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“Dr. Custer and her commitment to public education and improving the lives of students makes us all proud,” said Sen. Moran. “Her demonstrated excellence in dropout prevention and alternative and career education reflect her desire and ability to make meaningful change for Kansas students. Her compassion and leadership are making a tremendous impact in the Maize community and across Kansas. Dr. Custer serves as an example for why I continue to support policies that move decision-making in education away from Washington, D.C., and closer to professionals and local school officials who know our kids and schools best.”
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security – today issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Peter Feldman to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):
“As a longtime advisor to the Senate Commerce Committee, Peter’s wide array of experience in issues before the CPSC and his dedication to protecting American consumers make him an excellent choice for this position. Peter’s necessary addition to the CPSC will help the agency refocus its efforts on advancing sound regulatory principles in protecting consumers from dangerous products. I am grateful for Peter’s steady counsel and his service in the Senate, and I look forward to working with him in his new role.”
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) – chairman and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security, respectively – today questioned Live Nation Entertainment President and CEO Michael Rapino about Ticketmaster’s alleged utilization of a proprietary program, TradeDesk, to allow ticket scalpers to access a web-based inventory of Ticketmaster’s ticket supply in order to circumvent ticket sale limits to resell tickets at higher prices.
Enacted in 2016, the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act, sponsored by Sen. Moran and co-sponsored by Sen. Blumenthal, expressly prohibits the circumvention of ticket-purchasing limits by authorizing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and states to take enforcement action.
“CBC News reported that Ticketmaster . . . recruits and employs professional ticket scalpers to circumvent the ticket purchasing limits on its own primary ticket sales platform in an effort to expand its ticket resale division,” the senators wrote. “According to the article, Ticketmaster utilizes a professional reseller program called TradeDesk, which provides a web-based inventory for scalpers to effectively purchase large quantities of tickets from Ticketmaster’s primary ticket sales website and resell these tickets for higher prices on its own resale platform.”
“Citing examples of TradeDesk users moving up to several million tickets per year, the allegations of the harms to consumers made in this piece are serious and deserve immediate attention,” the senators continued.
The full text of the letter is below and available here.
Mr. Michael Rapino
President and Chief Executive Officer
Live Nation Entertainment
9348 Civic Center Drive
Beverly Hills, California 90210
Dear Mr. Rapino:
CBC News reported on September 19th that Ticketmaster, the live-event ticket sales and distribution subsidiary of Live Nation Entertainment, recruits and employs professional ticket scalpers to circumvent the ticket purchasing limits on its own primary ticket sales platform in an effort to expand its ticket resale division.[1] According to the article, Ticketmaster utilizes a professional reseller program called TradeDesk, which provides a web-based inventory for scalpers to effectively purchase large quantities of tickets from Ticketmaster’s primary ticket sales website and resell these tickets for higher prices on its own resale platform. Citing examples of TradeDesk users moving up to several million tickets per year, the allegations of the harms to consumers made in this piece are serious and deserve immediate attention.
Given our ongoing interest in protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive practices, we seek clarification on the use of this program. The enacted Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016 prohibits the “circumvention of a security measure, access control system, or other technological control or measure on an Internet website or online service that is used by the ticket issuer to enforce posted event ticket purchasing limits or to maintain the integrity of posted online ticket purchasing order rule.”[2] Please provide responses to the following questions:
- Describe the event ticket purchasing limits that Ticketmaster currently employs for sales on its primary ticket sales platform. Additionally, how does the company identify computer programs used to circumvent these purchasing limits?
- Do Ticketmaster’s ticket purchasing limits and associated detection practices apply to users of its online program, TradeDesk? If not, please explain.
- What are the specific rules and processes of compliance for participating TradeDesk users as it relates to ticket purchasing limits and other relevant consumer protection priorities? Please share any documents and guidance materials that are provided to TradeDesk users.
- What role does Ticketmaster’s Professional Reseller Handbook play in deterring its resellers from engaging in illegal ticket purchasing activities?
Please provide your written response as soon as possible, but no later than 5 p.m. on October 5, 2018. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.
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Commerce Subcommittee Leaders to Secretary Ross: Online Privacy Protections Require Congressional Action
“Any proposal that satisfies both the needs of American consumers and the internet economy would require Congressional action to make it an enforceable nationwide standard.”
Sep 20 2018
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) – chairman and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security, respectively – along with U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) – chairman and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, respectively – today encouraged U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to include Congress in any blueprint discussions regarding a national privacy framework.
“To protect Americans from data misuse and establish certainty for businesses to create jobs, innovate, and compete domestically and abroad, a national privacy framework is essential,” the senators wrote. “Congress should be central to privacy blueprints. Any proposal that satisfies both the needs of American consumers and the internet economy would require Congressional action to make it an enforceable nationwide standard.”
“To that end, we believe that it is possible to provide consumers with more transparency and control over the collection and use of their personal data while preserving the innovation at the heart of the internet,” the senators continued. “We share the goal of providing Americans with data protections that promote privacy, competition, and innovation. We stand ready to work with you and encourage you to closely coordinate with Congress as you consider consumer privacy.”
The full text of the letter is below and available here.
The Honorable Wilbur L. Ross, Jr.
Secretary
U.S. Department of Commerce
101 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20230
Dear Secretary Ross:
As the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security and the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, we welcome the White House’s initiative to develop a blueprint for consumer data privacy protections online. We recognize the need for nationwide privacy standards and look forward to coordinating with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, International Trade Administration, and National Institute of Standards and Technology as you contribute to this important discussion.
Over the past year, Americans have routinely heard stories about the misuse of their personal data. These disclosures demonstrate how little we know about who has access to consumers’ private information and how that data is used. This trend has troubling economic implications as it threatens to weaken consumers’ trust and confidence in the online ecosystem and jeopardize the United States’ leadership in the global digital economy.
To protect Americans from data misuse and establish certainty for businesses to create jobs, innovate, and compete domestically and abroad, a national privacy framework is essential. Congress should be central to privacy blueprints. Any proposal that satisfies both the needs of American consumers and the internet economy would require Congressional action to make it an enforceable nationwide standard. To that end, we believe that it is possible to provide consumers with more transparency and control over the collection and use of their personal data while preserving the innovation at the heart of the internet. We share the goal of providing Americans with data protections that promote privacy, competition, and innovation. We stand ready to work with you and encourage you to closely coordinate with Congress as you consider consumer privacy.
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Sen. Moran Advocates for Relocating USDA’s ERS and NIFA to Kansas
“. . .moving ERS and NIFA to Kansas will improve transportation and logistics options for personnel, increase USDA’s ability to hire talented and qualified labor, provide a high-quality lifestyle for employees, and reduce capital and operating costs.”
Sep 20 2018
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to consider Kansas as a relocation site for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). In August, USDA announced the department’s decision to move ERS and NIFA out of Washington, D.C. and closer to stakeholders and qualified staff.
“Kansas is home to a highly-skilled workforce as a result of the state’s premier universities, research institutions, agricultural companies, and industry producer groups,” wrote Sen. Moran. “The animal health corridor, stretching from Manhattan, Kansas to Columbia, Missouri, is the largest concentration of animal health companies in the world. As of 2014, 56 percent of the worldwide animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales were located within the corridor.”
“Manhattan, Kansas is also the future home of the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF), the nation’s foremost animal disease research facility,” continued Sen. Moran. “The concentration of animal health companies and location of NBAF will not only complement the research capabilities of NIFA and ERS, but have also fostered a talented workforce that will help meet the personnel needs of USDA.”
The full text of the letter is below and available here.
Dear Secretary Perdue:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed relocation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Each of these agencies play a key role in our nation’s food and agricultural research, education and extension services. It is imperative that the vital missions of ERS and NIFA are enhanced in relocating the agencies. I believe moving ERS and NIFA to Kansas will improve transportation and logistics options for personnel, increase USDA’s ability to hire talented and qualified labor, provide a high-quality lifestyle for employees, and reduce capital and operating costs.
Being centrally located, Kansas offers convenient air travel from the Kansas City International Airport, Manhattan Regional Airport, and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, to the vast majority of the continental United States. Kansas is ideally located for ground transportation to multiple cities, universities, and research institutions in the surrounding area. Reasonable transportation distances will offer ERS and NIFA greater access to top agricultural research initiatives across the country.
Kansas is home to a highly-skilled workforce as a result of the state’s premier universities, research institutions, agricultural companies, and industry producer groups. The animal health corridor, stretching from Manhattan, Kansas to Columbia, Missouri, is the largest concentration of animal health companies in the world. As of 2014, 56 percent of the worldwide animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales were located within the corridor. Manhattan, Kansas is also the future home of the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF), the nation’s foremost animal disease research facility. The concentration of animal health companies and location of NBAF will not only complement the research capabilities of NIFA and ERS, but have also fostered a talented workforce that will help meet the personnel needs of USDA.
Our state is also served by world class public and private universities and numerous land-grant universities are located nearby in surrounding states, all of which will provide USDA direct access to many of the most capable graduates in the country. Overall, Kansas offers USDA access to a critical mass of intellectual capacity and employees.
Kansas is a great place to live and work, and ERS and NIFA employees will be welcomed to the state with open arms. Many Kansas communities have undergone significant development in recent years and offer residents vibrant and exciting lifestyles. Kansans enjoy some of the shortest commute times in the United States and have convenient access to popular destinations in both metropolitan and rural areas of the state. Perhaps most importantly, the character of the people make Kansas a premier place to live and work.
I appreciate your focus on reducing government costs for U.S. taxpayers. You will find, on average, capital and operating expenses in Kansas are lower than Washington D.C. and competitive nationally. I share your desire to be responsible stewards of tax dollars and believe relocating ERS and NIFA to Kansas will further that shared goal.
Multiple Kansas communities intend to submit individual expressions of interest. I fully support each of these proposals and look forward to continuing to work with you on the relocation the USDA agencies.
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Sen. Moran Names 2018 Service Academy Selection Board
Selection Board will review applications and interview candidates for admission to U.S. Service Academies
Sep 19 2018
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today announced the members of his 2018 Kansas Service Academy Selection Board. The 18-member board will review applications and interview candidates who are applying for admission to U.S. Service Academies. These include the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Those selected will enter the academies in June 2019.
“I am proud that so many young Kansas men and women are interested in attending service academies and devoting themselves to serving our country,” said Sen. Moran. “I am grateful to our impressive Service Academy Selection Board for the thoughtful consideration they put into the application review and interview process. Service Academy students are some of Kansas’s best and brightest, and I look forward to receiving the selection board’s recommendations.”
Applications will be reviewed and selected applicants will be interviewed by the selection board on Saturday, September 22 at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. Media are invited to attend the event. Questions about the event may be directed to Morgan_Said@moran.senate.gov.
Members of the 2018 Kansas Service Academy Selection Board include:
- Lt. Col. (RET) Bob Brock of Topeka – Director of Aviation, Kansas Department of Transportation, U.S. Air Force veteran;
- Myca Bunch of Garden City – President, Garden City Area Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Air Force veteran;
- Dennis Butler of Ottawa – Ottawa Chief of Police;
- Ardith Dunn, Ph.D., of Satanta – Retired high school mathematics/computer instructor, superintendent, mother of U.S. Air Force Academy graduate;
- Marche Fleming-Randle, Ph.D., of Wichita – Wichita State University College of Liberal Arts and Science Senior Assistant Dean and Assistant to the President for Diversity;
- Sue Givens of El Dorado – USD 490 Superintendent of Schools;
- Robin Jackson, Ph.D., of Hutchinson – Central Christian College Professor of Science and Mathematics;
- Cheryl Kerns of Overland Park – Blue Valley West High School teacher, mother of U.S. Military Academy graduate;
- Brian Kessens of Overland Park – Tortoise Capital managing director, U.S. Military Academy graduate;
- Katrina Lewison of Manhattan – USD 383 Board of Education Member, Purple Heart recipient, U.S. Military Academy graduate;
- Jayne Humphrey Pearce of Wallace – Wallace County Visitors Bureau Marketing and Tourism Director, U.S. Air Force veteran, mother of U.S. Air Force Academy graduate;
- Rachael Pitchford of Dodge City – Assistant Principal, Comanche Middle School, U.S. Marine Corps veteran;
- Sean Ritchie of Wichita – Cargill North American Operations Lead, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate;
- Mike Souder of Prairie Village – Dean of Continuing Education, Johnson County Community College, U.S. Military Academy graduate;
- Delbert Stanton of Hays – Retired United Methodist Church minister and grandfather of three Air Force Academy graduates;
- Paul Taylor of Overland Park – Regional Administrator, FEMA Region VII, U.S. Military Academy graduate;
- Ron Whitney of Emporia – American Legion member, Veterans of Foreign Wars member, U.S. Army veteran;
- Beth Wilson of Girard – Business education teacher, Girard High School, mother of U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today supported the Senate’s passage of H.R. 6157, the Department of Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies minibus appropriations bill, after serving on the Conference Committee to negotiate the House and Senate’s differences in their respective versions of H.R. 6157.
“This legislation will help expedite the construction of a new school for students living on Fort Riley, will modernize the Department of Defense and will provide a significant boost in NIH and opioid crisis resources,” said Sen. Moran. “I’m pleased the Senate has worked diligently to advance our appropriations bills and return to regular order to bring sorely-needed stability to the annual budget and appropriations process.”
Sen. Moran is a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies.
Other members of the Conference Committee for H.R. 6157 included Senators Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
Highlights of H.R. 6157:
- Provides funding for replacing elementary schools on Fort Riley. The final conference report that passed the Senate today provides $270 million for the Department of Defense to continue to replace schools that were identified by the 2011 Public Schools on Military Installations Priority List, including Jefferson Elementary School in USD 475 located on Fort Riley.
- Protects critical missions of the Kansas Army National Guard. The conference report contains language to promote and safeguard the Advanced Turbine Engine Army Maintenance (ATEAM) military special repair activity, located on Fort Riley and conducted by the Kansas Army National Guard.
- Promotes the use of Cyber Red Teams, such as the 177th Aggressor Squadron of the Kansas Air National Guard. The conference report contains language directing the Department of Defense to devote more resources to the cyber preparedness of defense weapons systems to reduce vulnerabilities through the use of NSA-certified Cyber Red Teams, such as the 177th Aggressor Squadron of the Kansas Air National Guard.
- Increases funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The conference report provides increased NIH funding to continue important research that will lead to improved treatments, will improve patient quality of life and will help researchers work to find new cures for debilitating diseases.
- Allocates significant resources to help curb the opioid crisis. The conference report provides funding to fight opioid abuse while supporting treatment centers for addiction, as well as increasing funding for mental health programs.
- Expands the use of telecommunications technologies in rural communities. This conference report increases funding for rural health programs and will provide assistance in overcoming obstacles for both providers and patients in rural communities, including the expanded use of telecommunications technologies.
- Works to preserve access to emergency care services in rural communities. The conference report directs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to work with states and associations of rural hospitals to develop pilot programs, waivers, or program flexibility that demonstrate sustainable service delivery model options for rural communities, specifically focused on preserving access to emergency care services and supporting future financial viability of rural facilities.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement following the death of Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Kunze in the line of duty:
Robba and I join Kansans in praying for Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Kunze who was killed in the line of duty yesterday. We respect and admire the courage of our law enforcement as they work to make this state a safer place, and we grieve the loss of a dedicated public servant.
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