Recognizing 81 Years Since D-Day
On June 6, 1944, U.S. and Allied forces launched the D-Day invasion, marking the beginning of Europe’s liberation from Nazi tyranny. Under the leadership of General Dwight D. Eisenhower – a Kansan and future President – D-Day remains the greatest military operation in modern history.

We remember the extraordinary bravery displayed on the beaches of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword and honor the 9,387 Americans laid to rest in Normandy, along with the 1,557 still missing, including three young men from Bushong, Kansas, who gave their lives at Omaha Beach.

I visited Normandy in June 2023 to recognize the 79th anniversary of D-Day. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to personally thank the many WWII veterans there, and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.


Questioning Secretary Lutnick on American Aerospace Trade
On Wednesday, I led a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) to review the President’s FY2026 budget request for the Department of Commerce. During the hearing, I asked Secretary Howard Lutnick about the department’s efforts to protect the American aerospace industry’s export surplus as the administration negotiates trade deals. Kansas is home to the “Air Capital of the World,” and aerospace products are among Kansas’ top exports.

During the hearing, I also questioned Secretary Lutnick about proposed cuts to manufacturing assistance programs for small firms, broadband deployment, global sporting events coming to the United States and a recently approved exemption for certain National Weather Service (NWS) employees from a federal hiring freeze.

You can watch my remarks here.


Leading Hearing for VA Inspector General & Congressional Affairs Nominees
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I led a hearing to consider Cheryl Mason’s nomination to be Inspector General (IG) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Don Bergin’s nomination to be the VA Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs.

Cheryl Mason is a lawyer, military spouse and longtime advocate for veterans who previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals and is currently a senior advisor at the VA. Don Bergin is a Marine Corps veteran, lawyer, former congressional liaison and former Senate staffer who is already working as a senior advisor at the VA. These are two important positions, and I am grateful to both of these nominees for their willingness to serve. I look forward to their nominations being advanced out of committee.

Click here to watch my opening remarks. You can watch my questions for Cheryl Mason here and Don Bergin here.


Protecting Kansas Communities through Weather Preparedness
This week, I introduced legislation with Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) that would exempt certain National Weather Service (NWS) employees from federal hiring freezes. This legislation – the Federal Operational Resilience in Emergency Conditions and Storm Tracking (FORECAST) Act – exempts NWS employees responsible for issuing weather and flood warnings, maintaining critical observational equipment and protecting life and property from any executive order or memorandum imposing a hiring freeze.

Kansans rely on consistent and accurate weather forecasting, particularly in rural communities where weather forecasts inform when agricultural producers will plant their crops for the season. As Kansas continues to face tornado season, the meteorologists, hydrologists and technicians maintaining critical equipment at Weather Forecasting Offices are instrumental in keeping our communities safe.

I recently visited the Goodland NWS office, where I announced a national exemption from the federal hiring freeze to enable the NWS to hire meteorologists and weather forecasters. Last month, Goodland experienced a disruption in 24/7 operations due to staff departures and an inability to fill new vacancies. While Goodland NWS works to restore staffing levels, the office will be temporarily staffed by a rotation of NWS employees from other offices and is expected to return to 24/7 service on June 15.

Click here to learn more about my legislation.

Recognizing the Army’s 250th Anniversary
This week, I spoke on the Senate floor on the resolution I introduced celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. I was joined by Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), who serves with me as co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus. For 250 years, the Army has protected the nation from, “all enemies, foreign and domestic.” I am grateful for the critical role our Army units at Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth and the reserve components across Kansas play in the defense of our country. Thank you to those who have served over the last 250 years to defend the Constitution of the United States. We owe all our Army veterans and current soldiers our gratitude for their selfless service as they fulfill the mandate inscribed on the Army flag, “This We’ll Defend.”

You can watch my full remarks here.


Honoring the Life of Kansan Sarah Milgrim
This week, I joined Sen. Roger Marshall in introducing a Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of Sarah Milgrim, a Kansan who was tragically killed in a sickening antisemitic act of violence. I attended Sarah’s memorial service in Overland Park. I join Kansans and the Jewish community in mourning the loss of Sarah and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, and reaffirm my unwavering support for all our Jewish friends and neighbors.

Click here to read more about the resolution honoring Sarah and Yaron.

Meeting with ATF Deputy Director Rob Cekeda
This week, I met with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Director Rob Cekeda. We discussed the advanced training at the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center at Wichita State University, which is dedicated to educating students in tracking weapons used in crimes and helping keep communities safe. We also spoke about ways Congress can assist with disrupting the illicit flow of crime guns across the country. I want to thank Deputy Director Cekeda for taking the time to meet with me, and I look forward to working with him to find ways to keep Kansans safe.


Applauding Kansan Michelle Bowman’s Senate Confirmation
Along with a majority of my Senate colleagues, I voted to confirm Kansan Michelle “Miki” Bowman to be Vice Chair of Supervision at the Federal Reserve. This position plays a crucial role in safeguarding our nation’s banks and supporting the lending ecosystem that allows our economy to thrive. A native of Council Grove, Miki’s Kansas roots have given her an important perspective on the importance of community banking. She has been a consistent champion of small lenders at the Federal Reserve, and I look forward to working with Miki to support relationship banking in her new role.

You can watch my remarks recognizing Michelle Bowman on the Senate floor here.

Meeting with Kansans
USDA Kansas State Director
This week, I met with Gimmie Jo Jansonius, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Director for Rural Development in Kansas. We discussed the important role USDA rural development programs play in helping Kansas communities thrive, and how Congress can help support USDA’s mission. I look forward to continue working with Gimmie Jo and her team to deliver for rural Kansas families.


Kansas Association of Realtors
On Wednesday, I joined the Kansas Association of Realtors to hear about the state of the Kansas housing market and roadblocks to homeownership. We discussed certain hurdles that veterans face when buying a home and changes in rural housing policies that could bolster homebuying. From preserving Section 1031 like-kind exchanges to expanding rural housing programs, I will continue to advocate for increasing housing access across Kansas to open up new opportunities for the American dream of owning a home.


Growth Energy
I met with Kansas biofuel leaders this Wednesday to discuss the need for a workable 45Z tax credit. Growth Energy members discussed with me ways to make certain the biofuels industry continues to grow and expand market access for farmers, from ethanol to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). As a co-founder of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus and a champion for biofuel issues, I am committed to making certain farmers and biofuels producers have the tools they need to keep fueling America.

American Century Investments
On Monday, I gave a Capitol tour to former Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02), Brian Bulatao, Thomas Bunn, Chris Cheesman, Barry Fink, Rajesh Gupta, Jan Lewis, Gary Meltzer and Marguerite Bateman of the American Century Investments Mutual Fund Board. American Century Investments is headquartered in Kansas City and has had a presence in the Kansas City metro since 1958. I want to thank Rep. Jenkins and the board for making the trip to Washington and for their continued presence in the region.


Kansas Livestock Association
On Thursday, I met with Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) members participating in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Young Cattlemen’s Conference. We discussed the importance of animal health and bio-security, addressing the burdens of farm and ranch succession through unnecessary regulatory and tax burdens and the need for part-time and year-round labor that does not impede our border security. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, I look forward to working with KLA to advance these Kansas priorities.


Capitol Tour Group
On Wednesday, I met with a group of Kansans visiting Washington, D.C., while they were on a tour led by my staff of the U.S. Capitol. I appreciated the opportunity to visit with them and hear about their experience in our nation’s capital. Thank you to the Kansans who met with me including:


Visits Across Kansas
Amberwell Atchison
This week, I visited Amberwell Atchison for a tour of its facilities. During my visit, I met with CEO Jared Abel, and we discussed the ways Amberwell Atchison is continuing to provide quality care for Atchison County. Hospitals like Amberwell Atchison are essential components of communities in Kansas, and I thank them for their commitment to providing Kansans with the care they need.


Nortonville Community
On Friday, I traveled to Nortonville and met with members of the community. While there, I visited with folks at Mid Kansas Coop, Noll’s Woodshed and Kendal State Bank. I also stopped by Hazelnut Home Gifts and the Nortonville U.S. Post Office. Thank you to the Nortonville community for welcoming me and to all those who took the time to meet with me.


Seneca Community
This week, I made a stop in Seneca and visited Allie’s Café. While there, I spoke with community members and enjoyed a slice of Allie’s famous Coconut Cream Pie. Thank you to everyone who met with me during my visit.


Sabetha Community Hospital
On Friday, I also toured Sabetha Community Hospital. While on the tour, I learned more about their plans to build new facilities in order to continue to serve patients in Northeast Kansas. I look forward to continuing to work with Sabetha Community Hospital in an effort to see this project through to completion.


Celebrating National Dairy Month
Throughout the month of June, the U.S. celebrates National Dairy Month. Kansas is one of the top growing dairy states with 175,000 cows across more than 209 large and small dairy farms. Thank you to all the dairy farmers and producers who work hard to produce quality dairy products and help Kansas’ economy thrive.


Kansans in the Office  

Capitol Tour

Amanda Ahrens of Salina

David Akehurst of Olathe

Kendall Akehurst of Shawnee

Leslie Akehurst of Olathe

Amanda Bitter of Olathe

Antonette Brungardt of Newton

Audrey Brungardt of Newton

Brielle Brungardt of Wichita

Jared Brungardt of Wichita

Landon Brungardt of Wichita

Kurt Cornejo of Wichita

Michelle Cornejo of Wichita

Kane Cornejo of Wichita

Kennedy Cornejo of Wichita

Cindy Cunningham of Olathe

Elsa Darbro of Elk City

Holly Darbro of Elk City

Joel Darbro of Elk City

Jolene Doerneman of Newton

Jude Doyle of Lanexa

Michael Doyle of Lanexa

Jennifer Doyle of Lanexa

Erin Herren of Overland Park

Bryan Hill of Shawnee

Dalton Hill of Shawnee

Sophia Hill of Shawnee

Aurielle Hughes of Smith Center

Gavin Hughes of Smith Center

Curt Lewis of Topeka

Jane Lewis of Topeka

Blake Madden of Osawatomie

Carolyn Mason of Goddard

Dennis Mason of Goddard

Sanra Paul of Lenexa

Barb Ramsour of Lenexa

Ron Ramsour of Lenexa

Patricia Russel of Overland Park

Cheryl Schletzbaum of Wichita

Hollie Schletzbaum of Wichita

Jeff Senger of Olathe

Megan Spence of Olathe

Linda Stevens of Lenexa

Paul Stevens of Lenexa

Angela Stone of Hoisington

Greg Stone of Hoisington

Brennan Templeton of Olathe

Molly Templeton of Olathe

Sophie Templeton of Olathe

Danielle Willis of Manhattan

Debbie Willis of Manhattan

Jacob White of Olathe

Kathryn White of Olathe

AEI

Ammol Prasaol of Manhattan

American Geophysical Union

Sophie Terian of Lawrence

AONL

Jamie Bolen of Gardner

Sarah Wilson of Olathe

Ashbury United Methodist Church

Bailey Amtower of Olathe

Jake Amtower of Olathe

Willow Austin of Overland Park

Andrew Bennett of Overland Park

David Bock of Lenexa

Clara Brenenman of Mission

Tate Coe of Roeland Park

Mia Cross of Overland Park

Landon Davis of Overland Park

Heather Jackson of Lawrence

Jules Jamison of Mission

Libby Morris of Prairie Village

Melinda Olson of Russell

Mitchel Olson of Gorham

Robert Olson of Russell

Hailey Poague of Fairway

Willa Prothro of Shawnee

Woody Prothro of Shawnee

Cecilia Shearn of Wichita

Christopher Shearn of Wichita

Henry Shearn of Wichita

Mary Shearn of Wichita

Thomas Shearn of Wichita

William Watkins of Overland Park

Lucy Whelan of Leawood

Doug Wolff of Overland Park

Emily Wolff of Overland Park

Equipment Leasing and Finance Association

Joe Franco of Lawrence

RV Industry Association

James Ashurst of Wichita

David Mihalick of Wichita

Anthony Wollschlager of Wichita

Ford Motor Company

Daryl Sykes of Kansas City

Friends University

Russell Fox of Wichita

HCA Healthcare

Sean Kamber of Overland Park

Matt Sogard of Overland Park

Bill Voloch of Wichita

JOCO Government

Bo McCall of Olathe

Josh Powers of Olathe

Erin Winn of Olathe

Kansas Appleseed, Kansas Farmers Union, Harvesters, and Kansas Interfaith Action

Dalton Black of Wichita

Lacey Kennett of Topeka

Haley Kottler of Wichita

Nick Levendofsky of Courtland

Rabbi Moti Rieber of Kansas City

Karen Sieber of Prairie Village

Kansas Livestock Association Young Cattlemen’s Group

Daniel Berg of Montezuma

Julie Mais of Lawrence

Dustin Wooten of McLouth

KS Action for Children

Heather Braum of Topeka

Dustin Hare of Kansas City

Nathan Kessler of Topeka

Adrienne Olejnik of Rossville

McKesson

Matt Smith of Garden Plain

National Association of Farm Service Agency County Office Employees

Amanda Ahrens of Salina

National Grain and Feed Association

Erika Davis of Osawatomie

David Gleason of Shawnee

Erik Harding of Bennington

Mark Hobrock of Leawood

Ryan Napier of Cunningham

Max Roby of Lenexa

Rivers and Rockies Outdoor Lodging Coalition

Mary Arlington of Goodland

Shreefer Law Firm LLC

Karina Shreefer of Merriam

True Source Honey

Eric Wenger of Hillsboro

We the People

Jenny Sodergren of Lawrence

Steve Sodergren of Douglas