Kansas Common Sense
Discussing the Future of College Athletics
Mar 18 2024
Discussing the Future of College Athletics
On Tuesday, I hosted a roundtable discussion with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and several of my Senate colleagues about the issue of name, image and likeness (NIL) rights for collegiate athletes. I heard from participants about the current state of college athletics, including the inability of the NCAA to enforce NIL rules, which has led to a nearly unregulated NIL marketplace. Congress needs to act to restore stability to college athletics by passing legislation to codify NIL rights and establish benefits for college athletes while ensuring reasonable NIL rules can be implemented and enforced. It was great to gather input from individuals from all sides of the collegiate athletics, and I look forward to continuing our work on a bipartisan NIL bill.
I would like to thank the attendees for their participation, including former Alabama Football Head Coach Nick Saban, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips, Texas Christian University student-athlete Haley Cavinder, former University of Miami student-athlete Hanna Cavinder, University of Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne, The Collective Association President Russell White and NIL Attorney Darren Heitner.
Protecting Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights
This week, a provision I introduced to protect veterans’ Second Amendment rights was signed into law by President Biden. The legislation was included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2024 and protects veterans from losing, without any due process, their Second Amendment right to purchase or own firearms while receiving help managing their VA benefits.
Previously, veterans assigned a fiduciary by Veterans Affairs (VA) to help with their benefits would automatically have their personal information sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Congress needs to make it clear in U.S. Code that the VA cannot deny a veteran their Second Amendment rights unilaterally. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to see these changes enacted as quickly as possible.
Supporting Veteran Caregivers
This week, Sen. Sinema (I-Ariz.), and I introduced legislation that supports former family caregivers of veterans as they transition back to work or into retirement once their time as a caregiver has come to an end. The Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act would require VA to continue providing needed support - including employment assistance, retirement planning and bereavement counseling - to caregivers when their veteran loved one no longer needs caregiving services when they either have sufficiently recovered, require a higher level of care than what a family caregiver can provide or pass away.
Family caregivers provide an invaluable service to their veteran loved ones, and I will continue to make certain that support for family caregivers does not abruptly end when a veteran passes away, regains independence or needs a higher level of care. I am grateful for the support of this legislation from various organizations, such as the Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
Meeting with Andrzej Duda, President of Poland
On Tuesday, I joined my Senate colleagues to meet with President Andrzej Duda of Poland. The Polish people, who rose up against Moscow’s repression to earn their freedom in the 1980s, understand the reality of the Russian threat to their country and neighbors today. He shared with us how important Ukraine prevailing against the Russian invasion is to Europe’s stability and the need for U.S. assistance to achieve that outcome.
President Duda also emphasized Poland spends the most on defense as a percentage of GDP than any other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country, and he is calling for all 32 members of the alliance to spend at least 3 percent GDP to deter Vladimir Putin from further aggression. My colleagues and I assured him of our own commitment to NATO’s security and working to prevent adversarial threats.
Receiving a Briefing from CIA Director Burns
On Wednesday afternoon, I visited the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as part of my oversight responsibilities as a member of the Intelligence Committee. I had an in-depth conversation with CIA Director Bill Burns discussing the state of the world and how the intelligence community is working to thwart our adversaries and keep Americans safe.
Afterwards, I was briefed by leaders from the Science & Technology directorate and the CIA Directorate of Operations. I am impressed with their work, and I am thankful for all that is being done at the CIA.
Meeting with NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy
This week I met with NASA’s Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. During our conversation, we discussed the importance of NASA’s Artemis Missions, which allow for further exploration of the Moon and ultimately Mars, and the role Kansas plays in making NASA’s missions a success. As the top appropriator for NASA, I have spent the last several years traveling to NASA equities and suppliers across Kansas and the nation who are working to advance the Artemis Missions.
Thank you to Pam Melroy for discussing how to further space exploration and for taking the time to visit with me.
Meeting with General Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard
I had the opportunity to meet with General Daniel R. Hokanson, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. We discussed the importance and concerns of the National Guard and Reserve within Kansas and the broader United States. We also discussed the modernization of the National Guard and efforts being made to update equipment. During the meeting, I made certain to highlight the vital work of the 177th Cyber Aggression Squadron in Wichita – the only red-team capability across the Air National Guard enterprise.
Congress has passed legislation that supports our men and women in uniform, including bills that elevate the Guard’s Vice Chief to the rank of four-star general and the Space National Guard Establishment Act which cultivates space capabilities in the National Guard.
Thank you to General Hokanson for your service to our country and for meeting with me this week.
Visiting with TAPS Members
This week I had the privilege of meeting with members from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to learn about how together we can best support surviving families of our nation’s servicemembers and veterans. TAPS focuses on comprehensive support through services and programs that include peer-based emotional support, casework, assistance with education benefits and community-based grief and trauma resources, at no cost to the military survivors.
I would like to thank TAPS for their support of my legislation, the Love Lives On Act, that would allow spouses of deceased servicemembers to retain certain survivor benefits if they remarry. Military service is family service, and our country owes a great debt to the surviving spouses of active-duty, veteran and retired servicemembers.
Thank you to Bonnie Carroll and Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann for all the work they do to support our nation’s heroes and a special thank you to Rebecca Harrison Mullaney for taking the time to share her testimony at the joint-hearing between the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees.
You can learn more about the Love Lives On Act here.
Presented with Coast Guard Seal
This week, I was presented with the Coast Guard Seal by Master Chief Petty Officer Heath Jones. The Coast Guard plays a vital role in maintaining the security of our country both along the coast and providing support within the inner parts through auxiliary units. Topeka is home to the Coast Guard's Pay and Personnel Center which hosts over 200 employees responsible for providing critical personnel and compensation services to the men and women currently serving, or who previously served, in the U.S. Coast Guard.
I look forward to working with Officer Jones and the Coast Guard to keep our nation safe and thank you for taking the time to meet with me.
Celebrating 25 Years of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History
On Friday, I joined President Dr. Tisa Mason, President Emeritus Dr. Edward Hammond, Sternberg Museum Director Dr. Reese Barrick and community members in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Fort Hays State University’s (FHSU) Sternberg Museum of Natural History. The museum houses the artifacts, collections and features a realistic Cretaceous diorama, redesigned exhibits from the original museum and displays of specimens not previously on exhibit.
Since its opening in 1999, the museum has drawn scholars and travelers from around the world and provided them with an exciting and exceptional educational experience. I’m grateful for the work being done here to preserve history, conduct research and educate Fort Hays students and visitors of all ages.
Congratulations to President Mason, Dr. Hammond, Dr. Barrick and the FHSU community on this incredible milestone and for allowing me to join this momentous occasion.
Announcing New Resources for the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office
On Friday, I was pleased to be in Ellsworth to announce new federal resources I worked to secure for the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office. This investment will upgrade the department’s radio communications system, allowing officers to respond to emergencies in a more timely and efficient manner.
Thank you to Sheriff Murray Marston for his leadership and to the many law enforcement officers and community leaders who joined me.
Meeting with Kansans
Clayton Family
It was great to meet with West Point prospective cadet Owen Clayton and his family Matthew, Rachel and Alayna Clayton from Holton. Hearing his story of why he wants to give back to his country makes me proud of the young people representing our great state and what we stand for. I wish Owen all the best in his future endeavors and thank you to the Clayton family for visiting with me.
Sedgwick County Commissioners
On Tuesday afternoon, I met with Sedgwick County Commissioners Pete Meitzner and Sarah Lopez to discuss their priorities for the county. Our conversation centered around economic development and transportation initiatives, including the $500,000 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant to begin planning and development for an extension of Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer route. The proposed extension will connect the existing rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth with Wichita and Newton, adding two additional stops, including one in Arkansas City. I am eager to continue partnering with Sedgwick County and the city of Wichita to make certain we achieve this critical access and opportunity for the region and state as a whole.
Thank you to Pete and Sarah for their time this week.
Goodpasture Family
I met the Goodpasture Family from Manhattan while they were visiting D.C. this week. Thank you Michael, Katie, Carter, Annabelle and Farrah for stopping by the office for a tour.
Allen Family
This week, I met with the Allen Family from Oskaloosa while they were in D.C. I enjoyed my conversation with them before their U.S. Capitol tour. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Allen and their sons, Griffin and Turner, for visiting with me.
American Diabetes Association
It was great to meet Don and Janet Feltham of Leawood this week during their trip to the nation’s capital with the American Diabetes Association. As a member of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, I understand that research supported through the National Institutes of Health is helping provide individuals with diabetes better care and treatment. I appreciate the work of the American Diabetes Association and their Kansas advocates in educating members of Congress and their staff about the importance of supporting diabetes research.
AIPAC
This week, I met with representatives of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to discuss the ongoing necessity of United States’ support for Israel in the wake of the October 7th terrorist attacks. We spoke of our shared belief in the importance of defending our greatest ally in the Middle East as it acts against those who wish to destroy the Jewish state. Congress must act to provide Israel with critical aid to ensure Israel’s security, and I reiterated my view that President Biden’s administration must enforce sanctions against Iran to prevent their growing support for terrorist organizations that threaten Israel, our allies and the world.
Thank you to Matthew Siegel, Bonnie Siegel of Leawood, Irv Robinson and John Isenberg for meeting with me.
Wright Family
The Wright Family from Manhattan visited my office on Tuesday for a tour of the Capitol. It was great to visit with the family as they were vacationing in D.C. for spring break. Thank you to Luke, Shanna, Tobias, Melanie, Gillian, Rick and Marta for meeting with me.
City of Wichita
This week, as part of the National League of Cities fly-in, I met with leaders from Wichita to receive an update on the priorities and projects the city is pursuing in 2024 and beyond. We discussed upcoming projects in the Wichita area to improve the highway system.
I appreciated the opportunity to visit with Mayor Lily Wu and discuss the ways we can work together for the betterment of the Wichita community.
Steck Family
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to greet the Steck Family out of Wichita before they embarked on their afternoon tour of the Capitol. Thank you to James and Ginger, and their son, Daniel, for visiting my office on your trip to D.C.
City of Manhattan
I met with Mayor Pro Tempore Susan Adamchak of the city of Manhattan this week. During the meeting, we discussed federal investments I recently secured for Fort Riley, which total $116.3 million for new facilities and training programs. These investments to Kansas will attract new opportunities to Fort Riley and help our military communities continue to thrive.
I look forward to collaborating with city officials to support the city of Manhattan.
Hendrickson Family
On Tuesday, the Hendrickson Family from Chanute stopped by while they were visiting our nation’s capital. Thank you to Ross, Amy, Jack and Max for visiting my office in Washington, D.C.
Giving an Update on KMAN Radio
This week, I joined Brandon Peoples on KMAN radio to give a legislative update. We discussed the Laken Riley Act along with other immigration issues, including the importance of passing the Afghan Adjustment Act. Additionally, I highlighted the funding secured for Fort Riley to modernize their equipment and infrastructure. Thanks to Brandon for hosting me and for keeping Kansans up-to-date on crucial issues.
You can listen to my interview on KMAN here.
Capitol Tour
Dennis Keesee of Phillipsburg
Andrea Keesee of Phillipsburg
Isabella Keesee of Phillipsburg
Samantha Rogers of Phillipsburg
Pete Rogers of Phillipsburg
Stacy England of Lawrence
Dana Cummins of Lawrence
Tyler Cummins of Lawrence
Caroline Cummins of Lawrence
Claire Cummins of Lawrence
Walter Wu of Leawood
Carol Solenberger of Prairie Village
Dan Solenberger of Prairie Village
Bernie Becker of Topeka
Barb Becker of Topeka
Kelby Umbehr of Wichita
Max Umbehr of Wichita
Jackson Sinsel of Hays
Madison Albers of Hays
Ella Buroughs of Hays
Joanna Carrillo of Hays
Matthew Rome of Hays
Kori Massner of Hays
Christopher Brackman of Stilwell
Erin Brackman of Stilwell
Elise Brackman of Stilwell
Logan Brackman of Stilwell
Ward Bracken of Shawnee
Trisha Bracken of Shawnee
Maxwell Bracken of Shawnee
Isaac Smith of Olathe
Evelyn Setter of Olathe
Cooper Smoot of Olathe
Andrea Cerna of Olathe
Kathryn Messer of Olathe
Denise DeJesus of Haysville
Phillip Hoener of Shawnee
Ann Hoener of Shawnee
Lucas Hoener of Shawnee
Michael Goodpasture of Manhattan
Katie Goodpasture of Manhattan
Carter Goodpasture of Manhattan
Annabelle Goodpasture of Manhattan
Farrah Goodpasture of Manhattan
Luke Wright of Overland Park
Shanna Wright of Overland Park
Tobias Wright of Overland Park
Rick Wright of Overland Park
Marta Wright of Overland Park
Melanie Borland of Overland Park
Gillian Borland of Overland Park
James Steck of Wichita
Ginger Steck of Wichita
Daniel Steck of Lawrence
Jessica Allen of Oskaloosa
Ashley Allen of Oskaloosa
Turner Allen of Oskaloosa
Griffin Allen of Oskaloosa
Ellen Rife of Wichita
Aaron Rife of Wichita
Rosalind of Wichita
Mallory of Wichita
Ross Hendrickson of Chanute
Amy Hendrickson of Chanute
Jack Hendrickson of Chanute
Max Hendrickson of Chanute
Amy Cassell of Alma
Austin Cassell of Alma
Anna Cassell of Alma
Conrad Cassell of Alma
Bernice Karlin of Alma
Matthew Glynn of Topeka
Joy Glynn of Topeka
Hayden Glynn of Topeka
Kipton Smilie of Prairie Village
Madeline Rislow of Prairie Village
Lena Smilie of Prairie Village
Simon McGee of Mission Hills
Anne McGee of Mission Hills
Eoin McGee of Mission Hills
Fintan McGee of Mission Hills
Cormac McGee of Mission Hills
Paxico McGee of Mission Hills
Todd Hollis of Augusta
Penny Hollis of Augusta
Aiden Carlson of Augusta
Tom Tucker of Garnett
Eileen Johns of Kincaid
Avery Johns of Lansing
Adalee Johns of Lansing
Jon Ritterbush of Wichita
Laura Ritterbush of Wichita
Kyle Ritterbush of Wichita
Justin Ritterbush of Wichita
Ben Sauceda of Wichita
Patrick Moss of Pittsburg
Amy Moss of Pittsburg
Harper Moss of Pittsburg
Renae Peters of Hesston
Jason Peters of Hesston
Myra Peters of Hesston
Celia Peters of Hesston
Scott Anthony of Overland Park
Michelle Anthony of Overland Park
Elyse Anthony of Overland Park
Liam Anthony of Overland Park
Patrick Thibodeau of Herington
Amy Thibodeau of Herington
Aidan Thibodeau of Herington
Ava Thibodeau of Herington
Declan Thibodeau of Herington
Sarah Lopez of Wichita
Nathan Bowen of Dodge City
Sarah Bowen of Dodge City
Emily Bowen of Dodge City
Whitley Bowen of Dodge City
Doug Smith of Manhattan
Dana Smith of Manhattan
Claire Smith of Manhattan
Mary Orem of Topeka
Sarah Hernandez of Topeka
Henrick Hernandez of Topeka
Matthias Hernandez of Topeka
Apartment Association of Kansas City
Jason Grill of Kansas City
Nickole Nordstrom of Kansas City
Chris Woods of Kansas City
Jon Fink of Kansas City
Jessica Kennard of Kansas City
Dennis Watts of Kansas City
Jeffrey Klein of Prairie Village
Cheen Alkhatib of Prairie Village
Dalia Klein of Prairie Village
Cameron Klein of Prairie Village
Nathan Hladky of Overland Park
Wendy Hladky of Overland Park
Aquila Hladky of Overland Park
Isaac Hladky of Overland Park
Christopher Brackenridge of Benton
Ann Brackenridge of Benton
Cora Brackenridge of Benton
Carson Brackenridge of Benton
MACRO
Michael Breslin of Lenexa
University of Kansas
Reza Barati of Lawrence
Burns & McDonnell
Tracy Streeter of Lawrence
American Society of Hematology
Heather Male of Fairway
City of Olathe
Michael Wiles of Olathe
National Humanities Alliance
Karin Westman of Manhattan
Ben Goodrich of Manhattan
Alix Saba of Lindsborg
American Israel Public Affairs Committee
Matthew Siegel of Leawood
Bonnie Siegel of Leawood
Irv Robinson of Leawood
John Isenberg of Leawood
Argentum
Diane Macheers of Shawnee
American Health Care Association
Sheelu Surender of Wichita
Jennifer Diaz-Reyes of Wichita
Pedro Pina-Guerrero of Wichita
Christine Tran of Wichita
Alexis Corral of Wichita
Lockheed Martin F-35 Program
Fred Stipkouits of Kansas City
Kasey Sly of Kansas City
Marvin McDonald of Kansas City
City of Lenexa
Craig Denny of Lenexa
Bill Nicks of Lenexa
City of Wichita
Lily Wu of Wichita
Dalton Glasscock of Wichita
J.V. Johnston of Wichita
Becky Tuttle of Wichita
Maggie Ballard of Wichita
Brandon Johnson of Wichita
Mike Hoheisel of Wichita
Robert Laydon of Wichita
National Court Reporters Association
Brandy Sayre of Wichita
Cindy Isaacson of Shawnee
Sedgwick County Commission
Pete Meitzner of Wichita
Sarah Lopez of Wichita
American Health Information Management Association
Angelique Jefferson of Overland Park
Ann Nowlin of Salina
Bombardier
Pete McAleer of Wichita
CARE USA
Carrington Jones-Jackson of Lawrence
National Association of Chain Drug Stores
Mike Ryan of Inman
National League of Cities
Chelsee Chism of Shawnee
Staci Chivetta of Merriam
Nathan Eberline of Shawnee
LeEtta Felter of Olathe
Solana Flora of Mission
Jacob Laha of Merriam
Lea Loudon of Mission
Kathryn Messer of Olathe
Matthew Schoonover of Olathe
Brian Silcott of Ottawa
Mike Skidmore of Ottawa
Casey Toomay of Lawrence
Dean Vakas of Olathe
Michael Wilkes of Olathe
Whitney Yadrich of Merriam
National Hydropower Association
Sarah Hill-Nelson of Lawrence
Viega LLC
Marvin Knieps of McPherson
Ultra Maritime
Gregory Thom of Manhattan
John Leggieri of Manhattan
Kansas Soybean Association
Charles Atkinson of Great Bend
Jared Nash of Parsons
Adam Phelon of Lyndon
Andy Winsor of Grantville
LaVell Winsor of Grantville
On Tuesday, I hosted a roundtable discussion with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and several of my Senate colleagues about the issue of name, image and likeness (NIL) rights for collegiate athletes. I heard from participants about the current state of college athletics, including the inability of the NCAA to enforce NIL rules, which has led to a nearly unregulated NIL marketplace. Congress needs to act to restore stability to college athletics by passing legislation to codify NIL rights and establish benefits for college athletes while ensuring reasonable NIL rules can be implemented and enforced. It was great to gather input from individuals from all sides of the collegiate athletics, and I look forward to continuing our work on a bipartisan NIL bill.
I would like to thank the attendees for their participation, including former Alabama Football Head Coach Nick Saban, Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner Jim Phillips, Texas Christian University student-athlete Haley Cavinder, former University of Miami student-athlete Hanna Cavinder, University of Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne, The Collective Association President Russell White and NIL Attorney Darren Heitner.
Protecting Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights
This week, a provision I introduced to protect veterans’ Second Amendment rights was signed into law by President Biden. The legislation was included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act of 2024 and protects veterans from losing, without any due process, their Second Amendment right to purchase or own firearms while receiving help managing their VA benefits.
Previously, veterans assigned a fiduciary by Veterans Affairs (VA) to help with their benefits would automatically have their personal information sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Congress needs to make it clear in U.S. Code that the VA cannot deny a veteran their Second Amendment rights unilaterally. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to see these changes enacted as quickly as possible.
Supporting Veteran Caregivers
This week, Sen. Sinema (I-Ariz.), and I introduced legislation that supports former family caregivers of veterans as they transition back to work or into retirement once their time as a caregiver has come to an end. The Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act would require VA to continue providing needed support - including employment assistance, retirement planning and bereavement counseling - to caregivers when their veteran loved one no longer needs caregiving services when they either have sufficiently recovered, require a higher level of care than what a family caregiver can provide or pass away.
Family caregivers provide an invaluable service to their veteran loved ones, and I will continue to make certain that support for family caregivers does not abruptly end when a veteran passes away, regains independence or needs a higher level of care. I am grateful for the support of this legislation from various organizations, such as the Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
Meeting with Andrzej Duda, President of Poland
On Tuesday, I joined my Senate colleagues to meet with President Andrzej Duda of Poland. The Polish people, who rose up against Moscow’s repression to earn their freedom in the 1980s, understand the reality of the Russian threat to their country and neighbors today. He shared with us how important Ukraine prevailing against the Russian invasion is to Europe’s stability and the need for U.S. assistance to achieve that outcome.
President Duda also emphasized Poland spends the most on defense as a percentage of GDP than any other North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country, and he is calling for all 32 members of the alliance to spend at least 3 percent GDP to deter Vladimir Putin from further aggression. My colleagues and I assured him of our own commitment to NATO’s security and working to prevent adversarial threats.
Receiving a Briefing from CIA Director Burns
On Wednesday afternoon, I visited the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as part of my oversight responsibilities as a member of the Intelligence Committee. I had an in-depth conversation with CIA Director Bill Burns discussing the state of the world and how the intelligence community is working to thwart our adversaries and keep Americans safe.
Afterwards, I was briefed by leaders from the Science & Technology directorate and the CIA Directorate of Operations. I am impressed with their work, and I am thankful for all that is being done at the CIA.
Meeting with NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy
This week I met with NASA’s Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. During our conversation, we discussed the importance of NASA’s Artemis Missions, which allow for further exploration of the Moon and ultimately Mars, and the role Kansas plays in making NASA’s missions a success. As the top appropriator for NASA, I have spent the last several years traveling to NASA equities and suppliers across Kansas and the nation who are working to advance the Artemis Missions.
Thank you to Pam Melroy for discussing how to further space exploration and for taking the time to visit with me.
Meeting with General Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard
I had the opportunity to meet with General Daniel R. Hokanson, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau. We discussed the importance and concerns of the National Guard and Reserve within Kansas and the broader United States. We also discussed the modernization of the National Guard and efforts being made to update equipment. During the meeting, I made certain to highlight the vital work of the 177th Cyber Aggression Squadron in Wichita – the only red-team capability across the Air National Guard enterprise.
Congress has passed legislation that supports our men and women in uniform, including bills that elevate the Guard’s Vice Chief to the rank of four-star general and the Space National Guard Establishment Act which cultivates space capabilities in the National Guard.
Thank you to General Hokanson for your service to our country and for meeting with me this week.
Visiting with TAPS Members
This week I had the privilege of meeting with members from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to learn about how together we can best support surviving families of our nation’s servicemembers and veterans. TAPS focuses on comprehensive support through services and programs that include peer-based emotional support, casework, assistance with education benefits and community-based grief and trauma resources, at no cost to the military survivors.
I would like to thank TAPS for their support of my legislation, the Love Lives On Act, that would allow spouses of deceased servicemembers to retain certain survivor benefits if they remarry. Military service is family service, and our country owes a great debt to the surviving spouses of active-duty, veteran and retired servicemembers.
Thank you to Bonnie Carroll and Ashlynne Haycock-Lohmann for all the work they do to support our nation’s heroes and a special thank you to Rebecca Harrison Mullaney for taking the time to share her testimony at the joint-hearing between the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees.
You can learn more about the Love Lives On Act here.
Presented with Coast Guard Seal
This week, I was presented with the Coast Guard Seal by Master Chief Petty Officer Heath Jones. The Coast Guard plays a vital role in maintaining the security of our country both along the coast and providing support within the inner parts through auxiliary units. Topeka is home to the Coast Guard's Pay and Personnel Center which hosts over 200 employees responsible for providing critical personnel and compensation services to the men and women currently serving, or who previously served, in the U.S. Coast Guard.
I look forward to working with Officer Jones and the Coast Guard to keep our nation safe and thank you for taking the time to meet with me.
Celebrating 25 Years of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History
On Friday, I joined President Dr. Tisa Mason, President Emeritus Dr. Edward Hammond, Sternberg Museum Director Dr. Reese Barrick and community members in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Fort Hays State University’s (FHSU) Sternberg Museum of Natural History. The museum houses the artifacts, collections and features a realistic Cretaceous diorama, redesigned exhibits from the original museum and displays of specimens not previously on exhibit.
Since its opening in 1999, the museum has drawn scholars and travelers from around the world and provided them with an exciting and exceptional educational experience. I’m grateful for the work being done here to preserve history, conduct research and educate Fort Hays students and visitors of all ages.
Congratulations to President Mason, Dr. Hammond, Dr. Barrick and the FHSU community on this incredible milestone and for allowing me to join this momentous occasion.
Announcing New Resources for the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office
On Friday, I was pleased to be in Ellsworth to announce new federal resources I worked to secure for the Ellsworth County Sheriff’s Office. This investment will upgrade the department’s radio communications system, allowing officers to respond to emergencies in a more timely and efficient manner.
Thank you to Sheriff Murray Marston for his leadership and to the many law enforcement officers and community leaders who joined me.
Meeting with Kansans
Clayton Family
It was great to meet with West Point prospective cadet Owen Clayton and his family Matthew, Rachel and Alayna Clayton from Holton. Hearing his story of why he wants to give back to his country makes me proud of the young people representing our great state and what we stand for. I wish Owen all the best in his future endeavors and thank you to the Clayton family for visiting with me.
Sedgwick County Commissioners
On Tuesday afternoon, I met with Sedgwick County Commissioners Pete Meitzner and Sarah Lopez to discuss their priorities for the county. Our conversation centered around economic development and transportation initiatives, including the $500,000 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant to begin planning and development for an extension of Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer route. The proposed extension will connect the existing rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth with Wichita and Newton, adding two additional stops, including one in Arkansas City. I am eager to continue partnering with Sedgwick County and the city of Wichita to make certain we achieve this critical access and opportunity for the region and state as a whole.
Thank you to Pete and Sarah for their time this week.
Goodpasture Family
I met the Goodpasture Family from Manhattan while they were visiting D.C. this week. Thank you Michael, Katie, Carter, Annabelle and Farrah for stopping by the office for a tour.
Allen Family
This week, I met with the Allen Family from Oskaloosa while they were in D.C. I enjoyed my conversation with them before their U.S. Capitol tour. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Allen and their sons, Griffin and Turner, for visiting with me.
American Diabetes Association
It was great to meet Don and Janet Feltham of Leawood this week during their trip to the nation’s capital with the American Diabetes Association. As a member of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, I understand that research supported through the National Institutes of Health is helping provide individuals with diabetes better care and treatment. I appreciate the work of the American Diabetes Association and their Kansas advocates in educating members of Congress and their staff about the importance of supporting diabetes research.
AIPAC
This week, I met with representatives of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to discuss the ongoing necessity of United States’ support for Israel in the wake of the October 7th terrorist attacks. We spoke of our shared belief in the importance of defending our greatest ally in the Middle East as it acts against those who wish to destroy the Jewish state. Congress must act to provide Israel with critical aid to ensure Israel’s security, and I reiterated my view that President Biden’s administration must enforce sanctions against Iran to prevent their growing support for terrorist organizations that threaten Israel, our allies and the world.
Thank you to Matthew Siegel, Bonnie Siegel of Leawood, Irv Robinson and John Isenberg for meeting with me.
Wright Family
The Wright Family from Manhattan visited my office on Tuesday for a tour of the Capitol. It was great to visit with the family as they were vacationing in D.C. for spring break. Thank you to Luke, Shanna, Tobias, Melanie, Gillian, Rick and Marta for meeting with me.
City of Wichita
This week, as part of the National League of Cities fly-in, I met with leaders from Wichita to receive an update on the priorities and projects the city is pursuing in 2024 and beyond. We discussed upcoming projects in the Wichita area to improve the highway system.
I appreciated the opportunity to visit with Mayor Lily Wu and discuss the ways we can work together for the betterment of the Wichita community.
Steck Family
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to greet the Steck Family out of Wichita before they embarked on their afternoon tour of the Capitol. Thank you to James and Ginger, and their son, Daniel, for visiting my office on your trip to D.C.
City of Manhattan
I met with Mayor Pro Tempore Susan Adamchak of the city of Manhattan this week. During the meeting, we discussed federal investments I recently secured for Fort Riley, which total $116.3 million for new facilities and training programs. These investments to Kansas will attract new opportunities to Fort Riley and help our military communities continue to thrive.
I look forward to collaborating with city officials to support the city of Manhattan.
Hendrickson Family
On Tuesday, the Hendrickson Family from Chanute stopped by while they were visiting our nation’s capital. Thank you to Ross, Amy, Jack and Max for visiting my office in Washington, D.C.
Giving an Update on KMAN Radio
This week, I joined Brandon Peoples on KMAN radio to give a legislative update. We discussed the Laken Riley Act along with other immigration issues, including the importance of passing the Afghan Adjustment Act. Additionally, I highlighted the funding secured for Fort Riley to modernize their equipment and infrastructure. Thanks to Brandon for hosting me and for keeping Kansans up-to-date on crucial issues.
You can listen to my interview on KMAN here.
Capitol Tour
Dennis Keesee of Phillipsburg
Andrea Keesee of Phillipsburg
Isabella Keesee of Phillipsburg
Samantha Rogers of Phillipsburg
Pete Rogers of Phillipsburg
Stacy England of Lawrence
Dana Cummins of Lawrence
Tyler Cummins of Lawrence
Caroline Cummins of Lawrence
Claire Cummins of Lawrence
Walter Wu of Leawood
Carol Solenberger of Prairie Village
Dan Solenberger of Prairie Village
Bernie Becker of Topeka
Barb Becker of Topeka
Kelby Umbehr of Wichita
Max Umbehr of Wichita
Jackson Sinsel of Hays
Madison Albers of Hays
Ella Buroughs of Hays
Joanna Carrillo of Hays
Matthew Rome of Hays
Kori Massner of Hays
Christopher Brackman of Stilwell
Erin Brackman of Stilwell
Elise Brackman of Stilwell
Logan Brackman of Stilwell
Ward Bracken of Shawnee
Trisha Bracken of Shawnee
Maxwell Bracken of Shawnee
Isaac Smith of Olathe
Evelyn Setter of Olathe
Cooper Smoot of Olathe
Andrea Cerna of Olathe
Kathryn Messer of Olathe
Denise DeJesus of Haysville
Phillip Hoener of Shawnee
Ann Hoener of Shawnee
Lucas Hoener of Shawnee
Michael Goodpasture of Manhattan
Katie Goodpasture of Manhattan
Carter Goodpasture of Manhattan
Annabelle Goodpasture of Manhattan
Farrah Goodpasture of Manhattan
Luke Wright of Overland Park
Shanna Wright of Overland Park
Tobias Wright of Overland Park
Rick Wright of Overland Park
Marta Wright of Overland Park
Melanie Borland of Overland Park
Gillian Borland of Overland Park
James Steck of Wichita
Ginger Steck of Wichita
Daniel Steck of Lawrence
Jessica Allen of Oskaloosa
Ashley Allen of Oskaloosa
Turner Allen of Oskaloosa
Griffin Allen of Oskaloosa
Ellen Rife of Wichita
Aaron Rife of Wichita
Rosalind of Wichita
Mallory of Wichita
Ross Hendrickson of Chanute
Amy Hendrickson of Chanute
Jack Hendrickson of Chanute
Max Hendrickson of Chanute
Amy Cassell of Alma
Austin Cassell of Alma
Anna Cassell of Alma
Conrad Cassell of Alma
Bernice Karlin of Alma
Matthew Glynn of Topeka
Joy Glynn of Topeka
Hayden Glynn of Topeka
Kipton Smilie of Prairie Village
Madeline Rislow of Prairie Village
Lena Smilie of Prairie Village
Simon McGee of Mission Hills
Anne McGee of Mission Hills
Eoin McGee of Mission Hills
Fintan McGee of Mission Hills
Cormac McGee of Mission Hills
Paxico McGee of Mission Hills
Todd Hollis of Augusta
Penny Hollis of Augusta
Aiden Carlson of Augusta
Tom Tucker of Garnett
Eileen Johns of Kincaid
Avery Johns of Lansing
Adalee Johns of Lansing
Jon Ritterbush of Wichita
Laura Ritterbush of Wichita
Kyle Ritterbush of Wichita
Justin Ritterbush of Wichita
Ben Sauceda of Wichita
Patrick Moss of Pittsburg
Amy Moss of Pittsburg
Harper Moss of Pittsburg
Renae Peters of Hesston
Jason Peters of Hesston
Myra Peters of Hesston
Celia Peters of Hesston
Scott Anthony of Overland Park
Michelle Anthony of Overland Park
Elyse Anthony of Overland Park
Liam Anthony of Overland Park
Patrick Thibodeau of Herington
Amy Thibodeau of Herington
Aidan Thibodeau of Herington
Ava Thibodeau of Herington
Declan Thibodeau of Herington
Sarah Lopez of Wichita
Nathan Bowen of Dodge City
Sarah Bowen of Dodge City
Emily Bowen of Dodge City
Whitley Bowen of Dodge City
Doug Smith of Manhattan
Dana Smith of Manhattan
Claire Smith of Manhattan
Mary Orem of Topeka
Sarah Hernandez of Topeka
Henrick Hernandez of Topeka
Matthias Hernandez of Topeka
Apartment Association of Kansas City
Jason Grill of Kansas City
Nickole Nordstrom of Kansas City
Chris Woods of Kansas City
Jon Fink of Kansas City
Jessica Kennard of Kansas City
Dennis Watts of Kansas City
Jeffrey Klein of Prairie Village
Cheen Alkhatib of Prairie Village
Dalia Klein of Prairie Village
Cameron Klein of Prairie Village
Nathan Hladky of Overland Park
Wendy Hladky of Overland Park
Aquila Hladky of Overland Park
Isaac Hladky of Overland Park
Christopher Brackenridge of Benton
Ann Brackenridge of Benton
Cora Brackenridge of Benton
Carson Brackenridge of Benton
MACRO
Michael Breslin of Lenexa
University of Kansas
Reza Barati of Lawrence
Burns & McDonnell
Tracy Streeter of Lawrence
American Society of Hematology
Heather Male of Fairway
City of Olathe
Michael Wiles of Olathe
National Humanities Alliance
Karin Westman of Manhattan
Ben Goodrich of Manhattan
Alix Saba of Lindsborg
American Israel Public Affairs Committee
Matthew Siegel of Leawood
Bonnie Siegel of Leawood
Irv Robinson of Leawood
John Isenberg of Leawood
Argentum
Diane Macheers of Shawnee
American Health Care Association
Sheelu Surender of Wichita
Jennifer Diaz-Reyes of Wichita
Pedro Pina-Guerrero of Wichita
Christine Tran of Wichita
Alexis Corral of Wichita
Lockheed Martin F-35 Program
Fred Stipkouits of Kansas City
Kasey Sly of Kansas City
Marvin McDonald of Kansas City
City of Lenexa
Craig Denny of Lenexa
Bill Nicks of Lenexa
City of Wichita
Lily Wu of Wichita
Dalton Glasscock of Wichita
J.V. Johnston of Wichita
Becky Tuttle of Wichita
Maggie Ballard of Wichita
Brandon Johnson of Wichita
Mike Hoheisel of Wichita
Robert Laydon of Wichita
National Court Reporters Association
Brandy Sayre of Wichita
Cindy Isaacson of Shawnee
Sedgwick County Commission
Pete Meitzner of Wichita
Sarah Lopez of Wichita
American Health Information Management Association
Angelique Jefferson of Overland Park
Ann Nowlin of Salina
Bombardier
Pete McAleer of Wichita
CARE USA
Carrington Jones-Jackson of Lawrence
National Association of Chain Drug Stores
Mike Ryan of Inman
National League of Cities
Chelsee Chism of Shawnee
Staci Chivetta of Merriam
Nathan Eberline of Shawnee
LeEtta Felter of Olathe
Solana Flora of Mission
Jacob Laha of Merriam
Lea Loudon of Mission
Kathryn Messer of Olathe
Matthew Schoonover of Olathe
Brian Silcott of Ottawa
Mike Skidmore of Ottawa
Casey Toomay of Lawrence
Dean Vakas of Olathe
Michael Wilkes of Olathe
Whitney Yadrich of Merriam
National Hydropower Association
Sarah Hill-Nelson of Lawrence
Viega LLC
Marvin Knieps of McPherson
Ultra Maritime
Gregory Thom of Manhattan
John Leggieri of Manhattan
Kansas Soybean Association
Charles Atkinson of Great Bend
Jared Nash of Parsons
Adam Phelon of Lyndon
Andy Winsor of Grantville
LaVell Winsor of Grantville
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