Launching Textron Aviation Career & Learning Center
This week, I was in Wichita celebrating the launch and ribbon cutting ceremony for Textron Aviation’s Career and Learning Center. This cutting-edge facility opened in August of 2024 and serves as the primary training facility for Textron Aviation’s 10,000 Wichita-based employees. Last Congress, I introduced the Aviation Workforce Development Enhancement Act, which was included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. This legislation establishes a new aviation manufacturing workforce development program to support the education and recruitment of aviation manufacturing technical workers. Kansas and Wichita are home to a nation-leading aviation manufacturing workforce, and Textron Aviation’s investment in Wichita is an important step in maintaining and advancing that leadership.

Thank you to Textron Aviation President and CEO Ron Draper and the entire Textron Aviation team for their partnership in these efforts, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Governor Laura Kelly, Congressman Ron Estes and the thousands of Kansans building best-in-class aircraft in Wichita.

You can read more about this event here on KAKE news.


Touring the Air Traffic Control Tower at ICT
While in Wichita, I toured the Air Traffic Control facility at Wichita’s Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). While at ICT’s tower, I learned more about the airport’s operations and record-breaking growth in passenger service. Hearing from local air traffic controllers and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) will be critical as Congress and the Department of Transportation work to undertake critical modernization efforts in Air Traffic Control and the National Airspace System. Thank you to James Heath, Scott Muzzy and Jesse Romo for showing me around the facility and for the dedicated controllers facilitating the safe travel of hundreds of thousands of passengers who transit through ICT every year.


Meeting with the Textron Board of Directors
This week, I sat down with the Textron Board of Directors in Wichita to discuss the company’s operations in Kansas and receive updates across its various business lines, including Textron Aviation, Bell Helicopter and Textron eAviation. Textron Aviation and eAviation are headquartered in Wichita and employ 10,000 Kansans. They produce a variety of industry-leading products, including Cessna and Beechcraft airplanes. During our meeting, we discussed opportunities to grow the company’s footprint in Kansas and leverage the skilled aviation workforce and manufacturing capacity in Wichita.

Thank you to Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly and board members Richard Ambrose, Kathleen Bader, Kerry Clark, Michael Garrett, Deborah Lee James, Thomas Kennedy, Rob Mionis, Lionel Nowell III and Maria Zuber for their time and insights.

Visits Across Kansas
Northwest Kansas Ag Education Center
Equipping the next generation of agricultural leaders is crucial for the future of agriculture in Kansas and across the country. I visited Palco High School where they recently opened the Northwest Kansas Agriculture Education Center which will help students fulfill the essential roles of feeding, fueling and clothing the world. Palco High School students Aidan Karlin, Marie Saindon, Carson Knipp and Kallyn Martin presented information about the programs that will be available through the center. The program will include paid internships and will teach key agricultural skills to prepare students for future careers.

I would like to thank Superintendent Brian Pekarek for the invitation, as well as Kyle Benoit, Chuck Knipp, Myron Keller, Monte Keller, Anna Luna, Tom Benoit, Justine Benoit and Ali Keller for giving me a tour of the building where the center will be located.


High Plains Farm Credit
On Tuesday, I met with Kevin Swayne, the President and CEO of High Plains Farm Credit in Hays. The Farm Credit System provides loans and financial services to farmers, ranchers, cooperatives and agribusinesses across Kansas and across the country. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I am working with Kevin and others at Farm Credit to ease the regulatory burden on our lending institutions and make certain they are able to provide producers with the services needed to keep their operations going.

PureField Ingredients
I met with Aaron Buettner, the CEO of PureField Ingredients, to discuss biofuels issues. PureField is able to utilize wheat starch in the production of ethanol alongside other crops such as corn and sorghum. We discussed the importance of a robust biofuels industry and how Congress can enable innovation and growth through tax incentives and eliminating burdensome regulations. I appreciated the conversation and will continue to support Kansas-made ethanol that fuels the nation.


Ascension Via Christi St. Francis
On Wednesday, I visited Ascension Via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. I enjoyed touring their impressive facilities and discussing ways that the federal government can bolster local hospitals and their ability to continue to provide vital services to Kansans. I always appreciate hearing about the great work hospitals like St. Francis are doing to serve Kansans and learn more about how I can better assist Kansas hospitals.


Phillips County Hospital
This week, I toured Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg. Rural hospitals play a crucial role in maintaining the health and prosperity of rural communities in Kansas. During my visit, we discussed the unique challenges these hospitals face and the work I am doing in Washington, D.C. to make certain Kansans in rural areas have continued access to health care services. I appreciate the outstanding efforts of Phillips County Hospital in meeting the health needs of the community. Thank you to CEO Tara Overmiller, the hospital board members, State Representative Ken Rahjes and Phillips County Economic Development Director Billie Knowles for hosting me.


Plastics Extrusion Machinery
On Monday, I visited Plastics Extrusion Machinery LLC (PEM) in McPherson. Nathan Spearman, Owner and CEO, purchased the company in 2017 and quickly turned PEM into the largest U.S.-based manufacturer of downstream equipment for the PVC Pipe and Profile industries. In 2021, PEM’s productivity and output significantly increased with the addition of a 150,000 square foot corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility which doubled the company’s local footprint. Thank you to Nathan and his team for an informative conversation and tour.  Thank you also to State Senator Mike Fagg, State Representative Rick Wilborn, McPherson City Manager Austin Regier, McPherson College President Michael Schneider and Kathy Brown, wife of McPherson Mayor Tom Brown, for joining me.


Meeting Kansas Highway Trooper Ben Gardner
Better known to the public simply as Trooper Ben, Trooper Ben Gardner has served as a Kansas State Trooper 26 years, and he uses the power of storytelling to educate, motivate and inspire people through social media and public speaking. Trooper Ben’s story of overcoming difficulties in his own life and his service in the U.S. Army and now as a state trooper is a testimony of perseverance and the importance intentionally caring for people around you. His mission in life is to make things safer for everyone, both on and off the road. I appreciated Trooper Ben taking the time to share about his work with me and my staff. Thank you, Trooper Ben, for your service to Kansans.


Attending KCK Congressional Forum
This week, I attended the Kansas City, Kansas (KCK) Congressional Forum and gave an update on my work in Washington, D.C. to members of the KCK community. It was great to hear from leaders in the community as well, including the Executive Director of Visit KCK, Alan Carr. Alan provided an update on the Wyandotte County World Cup Readiness Taskforce Committee. I also recently reintroduced legislation that will help the city prepare to host hundreds of thousands of soccer fans during the 2026 World Cup. Preparations are already underway for the games, and I appreciate the hard work that the taskforce is doing to welcome World Cup fans to Kansas City.


Remembering Antonio ‘Tony’ Flores, Anchor Inn Founder
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Tony Flores, the founder of Anchor Inn and a pillar of the Hutchinson community. Tony served more than just delicious food - he created a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who entered his restaurant. I had the privilege of knowing Tony and visited with him during many meals at Anchor Inn over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. You can read more about Tony’s legacy here on the Hutch Post.


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 Tours
Earl Grothe of Overland Park

Anthony DeJesus of Topeka

Greg Stever of Emporia

Julie Stever of Emporia

Steve Wagner of Manhattan

Daniel Wagner of Manhattan

Darrel Pavelka of Wichita

Diane Pavelka of Wichita

Jane Osburn of Lawrence

Dakota Schreiner of Lawrence

Curtis Tolson of Lenexa