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WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) applauded the Senate Commerce Committee’s inclusion of their bill to improve education and training curriculum at aviation maintenance technician schools as part of S. 3969, the Aircraft Safety and Certification Reform Act of 2020, which passed out of committee this week.

The Promoting Aviation Regulations for Technical Training (PARTT) 147 Act of 2019 would establish performance-based regulations to make certain aviation maintenance education institutions have the flexibility to teach core curriculum reflective of the ongoing technical advances and innovation happening across the aviation and aerospace industry. Reps. Don Young (R-Ark.) and Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Our academic institutions need flexibility and resources to teach the skills the aviation and aerospace industry requires in order for students to feel confident in their trade and meet the current demands of the industry,” said Sen. Moran. “Serving as the Senator for the ‘Air Capital of the World,’ I was pleased to support this legislation that will help our academic institutions prepare students for careers in the aviation and aerospace industry and look forward to supporting this legislation in the full Senate.”

“I am glad to see our bipartisan legislation pass through committee today that would empower schools with the flexibility to teach core curriculum reflective of the technical advances and new innovative techniques happening across the aviation and aerospace industry,” said Sen. Inhofe. “Not only this, it would reduce restrictive government regulations and ensure schools are empowering students to become productive mechanics on the flight line or maintenance floor. Outdated regulations have prevented schools from implementing modern curriculum to teach students the skills necessary to maintain and repair modern, sophisticated aircraft. It’s time we make a change. I appreciate Chairman Wicker and Ranking Member Cantwell for working with us to advance the PARTT 147 Act today.”

“I’m very proud to see the bipartisan PARTT 147 Act advance through the Senate Commerce Committee,” said Sen. Duckworth. “We’ve seen important innovation and advancements in the aviation industry over the past 50 years and, to keep pace, we need to make sure our workforce is prepared to meet today’s technical demands. This effort will help modernize aviation maintenance educational programs and improve their overall efficiency and effectiveness to further enhance Illinois’s classroom-to-workplace pipeline.” 

“The Commerce Committee’s passage of the Aviation Safety and Certification Reform Act not only would make much needed reforms to improve aviation safety, but includes legislation that is important for the emerging aerospace industry in West Virginia,” said Sen. Capito. “The inclusion of our bill updates outdated regulations and ensures aviation maintenance education institutions have the flexibility needed to teach a curriculum that reflects the ongoing technical advances that are occurring across the aviation and aerospace industry. I am confident that the inclusion of this bill will go a long way in improving the training programs at maintenance technician schools.”

Background:

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations dictate what educational institutions teach aspiring aviation maintenance mechanics. These curriculum requirements, however, have not been updated in over fifty years.
  • The Promoting Aviation Regulations for Technical Training (PARTT) 147 Act of 2019 would direct FAA to promulgate a new part 147 that would establish the requirements for operating an aviation maintenance technician school certificated by FAA and the general operating rules for those holding that certificate. The bill would not change the requirement that entities operating an aviation maintenance technician school must hold an FAA certificate.
  • Industry bears the cost of retraining aviation maintenance technician graduates to complete basic tasks required to maintain a modern, sophisticated aircraft.
  • The outdated curriculum and necessary retraining upon entry into the workforce should not become a contributing factor to the looming shortage of aviation maintenance technicians that threatens to undermine the growth and competitiveness of one of the most important sectors in our economy.
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WASHINGTON – The Senate Hunger Caucus Co-Chairs – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bob Casey (D-Penn.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) – introduced S.Res.774 that congratulates the World Food Program (WFP) for being awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, affirms the organization’s mission and expresses support for the leadership of WFP Executive Director David Beasley.

Additionally, the resolution reiterates the Senate’s commitment to the goal of working with the international community to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition through the work of the WFP.

“As hunger impacts families here in the United States and around the globe, it will take collaboration between producers, Congress and organizations like the World Food Program to eradicate hunger,” said Sen. Moran. “Fighting hunger is not only the morally right thing to do; it is also the smart thing to do for our producers, and I applaud the World Food Program and the work they do each day to end hunger.”

“Eliminating hunger at home and abroad takes an all-hands-on-deck approach,” said Sen. Boozman. “It requires leaders with visionary solutions and supporting team members who are willing to put in the hard work to bring about meaningful change. David Beasley and his team at the WFP embody these principles. I congratulate them and offer my continued support as we work together toward a world where hunger is no longer an issue.” 

“For nearly 60 years, the World Food Program has been on the front lines fighting hunger, preventing famines and responding to humanitarian crises across the world,” said Sen. Brown. “The WFP is a worthy recipient of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize and I congratulate the women and men of the WFP who have worked so hard to make the world a better place. I am honored to join my colleagues on the Senate Hunger Caucus to recognize the outstanding work of the WFP.”

“World Food Program staff and volunteers are on the front lines fighting famine, hunger and malnutrition in the world’s most difficult to reach regions,” said Sen. Casey. “Awarding WFP with the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize is not only commendation of the incredible work WFP does, but also a recognition that food security is essential to fighting poverty and achieving a more just and equitable world. As the world deals with an unprecedented pandemic, conflict and displacement, we must not forget that hunger is often one of the first effects of unrest. I congratulate WFP for this well-deserved honor and along with my colleagues remain committed to fighting hunger and malnutrition around the world.”

“So many in America and across the globe suffer from a shortage of food,” said Sen. Durbin. “The World Food Program has been a steadfast leader in the fight to end world hunger, providing innovative solutions and determination to end this struggle. I’m proud to join members of the bipartisan Senate Hunger Caucus to introduce a resolution that commends the WFP’s Nobel Peace Prize and recognizes the need to continue our efforts in the Senate to end world hunger.”  

“We are deeply grateful for this bipartisan recognition from the leaders of the Senate Hunger Caucus,” said Barron Segar President & CEO of World Food Program USA. “From the time of the United Nations World Food Program’s creation in 1961, the United States has remained a stalwart and generous donor in support of our lifesaving work in more than 80 countries around the world. Being named the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate is a timely and decisive acknowledgement that ending hunger is a critical first step towards peace. The award is a tribute to the sacrifice and commitment of the U.N. World Food Program’s 18,000 staff, many of whom work on the frontlines of hunger and conflict, delivering food assistance that offers hope to some of the most vulnerable people, living in some of the world’s most remote and insecure locations.”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today introduced legislation to designate the Chisholm and Western cattle trails as National Historic Trails (NHT). U.S. Representative Ron Estes (KS-04) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The Chisholm Trail runs through Caldwell, Wichita, Abilene and Ellsworth, and the Western Trail runs through Dodge City and other Kansas communities. Both trails were used primarily from 1867 to 1885 to move more than 10 million cattle across the country, contributing to the economic growth of the towns and cities the trails passed through.

“As the country expanded westward, the Chisholm and Western cattle trails helped ranchers move millions of cattle across the plains to train depots, playing an important role in the economy of the country and supplying food for Americans,” said Sen. Moran. “Designating these trails as historic trails will help preserve the role they played in our nation’s history for the pleasure and education of future generations of Americans and provide economic opportunities for Kansas communities to promote tourism to our state.”

"When we think about advances that moved our country forward, the Chisholm and Western Trails are two of those elements that helped shape the Midwestern economy – with millions of cattle traveling through the Great Plains," said Rep. Estes. "Farmers and ranchers from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Nebraska have always been a critical part of this country, and the cowboy culture that was evident on the Chisholm and Western Trails are at the very heart of who we are as Americans – hard-working, rugged and independent. Designating these trails is more than just noting paths through the Great Plains, but showcasing the historical significance of the people who traveled the more than 1,300 miles through multiple states, and their way of life."

Designating these trails as NHT will permit the National Park Services (NPS) to partner voluntarily with landowners, communities, state and local governments to maintain, conserve and promote the trails. These trails will join the 19 other designated historic trails across the nation, including five trails that run in part through Kansas.

This legislation includes protections for private property rights along the trails, and cooperation by landowners or communities is strictly on a voluntary basis.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement after voting to confirm Galva, Kan., native Toby Crouse to serve as a federal judge for the United States Federal District Court for the District of Kansas:
 
“Toby Crouse is a skilled attorney who has demonstrated his judicial views and respect for the rule of law throughout his career in private practice, as a clerk for Tenth Circuit Judge Mary Briscoe and as the Kansas Solicitor General. He is well-qualified for this appointment, and I look forward to him taking his seat as a judge for the Federal District Court of Kansas.”
 

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Floor Speech in Support of the Confirmation of Toby Crouse

Items to Note:

  • Sen. Moran met with Crouse prior to his nomination on March 9, 2020.
  • Sen. Moran applauded President Trump’s announcement of his intent to nominate Crouse on May 7, 2020.
  • The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing for Crouse’s nomination on July 29, 2020 and favorably reported his nomination out of committee on September 17, 2020.
  • Leader McConnell filed cloture on Crouse’s nomination on November 12, 2020.

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Chairman Moran Convenes Hearing on American Manufacturing Response to COVID-19

Three Kansans Testify on Manufacturing Essential Supplies During a Pandemic

Nov 17 2020

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection – today chaired a hearing titled “Examining the American Manufacturing Industry’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.” This hearing examined how the manufacturing industry adapted to meet the public demand for personal protective equipment, ventilators and other equipment and goods essential to the nation’s public health efforts.

Three Kansas-based organizations were represented on the witness panel: MolMas based in Haysville, InkCycle based in Shawnee and Kansas Manufacturing Solutions based in Lenexa.  

“During this pandemic, many in the manufacturing community have adapted their operations to help provide the products needed to prevent the spread of the virus,” said Chairman Moran. “Whether it is an early stage pharmaceutical wholesale distribution company that completely pivoted to manufacturing face masks in response to a dire national supply shortage, or a successful printer cartridge re-manufacturer shifting to production and distribution of hand sanitizer and other innovative sanitization solutions, we have examples of manufacturing businesses in Kansas taking the lead in bolstering U.S. manufacturing to compete globally.”

Click HERE to Watch Chairman Moran’s Full Remarks

To view the hearing in its entirety, please click here.

MolMas, represented by founder Ravi Bulusu, is an early stage pharmaceutical wholesale distribution company that began producing facemasks in response to the pandemic to help provide lifesaving PPE to frontline health care workers.

InkCycle, represented by President and Chief Executive Servant Rick Krska, is the largest inkjet re-manufacturer in the world and began producing hand sanitizer in response to the pandemic. InkCycle recently shifted to producing hypochlorous acid, an EPA-recognized solution used to sanitize airplanes, bathrooms, stairwells, factories, warehouses and office areas.

Kansas Manufacturing Solutions, represented by Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Stovall, is the state’s designated NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center that has worked to support small to mid-sized manufacturers throughout Kansas.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke on the Senate floor today to urge his Senate colleagues to support legislative proposals that extend the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) deadline, including the Remove Impediments for a Successful Economic Recovery (RISER) Act he introduced last month.

“State and local governments know what is best for their communities, including where and when to spend federal coronavirus relief funding,” said Sen. Moran. “Extending the deadline for CRF payments dedicated to economic development projects will allow Kansas and other states to strategically target areas of need over a longer period of time, making certain our taxpayer dollars are making the greatest impact to help our communities during this pandemic.”

Kansas received $1.25 billion from the CRF, but under current law will lose any funding not utilized by December 31, 2020. The RISER Act would extend the CRF deadline to December 31, 2022, allowing states and local governments to strategically target areas of need over a longer period of time.

Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Speech
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Sens. Moran, Klobuchar Introduce Legislation to Protect Consumers From Injuries and Deaths During Coronavirus Pandemic

Requires comprehensive study on injuries and deaths caused by consumer products during the coronavirus pandemic

Nov 11 2020

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) – chairman and member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection – introduced the COVID-19 Home Safety Act, legislation to protect consumers from injuries and deaths related to consumer products during the coronavirus pandemic.

Recent reports indicate that pediatricians and emergency room doctors have seen an increase in patients seeking treatment for home injuries, such as broken bones on bikes and trampolines as well accidental hand sanitizer poisoning in children. The COVID-19 Home Safety Act requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to study injuries and deaths caused by consumer products during the coronavirus pandemic. The study will examine products and evaluate the impact of these injuries on members of vulnerable groups—including children, minorities, seniors and people with disabilities. This bill also directs the CPSC to collaborate with the media to distribute information, such as the CPSC’s Home Safe Checklists, to help improve home safety during the pandemic.

"The daily lives of Americans have changed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic," Sen. Moran said. "Recent reports of increased injuries, particularly to children, minorities, seniors, and people with disabilities, caused by consumer products is concerning, and this legislation would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide a comprehensive assessment of safety issues under its jurisdiction to determine future federal action."

"As we continue to confront the coronavirus pandemic, American families should not also have to worry about the safety of products in their own homes,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “This legislation will help protect our children, seniors and other vulnerable populations from injuries and deaths caused by consumer products during and after the pandemic.” 

Companion legislation led in the House by U.S. Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-Calif.), Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, and Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), passed the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce in September. The bill is endorsed by Consumer Reports, National Consumers League, the Consumer Federation of America and Kids in Danger.

"American families are facing a multitude of difficulties during this pandemic—from unemployment to child care concerns. While we work to address all challenges that arise, we must also specifically address the very real problems of consumer safety and home injuries brought upon by COVID-safety restrictions," Congressman Tony Cárdenas said. "As Americans spend more time at home, we cannot ignore the child-safety risks that certain consumer products pose. This bipartisan bill will require that these issues be studied, so lawmakers can take appropriate measures to protect American consumers and children by preventing future injuries.”

"Understanding the full impact of COVID-19, including its effects on consumer safety and home injuries, is critical to protecting public health during this pandemic," Congressman Rodney Davis said. "I’d like to thank Senators Klobuchar and Moran for introducing the bipartisan COVID-19 Home Safety Act in the Senate. It is my hope that both chambers of Congress pass this important legislation in the coming weeks so we can take appropriate action to keep American families safe."

As a Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection, Sen. Moran has been a leader in the fight to protect consumers, especially children and seniors, during the coronavirus pandemic.

In July, Sens. Moran and Klobuchar led a letter urging the FTC to protect seniors from contact tracing scams following reports that scammers were posing as contact tracers in an attempt to financially exploit consumers and steal their personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers and credit card numbers. The letter also urged the FTC to commit to taking action to better educate and assist seniors in recognizing legitimate contact tracing and understanding their recourse options should they fall victim to these scams.

In May, Sens. Moran and Klobuchar introduced legislation to protect seniors from scams during the coronavirus pandemic. The Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act directs the Federal Trade Commission to report to Congress on scams targeting seniors during the coronavirus pandemic and make recommendations on how to prevent future scams during emergencies. In March, Klobuchar and Moran led a bipartisan letter with 32 colleagues urging FTC Chairman Joseph Simons to protect seniors from coronavirus-related scams, better inform consumers about scams, and assist victims in understanding their recourse options to ensure that seniors are protected from those attempting to financially exploit them during the pandemic.

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