Securing Kansas Ag Priorities in the Farm Bill
On Friday, I joined Greg Akagi on WIBW Ag Radio and Chip Flory on AgriTalk to discuss the latest developments on the Farm Bill with the markup scheduled for this Thursday in the Senate Agriculture Committee and the importance of advancing priorities critical to Kansas agriculture. When I meet with Kansas farmers and ranchers, I hear firsthand about the challenges they are facing, including high input costs, ongoing drought conditions and uncertainty in the agriculture economy. Passing this legislation will provide certainty for rural America and Kansas farmers and ranchers.

As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have worked to make certain the Farm Bill includes priorities that strengthen Kansas agriculture, and I am working to include my legislation to permanently transfer the administration of the Food for Peace program from the Department of State to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This legislation also includes a number of provisions that will benefit producers and rural communities in Kansas, such as:

- Year-round E15 sales, which expands markets for Kansas farmers and ethanol producers, supports American energy independence and provides consumers with more affordable options at the pump

- The CRP Improvement and Flexibility Act, increasing flexibility for livestock grazing on conservation lands

- The Rural Hospital Revitalization Act, which would provide no interest loans for constructing or renovating rural healthcare facilities

- The Farm to Fly Act, allowing sustainable aviation fuel to qualify for USDA energy programs

- The Colonel Gary LaGrange AgVets Act, which would expand career opportunities in agriculture for veterans

- Language to increase FSA loan limits to better reflect lending conditions in farm country

- Doubled funding for USDA trade promotion programs, better allowing producers to market their products globally.

You can listen to my interviews on Agri-Talk here and WIBW Ag Radio here.

Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Rural Kansas Hospitals & Providers
This week, I introduced bipartisan legislation with Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) to expand access to federal resources for rural hospitals through the Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Medicare designation. Our legislation, the Rural Emergency Hospital Designation Improvement Act (REH 2.0), would allow more Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) and rural hospitals at risk of closure to sustain health care services in rural communities, and it would make technical improvements to strengthen the designation.

I worked to help establish the REH designation through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, providing eligible rural hospitals with a pathway to convert and continue serving their communities with limited services rather than closing their doors. I have visited every hospital in Kansas numerous times, and during these visits, providers shared with me their recommendations for strengthening the designation so it can better support the struggling health care facilities it was originally intended to serve.

The legislation we introduced this week is the direct result of what I have heard from rural hospitals and providers in Kansas, and it makes needed improvements to the program to help make certain patients can continue to access critical health care services in their communities for years to come.

You can read more about my legislation from the Topeka Capital-Journal here.


Celebrating Major Investment in KC BioHub’s Capabilities
On Monday, I visited Kansas City to participate in the formal announcement ceremony for the $34 million federal investment awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce to the Kansas City BioSecure Manufacturing Tech Hub through the Tech Hubs Program. This award is an exciting opportunity for the next generation of Kansans to contribute to advancing the future of biomedical research and development without having to leave the Kansas City region. While many opportunities are concentrated on the coasts, the Heartland has much to offer, and investments like this are strengthening our position as a hub for innovative science, technology, engineering, research and development.

It has long been my priority to support opportunities that allow the next generation of Kansans to build bright futures and pursue success right here at home. We’re working to create the building blocks – and keep our talent here in the Midwest long enough – to reach a point where even more opportunities are created. This investment has been years in the making through efforts I have supported at the federal level, and it serves as a fitting recognition of the attention the Kansas City region – and Kansas – is gaining as a destination for investment, innovation and future advancements.

Special thank you to KC BioHub President and Regional Innovation Officer Melissa Roberts Chapman, Bio Nexus KC President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Ridenour, MRIGlobal President and Chief Executive Officer Ian Colrain, Kansas Manufacturing Solutions Vice President Danica Rome, Sen. Roger Marshall, Mayor Quinton Lucas, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Kauffman Foundation Dr. DeAngela Burns Wallace and all the regional leaders who joined us.

You can read more about this announcement from Startland News here.


Photo by Startland News

Update on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act
Requesting Unanimous Consent to Pass Landmark Veterans Legislation
This week, I went to the Senate floor to request unanimous consent (UC) to pass my legislation, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. This legislation is the single best path forward to meaningfully improve the lives of millions of veterans, survivors, families and caregivers and create a better, stronger and modernized VA to provide critical care to those who have served. Many veterans, survivors and caregivers have waited years for the reforms in this legislation to become law. They should not have to wait any longer, and as chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am committed to delivering real results for them as soon as possible.

While on the Senate floor, I also objected to a motion from my colleague and the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to attempt to pay for the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act by rescinding funds from the Department of Defense. The Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that this approach does not work. I continue to work hard to find a way to pass the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act swiftly.


More Than 20 Veterans Organizations Announce Support for the Legislation
Many organizations that support the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act have used their voices and platforms to advocate for Congress to pass this important legislation over the last two months. This week, more than 20 groups joined together in calling on Congress to pass the bill, stating: “Congress has an opportunity to do what is right by delivering meaningful support to those who served this nation in uniform, as well as the families, caregivers and survivors who carry the burden alongside them. We have heard their calls for help for decades. The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act is how those calls can be answered. The good this bill would do for the community is clear, and the time to act is now.”

This statement was sent by a number of veterans organizations, including The American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America, Wounded Warrior Project, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, American Veterans (AMVETS) and more. I thank them and all of the organizations that continue to support this monumental legislation that would benefit millions of veterans, families, caregivers, survivors and VA staff members, as we work to advance this legislation to the President’s desk. Read the coalition statement and find the full list of supporters here.


Receiving Briefing from Secretary Hegseth on Iran Conflict
The conflict with Iran remains tense as Iran continues to attack military installations hosting U.S. troops as well as shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has retaliated for the attacks and maintains a blockade on Iranian shipping in an effort to stop Iran’s oil exports. As President Trump has reportedly declined to expand attacks on Iran due to depleted critical munitions, I met with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday night to discuss in a classified setting the extent to which Congress needs to make certain our forces have the capabilities they need to execute missions.

Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
This week, I joined a bipartisan group of senators to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During our discussion, we discussed the importance of increasing economic pressure on Russia through sanctions legislation I introduced with a bipartisan group of my colleagues, including the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. President Zelenskyy also provided an update on Ukraine's ongoing efforts to defend itself against Russia's unprovoked aggression.

The U.S. must continue to stand with Ukraine and our NATO allies while holding Vladimir Putin accountable for his continued assault on a sovereign nation. America is strongest when we lead with our values, stand by our allies and defend liberty at home and abroad.


Paying Tribute to Sen. Lindsey Graham
On Tuesday, Congress paused to honor the life and legacy of Sen. Lindsey Graham. He was an American patriot, and he cared deeply about promoting liberty and fighting tyranny throughout the world. Through my time serving with him in the United States Senate, his devotion to our country was evident. Sen. Graham was passionate in supporting America’s servicemembers, defending our nation’s interests and serving the state of South Carolina.

We worked together on efforts to bolster our national security and promote freedom around the globe. We also served as co-chairs of the Senate National Institutes of Health (NIH) Caucus, working to support federal investments in research to save lives and promote access to new treatments and care. His leadership in the United States Senate will be missed. Robba and I are thinking of his sister, Se. Darline Graham, his staff and all his loved ones in this difficult time.


Participating in Joint Air and Space Force Caucus Roundtable
This week, as co-chair of the Space Force Caucus, I joined several of my Senate colleagues for a discussion with senior leaders of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, including Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Shawn Bratton, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe and Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna. As our adversaries invest heavily in capabilities designed to challenge American airpower and contest our access to space, these conversations are essential to make certain Congress provides our military with the resources it needs.

During the discussion, I highlighted Kansas’ critical role in our nation’s defense, including McConnell Air Force Base’s role as home to the KC-46A Pegasus tanker and the dedicated men and women of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing who support our Air Force to project power around the world. As the Air Capital of the World, Kansas has long been a leader in aviation, and our skilled manufacturing workforce and aerospace suppliers are now playing an increasingly important role in strengthening America’s growing space industrial base by building the components and technologies needed to maintain our leadership in space. I will continue working with Air Force and Space Force leadership to support our servicemembers, strengthen our capabilities and make certain Kansas remains at the forefront of our national defense.

Introducing Legislation to Help Survivors of Human Trafficking Flee Their Captors
This week, I introduced bipartisan legislation with Sen. Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) to help survivors of human trafficking access air travel and resources they need to reach safety. Victims of human trafficking often lack a government-issued ID needed for air travel, hindering their ability to find safety or reunite with family. The Jimmy Deal Trafficking Survivors Assistance Act would establish a partnership between Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and anti-human trafficking service providers to eliminate this barrier by creating a process that helps make certain every survivor has the means to access air travel when they desperately need it to escape danger and reach safety. I will continue to advocate for the needs of survivors in Kansas and across the country to make certain they receive the care and support they need. You can read more about the legislation here.


Meeting with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr
This week, I met with Chairman Brendan Carr of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to discuss an update on the FCC’s role in regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in the U.S. As the federal agency responsible for implementing and enforcing America’s communications laws and regulations, the FCC plays a significant role in supporting access to reliable communications services across the nation.

During our meeting, we discussed the one-year anniversary of the FCC’s Build America Agenda, which has helped strengthen broadband deployment, advance U.S. leadership in wireless and space technologies, and bolster our nation’s security and economic growth. I emphasized the valuable role local broadcasters play in Kansas and the importance of preserving access to community journalism across our state. Through my role on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which oversees the FCC, I continue to make certain that the FCC pursues policies that benefit Kansans.

Meeting with Jeff and Grant Seibel of Hays
It was great to catch up with Hays natives, Jeff Seibel and his son, Grant, during their visit to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Jeff and I were classmates at the University of Kansas School of Law, and I appreciated talking with him about the latest updates in Hays, as well as hearing from him and Grant about their time in our nation’s capital. Thank you to Jeff and Grant for their time and conversation. 


Visits Across Kansas
AVI Technical Academy in Delphos
On Friday, I visited the Automotive Video (AVI) Technical Academy in Delphos, where I met with AVI owner Paul Louwers to discuss the importance of technical education designed to fast-track the careers of entry-level technicians, trade school graduates and experienced mechanics. Opening its academy in Delphos in 2025, AVI combines intensive classroom instruction with hands-on shop experience to prepare the next generation of high-tech talent, and it was great to learn more about how AVI is providing Kansans with the skills and training needed to succeed in today’s workforce. By bringing classroom learning together with real-world experience, facilities like AVI help students and workers pursue rewarding careers while strengthening the skilled workforce needed by communities and industries across Kansas. AVI is also committed to investing in the community, planning to build a new restaurant and an early education center in Delphos. 

Thank you to AVI owner Paul Louwers and his sister, Connie Brown, Kansas Senator Elaine Bower, State Representative Dawn Wolf, Delphos City Council Member Terry Greer and Ottawa County Commissioner Scott Mortimer for joining me during my visit.


Clay Center Community Visit
Later on Friday, I traveled to Clay Center to meet with members of the community and to join Kyle Bauer of KFRM Radio in studio for an interview on the latest updates from my visits across Kansas. We also discussed the latest on the Farm Bill, as well as my efforts to pass the Major Richard Star Act and several other key bills included in the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. You can listen to our conversation here.

During my visit, I stopped at Prairie Land Partners, Grow Clay County, Mayo Clothing and the Clay County Law Enforcement Center where I met with Clay County Sheriff Alan Benninga. I also spoke with Kansans at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center, the local Pizza Hut, City Hall and the Clay County Courthouse, where I met with the Clay County Clerk Kayla Wang, County Register of Deeds Susan Mall and County Clerk of the Court Melissa Stellner.

I also visited Clay County Medical Center and met with CEO Austin Gillard.


Happy 90th Birthday Sen. Elizabeth Dole
This week marked the 90th birthday of my dear friend and honorary Kansan, Sen. Elizabeth Dole! I’m grateful for all she has done and continues to do for our nation’s veterans and their caregivers through the Dole Foundation, and I appreciate our years of friendship.


Honoring Former Kansas State Rep. Don Myers
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Don Myers of Derby, someone who was loved and respected by his community. As a former Kansas state representative and a United States Navy veteran, Don dedicated his life to serving Kansas, his community and his country. He was devoted to his wife, Mary, their family and their church, and his life embodied the meaning of public service. He and Mary valued giving back to others, and their faith was especially important to them. Robba and I are thinking of his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Don will be missed, and he will be remembered for the difference he made in the lives of so many.

Marking 68 Years of NASA & Kansans’ Contributions in Space Exploration
On July 29th, 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, establishing NASA and launching America into the race to the Moon. From President Eisenhower’s leadership to Clyde Tombaugh’s historic discovery of Pluto and Belleville native Nick Hague’s service aboard the International Space Station, Kansans continue to play a meaningful role in our nation’s space program. 

68 years after NASA’s founding, the United States remains at the forefront of a new era of space exploration through the Artemis program. Across Kansas, manufacturers, engineers, scientists and technicians continue to support this mission and help advance American leadership in discovery and innovation.



Kansans in the Office

Capitol Tour

Bo and Cole Barkley of McPherson

Kirstie Brown of Olathe

Brad, Caitlin and Sarah Carmichael of Shawnee

Carrie and Gwendolyn Clark of Topeka

Kailyn Claypool of Overbrook

Davis, Jodi, John, Mike and Wyatt Guetterman of Bucyrus

Weston Guetterman of Lawrence

Kimberly Harrington of Roeland Park

Emily, Graham, Mae and Thomas Hess of Fairway

John, Eythan and Tamara Hurley of Clearwater

Jamirah Jackson of Kansas City

Ricardo Landeros of Kansas City

Claire, Hattie, Kaden, Kash, Kyson, Renee, Seth and Sophie Leman of Sabetha

Chayton Lineback of Whitewater

Patrick Locke of Kansas City

Jeanette Magathan of Olathe

Diego Mata of Kansas City

Adelyn, Avery, Elizabeth and Isaac Miranda of Overland Park

Luz Morales of Edwardsville

Shamirun Nessa of Wichita

Diane Galbrecht Partee of Olathe

Annette Pfannenstiel of Lenexa

Rick Reed of McPherson

Andrew Sanderson of Lenexa

Lisa, Rhett and Sophie Schrimsher of Oskaloosa

Aaron, Andra and Ethan Schroeder of Manhattan

Jeff and Grant Seibel of Manhattan

Donna Simecka of Abilene

Thomas Tomasic of Kansas City

Bryce Torkelson of Overbrook

Jakie Torres of Kansas City

Aliyaan, Fahim, Fakhr, Nancy and Rayyan Uddin of Wichita

Kevin and Patti Walker of Fort Riley

Jessica, Levi and Paisley West of Overbrook

Susan Wilson of Louisburg

Citizens Climate Lobby

Alan Bauman of Prairie Village

Kathryn Little of Wichita

Tony Schmidt of Lawrence

Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems

Lukas Koch of Onaga

Thales

Chris Giacoponello of Overland Park