Modernizing the Air Traffic Control and Airspace
On Thursday afternoon, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced modernization efforts for U.S. air traffic control infrastructure and technology that DOT and FAA will undertake in partnership with Congress and industry partners. The American Airlines crash in January and recent outages at Newark International Airport highlight the urgent need for changes. Our national airspace system (NAS) is complex and poised to experience continued commercial growth. However, sustaining the technologies needed to maintain our airspace have come at the detriment of modernization. Secretary Duffy’s announcement seeks to replace antiquated telecommunications, radar and tower infrastructure, integrating new technology into air traffic control systems, as well as building new air traffic control centers.

In March, I joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in soliciting feedback from other members of Congress and from aviation industry stakeholders in an effort to modernize ATC systems. This solicitation, in concert with ongoing efforts in Congress, the administration, and industry, reflect complementary efforts to bolster U.S. air traffic control and NAS modernization. The U.S. aviation industry does not exist without its consumers feeling safe to fly, and there is consensus between the administration, Congress, and industry on improving the American airspace.


Leading a Hearing with Secretary Collins on the Future of the VA
On Tuesday, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins on the changes that are underway at the VA and how he plans to improve the department. During the hearing, Secretary Collins acknowledged that the current way of doing business at the VA is not working for veterans and their families. The department is at a critical juncture where change is necessary, but that change needs to be informed by data, veteran demand and focused on improving the outcomes for the men and women that the VA serves. Congress and the VA can work together to achieve lasting, positive change that best serves our veterans, staff members, survivors and caregivers.

During my questioning, I asked Secretary Collins how the VA is working to prioritize expanding access to life-saving mental health and substance use disorder services by allowing more veterans to access to these services closer to home through VA community care partners. I have introduced legislation to increase access to care for veterans, including mental health residential rehabilitation treatment programs. Veterans deserve prompt, high-quality care and greater flexibility in choosing when, where and how to use the health care benefits they have earned through their service. Sec. Collins was supportive of this effort, and I thank him for coming to Congress to testify before the committee.

You can watch my questioning from the hearing here.


Reviewing FBI Proposed Budget with Director Patel
On Thursday, I chaired the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Subcommittee on the Senate Committee on Appropriations to hear testimony from FBI Director Kash Patel on the President’s Budget Request for the Federal Bureau of Investigation for FY2026. We covered topics ranging from the work that the bureau is doing to curb organized crime, the deadly flow of fentanyl and other threats we face in Kansas and across the United States. I want to thank Director Patel for testifying before the subcommittee, and I look forward to working with him and the administration to craft an appropriations bill that will support our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies across the country.

Watch my opening remarks from the hearing here.


Hearing from Industry Leaders on AI Capabilities and Innovation
This week, the Senate Committee on Commerce convened a hearing to discuss U.S. capabilities and innovation in artificial intelligence. During the hearing, I questioned industry leaders Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, Lisa Su, chair and CEO of Advanced Micro Devices, Michael Intrator, co-founder and CEO of CoreWeave and Brad Smith, vice chair and president at Microsoft Corporation, about their roles in advancing U.S. leadership in AI. I also asked the witnesses about data privacy and consumer protection in the context of the AI race, the role of AI in cybersecurity threats and threat mitigation and how to deliver access to AI systems in rural areas that lack reliable internet connectivity. I look forward to continuing Congress’ critical work to make certain that America leads in AI and does so responsibly.

Watch my full questioning here.


Questioning USDA Secretary Rollins on Kansas Agricultural Priorities
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to hear her testimony on the President’s FY26 budget request. During the hearing, I asked Secretary Rollins about her willingness to take on the responsibility of overseeing the Food for Peace program at USDA. In February, I introduced legislation that would move Food for Peace from USAID to USDA to make certain the program continues and is run effectively. I also asked about county office staff shortages and stressed the importance of having USDA employees in rural communities. Lastly, I highlighted for Secretary Rollins the importance of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas. I look forward to continue working with UDSA through the appropriations process to advance these priorities for Kansas.

You can watch my questioning from the hearing here.


Receiving an Update from DEA’s Philadelphia Field Division
On my way back to Washington, I met with Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Thomas Hodnett of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Philadelphia Field Division to get a firsthand look at the devastation caused by the trafficking of illicit fentanyl into our country. I traveled to the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, one of the most drastically effected areas in the country, to see the deadly impact on our citizens and discuss the challenges faced by the Special Agents of the DEA. Thank you to SAC Hodnett and the Philadelphia Field Division for providing a deeper look into the fentanyl epidemic and continuing to educate me on the dangers faced by DEA Special Agents in the performance of their duties.


Meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Greece Nominee
This week, I met with Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Trump’s nominee for Ambassador to Greece. Strengthening diplomatic ties with Greece—a key NATO partner in a strategically vital region—helps bolster our shared security and economic interests. We discussed the importance of Greece entering the National Guard’s State Partnership Program and why the Kansas National Guard would be an ideal partner to Greece. We also discussed my support for a “hot-transfer” of littoral combat ships to Greece if the ships become available from the U.S. Navy. I appreciated the opportunity to visit with Kimberly and hear her perspective on regional stability and the future of U.S. military partnerships with Greece.

Addressing General Aviation Manufacturers
On Wednesday morning, I spoke to leaders in the general aviation industry during a gathering of representatives from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Board. During my remarks, I spoke about the importance of the general aviation industry to the Kansas and U.S. economies and the value of trade in general aviation products to Kansas suppliers. I also discussed ongoing work in Congress, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and among industry stakeholders to modernize America’s air traffic control infrastructure.

I am always grateful for opportunities to engage with members of this industry, given the unrivaled general aviation manufacturing presence in Wichita and throughout Kansas. Aerospace products are among Kansas’s top exports, and engineering and manufacturing capacity and workforce in Kansas have attracted billions of dollars in local and state investments to drive Kansas general aviation manufacturing forward.

Thank you to GAMA President Jim Viola and his team for inviting me to speak and to the industry representatives present for their work to advance American leadership in general aviation manufacturing.

Meeting with EPA Regional Administrator for Kansas
This week, I met with Jim Macy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 Administrator. Region 7 covers Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and nine tribal nations in the Heartland Region. I stressed the importance of maintaining a strong working relationship with community stakeholders in Kansas, and we discussed the importance of EPA oversight that provides consistent, commonsense guidelines that work for Kansans. I look forward to working with Administrator Macy and his team on these issues.

Introducing Bill to Bolster U.S. Global Competitiveness in STEM Education
This week, I introduced the Relieving Economic Strain to Enhance American Resilience & Competitiveness in Higher Education & Research (RESEARCHER) Act. To remain globally competitive, it is critical that our nation is supporting and prioritizing STEM education and research. Recent reports demonstrate that financial insecurity is a major barrier for postdoctoral research. This legislation will help equip universities with the tools to better support the success of STEM students in higher education and encourage postdoctoral researchers to pursue a degree in the Midwest.

Introducing Legislation to Improve Low-Income Housing
On Thursday, I reintroduced legislation alongside my colleagues Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) to amend the Internal Revenue Code to clarify that Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are able to participate in partnerships that are crucial for low-income housing investments. Current Internal Revenue Code contains a provision stating that investors partnering with Tax-Exempt Controlled Entities (TECEs) are not entitled to certain benefits, including accelerated depreciations, bonus depreciation, historic rehab tax credits or certain energy credits that support companies offering affordable housing tax credits. This legislation would clarify that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not subject to this rule, therefore protecting their participation in partnerships that are crucial for low-income housing investments. I look forward to seeing this legislation passed into law and want to thank my colleagues for their bipartisanship in crafting this important bill.

Urging the FCC to Modernize Broadcast Ownership Rules
On Tuesday, I urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modernize outdated rules that limit broadcast ownership rights to enable local broadcasters to compete in a media market increasingly dominated by streaming services. Local broadcasters play a critical role in delivering trusted, accurate reporting and have carefully cultivated their reputations in the communities they serve.

I hope the FCC will work expeditiously to level the playing field for local broadcasters to make certain that they are not forced out of markets by today’s media giants.

You can read the full letter here.

Supporting the Nomination of Kansan Michelle Bowman
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor to support current member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors Michelle Bowman, a Kansan, who has been nominated by President Trump to serve as the next Vice Chair of Supervision for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Hailing from Council Grove and a graduate of the University of Kansas and Washburn University, Governor Bowman is an experienced and well-qualified nominee who will serve as an excellent Vice Chair upon her confirmation. I look forward to supporting her nomination on the floor and working with her to make certain the stability of our financial system for years to come.

Click here to watch my remarks on the Senate floor congratulating Michelle on her nomination.


Recognizing Recent Kansas USDA Appointments
Congratulations to Gimmie Jo Jansonius and David Schemm on their U.S. Department of Agriculture appointments as Kansas Rural Development State Director and Farm Service Agency State Executive Director. Both individuals have a strong rooted passion for rural America and those who work to feed, fuel and clothe the world. I look forward to working with them to strengthen Kansas agricultural producers and rural communities.

Meeting with Kansans
Eisenhower Series
On Thursday, I was honored to meet with the women of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Excellence in Public Service Series. This Kansas-based leadership group provides networking, mentorship and comradery to women leaders of all ages and backgrounds and identifies how they can contribute to local and federal politics. We need leaders in our communities that seek to better the world for their families and friends. I am thankful for the more than 300 graduates of the program for the time they sacrifice to invest in grass-roots opportunities and volunteer for causes they hold dear.


Kansas Hospital Association
This week, I met with members of the Kansas Hospital Association, who were in town for the annual American Hospital Association meeting. We discussed a number of issues important to Kansas hospitals, including federal grant programs, Medicaid and 340B. Keeping Kansas hospitals’ doors open is a top priority for me, and I am working to protect the federal resources our hospitals rely on.


Kansas Farmers Union
On Tuesday, members of the Kansas Farmers Union traveled to Washington, D.C. to share their priorities for the Farm Bill. We discussed the importance of a robust farm safety net and the value of nutrition programs in Kansas. A new Farm Bill is needed to strengthen our rural communities and provide meaningful risk management resources to Kansas farmers, ranchers and producers. I am working with my colleagues to pass an updated Farm Bill that delivers for rural America.


Kansas Cattlemen’s Association
This week, I met with Kansas cattle rancher Mike Schultz from Brewster. Mike and I discussed trade and marketing issues that the cattle industry is facing and ways to make certain Kansas ranching families can continue operating and growing. I appreciate Mike taking the time to visit with me and for the work he does as a public servant to the City of Brewster.


Breaking Ground on Pittsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant
I was in Pittsburg Friday morning to participate in the city’s groundbreaking for their new wastewater treatment plant. This project was made possible through local, state and federal resources. I helped secure federal resources to make certain southeast Kansas will be equipped with a treatment plant that will last for several decades. Without the construction of this new facility and its additional capacity, the City of Pittsburg risks losing area manufacturers and limits expansion opportunities for its business community. Thank you to City Manager Daron Hall, Mayor Dawn McNay, Public Utilities Director Matt Bacon and Craig VanWey with Kansas Department of Commerce, for joining me.


Visits Across Kansas
Louisburg High School
On Friday, I visited Louisburg High School for a tour of the campus. During my tour, I met with students, faculty and staff to learn more about the programs Louisburg provides to bolster student success. Thank you to the students and staff that showed me around.

Jayhawk-Linn High School
Later Friday morning, I traveled to Mound Ridge for a tour of Jayhawk-Linn High School. Making certain students across the state have access to the proper resources and quality education needed to succeed is vitally important to the future of Kansas. I would like to thank Superintendent Shawn Thomas and the JLHS students who took the time to give me a tour.


Northeast Johnson County Chamber After Hours
This week, I visited Prairie Village to attend the Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce After Hours event. While there, I received updates from several city and county leaders on the projects in the Northeast Johnson County area. Thank you to the Northeast Johnson County Chamber for putting on this event.

Now Accepting 2025 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2030. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, October 4, 2025. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

Kansans in the Office 

Capitol Tour
Brian Baker of Overland Park

Christopher Baker of Overland Park

Dale Harvey of Lawrence

Mayra Romero-Ferman of Kansas City

Andrew Shirah of Overland Park

Tori Shirah of Overland Park

Emsley Shirah of Overland Park

Juliet Shirah of Overland Park

Justin Sirois of Olathe

Juliette Sirois of Olathe

Regina Sirois of Olathe

Benjamin Thomas of Kansas City

Caleb Thomas of Kansas City

Child Care Aware
Apryl Brown of Hays

Kim Day of McFarland

Sarah Elsen of Topeka

Sarah Minshull of Overland Park

Mary Murphy of Emporia

Kansas Farmers Union
Donna Pearson of Wichita

Sheila Kellberg of Salina

Tom Giessel of Larned

Nick Levendofsky of Courtland

Kansas Food Action Network
Elijah Relington of Newton

Kansas Hospital Association
Chad Austin of Topeka

Debbie Bruner of Minneola

Jaron Caffrey of Topeka 

Vallerie Gleason of Newton

Lisa Horn of Overland Park

Russ Johnson of Lawernce

Cindy Samuelson of Topeka

George Stover of Lyons

Daci Stover of Lyons

Cameron Vaughn of Lawrence

Lupus Foundation
Curtisha Anderson of Kansas City

James Anderson of Kansas City

Karen Holliday of Kansas City

Russ Johnson of Lawrence

Arleigh Johnson of Lawrence

Kimberly Logan of Olathe