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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today introduced the Airplane Kids in Transition Safety (KITS) Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation that would direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update its regulations regarding the medications and equipment required to be carried in airplane medical kits in order to better serve children in flight.
“With millions of American children flying each year, it is common sense for in-flight crews to have critical supplies and medicine available to treat kids in emergency situations,” said Sen. Moran. “The Airplane KITS Act would make certain that child-sized doses of emergency medicine is available when time is of the essence, ensuring that the airline crew and families can help children in need of medical attention as quickly as possible.”
“Every year, airplane medical kits help save lives, but today these kits don’t have the right medical tools or medications to help treat kids during an emergency,” said Sen. Schatz. “Our bill requires the FAA to update its rules to ensure that every airline has the basic medical equipment to help kids when they need it the most.”
The current contents of emergency medical kits (EMKs) onboard commercial airplanes are outdated and do not contain appropriate medications and devices for treating children. Children make up 25 percent of the nation’s population and are more vulnerable than adults in the case of an emergency. Medical emergencies involving children can be fatal and emergency planning should take into account the different medications and medical devices that kids need.
“When a parent boards a commercial flight with a child, the last thing on their mind should be whether their child will be safe in the event of an in-flight medical emergency,” said American Academy of Pediatrics President Fernando Stein, MD, FAAP. “Yet, right now, medical kits found on airplanes are not equipped to treat children during potentially fatal emergencies. The Airplane KITS Act is a needed step forward to fix that, by requiring the Federal Aviation Administration to update emergency medical kits onboard airplanes to include safe, effective medications and medical equipment designed to meet children’s unique needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics applauds Senators Brian Schatz and Jerry Moran and Representatives Sean Patrick Maloney and John Faso for their leadership to advance this critical legislation that will make air travel safer for children.”
The Airplane KITS Act is supported by nearly 20 organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children’s Health Fund, the Emergency Nurses Association, Family Voices, First Focus Campaign for Children, March of Dimes and the National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials.
A summary of the Airplane KITS Act is available here. The full text of the Airplane KITS Act is available here.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week paid tribute on the Senate floor to three fallen Kansas police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in the last year: Detective Brad Lancaster of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, Captain Robert “Dave” Melton of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, and Master Deputy Sheriff Brandon Collins of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.
Since 1962, May 15 of each year has been commemorated as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 15 as National Police Week.
Highlights of Sen. Moran’s remarks can be found below, along with a link to the video:
(0:24): Mr. President, in 1962, Congress and then-President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 of each year to be Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 15 to be National Police Week. Each spring, we take time to recall the men and women of law enforcement who were lost in the previous year. Unfortunately, this list has become far, far too long. Since our nation’s founding, more than 20,000 American law enforcement officers have sacrificed their lives in service to others.
(0:57): While I have paid many solemn visits to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor, to respect, and to remember fallen officers, my visit this year was especially somber. In 2016, Kansans suffered the loss of three law enforcement officials. On the Senate floor today, I wish to recognize and honor our fallen heroes: Detective Brad Lancaster of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, Captain Robert “Dave” Melton of the Kansas City Kansas Police Department, and Master Deputy Sheriff Brandon Collins of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.
(1:39): Their untimely deaths shook their families, the agencies where these men served, the neighborhoods they protected and the communities they lived in. Brandon, Robert and Brad were not only law enforcement officers, but were also sons, brothers, fathers, neighbors, mentors and friends.
(1:58): Robert Melton, Brad Lancaster and Brandon Collins, and the 140 other officers killed in the line of duty in 2016, are being honored this week in our nation’s capital. The names of these fallen heroes will be physically inscribed into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, set in stone as an eternal reminder to the nation of the service of these men and the debt we owe for their sacrifice on our behalf. That debt, of course, can never be repaid, but it is certainly our duty to try.
(2:32): As Americans honor these men during National Police Week, we must also remember their families, friends, their fellow officers and the loved ones they left behind. May God comfort them in their time of grief and be a source of strength for them. May He also protect all those who continue to serve today and to stand in harm’s way to protect our communities.
(2:56): An inscription at the memorial reads, “In valor there is hope.” The losses of Brad Lancaster, Robert Melton and Brandon Collins have imposed tremendous hurt and sorrow, but our memory of their service to others and acts of valor offer Americans hope and inspiration to carry on their missions: to better our communities, to protect the vulnerable and to stand for what is right. As we remember, let us tirelessly pursue those ends, and do all we can do to honor the fallen.
Click here to watch Sen. Moran’s remarks on YouTube.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the Rural Wireless Access Act of 2017. This legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to standardize its methods of collecting mobile broadband coverage data, making certain the FCC can gather the comprehensive and consistent data required to expand broadband deployment effectively as they work to target unserved and underserved rural communities.
“Millions of rural Americans in Kansas and many other states depend on the promise of mobile broadband buildout efforts, and this critical expansion depends on the accuracy of current coverage data and uniformity in how it is collected,” said Senator Moran. “As we work to close the broadband gap, our providers must have standardized, clear data so they can plan out ways to reach communities most in need of access.”
The bill was also sponsored by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).
The Rural Wireless Access Act of 2017 would direct the FCC to establish a methodology to:
- Ensure that wireless coverage data is collected in a consistent and robust way;
- Improve the validity and reliability of wireless coverage data; and
- Increase the efficiency of wireless coverage data collection.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing the Honoring Hometown Heroes Act to honor first responders who make the ultimate sacrifice.
The legislation would amend the U.S. flag code to allow the governor of a state to order the American flag to be lowered to half-staff in the event that a local first responder dies while serving in the line of duty. Currently, Governors only have the ability to order the flag to fly at half-staff after the death of a government official or the death of a member of the armed forces during combat.
“The police officers and firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect us deserve not only our gratitude but also our recognition,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation will make certain that state leaders are empowered to honor and recognize the sacrifices of our first responders. As we commemorate National Police Week, we reflect on ways to show our appreciation – flying our flag at half-staff to honor those who have given their lives is a simple way to begin.”
The Honoring Hometown Heroes Act is supported by police officers and firefighters from across the nation.
“Everyday our law enforcement officers act heroically to save and help people they have never met before from all walks of life,” said President of the Fraternal Order of Police Chuck Canterbury. “These officers take an oath to protect and service their communities to make it a better and safer place for all those that live there. They are even willing to lay down their lives in the service of others.”
“First responders knowingly place their lives in jeopardy to preserve the lives of others. Sadly, not all of these first responders return to their families and homes,” said President and Chairman of the International Association of Fire Chiefs John D. Sinclair. “This simple yet effective and profound action will allow residents across the United States to honor first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“Every community across America relies on fire fighters and emergency medical technicians to respond to a variety of emergency situations. Sadly, more than one hundred times annually, these dedicated emergency responders pay the ultimate price by selflessly giving their very life for the service and protection of their community,” said President of the International Association of Firefighters Harold A. Schaitberger. “The Honoring Hometown Heroes Act is an important piece of legislation that recognizes the sacrifices made by our emergency response professionals.”
The bipartisan bill is also supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, National Volunteer Fire Council, National Honor Guard Commanders Association, National Honor Guard Academy and National Fire Academy Alumni Association.
National Police Week started on Sunday, May 14th and ends on Saturday, May 20th.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) this week joined Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer stressing the positive economic impact of NAFTA as the administration considers taking a fresh look at the agreement. The letter was led by U.S. Senators Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).
“Given that the agreement is more than two decades old, there are areas in which NAFTA will benefit from strengthening and modernization. On the other hand, efforts to abandon the agreement or impose unnecessary restrictions on trade with our North American partners will have devastating economic consequences,” wrote the senators.
Full text of the letter is included below.
May 15, 2017
Ambassador Robert Lighthizer
Office of the United States Trade Representative
600 17th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
Dear Ambassador Lighthizer,
We write to congratulate you on your confirmation as United States Trade Representative.
With your rich experience in international trade issues and negotiating trade agreements, we are pleased you are at the helm of the office that facilitates U.S. trade. U.S. trade policy has remained a prominent issue in recent months and it appears that taking a fresh look at the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will be an immediate priority.
Among other benefits, NAFTA has led to tremendous growth in U.S. trade with Mexico and Canada, integrated cross-border supply chains that benefit U.S. employers, and more than tripled U.S. exports of goods (including agricultural and manufactured goods) and services. Given that the agreement is more than two decades old, there are areas in which NAFTA will benefit from strengthening and modernization. On the other hand, efforts to abandon the agreement or impose unnecessary restrictions on trade with our North American partners will have devastating economic consequences.
As senators who represent states that see a significant economic impact from trade, we will maintain a keen interest in the on-going process surrounding NAFTA and look forward to working with your office.
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Chairman Moran Convenes Hearing with VA Secretary to Discuss Future of VA Community Care
May 15 2017
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and Related Agencies – convened a hearing on Thursday, May 12, with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Dr. David Shulkin and Deputy Undersecretary for Care in the Community Dr. Baligh Yehia to discuss VA’s plan for reforming VA community care and the Veterans Choice Program to better meet the needs of veterans.
“I was encouraged by the secretary’s vision for how the VA healthcare system ought to operate by putting the needs of the veteran ahead of the needs of the department,” Sen. Moran said. “No veteran should be forced to drive long distances or wait months to receive the care they have earned, and Secretary Shulkin and Dr. Yehia were clear that the VA must work to regain the trust of the veterans it serves – that begins with a new system that prioritizes the best interests of veterans.”
During the hearing, Secretary Shulkin praised introduction of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act (S. 1094). The bill would help him reform the VA by allowing him and future VA secretaries to dismiss bad employees and ensure due process protections for whistleblowers. Additionally, he answered a question from Sen. Moran about conditions at the District of Columbia VA Medical Center.
Click here to watch the hearing. Highlights can be found below:
Sen. Moran: “…We're here to find out how we can be helpful in making certain that whatever occurs in the future in regard to programs for veterans within the community are ones that work well and meet the needs of veterans across the country: rural, urban, and suburban.
Sen. Moran: “You indicated to Senator Schatz in – in response to one of his questions…that increasing costs associated with healthcare are related to demographics, number of veterans, aging veterans. And yet you indicated earlier that you expect to be able to…fund this program within the FY18 president's budget request. But how can you…do that?”
Sec. Shulkin: “Well, first of all, as you know, we only have the skinny budget now, but the president did request a 6.6 percent increase in our budget. So we are very grateful that the president has recognized the resources that we need to be able to continue…improving care for veterans. But I do believe that we are now embarking upon addressing some of the inefficiencies in the system, and as we aggressively move towards modernizing the system, we've got to streamline the amount that we put into administrative overhead and we have to fix some of the deficiencies. Because asking for and receiving a 6.6 percent increase year after year is just not sustainable and it's not the right thing for the country. So we're taking it upon ourselves to develop a system, and part of this is why we believe we need a high-performance network so that we can reward those that are doing care better and more efficiently…so that we are not coming back and asking for these types of increases.”
Sen. Moran: “I do want to bring to your attention a letter that…the House and Senate received from the Inspector General yesterday. It was a letter to Dr. Alaigh on conditions at the District of Columbia VA Medical Center. OIG issued a report on April 12th. They are now reminding us again yesterday of serious conditions, according to the IG report at that hospital. And I want to make certain that you and the VA are taking the steps necessary to correct those problems…what I hope you assure me is those steps have already been taken.”
Sec. Shulkin: “Yes, Mr. Chairman. And I appreciate the chance to comment on this. We do appreciate the IG’s work and their continued vigilance to make sure that our facilities are up to the standards and providing the best quality care. And so we work closely when the IG issues these reports to us. We had people on site there yesterday from the central office. I would say two things: First of all, what they observed yesterday was actually a process that works. When we identified that there was any safety concerns to a patient, we simply stop the procedure and corrected the situation, so that there has not been, in any of these Inspector General concerns, any evidence of harm ever to a veteran. Secondly, their letter that was issued to you did not have fully accurate information. We have written back to the IG to share our perspective so that what we’re trying to do is to do exactly what you’re saying, which is to make sure we are on top of these issues, monitoring it. We have no safety concerns today about patients being cared for there. We do believe that it is a high-quality environment. But we will be vigilant and we will work with the IG to make sure that we are addressing the needs as appropriate.”
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MANHATTAN, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement regarding U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue’s creation of an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):
“I applaud Secretary Perdue’s recognition of the importance of trade and his efforts to elevate USDA’s work to expand agriculture exports. In Kansas, we see firsthand the impact trade policy has on the ability of our producers to sell the food and fiber we grow to people around the world. The USDA plays a key role in reducing trade barriers, increasing market access, and making certain American farmers and ranchers are competing on a level playing field in the global market. During this time of low commodity prices, it’s especially important for USDA to renew its focus on ag trade.”
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans’ Affairs and Related Agencies – today joined a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues in introducing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act (S. 1094). The legislation would reform the VA by allowing the VA Secretary to dismiss bad employees and ensure due process protections for whistleblowers.
"For far too long, the VA has been unable to remove bad actors who either harm veterans or fail in their duties to serve our nation’s heroes,” Sen. Moran said. “This legislation will make certain the VA has the authority to terminate employees and protect whistleblowers. Additionally, this bill holds VA employees accountable by making certain they do not receive the same benefits as honest, hardworking VA employees if they are found guilty of a felony related to their employment. I will continue to demand accountability to help ensure veterans are supported by a department worthy of their service and sacrifice.”
VA Secretary David Shulkin has repeatedly expressed support for accountability legislation, and Deputy Under Secretary Dr. Carolyn Clancy reiterated this position during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on preventing veteran suicide that Sen. Moran chaired last month.
Specifically, S. 1094 would:
- Authorize the secretary to reprimand, suspend, involuntarily reassign, demote, or remove a covered individual from a senior executive service position, including removal from civil service, if the secretary determines that their misconduct or performance warrants such an action, subject to a VA-internal grievance process established by the secretary that must be completed within 21 days.
- Authorize the secretary to remove, demote or suspend employees for longer than 14 days without pay, subject to an appeal of their removal or demotion to the MSPB for most non-senior executive service (SES) employees. The MSBP would then have 180 days to complete an expedited appeal and render a final decision subject to judicial review by the U.S. Federal Circuit.
- Protect whistleblowers from retaliation by not allowing the secretary to use this authority to fire employees who have filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC). The proposal would also establish an Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection for employees to bring to light major problems at the VA without losing their job or facing retaliation.
- Streamline authority for the secretary to rescind an employee’s bonus or relocation expense reimbursement if the secretary deems it appropriate, and allow reduction to an SES employee’s retirement pension upon their conviction of a felony related to work performance.
- Require the VA to provide periodic training to each supervisor on the rights of whistleblowers; how to address a report by an employee of a hostile work environment, reprisal, or harassment; how to effectively motivate, manage, and reward employees; and how to effectively manage employees who are performing at an unacceptable level.
- Authorize the secretary to directly appoint individuals to the positions of Medical Center Director and Director of Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) if they have demonstrated ability in the medical profession, health care administration or health care fiscal management.
- Require the VA to provide reports to Congress on employee morale and the types of administrative action taken against employees and their effectiveness in disciplining employees.
This bill is supported by numerous organizations including Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Legion, American Veterans, Concerned Veterans for America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Reserve Officers Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Project on Government Oversight, U.S. Office of Special Counsel, Got Your 6 and Military Officers Association of America.
Click here to read the legislation.
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Sen. Moran Highlights Importance of Food Aid in American Democratic Assistance Across the Globe
Chairman Lindsey Graham: “If Senator Moran Had His Way, All the Farmers in Kansas Would Feed Everybody in the World”
May 10 2017
WASHINGTON – During a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing on State and Foreign Operations focused on the United States’ democratic assistance across the globe, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) yesterday questioned a panel of witnesses about the impact of food aid in increasing American safety. Sen. Moran asked for examples of the positive impact of food aid in preventing the need for further military intervention and for ways to approach countries wary of foreign assistance.
The subcommittee heard testimony from former Secretary of State and National Democratic Institute Chairman of the Board Madeleine Albright, former Congressman and International Republican Institute Vice Chair of the Board James Kolbe, former Congressman and National Endowment for Democracy Co-Vice Chairman of the Board Vin Weber, and former National Security Advisor and U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) Chairman of the Board Stephen Hadley.
Click here to watch the hearing. Highlights can be found below:
Sen. Moran (:07): “I’ve said on the Senate floor, in an op-ed piece to Kansans back home that ‘soft power’ – would use a different word than that in speaking about this – is necessary to avoid additional military actions or to reduce the need for military actions around the globe. Are there specific examples… you could point to me that I could then indicate to those I’m speaking about, where our diplomacy, our assistance, food aid and other things have made a difference such that you believe we prevented the need for military power to be utilized?”
Mr. Hadley (0:43): “Senator, the example I used about Mahmoudiya, which was now ten years old, a peace agreement arranged, under the auspice of USIP that is held for ten years… the effect of that was dramatic in terms of the casualties being suffered by the 10th Mountain division. They fell by a factor of five or six times. And also allowed those forces to be withdrawn so that the peace was kept with a smaller number of people. So that’s a saving of lives, a savings of resources. The cost of that operation, I think, correct me if I’m wrong, about $1 million... The military spends about $11.5 million a day in Iraq during that time frame. So it’s good value. That’s the point. I think we make a mistake calling it ‘soft power.’ There’s nothing soft about it. What our diplomats are doing, our USIP people and our facilitators, they’re risking their lives. These are in conflict zones. There’s nothing ‘soft’ about that. Maybe we ought to talk about ‘military’ and ‘non-military,’ but I think soft is not an adequate description of the risks they run.”
Sen. Moran (1:56): “Let me focus a minute on food aid. There are famines around the globe. I think there’s a desire on the part of many Americans to respond. Part of the challenge we face are the civil authorities or military authorities in the countries where there are famines not allowing non-governmental organizations into their country, not allowing assistance… Why do countries behave in a way in which they deny us the ability to save lives, and how do we respond to get a different result?”
Sec. Albright (2:31): “I think that this is where diplomacy comes in, actually, is to have ambassadors in those countries that are able to explain that we’re not going in there to occupy, and that is part of it… We need to understand that the famines are partially being created by desertification and climate change and also by governments that want to starve their people. I think that’s part of the issue. And therefore it’s important to have contact with non-governmental organizations in those countries and try to show that starving people then create the mayhem that then leads to worse things. I also do think that Americans are the most generous people in the world. Our only problem is that we have a short attention span. And so I think that what needs to happen is that we need to understand that these are problems that are out there for a very long time. I do think, however, in those four particular counties, we have the most amazing operation in AFRICOM, which is a command that in fact is a way of dealing… in terms of cooperating of the civil and the military together in order to make a difference in a particular county.”
Mr. Weber (3:49): “Senator Moran… Amartya Sen, the Nobel laureate, has said that there has never been a famine in a democratic country with a free media.”
Sen. Moran (4:00): “I appreciate you saying that… I guess that’s the point that needs to be made, if I could say it in my own words, although not as articulate as who you quoted, the ability to have a democracy when people are starving doesn’t exist. Is that a fair summation of that?”
Mr. Weber (4:19): “It’s much more difficult.”
Sen. Moran (4:22): “I want to compliment Chairman Graham and the ranking member and this committee – nearly a billion dollars in food aid, famine assistance, was included in the FY appropriation bill, that’s a great development. Our subcommittee on agriculture funded the Dole-McGovern food and education program. Our appropriations process for FY17 I think resulted in significant opportunities for help for people around the globe and enhances the chances that democracies survive or are created and reduces the chances that our military’s actions are necessary. Chairman Graham and members of the committee, thank you for your efforts in regard to trying to feed people around the world.”
Chairman Graham (5:09): “Let it be known to the people of Kansas, if Senator Moran had his way, all the farmers in Kansas would feed everybody in the world.”
Background
- Sen. Moran serves as co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus and previously chaired the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which allocates funding for certain USAID and USDA global food programs. He remains a member of that subcommittee.
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Sen. Moran Sponsors Legislation to Prevent Overmedication and Combat Suicide Among Veterans
May 09 2017
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies and member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee – sponsored legislation led by U.S. Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) to combat veteran suicide. The Veterans Overmedication Prevention Act (S. 992) would direct the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct an independent study on the deaths of all veterans being treated at the VA who died by suicide, from an accidental drug overdose and other means related to their passing in the last five years.
“The number of veterans who take their own lives each year remains alarmingly high despite the efforts of many at the VA, community providers and nonprofit groups working to care for those who have served our nation,” Sen. Moran said. “We must do everything we can to put a stop to this disturbing trend – this legislation is one step among many we should take as we work to provide veterans with the care they need to end veteran suicide.”
A 2016 report by the Department of Veterans Affairs found that an average of 20 veterans a day die from suicide, accounting for nearly a quarter of all deaths from suicide among U.S. adults; however, more substantive research is critical to properly address this epidemic among veterans. Since 2001, the rate of veteran suicide has increased by 32 percent. After controlling for age and gender, this makes the risk of suicide 21 percent higher for veterans than the average U.S. adult.
A primary reason for the review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is to determine the relationship between veteran suicides and prescription medication. Additionally, this legislation would direct the VA to perform a more comprehensive review of its behavioral health workforce with a focus on mental health counselors in an effort to address workforce shortages.
The legislation is also supported by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS and the National Board for Certified Counselors.
Click here to view the legislation.
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