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Sen. Moran Applauds Senate Passage of NDAA
The NDAA Strengthens our National Security and Invests in our Military Families
Dec 11 2020
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense – today released the following statement applauding the House and Senate’s passage of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):
“The men and women serving in our military work every day to keep us safe here at home and to defend our freedoms from threats around the world. The NDAA includes a pay raise for our troops, invests in the development of new technology, weapons and cybersecurity and provides resources to help our military families thrive. I am especially pleased that this year’s NDAA included my priorities to enable women serving in the National Guard and Reserve to receive maternity leave, honor fallen Big Red One soldiers from Fort Riley, authorize a study on the causes of high unemployment rates among post-9/11 female veterans, and expand access to mental health care for servicemembers in the Guard and Reserve. I encourage President Trump to quickly sign this important legislation into law to support our troops and military.”
Sen. Moran priorities included in the FY2021 NDAA:
- Ensures women serving in the National Guard and Reserve of the Armed Forces are eligible to receive six weeks of maternity benefits, equal to that of their active duty counterparts.
- Authorizes the names of First Infantry Division Soldiers, also known as Big Red One Soldiers, who were killed in action during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn to be added to the First Division Monument that is located on White House grounds.
- Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on why post-9/11 female veterans experience higher rates of unemployment than their cohorts. Since 2009, post-9/11 female veterans experienced an average unemployment rate of 8.4 percent versus the 5.7 percent rate of all veterans.
- Expands mental health care services for members of the National Guard and Reserve.
- Delays the divestment of legacy KC-135 aircraft, which benefits the 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard.
- Requires the Air Force to develop and implement a permanent solution to the KC-46’s Remote Vision System.
- Supports the Army’s Future Vertical Lift program and increases investments in the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.
- Continues to invest in the development and production of hypersonic missiles.
- Increases investments in autonomous unmanned aircraft programs, such as the Air Force’s Low-Cost Attributable Aircraft Technology (LCAAT) SKYBORG programs.
Sen. Moran Pays Tribute to Sen. Pat Roberts on the Senate Floor
“It's the time for me to say in return, on behalf of all Kansans, thank you for your service to our nation and to our state”
Dec 10 2020
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) spoke today on the Senate floor to honor Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), following Sen. Roberts’ farewell address.
“Pat’s role model – the person he may admire the most – is Kansan Dwight Eisenhower,” said Sen. Moran. “Pat Roberts, I have no doubt that you’ve lived up to that role model, that Kansan that is esteemed around the world, and you’ve led like Ike led. I thank you and your staff for all you have done for Kansans and America. I thank you for what you’ve done for me and my team.”
“You said thank you to Kansans; you said thank you to this Senate,” continued Sen. Moran. “I think it's the time for me to say in return, on behalf of all Kansans, thank you for your service to our nation and to our state. A life being well lived, you are the example.”
Click HERE to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Remarks
During his speech, Sen. Moran also read prepared remarks from former Senator Bob Dole honoring Sen. Roberts starting at 13:00:
“Kansas has certainly benefited from your steadfast leadership. You care about the Sunflower State, and you care about our nation – and that’s always been what matters most. Your strength of character, plain-spoken optimism, and determination to make a positive difference in people’s lives – that’s what people will remember about your legacy of public service here. You’re a great American and a dear friend, and Elizabeth and I wish nothing but the best for you and Franki from here on out. One important point of clarification though – the filibuster simply doesn’t work at home. God Bless America, BOB DOLE.”
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded a $174 million Department of Transportation grant to fully fund the Kansas City Streetcar Main Street Extension Project.
This federal grant will extend the streetcar route to connect the Kansas City Central Business District with the Country Club Plaza. Combined with previous grants and investments, this project is now completely funded. Signatures between the project sponsors are expected in the coming days to complete the formal grant agreement and subsequent release of the funding.
“Expanding public transportation and connecting Kansas City’s two largest employment centers will greatly benefit local commuters and expand economic opportunities for the entire metropolitan area,” said Sen. Moran.
In July, Sen. Moran joined members of the Kansas and Missouri Congressional delegation in urging the Federal Transit Administration to approve the funding application for this project. In September, Sen. Moran met with KC Streetcar Executive Director Tom Gerend, Board of Directors and members of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority regarding the expansion and benefits it would bring to the Kansas City-area.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) – chairman and member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade and Consumer Protection – today introduced the Promoting Responsibility Over Moderation In the Social Media Environment (PROMISE) Act, legislation to hold Big Tech companies accountable for their promises to not operate their social media platforms with political bias.
“Tech companies hold significant power over the shape of American discourse and should moderate content shared on their platforms in an open and honest fashion,” said Sen. Moran. “This bill would make certain that interactive internet services are abiding by publicly-available information policies that users can easily access and understand so that users can make informed choices for themselves. In addition, this legislation would hold tech companies accountable if they misrepresent their content moderation policies while promoting a competitive marketplace that allows smaller internet companies to continue to thrive.”
“The billionaires who own our nation’s Big Tech companies have every right to be partisan political actors,” said Sen. Lee. “What they don’t have a right to do is make promises to consumers that they will provide unbiased platforms and then discriminate against conservatives on those same platforms.”
PROMISE Act:
- Requires a “covered entity” to implement, operate and disclose information moderation policies that explain the standards, processes and policies regarding its moderation of information provided by a user or other information content provider. This policy must include:
- Categories of information not permitted on its service or subject to moderation by users or the entity itself,
- The process utilized in moderating content,
- The notification process (if any) utilized to inform users of a moderation action taken, the rationale for the moderation decision and options for redress (if any).
- Requires a “covered entity” to not make a “deceptive policy statement” with respect to its information moderation policy. A “deceptive policy statement” carries with it a rebuttable presumption that a statement is material and likely to cause injury.
- Makes violations of the requirements to implement, operate or disclose an “information moderation policy” or to not make a “deceptive policy statement” constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45(a)).
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WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies – to help alleviate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) pilot shortage. This legislation will now be sent to President Trump to be signed into law.
NOAA pilots are charged with collecting airborne environmental data, such as real-time weather data on hurricanes. This legislation creates an aviation accession training program for the Commissioned Officer Corps of NOAA to prepare students for commissioned service as pilots. Functioning similar to Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at many universities, this program was designed in coordination with Kansas State Polytechnic due to their expertise in training pilots.
“As the chief appropriator for NOAA, it has been a priority to address the pilot shortage that utilizes Kansas’ strong aviation programs, and I’m pleased this legislation will head to the president’s desk to be signed into law,” said Sen. Moran. “In addition, Kansas State Polytechnic has a history of producing well-trained pilots and can create a pipeline of NOAA pilots ready to fly in a wide-range of weather conditions to deliver critical data to scientists on the ground.”
"Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus is really excited about the potential for a NOAA ROTC program focused on pilot training,” said Kansas State Polytechnic CEO and Dean Alysia Starkey. “Training pilots is one of our core missions and the opportunity created by this bill would provide a high-quality corps of fully-funded students who are ready for university-level flight training in a variety of weather conditions.”
“The dedicated men and women of the NOAA Corps provide the scientific and operational expertise for NOAA to meet its mission to protect lives and property every day,” said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., acting NOAA administrator. “They deserve the level of personal and professional support that is rightfully afforded to other uniformed services.”
“We’re grateful to the Administration and Congress for recognizing the immense value that NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps officers provide each and every day,” said NOAA Rear Adm. Michael J. Silah, director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO). “This reauthorization act will ensure that the NOAA Corps will be able to support NOAA and the nation more effectively than ever before and we look forward to establishing a pipeline for NOAA Corps aviators in the State of Kansas.”
Sen. Moran’s legislation, S. 2910, was included in S. 2981, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020, which passed the Senate on November 16. Additionally, Sen. Moran’s FY2021 Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies bill included $1.5 million within NOAA to support programs aimed at recruiting and training pilots for service in the Commissioned Officer Corps of NOAA.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today released the following statement regarding the passing of Max Moomaw, former Kansas State Representative for the 117th District:
“Robba and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Max Moomaw. Max and his wife Beverly had a significant impact on my first election to serve in the statehouse, and he provided me with his thoughts and suggestions ever since. His advice was always good common sense based on his strong understanding of right and wrong. He was a proud Kansan and someone I looked up to for his service to our country in the Navy, our state as a Kansas Representative and in the agriculture community as a lifelong farmer. He never passed up a chance to volunteer in his community and will be missed. We will be praying for his friends and family.”
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Karen A. Woodrich, State Conservationist, Kansas Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), today announced funding for the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program for the Rattlesnake Creek Watershed and Middle Creek Watershed. The programs will receive $725,000 for Rattlesnake Creek and $121,800 for Middle Creek to address water conservation efforts in Kansas.
The NRCS Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program, commonly known as Public Law 566 (PL-566) helps units of federal, state, local and tribal governments (project sponsors) protect and restore watersheds of up to 250,000 acres. This program creates a partnership between the federal government and states to work together to prevent erosion, floodwater and sediment damage and to promote conservation development and the proper use of land in authorized watersheds. These PL-566 projects will help build on over 20 years of partnerships addressing natural resource concerns.
“The agreement reached earlier this year between the Big Bend Groundwater Management District 5 and the Fish and Wildlife Service will help satisfy the water needs of both Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and local producers,” said Sen. Moran. “I appreciate Acting Chief Norton’s work to provide assistance from the Natural Resource Conservation Service to prepare a watershed plan, an important step forward to begin fulfilling the terms of the agreement at Quivira.”
“These projects are important for Kansas,” said Woodrich. “Water management, improving fish and wildlife habitat, and enhancing the surrounding agricultural community are just a few resource concerns that we can address in our conservation efforts across our state.”
Middle Creek funding will support the planning and design of Floodwater Retention Dam (FRD) Number 11. This dam will improve flood protection for property and agricultural lands downstream.
Rattlesnake Creek funding will be used for the development of a watershed plan for the Rattlesnake Creek Basin in south central Kansas. NRCS will work with stakeholders to assess the existing resources, evaluate conservation alternatives, and develop a plan to conserve and protect the valuable resources of the area. The primary resource concern in Rattlesnake Creek Watershed is the inadequate water quantity including low surface water flows to Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.
Rattlesnake Creek Watershed consists of 151,509 acres located in a prime agricultural region with 4,587 farms producing $1.89 billion in crop and livestock sales annually. It provides surface flows to Quivira National Wildlife Refuge which consists of 7,000 acres of wetlands. Providing critical habitat for over 300 species of birds on the central flyway, including threatened and endangered species.
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Sen. Moran Applauds $67 Million Agreement for Salina Community to Cleanup Schilling Air Force Base
Nov 24 2020
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today applauded the approval of a consent decree that will provide Salina Public Entities a one-time payment of $67.7 million through a settlement agreement reached regarding the former Schilling Air Force Base in Salina.
After years of negotiations and mediation, Judge John Lungstrum approved the agreement reached between the federal government and the Salina Public Entities, which includes the governing boards for the City of Salina, the Salina Airport Authority, USD 305 and Kansas State University, to provide a one-time payment to fund the multi-year cleanup of toxic substances at Schilling Air Force Base.
“The Salina community has waited more than a decade to reach an agreement that will finally allow for the cleanup of Schilling Air Force Base,” said Sen. Moran. “I want to congratulate the Salina Public Entities on this agreement and look forward to seeing these funds be put into action to help remove harmful substances at Schilling Air Force base and keep the community safe for future generations.”
“From the beginning, Senator Moran has supported the Salina Public Entities in our settlement negotiations with the Department of Defense and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” said Timothy Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority. “The Senator’s active involvement was a key factor in reaching a settlement that benefits Salina residents.”
Over the last 14 years, Sen. Moran worked with the Salina Public Entities to help reach an agreement over who would be responsible for cleaning up Schillings Air Force Base.
- In 2006, as a U.S. Representative, Sen. Moran toured Schillings Air Force Base to survey the work that needed to be done to clean up the base.
- Sen. Moran has met with the Army Corps of Engineers multiple times over the years to encourage them to meet their obligation to clean up the base.
- After Salina decided to request a settlement, Sen. Moran backed the Salina Public Entities and they went into mediation.
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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 – sent a letter urging the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to take action to better protect children from injuries and deaths caused by consumer products while at home during the pandemic.
Reports indicate that doctors across the nation are witnessing a marked increase in children being treated for injuries suffered at home. These injuries include broken bones—often caused by injuries on bikes and trampolines—burns and accidental poisonings. In addition, calls to poison control centers made on behalf of children who have swallowed cleaning products and disinfectants have increased over 20 percent during the pandemic, with children 5 and younger accounting for the largest number of cases.
“Even before the pandemic began, unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death for children in the United States,” the senators wrote. “These injuries lead to approximately 12,000 child deaths and 9.2 million emergency department visits each year. The incidence of at-home injuries suffered by children has only increased since the pandemic began.
“For this reason, we introduced the bipartisan COVID–19 Home Safety Act of 2020, which directs the CPSC to provide Congress with information regarding the incidence of injuries and deaths from consumer products suffered by vulnerable populations—including children—and work with the media to distribute information to help educate families and increase child safety in the home. While we understand that the CPSC is taking action to educate consumers about home safety, more must be done to protect children during the pandemic.”
Earlier this month, Sens. Moran and Klobuchar introduced legislation to protect consumers from injuries and deaths during the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 Home Safety Act requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to launch a comprehensive study on injuries and deaths caused by consumer products during the coronavirus pandemic and passed the Senate Commerce Committee this week.
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, which passed the Senate Commerce Committee this week. 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.
The full letter can be found here or below.
Dear Acting Chairman Adler:
We write to express our concerns regarding the increase in home injuries and accidental poisonings suffered by children during the pandemic and to request that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) take steps to ensure that children are kept safe from injuries while at home.
As families continue to work and learn from home during the pandemic, reports indicate that doctors across the nation are witnessing a marked increase in children being treated for injuries suffered at home. These injuries include broken bones—often caused by injuries on bikes and trampolines—burns, and accidental poisonings. Calls to poison control centers made on behalf of children who have swallowed cleaning products and disinfectants have increased over 20 percent during the pandemic, with children 5 and younger accounting for the largest number of cases. Poison control centers have also reported thousands of cases of hand sanitizer poisoning in children 12 and younger.
Even before the pandemic began, unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death for children in the United States. These injuries lead to approximately 12,000 child deaths and 9.2 million emergency department visits each year. The incidence of at-home injuries suffered by children has only increased since the pandemic began.
For this reason, we introduced the bipartisan COVID–19 Home Safety Act of 2020, which directs the CPSC to provide Congress with information regarding the incidence of injuries and deaths from consumer products suffered by vulnerable populations—including children—and work with the media to distribute information to help educate families and increase child safety in the home. While we understand that the CPSC is taking action to educate consumers about home safety, more must be done to protect children during the pandemic.
We urge the CPSC to take action to better educate and inform families about how to protect their children at home and collaborate with the media to share this critical information with parents. We also respectfully request that you respond to the following questions:
1. What steps is the CPSC taking to help prevent incidents of child injury at home during the pandemic?
2. What data has the CPSC collected on the number of children involved in at-home accidents since the pandemic began?
3. What actions has the CPSC taken to collaborate with the media and other federal and state agencies to help educate parents about the risk of child injuries at-home during the pandemic and ways that parents can mitigate this risk?
4. Does the CPSC need additional resources to investigate the increase in child injuries during the pandemic and take appropriate measures to help educate parents about how to better protect their children at home?
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.
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