WASHINGTON – Legislation to grant an honorary military promotion for former U.S. Senator Bob Dole is one step closer to becoming law, after the U.S. Senate passed S. 252. U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) introduced this legislation in January to authorize the honorary promotion of Bob Dole to the grade of colonel in the U.S. Army.

“I can think of no one more worthy of an honorary promotion to the rank of colonel in the United States Army than Senator Bob Dole, who has for decades served our country with the utmost distinction,” said Sen. Moran. “From his time in the military and in Congress, to his continued leadership on veterans, hunger and disability issues, he is a true model of public service for Kansans and all Americans. It is only fitting that Senator Dole be promoted for his exemplary service and sacrifice as an Army officer and I am pleased that the United States Senate unanimously agrees.”

“Senator Bob Dole is an American hero and Kansas’ favorite son. I’m proud my colleagues in the Senate acted quickly to pass this important legislation, which will give Senator Dole the military promotion he has earned during his decades of service to our country,” said Sen. Roberts. “I urge the U.S. House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead in passing this legislation.”

Sens. Moran and Roberts introduced this legislation after an Army advisory panel reviewed Dole’s service to the Armed Forces, veterans and the national security of the United States in 2018 and recommended Dole receive an honorary promotion from captain to colonel. The Secretary of the Army endorsed this recommendation and forwarded it to Congress for further action.

“There are few Americans who have compiled such a record of leadership and achievement in both war and peace as has Sen. Bob Dole,” said Secretary of the Army Mark Esper. “This promotion is in recognition of the Army’s continued appreciation for Senator Dole’s bravery, service and lifelong commitment to improving the lives of men and women in uniform.”

“Bob Dole’s legacy of valor in combat and lifelong career of selfless service to the nation represents the highest ideals and values of the Army as well as the Greatest Generation,” said Chief of Staff of the Army General Mark Milley.

Rep. Roger Marshall (KS-01) introduced a companion bill earlier this year, which awaits action in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“It was really good to see the Senate take swift action on this,” said Congressman Marshall. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honorary promotion than Kansas’ finest, Senator Dole. I now call on the House to honor his exemplary service and sacrifices to this country and pass this legislation.”

Dole enrolled in the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps in 1942 while he was a student at the University of Kansas. He was called to active duty the following year and served in World War II. While deployed to Italy as an infantry lieutenant, he was seriously wounded in combat and was twice cited for acts of heroism under fire. He finished his military service with two Purple Hearts and two awards of the Bronze Star Medal with “v” device for valor. He was also awarded the American Campaign medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal and the World War II Victory medal.

Following his military service, Dole was elected to Congress where he served from 1961 to 1969. He was then elected to the Senate where he served from 1969 until 1996.

Dole received the Congressional Gold Medal last year, after all 100 United States Senators cosponsored legislation for this award. Senator Dole is only the 8th senator to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1997.

This honorary promotion will have no cost to taxpayers.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today joined U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) in introducing the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Age Adjustment Act. This bipartisan legislation would expand access to savings accounts that allow people with disabilities to save money by increasing program eligibility and allowing people who have acquired a disability before age 46 to open ABLE accounts.

“The savings plans created through the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act have provided Americans with disabilities better options to plan for their future without burdensome barriers that often exist within federal entitlement programs,” said Sen. Moran. “However, there is still more to be done. While this program has already seen great success, ABLE savings accounts are currently available only to those who acquire their disability prior to their 26th birthday, leaving out millions – including veterans – who would otherwise qualify. I am pleased to continue our bipartisan work by introducing the ABLE Age Adjustment Act, which will expand the age of eligibility and help sustain this program on a long-term basis.”

Sen. Moran was an original cosponsor of the ABLE Act – which was signed into law in 2014 – that made it possible for states to pass legislation allowing people who acquired disabilities before turning 26 to open tax-free savings accounts. The ABLE Act helps people with disabilities and their families save money that can be used to cover qualifying expenses, such as health care or education, without the risk of losing federal disability benefits such as Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid. According to the National Association of Treasurers, 34,707 ABLE accounts have been opened nationwide and more than $171 million has been invested in these accounts.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) this week introduced the Improving Rural Access to Power Act. This legislation would increase access to capital for rural electric cooperatives, allowing them to lower energy costs and improve rural electric infrastructure.

“Rural electric cooperatives reach underserved areas far and wide providing dependable electricity to rural Kansans to power their homes, farms and small businesses,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation would increase access to capital for rural electric providers so they can continue to serve these areas and update their infrastructure in the process, all while keeping the cost to consumers as low as possible. I urge my colleagues to support this sensible measure.”

Rural electric cooperatives have lending associations that help facilitate loans to each individual cooperative to make upgrades and expansions to their local power grids. The bill will specifically increase rural electric cooperatives' access to capital by allowing the Federal Home Loan Banks to voluntarily purchase securities issued by qualified cooperative lending associations. This additional line of capital will inject more funding into electric cooperatives, allowing them to make necessary investment upgrades.
 

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) – members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs – today urged President Trump to have a “hands-on” approach to diplomacy in addition to “expeditiously” nominating qualified individuals to fill key State Department vacancies related to South Asia amid the ongoing situation between India and Pakistan.

“In light of events in recent weeks, and the specter of the use of nuclear weapons should Pakistan and India continue to escalate hostilities, we strongly implore the direct and sustained engagement of the highest levels of your administration,” the senators wrote. “As you are aware, the United States historically has conducted essential diplomacy to defuse previous crises in South Asia. …As in the past, the United States should continue to take a hands-on approach, and, when appropriate, should work with other interested regional actors to apply appropriate pressure in Islamabad and New Delhi and address the underlying causes of conflict.”  

“We would be remiss if the issue of important State Department vacancies subject to Senate confirmation was not raised,” the senators continued. “Our nation currently lacks an ambassador to Pakistan, and despite her sterling reputation, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice G. Wells remains serving in an “Acting” capacity. We encourage you to submit expeditiously to the Senate nominees for these critical positions and am intent to confirm qualified nominees in a timely manner. The United States must be well-positioned to assist in conflict prevention and mitigation that threatens the interests of our nation and our partners.”

Full text of the letter can be found here and below. 

President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, D.C.  20500

Dear Mr. President,

We write with urgency surrounding the dangerous situation between India and Pakistan in the Kashmir region and the vital need for diplomacy. We affirm India’s right to self-defense in response to attacks planned and executed by Pakistani-based terrorist groups designated by the United States and United Nations and welcome Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent decision to release a captured Air Force officer from India. However, we have ongoing concerns that this crisis may scale into an all-out war given the thousands of troops amassed along the countries’ border, heavy artillery barrages and gunfire recorded in the area and tank columns taking formation. We share your position that Pakistan must do more to combat these anti-India extremist groups that destabilize the region and urge you to use your authority to pursue a peaceful resolution to this conflict before it grows.

In light of recent events, and the specter of the use of nuclear weapons should Pakistan and India continue to escalate hostilities, we strongly implore the direct and sustained engagement of the highest levels of your administration. As you are aware, the United States historically has conducted essential diplomacy to defuse previous crises in South Asia. We are heartened by the Secretary’s engagement and your recent statement that “We’ve been in the middle” to calm heightened tensions in the Kashmir. As in the past, the United States should continue to take a hands-on approach, and, when appropriate, should work with other interested regional actors to apply appropriate pressure in Islamabad and New Delhi and address the underlying causes of conflict.

We would be remiss if the issue of important State Department vacancies subject to Senate confirmation was not raised. Our nation currently lacks an ambassador to Pakistan, and despite her sterling reputation, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice G. Wells remains serving in an “Acting” capacity. We encourage you to submit expeditiously to the Senate nominees for these critical positions and am intent to confirm qualified nominees in a timely manner. The United States must be well-positioned to assist in conflict prevention and mitigation that threatens the interests of our nation and our partners.

We thank you for your attention and look forward to working with you to address key international security challenges. 
 

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