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Sens. Moran, Roberts and Rep. Marshall Call for Emergency Haying and Grazing Due to Severe Drought
Mar 16 2018
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Congressman Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue calling for emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program lands due to severe drought.
Governor Jeff Colyer has given a drought declaration to all 105 counties in Kansas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated more than 24 counties primary natural disaster areas.
The U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday found extreme drought conditions cover almost 20 percent of the state with severe drought covering 56 percent and moderate drought covering an additional 26 percent. The state is battling wildfires due to the dry conditions and high winds.
The following is the text of the letter:
March 16, 2018
The Honorable Sonny Perdue
Secretary
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20250
Dear Secretary Perdue:
Thank you for your recent designation of 24 Kansas counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought. As you know, this declaration makes farm operators in the affected counties, and contiguous counties, eligible for much needed assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including emergency loans.
Unfortunately, Kansas has now experienced two consecutive seasons of wildfire and drought. This year, Kansas continues to suffer through a severe drought, as 57 counties across the state have already been designated D2 (severe) or D3 (extreme) drought levels, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, which tracks droughts across the country. Due to these extreme conditions facing the state, Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer signed a drought declaration on March 15, 2018, for all 105 counties in the state, in order to provide assistance to farmers and ranchers coping with the impact of the drought as they raise crops and livestock.
In addition to his declaration, Governor Colyer also requested that the Kansas State Executive Director of the FSA, and county executive directors, urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to consider permitting the use of acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for emergency haying and grazing. Prompt consideration of this request is necessary since the primary nesting period in Kansas begins on April 15th, and during that time certain practices related to maintenance, haying, and grazing on CRP land are restricted.
Further, USDA should consider any additional requests, particularly those that have garnered local consensus, on appropriate flexibilities for conservation practices eligible for emergency grazing and other conservation program flexibilities that can be utilized in response to devastating drought conditions. We appreciate the support that USDA has provided to drought and wildfires in recent years, including the Ashland, Anderson Creek, and Starbuck fires that devastated communities in western Kansas, and we urge the Department to employ any program and contract flexibilities that will result in timely, deliverable assistance to producers during this critical time.
With every best wish.
Sincerely,
Sen. Moran Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act
Mar 14 2018
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs – today applauded Senate passage of the bipartisan Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which includes several Moran provisions.
“This is a good day in the United States Senate – to see us working together, republicans and democrats, to reach a result that will make a difference in our communities,” said Sen. Moran. “The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act is important legislation that will make a significant difference to the future of rural America. This is not about taking care of bankers. This is not about taking care of credit unions. It is about taking care of the people they serve – their borrowers. And that means a bright future for the rest of rural America, because access to credit determines whether or not there’s a grocery store in town, a farmer or a rancher can borrow money to keep their business going, or a new couple can purchase a home. I encourage my colleagues in the House to quickly pass this bill and get it to the president’s desk so we can offer much-needed relief to rural America.”
Sen. Moran this month spoke on the Senate floor in support of S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act.
Kansas Statements in Support of S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act:
Blake Heid, Community Bankers Association of Kansas Immediate Past Chairman
“I’m so pleased that S. 2155 has passed in the Senate and am grateful to Sen. Moran for his support of this vital community bank regulatory relief bill. Many community bank regulations are doing more harm than good here in Kansas. His support of this vital community bank regulatory relief bill will help us continue to do what we do best – serve Kansas consumers while helping our local economy grow and prosper.”
James Nastars, Meritrust Credit Union president and CEO
“Credit unions are focused on helping consumers save, grow, and thrive financially. The passage of S. 2155 by the U.S. Senate brings credit unions and other community lenders one step closer to right-sizing regulation to better serve people in need of financial services while still keeping important consumer protections in place. We thank Senator Moran for his leadership on this important bill, and look forward to putting more funds in the hands of the people we serve in the communities of Kansas.”
Brenda Kliewer, McPherson Co-op Credit Union president and CEO
“As a very small credit union with less than $50 million in assets, we face the same regulations as giant Wall Street banks. By changing the one-size-fits-all regulatory approach currently in place, S. 2155 helps financial institutions serving small town businesses, ranchers and farmers across our state continue to exist and provide needed consumer options. We appreciate Senator Moran and his colleagues in the U.S. Senate for taking this needed step to ensure there are financial options in our rural communities.”
Ron Johnson, Kansas Bankers Association board chairman
“The banks of Kansas appreciate the work of the U.S. Senate and especially Senator Moran for crafting and passing this critical piece of legislation that will allow banks to better serve their customers and communities. S. 2155 will bring much needed relief to an industry that has been severely hampered by regulations since the adoption of Dodd-Frank legislation a decade ago. The legislation is a great step toward ensuring the availability of lending capital for bank customers across Kansas.”
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) visited with entrepreneurs, technology and policy leaders at the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas, where he discussed a variety of issues critical to our nation's innovators, including barriers to starting a business.
“Finding effective and efficient ways for the public and private sectors to work together to advance American innovation should be one of our top priorities, free of partisan politics,” said Sen. Moran. “I was proud to showcase Kansas' innovation and success at SXSW again this year, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of Kansas entrepreneurs to advance their ability to bring their ideas to market, create jobs and improve American economic competitiveness.”
Sen. Moran participated in a Capital Factory panel entitled, “Supporting Startups to Fuel American Competitiveness,” with Kansans Jason Wiens from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and Jason Tatge from Farmobile. During the panel discussion, Sen. Moran highlighted provisions in his bipartisan Startup Act legislation that would improve entrepreneurs' abilities to commercialize technology resulting from federal research and development funds. This bill would modernize the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Regional Innovation Strategies program to bolster capital opportunities to get businesses up and off the ground. Sen. Moran reiterated his priority to make certain broadband deployment is included in any infrastructure package so that Kansas entrepreneurs in rural areas may compete in the global economy.
Sen. Moran also participated in a panel discussion hosted by Dell Technologies, “Making Government Better with Better Technology,” where he discussed entrepreneurship and technology issues that impact businesses' abilities to grow and the federal government’s authorities to tap into these types of innovations. Sen. Moran highlighted his bipartisan MGT Act – signed into law last December as part of the NDAA for FY2018 – which reforms the way federal agencies purchase IT systems in an effort to eliminate cybersecurity vulnerabilities while saving taxpayer dollars.
Additionally, Sen. Moran spoke with the Case Foundation’s Vice President of Social Innovation Sarah Koch live on Facebook about ways to reduce barriers when starting new businesses.
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Sen. Moran on President’s Tariff Announcement
Mar 08 2018
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement in response to the president’s announcement on steel and aluminum tariffs:
“Kansas is an export state, and our ability to make a living is directly tied to our ability to sell the products we grow and manufacture to people around the world. These tariffs will harm auto, aerospace and other manufacturers in Kansas by risking retaliation against our exports, including food and agricultural products. I would strongly urge the president to reconsider the impact these tariffs will have on future ag exports, the five million manufacturing and related jobs that use steel or aluminum in addition to the added costs to consumers and American manufacturers who will pay higher prices for inputs, goods and services.
“I am pleased Canada and Mexico are exempt from the tariffs announced today. However, when I met with ambassadors to Canada and Mexico this week I reiterated my concern that holding the threat of tariffs over the heads of our North American allies will only escalate trade tensions at time when we ought to be focused on reaching an agreement on a modernized NAFTA - the outcome of which couldn’t be more important to Kansas.”
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week sponsored the bipartisan Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act of 2018, legislation that authorizes investments in school security improvements, and early intervention and prevention programs to deter school violence before it happens.
“This bipartisan legislation would help students feel and remain safer at school and would empower teachers to identify signs of potential violence before it occurs,” said Sen. Moran. “Developing anonymous reporting systems, training school security officers and strengthening school infrastructure are all concrete and commonsense ways we can better protect our children – and the feedback I’ve heard from school officials across Kansas has been that these reforms would make a real difference.”
Following tragedies like Columbine, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook and now Parkland, the federal government has funded short-term school safety initiatives focused on crisis response, active shooters and physical infrastructure. The STOP School Violence Act builds on these initiatives and promotes sustained strategies to STOP violence in our schools before it happens. Our students, educators and local law enforcement need the tools and support to take proactive and continuous steps toward improving school safety and security.
This legislation authorizes the Department of Justice to make grants for the purposes of training students, school personnel and law enforcement to identify signs of violence and intervene to prevent people from hurting themselves or others. In addition to prevention efforts, the legislation funds evidence-based technology and equipment to improve school security and prevent school violence. This includes the development of anonymous reporting systems and commonsense security infrastructure improvements. The legislation also provides funds for school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams to help schools intake and triage threats before tragedy strikes.
The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act of 2018 is supported by Sandy Hook Promise, Secure Schools Alliance, the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Federal Law Endorsement Officers Association.
Items to Note:
- The Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018, or the STOP School Violence Act, reauthorizes and amends the 2001-2009 bipartisan Secure Our Schools Act to offer Department of Justice grants to states to help our schools implement proven, evidence-based programs and technologies that STOP school violence before it happens.
- The bill would authorize $75 million for FY 2018, and $100 million annually for the next ten years, which may be partially offset from a DOJ research program called the Comprehensive School Safety Initiative.
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Sen. Moran Remarks on the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act
Mar 06 2018
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded Senate confirmation of Kansans Gregg Doud and C.J. Mahoney, who were nominated to serve as the United States Trade Representative’s Chief Agricultural Negotiator and a Deputy United States Trade Representative, respectively.
“From growing up on a farm in Mankato, Kansas to earning his undergraduate education at K-State to his many years advocating on trade and agricultural issues in Washington, it is clear that Gregg is uniquely qualified to be the USTR’s Chief Agricultural Negotiator,” said Sen. Moran. “I look forward to seeing him be a vocal advocate for our ag community, opening new markets and staying on offense for our farmers and ranchers.”
“Throughout his career, C.J. has demonstrated his impeccable character and clear expertise in trade issues,” continued Sen. Moran. “I had the pleasure of having C.J., who grew up in Russell, Kansas, on my staff as one of my first interns during my time in the U.S. House of Representatives. I have always been impressed with his intelligence and talents, as well as his dedication to Kansas. He will be an asset to the USTR and to our nation.”
Sen. Moran worked with his Senate colleagues to have the holds released on both Doud and Mahoney’s nomination, and introduced Mahoney to the Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing in January.
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As US Olympic Committee Chief Steps Down, Sens. Moran & Blumenthal Meet with Gymnasts Abused by Larry Nassar
Mar 01 2018
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) – Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security with jurisdiction over the health and safety of USA Gymnastics, US Olympic and NCAA athletes – heard the stories of gymnasts who suffered abuse at the hands of former USA Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar. Their meeting came shortly after US Olympic Committee Chief Executive Scott Blackmun announced he was stepping down amid systemic failures to protect athletes from sexual abuse.
“The young women’s stories we heard today reinforced our determination to root out abuse in youth sport governing bodies,” said Sens. Moran and Blumenthal. “We are hopeful for renewed commitment from all Olympic organizations to eradicate all sexual abuse and other misconduct, and to raise a generation of athletes who feel safe competing in the sports they love. As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee with jurisdiction over USOC and other governing bodies, we intend to continue our thorough investigation.”
Olympic Gold Medalist Jordyn Wieber, Olympic Bronze Medalist Jamie Dantzscher, National Team Member Jeanette Antolin, and Lisa Lorincz, mother of Adrian College gymnast Kaylee Lorincz, attended the meeting with the senators.
In January, Moran and Blumenthal questioned whether USA Gymnastics (USAG) and Michigan State University (MSU) tried to silence gymnasts with non-disclosure agreements and what the US Olympic Committee (USOC) is doing to prevent future atrocities. Additionally, the Senators broadened their inquiries to include all National Governing Bodies following reports that revealed two USOC executives were alerted of possible sexual misconduct by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar a year before he was suspended from treating athletes.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; member of the Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee; and co-chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus – issued the following statement regarding today’s agreement between House and Senate leaders to move forward with a long-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization:
“Today’s agreement means we can get back to doing what matters most to air travelers nationwide and to Kansans – making real progress for our aviation system, keeping Americans safe, improving our airports and empowering aircraft manufacturers to create jobs. The FAA’s role is critical, and for too long, the kind of lasting, long-term FAA reauthorization we need to put in place to give our aviation community certainty has been bogged down by controversial proposals to privatize our air traffic control system, harming all but our nation’s largest airports. I have long said that such proposals would never have the votes needed to pass the Senate. I look forward to working with Chairman Thune and Chairman Shuster along with my colleagues to move a long-term reauthorization forward.”
Items to Note
- Kansans have built three out of every four general aviation aircraft since the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk, and today, over 40,000 Kansans make a living manufacturing, operating and servicing the world’s highest quality aircraft.
- Last Congress, Sen. Moran voted in favor of the Senate’s FAA reform proposal and opposed the six-month extension that resulted after disagreement with the House.
- Sen. Moran has been a vocal opponent of proposals to privatize our nation’s air traffic control system, advocating instead in favor of proposals to provide greater protections for the general aviation industry, small airports and all but the largest communities nationwide.
- Sen. Moran spoke on the Senate floor in September of 2017 about the importance of long-term FAA reauthorizations. His remarks can be viewed here.
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week sponsored the bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2017 to recalibrate prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenders, target violent and career criminals and save taxpayer dollars. The legislation permits more judicial discretion during sentencing for offenders with minimal criminal histories and helps inmates successfully re-enter society, while tightening penalties for violent criminals and preserving key prosecutorial tools for law enforcement. The Senate Judiciary Committee last week advanced the bill out of committee on a bipartisan 16-5 vote.
“America is a nation of laws, and we must all abide by them or be prepared to face the consequences,” said Sen. Moran. “We must also provide law enforcement the resources it needs to keep violent offenders off the streets, while recognizing that a fair and effective criminal justice system should allow non-violent offenders to serve time that fits their crime and then provide them the opportunity to re-emerge as productive members of society. This commonsense legislation would help reduce recidivism rates, combat violent crime and provide flexible sentencing for first-time and non-violent offenders so they may reintegrate back into their communities.”
This bill would narrow the scope of mandatory minimum prison sentences to focus on the most serious drug offenders and violent criminals, while broadening and establishing new outlets for individuals with minimal non-violent criminal histories that may trigger mandatory minimum sentences under current law. The bill also reduces certain mandatory minimums and provides judges with greater discretion when determining appropriate sentences. Under this legislation, courts must first review eligible inmates’ individual cases, including criminal histories and conduct while incarcerated, before determining whether a sentence reduction is appropriate. The bill also preserves cooperation incentives to aid law enforcement in tracking down those most dangerous criminals and stiffens penalties for individuals convicted of serious violent felonies.
In addition, the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2017 establishes recidivism reduction programs to help prepare low-risk inmates to successfully re-enter society. Qualifying inmates may receive reductions to their sentences through time credits upon successful completion of recidivism reduction programming. The legislation also makes retroactive the Fair Sentencing Act and certain statutory reforms that address inequities in drug sentences. Courts must first review each eligible inmate’s case on an individualized basis, including criminal history and conduct while incarcerated, before determining whether a sentence reduction is appropriate.
Items to note:
- Sen. Moran was a sponsor of the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act last Congress.
- The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2017 has been endorsed by FreedomWorks, the American Conservative Union, Prison Fellowship, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime & Incarceration, Families Against Mandatory Minimums and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
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