Remembering 9/11
As we marked the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we honor the nearly 3,000 Americans who perished in the deadliest terrorist attack on our nation’s soil. We remember those who lost their lives and the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to save others on September 11, 2001. May we never forget the courage, resilience and patriotism displayed that day, or the way Americans united in the face of evil.


Visiting with Kansans at the State Fair
The Kansas State Fair is one of our state’s signature events I look forward to each year, and I have had a booth there since my election to Congress. While at the fair on Friday, I had great conversations with Kansans who traveled from across the state to enjoy the rides, food, exhibit halls, livestock barns and countless educational opportunities. I also enjoyed visiting with veterans at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion booths.


You can visit my booth in the Pride of Kansas building each day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., where members of my staff are available to answer questions and provide constituent service information. Thank you to the Kansas State Fair Board Members and staff who put in hours of planning to make our fair a great event for Kansans every year.


Meeting with Kansas Hospital Association Board of Directors
On Wednesday, I met with the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Board of Directors as they kicked off the 2026 KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show. It was good to visit with these health care leaders and discuss our shared efforts to support hospitals in Kansas, including increased payments through the state’s provider assessment program, which is expected to generate $83 million annually for Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals in Kansas. We also discussed the investments Kansas is receiving through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which is providing $222 million in federal investments to health care providers across Kansas this year. I look forward to continuing to support Kansas hospitals and their efforts to provide access to care for all Kansans. Thank you to KHA President and CEO Chad Austin, KHA Board Chair Tammy Peterman, 2025 Board Chair George Stover, Chair-Elect Val Gleason and all of the KHA Board of Directors for hosting me.

Announcing Federal Investments for Kansas Rural Hospitals
On Friday, I announced that 11 Kansas rural hospitals will receive federal investments through new Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program (RHPAP) administered by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). These investments are part of nearly $25 million in federal resources awarded to eligible providers across the country to strengthen small rural hospitals and help maintain access to care for patients in rural areas.

Kansas is one of 13 states benefiting from this new program, which I helped establish as a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS) through the FY2026 appropriations legislation that was signed into law this year. I will continue to work with our rural health care providers and state leaders to improve access to care for patients. You can learn more here.

List of Kansas Recipients:

•  AdventHealth Ottawa
•  Coffeyville Regional Medical Center
•  Labette County Medical Center
•  McPherson Hospital, Inc.
•  Miami County Medical Center
•  Pratt Regional Medical Center
•  Salina Surgical Hospital
•  Stormont Vail – Flint Hills
•  Summit Surgical, LLC in Hutchinson
•  Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado
•  University of Kansas Health Systems – Great Bend Campus

Discussing Agriculture Priorities with the Kansas Farm Bureau Board of Directors
On Friday, I joined the Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Board of Directors to talk about current issues facing the agricultural industry. I provided an update on recent efforts to advance Kansas agriculture priorities as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, including work to pass a Farm Bill. It is my home that the Farm Bill will pass out of committee and move to the full Senate this fall.

The members of the board also shared their concerns regarding community banking and the barriers created by federal regulations that limit a small bank’s ability to service farmers and small-town business effectively. We also discussed the status of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan and my work to support U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in bringing the facility to full operational capacity within the near future. I will continue working to support Kansas farmers and ranchers. Thank you to KFB President Glenn Brunkow and the KFB Board for allowing me to join them.


For Veterans: Updates to Improve Benefits & Employment Opportunities
On Tuesday, President Trump issued an executive order that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Labor (DOL) to streamline and improve operations to better deliver the high-quality care and benefits our nation's veterans have earned and deserve.

Across every federal agency, veterans deserve accessible, technologically advanced and veteran-centered health care, benefits and services. This executive action is an important step to help make certain that these government agencies can provide services and benefits to America’s veterans more quickly and effectively. You can learn more here.

Supporting Kansas Local Law Enforcement
Norton Police Department
On Tuesday, I visited the Norton Police Department to announce a $63,000 investment for the department to strengthen its efforts to protect the community. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I secured federal resources for the purchase of a new patrol vehicle equipped with updated law enforcement technology to assist the department’s work to serve Kansans in the surrounding region. The men and women serving in local law enforcement deserve our thanks and respect, and I will continue working to be sure they have the resources necessary to fulfill their missions.

Thank you to Norton Chief of Police Mitch Lowry and the entire Norton Police Department for joining me, and for their ongoing commitment to keeping Kansans safe.


Coffey County Sheriff’s Department
On Thursday, I visited the Coffey County Sheriff’s Department and spoke with law enforcement members about their efforts to protect Kansans in the area. During my visit, I received a tour of the department's county jail, including the full body scanner which I secured a $157,000 investment for to strengthen security and maintain a safe environment in the jail. By investing resources into our Kansas agencies, we help equip local law enforcement with new crime-fighting technology, emergency vehicles and other resources. Thank you to Sheriff Tom Johnson, Coffey County Attorney Wade Bowie and County Commissioner Mark Petterson for their welcome and sharing with me firsthand how they are working to protect Kansans.


Visits Across Kansas
Burlington Rotary Club
While in Coffey County, I attended the Burlington Rotary Club’s weekly meeting at the Coffey County Hospital. We discussed a variety of issues important to Kansans, including the importance of maintaining and improving infrastructure for municipalities and counties, the impact of trade policies for Kansans and how we can support a strong future for our state. Civic clubs like the Rotary Club play an important role in improving our communities and supporting our neighbors. I appreciate Club President Bobby Skipper for the invitation to speak to the club and the welcome of the members.


East Kansas Agri-Energy
On Wednesday, I visited East Kansas Agri-Energy (EKAE) in Garnett to see firsthand the end-to-end biofuels production at its facility. EKAE purchases locally-grown grain to produce both ethanol and renewable diesel, making it the only ethanol plant in the U.S. that can generate two fuels from the same kernel of corn. The plant also markets distillers grain, a byproduct of biofuels production, to support local livestock producers and strengthen the regional agricultural economy.

As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I remain committed to advocating for policies that support biofuels production, including year-round E15 in the Farm Bill, to bolster markets for producers and advance homegrown energy. Thank you to Bill Pracht for the opportunity to visit.


Miltech Manufacturing
On Tuesday, I visited Miltech Manufacturing and met with owner and Chief Design Officer Roddy Dill, Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Dill and Chief Operations Officer Matt Wertz. Beginning in Norton in 1997 as a small gear shop for outboard boat motors, Miltech has grown under their leadership into a precision CNC machining operation capable of supporting our aerospace and defense industries. Its planned expansion would bring more than 60 new jobs to northwest Kansas and build a homegrown workforce pipeline through partnerships with Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Tech Northwest and area high schools. It was great to meet with the Miltech team to see the local talent and expertise that keeps our defense industrial base strong with Kansas at the center of it.


Hutchinson Regional Medical Center
On Friday, I visited Hutchinson Regional Medical Center to speak with hospital staff and see firsthand the high-quality services they provide the community. During my visit, we discussed their work to bolster nursing education through their nursing simulation lab. I secured a $3 million investment for this nursing simulation lab, created through a partnership with Hutchinson Community College, to help renovate the facility and expand the Associate Degree Nurses program. Making certain Kansas colleges and universities have the resources necessary to train future medical professionals helps provide opportunities for students and supports jobs in our state.

We also discussed the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which I worked to establish in last year's reconciliation bill to help identify the root challenges facing rural health providers and invest in solutions to improve outcomes for struggling providers. Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has received two awards through the program to help renovate an idle nursing home facility on campus into an adult acute behavioral health unit and to support integration with a new University of Kansas psychiatric residency program. 

Thank you to Hutchinson Regional Board of Directors Chair Keith Hughes, Past Chair Allen Fee and the entire team for the important work they do for Kansans.


Prairie View High School
It was great to visit Prairie View High School west of La Cygne on Wednesday to visit with students and teachers as the new school year begins. During my visit, I met with Principal Kate Gronquist to learn more about the educational programs Prairie View provides to prepare students for their future. Thank you to Principal Gronquist, USD 362 Superintendent Dr. Joseph Hornback and students Aiden Grisfin, Nolan Boyd, Grace Cullor and Gabbi Cullor for taking the time to meet with me. 

Iola Theatre
I visited the Iola Theatre on Thursday where Beth Toland and Maria Unruh provided me with a tour of the facility. They shared about the work that has gone into restoring the marquee and building exterior. The theatre was built during the Depression era and a lot of time and talent is going into making certain the venue is restored to its original historic look. After the tour, I ran into Allen County Commissioner John Brocker who updated me on happenings in Iola and all of Allen County. Thank you to Beth, Maria, John and the Iola Theatre staff for their work to better their community. 


Community Visits 
New Strawn
On Wednesday, I visited New Strawn to speak with residents and learn about local happenings in the area. During my time there, I stopped by City Hall, Citizens State Bank, Victory Excavating and the Coffey County Library. Thank you to everyone I met with for their time and conversation. 


Kanopolis 
On Friday, I stopped by Kanopolis to meet with members of the community. During my visit, I met with Kansans at City Hall, Orosco’s Café, Kanopolis Corner Store and the local U.S. Post Office. I also stopped at Kanopolis Middle School for a tour of the school. I was hosted by Principal Kristy Rodriguez, whose son, Rudy, was one of my nominees to the U.S. Naval Academy in 2019. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 2024 and is now deployed serving our country. Nominating Kansas students for service academies is one of the most meaningful duties I have as a U.S. Senator, and I am grateful to Rudy and Kristy for their sacrifices to support our nation. 


Good News for Kansas Workers & Local Businesses 
On Tuesday, the Trump administration modified its list of Canadian goods being tariffed and excluded salt from the list – a decision that is welcome news for Kansans. When these tariffs were proposed, I urged the U.S. Trade Representative to consider the impact on Kansas taxpayers and local businesses, including Morton Salt and Compass Minerals, both headquartered in Overland Park, which own and operate Canadian mines and bring salt into the U.S. for distribution. 

Salt is a critical commodity in our state, particularly as we head into colder weather with local governments utilizing it to remove ice and keep Kansans safe on the roads. Securing these exemptions will help local, county and state governments avoid passing the cost of necessary road safety tools onto consumers. I appreciate this decision and will continue engaging with the administration on trade policies impacting the people of Kansas. You can learn here. 

Now Accepting Spring 2027 Internship Applications 
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans. 

Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the spring 2027 are now open. Priority will be given to applications completed before Thursday, October 1. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, November 15 at 11:59PM CT. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply. 

Now Accepting Spring 2027 Senate Page Applications 
Applications are now open for the spring 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Spring Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 4 at 11:59PM CT. Click here for more information and to apply. 

Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications 
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. 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. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on October 2, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

Kansans in the Office 

Capitol Tour 

Shandi Andres of Alta Vista 

Audra Antes of Topeka 

Angela Atha of Topeka 

Dale Brooks of Wichita 

Teresa Brooks of Wichita 

Addalyn Caruthers of Ottawa 

Duecallion Condo of Whiting 

Louis Curtis of Lenexa 

Marianne Curtis of Lenexa 

Christina Diedel of Lawrence

Dan Diedel of Lawrence

Samantha Roberts Dildine of Caney

Marjorie Durkes of Eskridge

Rylee Ellison of Humboldt

Carolyn Hacker of Leawood

Dirk Hacker of Leawood

Travis Hawks of Topeka

Peter Hayes of Manhattan

Susan Rehschuh Hayes of Manhattan

Eden Hill of Fredonia

Tonya Hill of Fredonia

Deanne Hope of WaKeeney

Cynthia Jewell of Olathe

Mike Jewell of Olathe

Braelyn Kimberly of Edwardsville

Mason McCurry of Ottawa

Morgan McCurry of Ottawa

Anna Nickell of Chanute

Jodee Nickell of Chanute

Peter Nugent of Leawood

Kathy Nugent of Leawood

Brian Payne of Ottawa

Don Riedel of WaKeeney

Jennifer Schneider of Frankfort

David Sestak of Shawnee

Sophia Sestak of Shawnee 

Dawn Sommers of Tonganoxie 

Shawn Sommers of Tonganoxie

Kenton Volgamore of Haysville

Lisa Volgamore of Haysville

Jason Waters of Wichita

Stephanie Waters of Wichita

Bernard Wurts of Olathe

Kathy Wurts of Olathe 

Michelin 

Jennifer Wieroniey of Junction City 

Suther Feeds 

Jeff Sleichter of Frankfort