of disaster declaration.”
Governor Kelly has submitted a request to you for federal disaster relief and emergency protective measures, including rescue support and shelter management support,” wrote Sen. Moran. “I urge you to support and approve this request. Volunteers are working diligently alongside local, state and federal officials to provide emergency assistance to those in need. However, state and local resources are strained. Additional federal assistance is needed to aid the recovery and help prevent further damage caused by the flooding.
Full text of the letter is here and below.
President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear President Trump:
Since April 28, 2019, Kansas has experienced heavy rainfall and harmful storms that have resulted in a significant portion of the state experiencing serious flooding. Property has been damaged and several communities have been evacuated. Nearly half of Kansas’ 105 counties are part of a state of disaster declaration, initially signed by Governor Laura Kelly on May 9 and later this weekend amended to add additional counties that have since been impacted. I do not remember a time where flooding in my state has been worse.
In addition to the rain that the state has already received, precipitation is predicted to continue, taxing already burdened resources.
Governor Kelly has submitted a request to you for federal disaster relief and emergency protective measures, including rescue support and shelter management support, which I have included as an addendum. I urge you to support and approve this request. Volunteers are working diligently alongside local, state and federal officials to provide emergency assistance to those in need. However, state and local resources are strained. Additional federal assistance is needed to aid the recovery and help prevent further damage caused by the flooding.
Mr. President, thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent matter. Please feel free to call on me if I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
###
Sen. Moran Applauds Senate Passage of TRACED Act to Fight Robocalls
Moran-led provision requires FCC to provide more robust reports to Congress on robocalls, spoofing
May 23 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection – today applauded passage of S.151, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act, legislation that would provide regulators more time to find scammers, increase civil forfeiture penalties for those caught, promote call authentication and blocking adoption, and bring relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address impediments to criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally break laws.
Included in the TRACED Act is Sen. Moran’s FCC Reporting Modernization Act, which would update current Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reporting requirements to include all Telephone Consumer Protection Act complaints and enforcement actions regarding robocalls and spoofed phone calls.
“Not only are robocalls annoying and disruptive, but they can be dangerous – too often coercing unsuspecting Americans to provide sensitive personal and financial information with highly-sophisticated deceit tactics,” said Sen. Moran. “The TRACED Act, which passed the Senate today with overwhelming bipartisan support, will help curb robocalls and will help identify the patterns scammers employ to help guide Congress’ lawmaking efforts to combat this pervasive issue.”
Sen. Moran’s FCC Reporting Modernization Act requires the FCC to report the following information to Congress every year:
- Number of complaints received by the FCC alleging that a consumer received a robocall or spoofed call;
- Number of citations issued by the FCC in enforcing against such complaints;
- Number of notices of apparent liability issued by the FCC to enforce policies against robocalls or spoofed calls, along with the amount of penalties involved, the recipient of the notice and the status of the proceeding.
# # #
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture – cosponsored the Agricultural Export Expansion Act of 2019, legislation to remove a major hurdle for American farmers and ranchers to selling American agricultural products in the Cuban market. The bipartisan bill would support jobs in Kansas and across the country by lifting restrictions on private financing for U.S. agricultural exports to Cuba.
“This bipartisan legislation, which would allow for the private financing of ag exports to Cuba, represents an important step forward in our work to open Cuban markets for Kansas farmers and ranchers,” said Sen. Moran. “With low commodity prices and an ongoing trade war, our producers can only benefit from increased market access.”
The 2018 Farm Bill took steps to help American agriculture access the Cuban market by allowing funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture export promotion programs for U.S. agricultural products to be used in Cuba. However, the biggest barrier for producers as they seek access to Cuba is the Trade Sanctions and Reform Act (TSRA) prohibition on providing private credit for those exports, which forces Cubans to pay with cash up front for American-grown food. As a result, American farm goods have become less competitive, and Cuba has turned to other countries who are able to directly extend credit to Cuban buyers for transactions. This bill would amend the TSRA to allow for private financing of agricultural exports and level the playing field for American farmers competing in the global market.
The legislation is authored by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
Item to note:
- In March, 2017, Sen. Moran introduced the Cuba Trade Act of 2017, legislation that would fully restore trade with Cuba.
# # #
Kansas, Missouri Delegations Urge USDA to Select Kansas City-Area as Headquarters for Research Agencies
“Kansas City is ideally located for ERS and NIFA employees to simultaneously be closer to the agricultural stakeholders and rural communities they serve”
May 21 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and U.S. Representatives Roger Marshall (KS-01), Ron Estes (KS-04), Steve Watkins (KS-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) and Sam Graves (MO-06) today highlighted why the Kansas City-area should be selected as the new headquarters for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue.
“Kansas City is home to a highly-skilled workforce, including to approximately 5,000 USDA employees and contractors,” the members wrote. “The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, stretching from Manhattan, Kansas to Columbia, Missouri, is the largest concentration of animal health companies in the world. Kansas is the future home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), the nation’s foremost animal disease research facility. Over a dozen land-grant universities and research institutions are located in close proximity of Kansas City. This concentration of animal health companies, NBAF and land-grant universities will not only complement the research capabilities of ERS and NIFA, but continue to foster a talented workforce to meet the personnel needs of USDA in the future.”
“We agree the quality of life of USDA employees ought to be a key consideration in relocating the agencies, and assure you that Kansas City is a premier place for people to live and work,” the members continued. “Kansas City has undergone significant development in recent years, including a revitalized downtown area that offers residents a vibrant and exciting lifestyle. Kansas City residents enjoy some of the shortest commute times of any metropolitan area and have convenient access to popular destinations in both urban and rural areas of our states.”
Full text of the letter is here and below.
The Honorable Sonny Perdue
Secretary
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
Dear Secretary Perdue,
Thank you for including the Greater Kansas City Region on the short list of possible locations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). We write to express our strong support for the selection of Kansas City to be the future home of these agencies.
We share your commitment to uphold the critical missions of ERS and NIFA during the relocation process and in the future. Agricultural research is one of the most critical functions of USDA. We must ensure the relocation supports and strengthens the research functions that are essential to the agriculture industry. As you continue to evaluate the finalists, we are confident you will find Kansas City to excel in each of the criteria considered by USDA: capital and operating costs, workforce, logistics and quality of life for employees.
We appreciate your focus on reducing the cost of government and making USDA more responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. You will find capital and operating expenses in Kansas City to be lower than Washington, D.C. and competitive nationally.
Kansas City is home to a highly-skilled workforce, including to approximately 5,000 USDA employees and contractors. The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, stretching from Manhattan, Kansas to Columbia, Missouri, is the largest concentration of animal health companies in the world. Kansas is the future home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), the nation’s foremost animal disease research facility. Over a dozen land-grant universities and research institutions are located in close proximity of Kansas City. This concentration of animal health companies, NBAF and land-grant universities will not only complement the research capabilities of ERS and NIFA, but continue to foster a talented workforce to meet the personnel needs of USDA in the future.
Being centrally located, Kansas City offers convenient air and ground travel across the continental United States. The area is primarily served by the Kansas City International Airport, which is currently undergoing a $1.5 billion renovation to meet the needs of the growing local economy, with several regional airports also located nearby. Kansas City is ideally located for ERS and NIFA employees to simultaneously be closer to the agricultural stakeholders and rural communities they serve, while also being able to conveniently travel to USDA headquarters, research institutions and elsewhere across the nation.
We agree the quality of life of USDA employees ought to be a key consideration in relocating the agencies, and assure you that Kansas City is a premier place for people to live and work. Kansas City has undergone significant development in recent years, including a revitalized downtown area that offers residents a vibrant and exciting lifestyle. Kansas City residents enjoy some of the shortest commute times of any metropolitan area and have convenient access to popular destinations in both urban and rural areas of our states. The cost of living and residential housing costs in Kansas City are significantly lower than Washington D.C. and most other cities.
ERS and NIFA each play an important role in our nation’s food and agricultural research, education and extension services. Relocating ERS and NIFA to the middle of the country provides an opportunity to enhance the agencies’ respective roles within USDA and their ability to serve farmers, ranchers and rural communities. We appreciate your consideration of Kansas City to be the future home of ERS and NIFA and stand willing to be of assistance to you in relocating the agencies to the area.
# # #
Sen. Moran to Sec. Perdue: Farmers Are on the Verge of Financial Collapse, Resolve the China Trade Dispute
Urges USDA to Allocate Funds through International Food Aid
May 20 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture – today offered United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue his recommendations on how to expand export markets, distribute the potential additional round of trade assistance programs and purchase U.S.-grown commodities for international food aid programs.
First and foremost: resolve the ongoing trade dispute with China.
“The tariffs our country levied against China, and China’s retaliatory tariffs targeted at our farmers and ranchers, threaten to cause long term damage to U.S. agriculture,” Sen. Moran wrote. “Kansas farmers and ranchers understand the need to hold China accountable for bad behavior on trade. Yet, net farm income has fallen by 50 percent since 2013 and the trade war has pushed commodity prices down even further. Many farmers and ranchers are on the verge of financial collapse. Another round of payments to producers and commodity purchases by USDA may provide short term relief for farmers, but will not make up for lost export markets and long term implications of the trade disputes.”
“The President has encouraged U.S. consumers to not buy goods from China as a way to avoid paying tariffs,” Sen. Moran continued. “However, consumers changing their purchasing decisions to avoid the tariffs provides no solution or relief for Kansas and other states who are dependent on selling what we produce to China and other foreign markets. The same logic expressed by President Trump applies to foreign buyers who are choosing to no longer purchase U.S. agriculture commodities in a similar attempt to avoid the retaliatory tariffs applied to our exports.”
“When determining the design of the trade programs, I urge you to include investments in international food aid programs, make certain payments to farmers do not distort planting decisions, and focus export promotion programs on new markets immediately available to producers,” Sen. Moran continued. “I agree with President Trump that investing in international food aid ought to be a component of trade assistance efforts.”
Full text of the letter is here and below.
The Honorable Sonny Perdue
Secretary
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
Dear Secretary Perdue:
I write to express my continued concerns regarding the impact the ongoing trade war with China is having on Kansas farmers and ranchers, and offer my recommendations on the potential additional round of trade assistance programs.
The administration’s top priority ought to be to quickly and successfully resolve the ongoing trade disputes to provide greater market certainty for farmers and ranchers. I am disappointed trade discussions with China took a step back, resulting in the most recent escalation in the trade war.
Kansas farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to earn a living depends on selling the food and fiber they grow around the world. Without exports, the question becomes: what 48 percent of wheat acres do we no longer plant in Kansas? The income generated by exports keeps Kansas producers in business and sustains our rural communities.
The President has encouraged U.S. consumers to not buy goods from China as a way to avoid paying tariffs. However, consumers changing their purchasing decisions to avoid the tariffs provides no solution or relief for Kansas and other states who are dependent on selling what we produce to China and other foreign markets. The same logic expressed by President Trump applies to foreign buyers who are choosing to no longer purchase U.S. agriculture commodities in a similar attempt to avoid the retaliatory tariffs applied to our exports.
The tariffs our country levied against China, and China’s retaliatory tariffs targeted at our farmers and ranchers, threaten to cause long term damage to U.S. agriculture. Kansas farmers and ranchers understand the need to hold China accountable for bad behavior on trade. Yet, net farm income has fallen by 50 percent since 2013 and the trade war has pushed commodity prices down even further. Many farmers and ranchers are on the verge of financial collapse.
Another round of payments to producers and commodity purchases by USDA may provide short term relief for farmers, but will not make up for lost export markets and long term implications of the trade disputes. It is also important to recognize the harm the tariffs have inflicted on U.S. manufacturers and businesses, which have not received disaster relief.
Recent analysis of a cross section of Kansas farms by the Kansas Farm Management Association found Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments comprised an average of 37 percent of the net farm income in 2018. These figures indicate the financial safety net MFP payments provided for many producers last year. At the same time, I am concerned the increased reliance of farm income generated from government payments instead of markets is not sustainable.
While USDA recently announced it will move forward with another round of trade assistance, you have been clear that producers should not anticipate MFP payments in the future. In other words, an average farmer in Kansas cannot count on 37 percent of last year’s income going forward. This inherent unpredictability of ad hoc disaster assistance underlies the strong preference of farmers and ranchers for markets to sell their livestock and crops instead of government payments.
Farmers and ranchers are hurting. It is critical the upcoming trade assistance be structured in a manner that does maximum good for our farmers and ranchers. When determining the design of the trade programs, I urge you to include investments in international food aid programs, make certain payments to farmers do not distort planting decisions, and focus export promotion programs on new markets immediately available to producers.
I agree with President Trump that investing in international food aid ought to be a component of trade assistance efforts. There are four areas in the world facing famine or near-famine conditions, and over 800 million food insecure people total. Of those people, approximately 113 million people are in imminent danger of death due to starvation. We must do better at getting the food we grow across Kansas and our country to starving people around the world. This trade assistance package offers us an opportunity to do good and save lives around the world, while also helping American producers at home by purchasing and shipping U.S.-grown commodities. I urge you to allocate additional funds through the Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education programs, or initiatives of similar design.
It is reported that payments directly to producers will be a significant portion of the trade assistance. Farmers planting for the market, not government programs, has been a central tenant of farm policy for over two decades. It is important this principle continue to be followed and for trade payments to not distort planting decisions. This can be accomplished by basing payment acres on a farmer's recent history of planted acres, and yields on the higher of actual 2018 yields or average, historic yields for each commodity. Further, payment rates for each commodity should be determined in a manner that recognizes both direct and indirect impacts of the trade dispute.
Finally, investments in export promotion programs ought to be focused on finding and developing new markets that are immediately available to producers. I recommend placing an emphasis on promoting commodities exports not included in the direct payments to producers, particularly livestock and meat exports.
I recognize the desire for another round of trade assistance payments as farmers and ranchers have been caught in the middle of the trade war with China. I also reiterate my strong preference to see our ongoing trade disputes resolved for the benefit of Kansas farmers and ranchers. Thank you for your consideration of my recommendations.
# # #
Sen. Moran Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Accuracy of Broadband Coverage Maps
May 17 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation – introduced the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA) with U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.). This legislation would improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout. The bill would require broadband providers to report data in a way that more accurately reflects locations they actually serve – a change from current reporting requirements. This would create a new, improved National Broadband Map that is significantly more accurate and granular, as well as subject to an ongoing and multi-faceted challenge, validation and refinement process.
“In order for rural Kansas to compete in today’s digital economy, we need effective, efficient and reliable broadband,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will help make certain the FCC is working from an accurate and up-to-date broadband map as it continues its deployment efforts in rural America. I will work to address the communications needs facing our country, and I encourage my colleagues to support this important legislation.”
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are charged with allocating billions of dollars each year to ensure that broadband coverage gaps are closed. However, there is broad bipartisan consensus that the data the FCC collects is not sufficiently accurate or granular to pinpoint these gaps or guide decision-making on where funds should be directed to support broadband buildout.
The BDIA would require broadband providers to report data to create an improved National Broadband Map that is significantly more accurate and granular, as well as subject to an ongoing and multi-faceted challenge, validation and refinement process. Accurate and granular data will enable federal agencies to target funding to the areas that need it the most, close the remaining coverage gaps and ensure accountability and transparency.
This legislation is supported by a broad range of groups and organizations, including NCTA-The Internet & Television Association, NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Microsoft Corporation, the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
Building on the many lessons learned from past state and federal data collection and mapping efforts, the Broadband Data Improvement Act would comprehensively improve the National Broadband Map in the following key ways:
- Granular Service Availability Data – Requires broadband providers to report service availability by submitting GIS shape files that indicate actual network coverage, completely updating or replacing the current Form 477 process.
- Three-pronged Data Validation Process –
- The collection of public feedback regarding the accuracy of the map, obtained via a new feedback tool that will be integrated into the online mapping platform.
- The acquisition of third-party commercial datasets on broadband availability that are analyzed and compared against provider-reported data.
- Targeted on-the-ground field validation of services in areas where public feedback and third-party data suggest the map is incorrect.
- Periodic Challenge Process – Requires the establishment of an ongoing, efficient and scheduled process by which the public and broadband service providers may challenge the map, and through which the FCC analyzes and resolves any challenges to update the map accordingly.
- Federal Funding Programs Guidance and Broadband Investments Tracking – Requires the National Broadband Map to be utilized by federal agencies to identify areas that remain unserved and track where awarded funds have actually resulted in broadband buildout.
- Data Submission Assistance to Small Providers – Minimizes the burden on smaller service providers that may not have GIS capabilities by providing data submission assistance to ensure the information they report is as accurate as possible.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
# # #
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture – today released the following statement after the United States and Japan agreed to new terms and conditions that eliminate Japan’s longstanding restrictions on U.S. beef exports, paving the way for expanded sales to the United States’ top global beef market:
“I commend Secretary Perdue and the administration for negotiating full access for U.S. beef to Japan, one of the top export markets for Kansas cattle producers. The United States produces the safest, most wholesome beef in the world, and the elimination of this non-tariff barrier is a win for trade rules being based on sound science.
“While our producers will continue to face higher tariffs when exporting beef to Japan compared to foreign competitors, I am hopeful this announcement lays the groundwork for a bilateral agreement with Japan on agricultural trade that levels the playing field on tariffs for U.S. beef, wheat and other commodities.”
# # #
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) commemorated the 65th anniversary of Brown v. Topeka Board of Education, a landmark decision that started the legal process of integrating schools across the nation in a speech on the floor of the United States Senate.
“On this anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we remember the legacy left behind by Linda Brown and her parents,” said Sen. Moran. “Linda Brown just passed away last year, and we honor her, her family and all those involved in the civil rights movement. This legacy is one which requires all Americans, each of us, to uphold the self-evident truth that all men and women are created equal. Let us remember the legacy of Brown v. Topeka Board of Education, and in doing so, I ask every American to commit to racial justice and equal opportunity.”
Earlier this week, Sen. Moran joined the Kansas delegation in introducing a resolution recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision and its importance to Kansas and our country.
Click Here to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Remarks
Remarks as delivered:
“Mr. President, thank you. On the 65th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision, Brown v. Board of Education, I rise to pay tribute to Kansas families, led by the Browns, and all Kansans who took part in challenging the injustice of racial segregation.
“For 60 years leading up to Brown, much of America adhered to the Supreme Court ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson that established the doctrine, ‘separate but equal.’ But, when applied to our school buildings and the education of our children, nothing about it was equal.
“In 1951, Linda Carol Brown was in the third grade and she would walk six blocks to a bus stop that would take her to Monroe Elementary more than a mile away from her home. This, despite the fact that Sumner Elementary just was seven blocks from her home. Even after repeated applications for attendance at the neighborhood school, the Browns and other families were rejected because of the color of their skin.
“In that year, 13 parents – led by Linda’s father, Oliver – filed suit against the Topeka Board of Education on behalf of their 20 children. Combining other cases throughout the country, Thurgood Marshall argued on their behalf before the United States Supreme Court; the court that he would later join as a justice.
“On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court unanimously issued its landmark decision, announcing Plessy’s ‘separate but equal’ doctrine violated the Fourteenth Amendment. While full integration would take years to accomplish, the events set in motion by these intrepid parents were irreversible, and they are worthy of our respect and honor today.
“Nowhere was this truer than in the city where it all started. Before the case had even reached the Supreme Court, the Topeka Board of Education began integrating its primary schools.
“Kansas has its pre-Civil War bloodshed to determine whether the territory would enter the union as a free or slave state, and Wichita was home to one of the first sit-ins to integrate drugstore lunch counters, but it is Brown v. Board of Education that is our state’s greatest connection to the nation’s pursuit of racial justice.
“That these events happened in Kansas reflect the imperfect history of our state – and our nation – but also the resolve of individual Kansans and national organizations like NAACP to right wrongs and to make a ‘more perfect union’ that our Constitution contemplates.
“On this anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we remember the legacy left behind by Linda Brown and her parents. Linda Brown just passed away last year, and we honor her, her family and all those involved in the civil rights movement. This legacy is one which requires all Americans, each of us, to uphold the self-evident truth that all men and women are created equal.
“Let us remember the legacy of Brown v. Topeka Board of Education, and in doing so, I ask every American to commit to racial justice and equal opportunity.”
Click here to watch Sen. Moran’s full remarks.
# # #
