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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) – the ranking member and chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) – introduced legislation to increase transparency surrounding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program.
This summer, the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) released three reports that raised concerns surrounding the deployment of the EHRM program. Two of the reports raised issues with cost estimates and reporting. The VA Electronic Health Record Transparency Act would hold the VA accountable and increase transparency by requiring the VA Secretary to submit periodic reports to Congress regarding the costs, performance metrics and outcomes for EHRM.
“The VA, and consequently our nation, has invested a great deal of time and money into the VA Electronic Health Record Modernization program,” said Sen. Moran. “The potential benefits of this program are tremendous, but we have to get it right. This legislation ensures the VA is providing the proper transparency throughout the EHRM implementation to better allow this committee to conduct oversight during the deployment process to ensure veterans receive the care they deserve and hold the VA accountable for taxpayer dollars.”
“As Chairman, I remain laser-focused on making sure the VA electronic health record project delivers real value to Department medical staff and the veterans they serve,” said Sen. Tester. “This commonsense bill is part of our ongoing push to increase accountability and transparency of this new program, and I thank Ranking Member Moran for working with me to ensure we hit the mark on behalf of veterans and taxpayers.”
Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), along with Mike Braun (R-Ind.), cosponsored the legislation.
Following the release of the third VA OIG report earlier this year, Sen. Moran released a statement available here. Sens. Moran and Tester also held a hearing titled, “VA Electronic Health Records: Modernization and the Path Ahead” with VA Secretary Denis McDonough.
U.S. Representatives Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and Frank J. Mrvan (D-Ind.) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, which passed the full chamber last month. Bill text of H.R. 4591, the VA Electronic Health Record Transparency Act of 2021, can be found here.
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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution last night introduced by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.) honoring Senator Bob Dole.
The resolution can be found HERE and below.
Whereas Robert “Bob” J. Dole (referred to in this preamble as “Bob Dole”) was born in Russell, Kansas;
Whereas Bob Dole enlisted in the United States Army while he was a student at the University of Kansas, served in World War II, was seriously wounded attempting to save a fellow soldier during a military offensive in Italy, and was awarded 2 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with an Oak Cluster for his service;
Whereas Bob Dole continued his public service by serving in the Kansas State House of Representatives from 1951 to 1953, and he was then elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1961, where he served until 1969;
Whereas Bob Dole began his United States Senate career in 1969, which would last until 1996, serving during this period as Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Senate Minority Leader, and Senate Majority Leader;
Whereas Bob Dole was a life-long advocate for the disabled and was instrumental in the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and the Dole-McGovern Food for Education program;
Whereas Bob Dole was the Republican nominee for the Presidency of the United States in 1996;
Whereas Bob Dole has been recognized by several presidents for his public service, including President Reagan awarding him the Presidential Citizens Medal in 1989 and President Clinton bestowing upon him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1997;
Whereas Bob Dole left elected office but remained in public service, serving as—
Whereas Bob Dole’s bond with veterans remained unbroken, and he rarely missed an opportunity to greet veterans during their Honor Flights to the World War II Memorial, personally thanking each of them for their service; and
Whereas Bob Dole exemplified the American spirit of service and leadership: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that—
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today spoke on the U.S. Senate Floor to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Senator Bob Dole.
“I am honored to hold Sen. Dole’s seat representing Kansas in the U.S. Senate, and every time I open my desk and see his name carved into this drawer, I am reminded of the boy from Russell, Kansas, who dedicated his life to our country,” said Sen. Moran. “Sen. Dole was the embodiment of the American spirit and the greatest of our Greatest Generation. To the people of Russell and to the people across Kansas, thank you for the manner in which you have treated and respected a man worthy of our respect.”
Sen. Moran’s full statement on Senator Dole’s passing is available here.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined Fox News on Sunday to discuss the passing of former Senator Bob Dole.
“Senator Dole is a role model for all of us, Republicans and Democrats, that serve in the United States Senate,” said Sen. Moran. “My desk is the Bob Dole desk and my maiden remarks on the Senate floor were a tribute to him and the role model he is. While I admire Senator Dole’s legislative efforts, his career in Congress, his attempts to be the President of the United States and his love of country, I always go back to his military service in World War II and then his long road to recovery. You cannot know what Bob Dole went through to return to the living after his experiences in the battlefields of Italy and the way Kansans rallied around him. He never gave up that indomitable spirit to make sure that good things happen for Kansans and Americans.”
Sen. Moran’s full statement on Senator Dole’s passing is available here.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement after the passing of former Kansas Senator Bob Dole:
“Senator Bob Dole will be remembered as a true American hero and an exemplary statesman – a man who chose what was right over what was convenient. Whether it was on the battlefield, in the halls of Congress, or in his everyday life, Senator Dole’s passion and dedication to his fellow Kansan and to his country was a steady reminder that a single person can make a difference and change the world.
“Robba and I mourn his passing, but we also celebrate his incredible life. Senator Dole was raised in Russell, Kan., before serving in World War II where he earned two Purple Hearts. He then spent a remarkable 36 years on Capitol Hill, rising to become Senate Majority Leader and leading significant legislative achievements, including the American with Disabilities Act and the Dole-McGovern Food for Education program. Known for working toward commonsense solutions over partisan ones, he became the first Kansan since Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the Republican nominee for president.
“Even after retiring from Congress, he rarely missed an opportunity to greet Kansans during their Honor Flights that took them to the World War II Memorial he helped make a reality in Washington, D.C. He personally thanked each of them for their service, making these veterans’ experience all the more memorable. He also continued to be a leader on ending global hunger and was awarded the 2008 World Food Prize. Throughout his life, he exemplified the ideals, sacrifice and tenacity of the Greatest Generation.
“On the floor of the United States Senate, I use Senator Dole’s desk, and I am regularly reminded of his tireless commitment to Kansas values while being, first and foremost, a statesman who treated others with respect and kindness. I am honored to have known him, to have learned from him and to have considered him a good friend and mentor. Robba and I are praying for Senator Elizabeth Dole and the entire Dole family and team.”
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Commerce Committee Leaders Introduce Bill to Stop Ghost Votes from Impacting FTC Rules
Votes Cast by Commissioners are Currently Counted up to 60 Days after Departure
Dec 02 2021
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) introduced legislation today that would stop votes cast by Federal Trade Commissioners (FTC) from being counted after the commissioners have left their post.
Politico reported earlier this month that former Commissioner Rohit Chopra cast 20 votes on his final day on the commission on pending motions before the FTC. According to the FTC’s interpretation of a rule, any of the five commissioners can introduce a motion for a vote. If no one responds, the motion fails after 30 days. However, if another commissioner seconds it, the motion can live on for another 30 days. This allows the votes of commissioners who have left the commission to remain active up to 60 days after their departure.
Therefore, this rule allows Chopra’s votes to be live for up to 60 days from his last day on October 8 despite him no longer being a commissioner.
“Your last day in office is the last day your vote should count – whether you serve on the school board or the FTC,” said Sen. Moran. “It’s absurd that votes cast by commissioners on outstanding issues can be counted up to 60 days past their departure. This needs to stop to protect the integrity of the commission and because it’s just plain common sense.”
“The FTC plays a critical role in ensuring there’s both consumer protection and fair competition in the marketplace—issues of great importance to many Americans,” said Sen. Thune. “As the agency continues its focus on these issues, it’s imperative that the FTC works to increase transparency and end its practice of using ‘zombie votes’ on matters before the agency.”
“It’s highly disturbing and legally dubious that the Federal Trade Commission would even use the votes of non-Commissioners in any matter before the Commission let alone as a means to press forward on controversial agenda items,” said Sen. Lee. “The practice of ‘zombie voting’ is unacceptable and must be stopped.”
“To a cast a vote in the Federal Trade Commission, you ought to actually be on the commission,” said Sen. Blunt. “This zombie voting completely ignores the important role of the Senate in the confirmation process, and it’s totally inconsistent with how federal agencies should operate. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bill to eliminate this unacceptable practice.”
“It defies logic that former Commissioners can keep ‘voting’ even after they’ve left the job," said Sen. Cruz. "These ‘zombie’ or ‘ghost’ votes undermine the Senate’s constitutional advice and consent process and are a gross abuse of power, and it is long past time we end the arcane rule that makes it possible. Sen. Moran’s bill does just that, and I am proud to cosponsor the FTC Integrity Act.”
“It seems like common sense, but once a term has expired, commissioners should no longer be able to cast a vote on an issue before the Federal Trade Commission,” said Sen. Lummis. “However, we have seen a strange phenomenon where an outgoing commissioner cast proxy votes on future issues that came before the Commission after his term has expired. This makes no sense. We don’t allow judges to rule on future decisions after they have left the bench, and we should not allow FTC commissioners to pre-cast their votes. I joined Senator Moran and my colleagues to make sure that only those who are actively sitting on the Commission are voting on matters before the FTC.”
The senators’ bill, the FTC Integrity Act, would amend the FTC Act to prohibit votes cast by former Commissioners from having any effect after they leave the Commission. This would retroactively apply to any vote taken after January 1, 2021.
Bill text can be found here.
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Sen. Moran Statement on Announcement of Dr. Linton to be Kansas State University President
Dec 02 2021
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after Dr. Richard Linton was officially selected to be the 15th President of Kansas State University:
“Congratulations to Dr. Richard Linton on being selected to lead Kansas State University. The president of K-State is one of the most consequential positions in the state that impacts all 105 counties, and it is vital to the state of Kansas we have a strong leader and ally at the helm of this land-grant university.
“President Linton has demonstrated he has a vast agricultural knowledge, which will be imperative as the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility nears completion. I look forward to working with President Linton to finish this state-of-the-art facility and bring additional research, educational and economic opportunities to the state of Kansas and advance K-State’s institutional goals.”
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Bill named after Fort Leavenworth soldier signed into law
A bill named in memory of a soldier who was stationed at Fort Leavenworth has been signed into law, according to a news release from U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran's office.
The Col. John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act was signed into law Tuesday. The law expands in-state tuition eligibility for the families of certain military service members who died while on active duty and veterans who die from service-connected disabilities, according to the news release.
The law is named after a soldier who was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2010, while he and his family were stationed at Fort Leavenworth. His daughter was attending Kansas State University at the time.
The bill was introduced by Moran, R-Kansas, who is the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and the committee's chairman, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana.
“We can’t thank Sens. Moran and Tester enough for their work in getting this bill passed,” Kelly McHugh, daughter of Col. John McHugh, said in a news release. “Education was important to our father, so having his name attached to a bill that will assist other Gold Star families as they pursue their college educations is a huge honor.”
Sen. Moran: Tomorrow SCOTUS Will Hear The Most Significant Abortion Case Of The Last 30 Years
Nov 30 2021
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke on the Senate floor regarding a pending case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Oral arguments for Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization begin tomorrow.
“Tomorrow the Supreme Court will hear the most significant abortion case of the last 30 years, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization,” said Sen. Moran. “This case provides the court the opportunity to relinquish the legislative power it has assumed and return it to the people and their representatives. The court will be better for it, and so will our politics. And most importantly of all, millions of future voices will get to have their say in the process, too.”
Kansans will vote in August 2022 whether to add the Value Them Both amendment, which the Kansas legislature passed earlier this year, to the state constitution. The amendment would make certain the Kansas Constitution does not create or secure a right to abortion. The Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization along with the Kansas amendment could significantly impact Kansas abortion laws.
Items to note:- Oral arguments for Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization begin tomorrow, December 1 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
- In 2018, Mississippi state legislature adopted the Gestational Age Act, which protects life after 15 weeks. Following its adoption, the Jackson Women’s Health Organization challenged the law. The U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether all pre-viability prohibitions on elective abortions are unconstitutional.
- In January, Sen. Moran urged Kansas state legislators to quickly pass the Value Them Both amendment.
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Sen. Moran’s Bill to Expand Education Benefits for Surviving Family Members Signed into Law
Nov 30 2021
WASHINGTON – Today, the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act – legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), ranking member and chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – was signed into law. This law expands in-state tuition eligibility for the families of certain servicemembers who died while on active duty and veterans who die from service-connected disabilities.
“Today we were able to deliver more certainty to families who lose a loved one due to their military service,” said Ranking Member Moran. “Military service is family service, and this country has made a commitment to care for the families of fallen servicemembers. This sensible law will allow the surviving families of fallen servicemembers to receive the education benefits their family earned through their service to this nation and greatly lessen the financial burden on their dependents, to attend school.”
“Today marks a huge step forward for surviving family members in Montana and across the country who will now have expanded access to affordable, in-state tuition in return for their sacrifices,” said Chairman Tester. “This new law is a testament to what Congress can accomplish when we row in the same direction, and I’m proud to have worked alongside Ranking Member Moran and veterans’ advocates to deliver this critical support to the families of our nation’s fallen heroes.”
“We can’t thank Senators Moran and Tester enough for their work in getting this bill passed,” said Kelly McHugh, daughter of Colonel John M. McHugh. “Education was important to our father, so having his name attached to a bill that will assist other Gold Star families as they pursue their college educations is a huge honor.”
"TAPS is grateful for the passage of the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act, which passed the Senate in June and was signed into law this morning,” said Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder. “The law will ensure that the over 150,000 Chapter 35 recipients will be able to afford to attend the college of their choice, by guaranteeing in-state tuition for all surviving spouses and children."
Sen. Moran and Sen. Tester join Kelly McHugh, daughter of Colonel John McHugh, at the bill signing ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) program provides VA education benefits, including tuition, housing and book stipends, to the children or spouse of a servicemember who is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, died while on active duty prior to 9/11, or dies as a result of a service-connected disability.
While any veteran, servicemember or survivor qualifying for the Fry Scholarship, or any dependent using transferred entitlement under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, is eligible for in-state tuition at any state school in the country, DEA recipients are currently excluded by law from receiving the same in-state tuition benefit.
The Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act requires public colleges and universities that receive GI Bill benefits to provide in-state tuition rates for students using DEA. Named after U.S. Army Colonel John McHugh, this legislation helps reduce the out-of-pocket education costs for surviving spouses and children.
U.S. Army Colonel John McHugh was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2010 while he and his family were stationed at Fort Leavenworth. His daughter was attending Kansas State University at the time of his death. While children whose parent died before August 1, 2011 have access to both the Fry Scholarship and DEA, this law makes certain families, like Colonel McHugh’s family, are eligible to receive the in-state tuition rate when using DEA benefits.
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