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Sen. Moran Statement on Iran Ransom Payment
Aug 19 2016
MANHATTAN, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration’s ransom payment to Iran in exchange for the release of American prisoners:
“In light of evidence contrary to their previous claims, the Obama Administration has now admitted what has been clear for many of us – the $400 million in cash paid to Iran in January was given in exchange for the release of American prisoners. Iran’s policies of international belligerence pose clear threats to regional peace and American lives. The Iranian government has sponsored deadly terror attacks against United States citizens, actively worked to expand their secret nuclear program, violated bans on missile testing, and openly threatened the United States and our allies.
“Since the payment was made, two more American citizens have been unjustly detained by the Iranian regime. Iran has also failed to pay owed damages to American victims of Iranian-sponsored terror. The Obama Administration has rewarded all of these actions by delivering billions to Iran and repeatedly misleading the public in doing so. Congress must act to restrain the executive branch and restrict the possibility of the administration inappropriately settling any further Iranian claims.”
Sen. Moran has introduced legislation (S. 2452) to require Iran to pay all owed damages awarded to American victims of Iranian-sponsored terrorism before the U.S. government can settle any additional financial disputes with Iran. This legislation puts justice for American victims of Iranian terrorism ahead of compensation for the Iranian regime.
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Sen. Moran Statement on Unprecedented Release of GITMO Detainees
Obama Administration Transfers 15 Detainees to United Arab Emirates in Largest Single Release Ever
Aug 16 2016
MANHATTAN, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today issued a statement following the Obama Administration’s largest single release of detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GITMO):
“The White House is yet again displaying a disturbing lack of judgment and transparency with the largest single release of GITMO detainees during President Obama’s time in office,” Sen. Moran said. “I have pushed to strengthen oversight of the Periodic Review Board – that determines the transfer of GITMO detainees – and to bolster congressional authorization before releasing detainee terrorists who pose a threat to the security of the United States and its citizens. This administration and foreign countries have lost track of numerous detainees, which escalates the risk for our military men and women if the detainees return to the battlefield. I am staunchly opposed to closing the detention facility and will continue working to keep the remaining 61 detainees at GITMO.”
The Obama Administration has been rapidly transferring detainees from GITMO since 2010. GITMO detainees, such as Ibrahim al-Qosi who is a spokesman and recruiter for al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Muhammad Salih Husayn al-Shaykh who has pledged to kill as many Americans as possible, continue to return to terrorism. The total reengagement rate of GITMO detainees returning to the battlefield is now at more than 30 percent.
Background
Sen. Moran has long advocated against relocating Guantanamo Bay detainees, works to uphold current law by sponsoring multiple amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act and sponsors the following legislation:
- The Protections Against Terrorist Transfer Act of 2016 (S. 2780) to strengthen the certification requirements relating to the transfer or release of detainees at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba;
- The Detainee Transfer Transparency Act (S. 2788) to make available to the public the intended transfer or release of detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, at least 21 days in advance;
- The Detaining Terrorists to Protect America Act (S. 165) to prohibit the transfer to the United States of detainees designated medium- or high-risk for two years and ban transfers to Yemen, where dozens of the remaining Guantanamo detainees are from; and
- S. 2559 to prevent President Obama from giving GITMO back to Cuba without proper Congressional approval.
Additionally, Sen. Moran introduced a Senate Resolution to detain Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) fighters at GITMO.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee – called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Gayle Smith today to prioritize donations of wheat in U.S. food aid to reduce food insecurity across the globe and the oversupply of wheat that is contributing to low prices.
“As I’ve been traveling across Kansas, I’ve witnessed the historic wheat harvest, surplus of high-quality wheat and resulting low wheat prices,” Sen. Moran said. “I’m hopeful we can utilize the current abundance of wheat stocks to provide even greater assistance to those in need to reduce food insecurity and support wheat farmers in Kansas and across the country.”
The Senate Fiscal Year 2017 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill supports food aid by providing additional funding for the Food for Peace program and maintaining elevated funding levels for the McGovern-Dole Food For Education Program.
The text of the letter is below and available here.
Dear Secretary Vilsack and Administrator Smith:
Thank you for your leadership in administering our nation's food aid programs. The United States leads the world in the fight against global hunger, contributing nearly half of all in-kind donations to food insecure nations. Our country's food aid programs embody the inherent generosity of the American people.
The U.S. wheat industry has a long and successful history of partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and private humanitarian organizations in helping to reduce global hunger. Wheat is the most consumed commodity worldwide, making up 20 percent of the calories and 20 percent of the protein consumed by the world's poorest. Approximately 600,000 metric tons of wheat were donated through U.S. food aid during the most recent marketing year.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2016 directly supported U.S. food aid efforts by providing a significant increase in funding for the delivery of food aid to populations in need. The Senate FY2017 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill continues our strong support for food aid by providing additional funding for the Food for Peace program and maintaining elevated funding levels for the McGovern-Dole Food For Education Program.
Following a historic wheat harvest in Kansas and other states, there is a surplus of high quality wheat available on the market. The current abundance of wheat stocks offers an opportunity to provide even greater assistance to those in need through increased shipments of wheat. During the procurement process for in-kind commodity donations in the future, I encourage you to prioritize the utilization of wheat to help those in need.
Thank you for your consideration of this request, and once again, for your leadership in making U.S. food aid a source of pride for Americans.
Yours truly,
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Sen. Moran Tours General Dynamics in Lawrence
Aug 09 2016
LAWRENCE, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently visited General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) in Lawrence. GDIT provides information technology (IT), systems engineering and other professional services to customers in a wide range of sectors. The Lawrence facility houses one of GDIT’s Contact Center Operations, which supports both general and claims inquiries for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
“The IT solutions provided by General Dynamics improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the businesses and initiatives that rely on them,” said Sen. Moran. “I was glad to get a better sense of the important work they do and appreciate their presence in the Lawrence business community.”
During his visit, Sen. Moran met with GDIT management about their role in Lawrence as a health care communications service provider. He also spoke with a group of GDIT employees about the importance of pursuing policies that foster job creation and a growing economy.
Sen. Moran was joined by GDIT Civilian Sector Senior Director of Operations John Iverson, Lawrence Mayor Mike Amyx and Lawrence Chamber of Commerce CEO Larry McElwain.
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OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee – visited digital marketing agency Intouch Solutions in Overland Park, Kan., this week. He met with Intouch leadership and employees to learn more about the history of the company and their approach to the development of marketing strategy.
“Entrepreneurial success stories like Intouch are critical to jumpstarting our economy and creating opportunity,” Sen. Moran said. “It was good to see firsthand the dynamic culture at Intouch and the innovative way they find marketing solutions for their clients. The success of Intouch and businesses like it is a huge benefit to the region, the state and the nation.”
“I am honored Sen. Moran visited our Kansas City office to learn more about our organization,” Intouch CEO Faruk Capan said. “Intouch Solutions was built on a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship and growth – characteristics that continue to represent the organization today. Sen. Moran also holds these values as he strives to improve entrepreneurship in the U.S. and advance public health innovations through his role as Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman.”
During his visit, Sen. Moran heard from Intouch CEO Faruk Capan and Executive Vice President Wendy Blackburn about the company’s entrepreneurial beginnings in 1999 and the significant growth they’ve experienced over the past 15 years. In a technology demonstration, members of the Intouch team also demonstrated how Intouch is using technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence and machine learning in their initiatives.
Sen. Moran was also joined by Intouch Solutions’ Executive Vice President David Windhausen, VP/Executive Creative Director Brent Scholz, Product Development Director Jacob Shepherd, Senior Application Development Director Abid Rahman and Overland Park Chamber of Commerce President Tracey Osborne.
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Sen. Moran greets Sec. James as she lands at McConnell Air Force Base on Thursday, July 28.
WICHITA, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today welcomed U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James for her first visit to McConnell Air Force Base. Tomorrow, Sen. Moran and Sec. James will meet with the airmen of the 22nd and 931st Air Refueling Wings, the 184th Intelligence Wing, the 177th Information Aggressor Squadron, and tour newly constructed facilities to support the arrival of KC-46 tankers.
“Welcoming Sec. James to Wichita to see the contributions of the men and women at McConnell Air Force Base is an honor,” said Sen. Moran. “I’m pleased to be involved in her first visit to the base and am looking forward to sharing some of the McConnell's critical functions and meeting with many of those stationed here tomorrow.”
Sec. James is the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force and has been serving in the role since 2013. She has more than 30 years of homeland security and national defense experience, both in the federal government and in the private sector.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, Sen. Moran has worked to secure funding for important military construction projects in fiscal year 2017 to prepare McConnell Air Force Base for the arrival of KC-46A tankers including:
- A new Air Traffic Control Tower: $11.2 million for construction;
- KC-46A Alter Flight Simulator Buildings: $3 million for flight simulator buildings in preparation for the KC-46A tankers; and
- A new KC-46A ADAL Taxiway Delta: $5.6 million for construction.
Since 1941, McConnell Air Force Base has been an instrumental part of the Wichita community. The base employs more than 17,000 people, military and civilian, and last year it had an overall impact of more than $520 million on our local economy. McConnell supports all branches of the military and allied partners, refueling off of either coast and around the world every day.
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Sen. Moran Tours CenturyLink
Jul 27 2016
NEW CENTURY, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee – visited CenturyLink offices in New Century, Kan., this week. He met with CenturyLink leadership and employees to learn more about the communications company’s efforts to expand internet access in Kansas. In August 2015, CenturyLink committed to a six-year plan to bring broadband service to 29,000 rural households and businesses in Kansas.
“One of my top priorities is to help preserve and enhance the way of life we enjoy in Kansas,” Sen. Moran said. “The services CenturyLink provides to improve connectivity for Kansas communities are a critical component of that mission. These efforts enable our students to receive a 21st century education, create important efficiencies in health and public safety, and improve the ability businesses have to remain competitive in a global economy.
Sen. Moran continued, “I also enjoyed sharing a conversation with CenturyLink employees about the importance of caring for our nation’s veterans and creating an environment that provides opportunities for individuals and families in a growing economy.”
“CenturyLink has invested heavily in Kansas for many years and understands the importance of broadband connectivity,” said CenturyLink Kansas Operations Vice President Tim White. “We appreciate Sen. Moran taking the time to visit with our employees and his support for maintaining a strong operating environment for communications providers like CenturyLink.”
During his visit, Sen. Moran met with CenturyLink executives about the company’s role providing cyber security products and services to public and private customers, as well as their efforts to expand broadband connectivity to rural and other underserved areas in Kansas. Following the meeting, Sen. Moran joined about 80 employees for a mini-town hall discussion of issues facing our country today.
Sen. Moran was joined by CenturyLink’s Kansas Government Relations Director John Idoux, Kansas Operations Vice President Tim White, Cyber-security Director Bill Swearington, Regional Government Relations Vice President Dean Kurtz and Wholesale Support Director Diane Roth.
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MANHATTAN, Kan. – In response to the United States Olympic Committee this week announcing the completed list of athletes who will compete for Team USA in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement:
“Congratulations to all the outstanding Kansas athletes who qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team. Kansas has a long history of athletic excellence, and I look forward to cheering on these men and women as they continue that legacy next month in Brazil. These athletes have put in countless hours of training and preparation, and now they have the chance to display their talents in front of the entire nation and the world. Best of luck each of them in their respective events. Go Team USA!”
Kansas’ Team USA Athletes:
Amy Cragg, Track and Field
Leavenworth
Nico Hernandez, Boxing
Wichita
Lydia Paterson, Shooting
Kansas City
Jack Sock, Tennis
Kansas City
Kyle Clemons, Track and Field
University of Kansas
Mason Finley, Track and Field
University of Kansas
Andrea Geubelle, Track and Field
University of Kansas
Erik Kynard, Track and Field
Kansas State University
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COLDWATER, Kan. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, released the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that veterans enrolled in the Project Access Received Closer to Home (ARCH) pilot program will continue receiving health care close to home after the program ends on Aug. 7, 2016.
“Today’s announcement that veterans will continue to receive care without interruption when Project ARCH ends next month is welcome news for Kansas veterans,” Sen. Moran said. “Veterans living in rural America face unique challenges when accessing health care, and I’m pleased our veterans will continue to receive quality, timely care in the communities they call home.”
Veterans participating in Project ARCH will continue to benefit from health care services without interruption when the pilot program ends next month through options available under the Veterans Choice Program, such as the “unusual or excessive burden provision” and Provider Agreements.
Veterans enrolled in the program will be contacted directly by the VA; however, Kansas veterans with questions about the upcoming transition should contact Sen. Moran’s Olathe, Kan., office at (913) 393-0711.
Background
In May, Sen. Moran called on the Veterans Health Administration Under Secretary for Health Dr. David Shulkin to provide continuity of care for veterans currently utilizing ARCH as contracts under the program expire in August 2016.
Since 2011, the ARCH pilot program has been operating in five rural sites, including Pratt, Kan. Analysis shows that more than 90 percent of veterans who received primary care services through ARCH were “completely satisfied” with the services, and cited significantly shortened travel times to receive this care.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – member of the Senate Banking Committee – joined a bipartisan coalition of 70 senators this week in calling on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray to carefully tailor the Bureau’s financial rules to match the unique role of community banks and credit unions in cities and towns across the country. Sen. Moran has been a consistent advocate for community banks and credit unions and the critical services they provide to Kansans and Americans living in rural areas.
“We agree that it is important for consumers to be empowered to take more control over their economic lives, and that bad actors should be rooted out of the financial marketplace,” the group of senators wrote. “However, the CFPB must also consider its impact on community-based depository lenders, who are essential to spurring economic growth and prosperity at a local level, and not disrupt the good work of community lenders to help someone start a business, buy a home or car, or put their kids through college.”
The text of the letter is below and available here.
July 18, 2016
The Honorable Richard Cordray
Director
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Dear Director Cordray,
In both good economic times and bad, community banks and credit unions serve as pillars of their communities, providing the capital and access to credit that families and small businesses need to grow. That is why Congress and federal regulators have long taken the approach that credit unions and community banks should be treated differently from the largest financial institutions and non-bank lenders. It is our hope that the CFPB also takes this approach and considers the impact of its rulemaking on smaller financial institutions and consumers. We request that the CFPB carefully tailor its regulations to match the unique nature of community banks and credit unions.
As it has now been six years since the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank), there are many new rules and regulations in place. We must ensure that credit unions and community banks are not unduly burdened by compliance, but rather have the ability to maintain their close relationships and continue to offer a wide variety of consumer financial products and services.
We agree that it is important for consumers to be empowered to take more control over their economic lives, and that bad actors should be rooted out of the financial marketplace. However, the CFPB must also consider its impact on community-based depository lenders, who are essential to spurring economic growth and prosperity at a local level, and not disrupt the good work of community lenders to help someone start a business, buy a home or car, or put their kids through college. Since we all recognize these community lenders were not the primary cause of the financial crisis, the CFPB must carefully tailor its rulemaking.
Dodd-Frank explicitly granted the CFPB the authority to tailor regulations in Section 1022(b)(3)(A) by allowing the CFPB to “exempt any class” of entity from its regulatory requirements. We believe the CFPB has robust tailoring authority and ask that you act accordingly to prevent any unintended consequences that negatively impact community banks and credit unions or unnecessarily limit their ability to serve consumers.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to working with you on this important matter.
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