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Sen. Moran to Veterans: You Are Not Alone

Below are Resources for Veterans Reacting to Events in Afghanistan

Aug 17 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – is sharing resources available to veterans and veteran families and caregivers following the recent events in Afghanistan.

“The veterans who answered the call to protect our nation after September 11 deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Sen. Moran. “These veterans brought justice to Osama bin Laden and served with duty and purpose. They also need to know they are not alone and that we will never forget their sacrifice. I encourage each of us to reach out to our friends and loved ones who have served to check-in and make certain they know they are loved and that their service made a difference.”

Resources Available to Veterans (Provided by the VA):

Common Reactions:

  • In reaction to current events in Afghanistan, veterans may:
  • Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service.
  • Veterans may feel like they need to expect and/or prepare for the worst. For example, they may:
  • Feeling distress is a normal reaction to negative events, especially ones that feel personal. It can be helpful to let yourself feel those feelings rather than try to avoid them. Often, these feelings will naturally run their course. If they continue without easing up or if you feel overwhelmed by them, the suggestions below can be helpful.
    • Feel frustrated, sad, helpless, grief or distressed
    • Feel angry or betrayed
    • Experience an increase in mental health symptoms like symptoms of PTSD or depression
    • Sleep poorly, drink more or use more drugs 
    • Try to avoid all reminders or media or shy away from social situations
    • Have more military and homecoming memories
    • Become overly protective, vigilant, and guarded
    • Become preoccupied by danger
    • Feel a need to avoid being shocked by, or unprepared for, what may happen in the future

Strategies for Managing Ongoing Stress:

  • At this moment, it may seem like all is lost, like your service or your sacrifices were for nothing. Consider the ways that your service made a difference, the impact it had on others’ lives or on your own life. Remember that now is just one moment in time and that things will continue to change.
  • It can be helpful to focus on the present and to engage in the activities that are most meaningful and valuable to you. Is there something you can do today that is important to you?  This can be as an individual, a family member, a parent, or a community member. Something that is meaningful to you in regard to your work or your spirituality? Such activities won’t change the past or the things you can’t control, but they can help life feel meaningful and reduce distress, despite the things you cannot change.
  • It can also help to consider your thinking. Ask yourself if your thoughts are helpful to you right now. Are there ways you can change your thinking to be more accurate and less distressing? For example, are you using extreme thinking where you see the situation as all bad or all good?  If so, try and think in less extreme terms. For example, rather than thinking “my service in Afghanistan was useless” consider instead “I helped keep Afghanistan safe.”
  • Finally, consider more general coping strategies that you may want to try including:
    • Engage in Positive Activities. Try to engage in positive, healthy, or meaningful activities, even if they are small, simple actions. Doing things that are rewarding, meaningful, or enjoyable, even if you don’t feel like it, can make you feel better.
    • Stay Connected. Spend time with people who give you a sense of security, calm, or happiness, or those who best understand what you are going through.
    • Practice Good Self Care. Look for positive coping strategies that help you manage your emotions. Listening to music, exercising, practicing breathing routines, spending time in nature or with animals, journaling, or reading inspirational text are some simple ways to help manage overwhelming or distressing emotions.
    • Stick to Your Routines. It can be helpful to stick to a schedule for when you sleep, eat, work, and do other day-to-day activities.
    • Limit Media Exposure. Limit how much news you take in if media coverage is increasing your distress.
    • Use a mobile app. Consider one of VA’s self-help apps (see https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/) such as PTSD Coach which has tools that can help you deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
    • PTSD Coach Online. A series of online video coaches will guide you through 17 tools to help you manage stress. PTSD Coach Online is used on a computer, rather than a mobile device, and therefore can offer tools that involve writing.
    • If you develop your own ways of adapting to ongoing events and situations, you may gain a stronger sense of being able to deal with challenges, a greater sense of meaning or purpose, and an ability to mentor and support others in similar situations.

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Sen. Moran Statement on the Fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban

Aug 16 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement regarding the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban:

“The chaos we are seeing in Kabul was preventable. The Biden administration’s unorganized and haphazard withdrawal process will make our country and the world less secure.

“President Biden’s announcement in April to completely withdraw American troops by September 11 without taking appropriate security precautions – including preparing for a return of the Taliban to Kabul – was irresponsible and will damage America’s reputation and interests for years to come. Additionally, the lack of urgency to do right by the thousands of Afghans who worked alongside Americans will be a source of shame for this administration.

“I visited Afghanistan in 2017 to engage with American servicemembers who were supporting anti-terrorism operations. Thank you to each of them and the thousands of men and women who answered the call to serve our country over the last two decades. They served with duty and purpose and deserve our thanks and respect.”

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Sen. Moran Votes to Oppose Democrats’ $3.5 Trillion Budget Resolution

Moran: We Simply Can’t Tax and Spend our Way to Prosperity

Aug 11 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement after voting against the Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget resolution:

“We simply can’t tax and spend our way to prosperity. In the early hours of the morning, Senate Democrats forced a partisan vote on a $3.5 trillion tax and spending spree that will cripple future generations with mountains of debt. This bill is a Democrat wish list that will drive up inflation, raise taxes on small businesses and harm everyday Kansans trying to provide for their families and pay their bills, all while adding trillions of dollars to our national debt.”

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Sen. Moran’s Amendment to Enforce Immigration Laws, Address the Humanitarian Crisis Passes Senate

Aug 11 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement after his amendment to the Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget resolution was adopted 76-23:

“The Biden administration’s rollback of immigration laws has not only magnified the humanitarian crisis, it has left our law enforcement with the impossible task of trying to slow the flow of illegal crossings while also attempting to stop drug, weapon and human traffickers from entering the country.

“This vote sends a clear message to President Biden and Vice President Harris that their border policies are failing and we should immediately strengthen enforcement of our immigration laws to address the humanitarian crisis at our southern border.”

Sen. Moran’s amendment was updated to include additional resources for smart and effective border security, improve asylum processing and reduce immigration court backlogs. The updated amendment can be found here.

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Floor Remarks on Infrastructure

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Sen. Moran Introduces Amendment to Support Immigration Enforcement, Address the Humanitarian Crisis at the Southern Border

Aug 10 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after introducing an amendment to Senator Bernie Sanders’ reckless tax and spending spree to support the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws and to address the humanitarian crisis at the southern border:

“We have an appalling humanitarian crisis at the southern border because of the record levels of illegal border crossings. Last month, Customs and Border Patrol encountered well over 200,000 individuals attempting the dangerous and deadly trek to cross the southern border. Just recently, tens of thousands of these individuals have been released into our country without an official court date.

“The Biden administration’s rollback of immigration laws has not only magnified the humanitarian crisis, but it has left our law enforcement with the impossible task of trying to slow the flow of illegal crossings while also attempting to stop drug, weapon and human traffickers from entering the country. My amendment simply states the importance of the Biden administration to enforce the existing immigration laws.

“Voting no on this amendment signals the Democrats’ refusal to acknowledge we have a humanitarian crisis at our southern border and an unwillingness to support our existing immigration laws. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this straightforward amendment.”

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Sen. Moran Statement on Infrastructure Bill

Aug 09 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement regarding his intent to oppose the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

“I joined the bipartisan infrastructure group of twenty-two senators to make certain Kansans had a seat at the table and to help negotiate a deal that doesn’t raise taxes, doesn’t spend trillions of dollars and focuses on actual, traditional infrastructure – not a Democrat wish list.

“From the beginning, I outlined the criteria needed for me to support any final outcome of the negotiations. My top priority was the bill must be paid for and, therefore, not raise the national debt. However, the new spending in the final bill adds a quarter of a trillion dollars to the national debt.

“Additionally, I hoped this bipartisan plan would dissuade Democrats from pursuing their own partisan, $3.5 trillion tax-and-spend spree. The Democrats’ plan to immediately follow this bipartisan infrastructure bill with their own spending bill significantly undermines our bipartisan effort to deliver a good outcome for the American people. Any harmful provisions we removed from the infrastructure bill will likely be included in the Democrats’ spending bill.

“Too much spending, too much debt and too much inflation. My efforts to reach a compromise were honest and sincere, and, unfortunately, we were unable to arrive at a bill I could support.”

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Floor Remarks on Infrastructure

 

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Sens. Moran, Shaheen and Secretary Raimondo Hold Home Building Supply Chain Roundtable

Aug 04 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo met virtually with stakeholders involved in the home building supply chain, including the lumber industry, affordable housing advocates and the home building industry in Kansas and New Hampshire. The group discussed supply chain disruptions, recent price volatility, the shortage in availability of homes and potential areas for cooperation among stakeholders.

Tommy Bickimer with Home Builders Association of Kansas City and Lindsay Hicks of Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City participated in the roundtable discussion to share how the increase in lumber prices has impacted housing construction.

“The volatility in the lumber market is pricing hundreds of thousands of potential home buyers out of achieving the American dream of home ownership,” said Sen. Moran. “Supply chain shortages caused by the pandemic have driven up the price of building and buying homes and the threat of increasing countervailing duties on certain lumber imports from Canada threaten to exacerbate the situation. I appreciate the partnership of Senator Shaheen and Secretary Raimondo’s willingness to engage with industry leaders within the supply chain, including Kansas stakeholders, as we work to address the nationwide high cost of lumber and make the dream of home ownership attainable for all Americans.”

“The Biden Administration is firmly committed to tackling our housing challenges we face as we continue to build back better,” said Secretary Raimondo. “These have real implications for families in every community across the country, and we will continue to bring together stakeholders to identify potential solutions to address both short- and long-term issues. It is going to take collaboration among stakeholders to sort out bottlenecks and further strengthen the supply chain. We also need to directly grow our supply of housing in America, which is why the President has called for a historic investment to create and preserve more than 2 million affordable and sustainable homes.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on the home building supply chain. Challenges like supply bottlenecks and skyrocketing demand for construction materials resulted in surging prices and harmed the supply chain – affecting timber harvesters and haulers, sawmills, retail stores, home builders and ultimately Granite State families who need a safe and affordable place to live,” said Sen. Shaheen. “We felt the impact in New Hampshire, and after today’s discussion, it’s clear the ripple effect was felt across the country. I want to thank Senator Moran, Secretary Raimondo and everyone who joined this afternoon to discuss how we can bolster the construction industry in New Hampshire and throughout the nation. I look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead to support affordable housing.”

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Sen. Moran: VA’s Prohibition on Abortion Services is the Law

Aug 04 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – the lead Republican on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – today reaffirmed during a U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee hearing that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is by law prohibited from providing abortion services.

“I want to draw attention to a letter I received from Secretary McDonough last week describing VA’s prohibition on abortion services as a ‘policy decision,’” said Sen. Moran. “The letter follows the Secretary’s testimony in March where he described VA-provided abortion services as a ‘regulatory matter.’ What is troubling about these statements is that VA’s prohibition on abortion services is more than a policy decision or regulatory matter, it’s the law.”

Sen. Moran’s remarks as prepared:

I want to draw attention to a letter I received from Secretary McDonough last week describing VA’s prohibition on abortion services as a “policy decision.” The letter follows the Secretary’s testimony in March where he described VA-provided abortion services as a “regulatory matter.”

What is troubling about these statements is that VA’s prohibition on abortion services is more than a policy decision or regulatory matter, it’s the law.

In 1992, Congress passed the Veterans Healthcare Act, which specifically prohibits VA from providing abortion services.

Accordingly, up until March of this year, VA’s own website stated that VA “cannot, by law, provide abortion services.”

Despite VA’s interpretation of the statutory prohibition on abortion, it has not acted or indicated that it will act on changing its long-standing policy to follow the law as written in regard to abortion. For that reason, I consider it redundant to offer an amendment on this topic that would prohibit funds in this bill to be used to pay for abortions and will not offer one at this time.

That said, it is necessary to defend life by ensuring that VA or any federal agency does not fund or perform abortions. I expect the Department to continue to follow the law and protect unborn children.

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Sen. Moran Announces New Investments to Help First-Generation College Students in Kansas

Aug 04 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Appropriations Committee – today announced four U.S. Department of Education grants totaling $1,718,945 for higher education institutions in Kansas. The grants will support the Federal TRIO Talent Search Program over the next five years to identify and assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds with the potential to succeed in higher education, often as first-generation college students.

“As a first-generation college student, I recognize the challenges and uncertainties many students face when considering pursuing a college education,” said Sen. Moran. “TRIO programs are a proven and effective tool for helping disadvantaged students earn a college degree, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over TRIO, I will continue to support programs that help our next generation of Kansans.”

Grant recipients:

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Sen. Moran Statement on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill

Jul 30 2021

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after voting against a motion to proceed on the bipartisan infrastructure legislation:

“I appreciate the bipartisan effort that is taking place to craft and negotiate an infrastructure bill. It is important we get infrastructure right, and Leader Schumer shouldn’t set arbitrary deadlines until we have a final product. I do not support moving this bill forward until we have the full legislative text.”

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