Kansas Common Sense
Honoring Our Nation’s Veterans
Nov 12 2024
Honoring Our Nation’s Veterans
On November 11, Americans came together to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. There is no group I hold in higher regard than our nation’s veterans. Veterans represent the very best values of our country: courage, sacrifice, hard work and a willingness to put others first. That is true not only when they are actively serving in the armed forces but also in their civilian lives as well. On Veterans Day and every day, we should honor their service and show our appreciation for the sacrifices that they and their families make for our country. To all who have served, thank you.
On Veterans Day, I traveled to Cottonwood Falls to speak at the Chase County Veterans Day ceremony – pictured below – where we honored current and past veterans. Thank you to Col. Clay Childs, Col. Charles Rayl and the Chase County All Veterans Committee for putting on this event.
Following the Chase County ceremony, a local veteran shared with me a card that was written to him from a student. It is great to see someone from a young age recognize and support our veterans and their families by thanking them for their service.
Rebuilding Integrity and Trust at VA
As we honor those who have served our nation in the military, we must make certain VA operates with the integrity, transparency and high-performance that veterans deserve. This includes making certain that the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act) is being implemented the way Congress intended it to be and VA is being good stewards of taxpayer dollars by providing top-notch services to veterans.
You can read more here in my op-ed in the Ripon Society’s Veterans Day Special Edition.
A New Senate Majority and Administration
Congratulations to President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance on their decisive victory. Americans have made their voices heard and sent a clear message that they want new leadership in the White House and U.S. Senate.
The challenges America faces are significant, and the consequences of the Biden-Harris administration failing to address them are felt by Kansans and Americans. I look forward to working with President Trump and my colleagues in the Senate to secure our border, lower prices, strengthen our national security, renew our energy independence and move our country in a positive direction. This election gives us a new chance to secure our children’s futures with the right values and a better economy.
I would like to thank all of the county clerks and election workers across Kansas who worked tirelessly to make certain the voting process was successful.
A Significant Defense Project Stays in Wichita
This week, Bell Textron announced it will continue the fuselage production of the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) in Wichita. Bell Textron’s decision to continue production of the FLRAA in Kansas marks an historic day for the Air Capital of the World. This announcement is a testament to the Kansas workforce and the unique combination of academia and industry that Wichita has to offer. I look forward to our state supporting this generational aircraft that will impact our national security and workforce for years to come.
You can read more here in the Wichita Business Journal.
Expanding Research and Development at KU
Hosting National Science Foundation Director
On Thursday morning, I hosted the National Science Foundation (NSF) Director Sethuraman Panchanathan at the University of Kansas (KU) to celebrate the launch of the Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH), which aims to develop the next generation of refrigerants right here in Kansas. This work, which will help to phase out potentially harmful chemicals currently used in refrigeration, is made possible by one of the largest federal awards ever made to KU, a $26 million grant from the NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC) program. This award will make KU the center of a pioneering national effort to develop a new generation of sustainable refrigerants, help diversify the Kansas economy and positively impact the community by creating jobs.
By partnering with regional community colleges and technical schools, the center will create educational pathways for training future engineers and technicians who will implement this important research in the real world. These collaborations mean that Kansans interested in STEM careers can receive a competitive education in the state and have a job in a STEM field upon graduation.
I also hosted representatives from universities and colleges from around the state that have active NSF awards, in order to provide them the opportunity to engage with Director Panchanathan. As the lead Republican on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds many federal research agencies, including NSF, I will continue to make certain Kansas is at the forefront of scientific exploration.
Thank you to Director Panchanthan, KU Chancellor Doug Girod, Dr. Mark Shiflett, Kansas Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson and all of the university representatives for joining me.
Hosting the U.S. Department of Energy Undersecretary of Science and Innovation
I also hosted Dr. Geri Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and Innovation for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), at KU to discuss hydrogen storage research and the future of Kansas’ energy needs. In the coming years, U.S. energy needs are expected to shift significantly as the nation’s demand for electricity will likely rise due to increased electrification across industries and the usage of artificial intelligence, data centers and electric vehicles continues to grow. This shift will require major investments in energy storage and infrastructure to ensure reliable energy access, making KU’s research into hydrogen energy storage all the more important.
DOE also performs critical national security work, and this meeting was an opportunity to connect on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence topics to see where the priorities overlap between KU and the department. Throughout the visit, KU was able to showcase its cutting-edge labs and demonstrated to DOE the variety of scientific research being done at the university. I look forward to continuing to build the relationship between Kansas institutions and the Department of Energy.
Thank you to Under Secretary Richmond and Dr. Jay Kalbas for attending.
Meeting with High School Students
Rolla High School
On Monday, I stopped by Rolla High School (RHS) for a tour of their school. I had a chance to talk with faculty, students and staff about the various opportunities provided by RHS. Thank you to students Madylin Huber and Jonathan Kaiser for taking the time to give me a tour.
Moscow High School
On Tuesday, I received a tour of Moscow High School from Principal Shawn Anderson and the high school Student Council leaders. I enjoying seeing the campus, meeting with faculty and students and learning about the day-to-day for all of their students. I want to thank Shawn for taking the time to meet with me and being a great leader for the district.
Speaking at Ulysses Rotary Club
Later on Tuesday, I joined the Ulysses Rotary club for their weekly meeting. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit about the important issues facing our country. Civic clubs are an excellent example of bringing people together to make certain positive things are happening in the areas we call home. I also enjoyed meeting a few members of Ulysses High School’s Senior Class and learning about their plans for the future. Thank you to Catherine Moyer, Kevin Warner, Galen Pelton and the Ulysses Rotary club for allowing me the opportunity to join you.
Visits Across Kansas
Dragon Line Corporate Office
While in Ulysses, I stopped to visit with Monty and Jean Teeter as well as Michael Ask to learn more about Dragon Line. Dragon Line is a Mobile Drip Irrigation system designed to increase water savings by 20-50%, preserving water for future generations to come. By applying water at the base of the plant, the product significantly reduces evaporation, soil compaction and eliminates wind drift on center pivots – increasing irrigation efficiency and improving voluntary water conservation. Dragon Line is sold across the world and manufactured in Ulysses. Thank you to Monty, Jean and Michael for the conversation and being an important business to Kansas.
Ashland Health Center
I visited with folks in Clark County and toured Ashland Health Center (AHC), a Critical Access Hospital that is providing crucial medical services to the community. During my tour, we discussed Kansans’ access to quality health care and visited about Social Security benefits and regulations that affect surviving spouses. I’m grateful to AHC’s CFO Sandy Moore for hosting me at the hospital. I also want to thank Ashland Mayor Kendall Hopp, Clark County Commissioner Dustin McPhail, Dedra McPhail, Kendal Kay and Bill Shaw for joining me in Ashland.
Visiting Kansas Communities
Protection
I visited Protection to meet with members of the community and stopped by the Bank of Protection, City Hall and the local library. Before leaving Protection, I met with the owners of Community Venture - the local grocery store. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing small business owners in Kansas. I also stopped by the Protection Community Center and met with several of the volunteers and leaders of the center - Selicia Hoyt, Sue Page, Betty Jo Maris and Marva Hoyt. Thank you to the people of Protection for hosting me.
Hugoton
Later that afternoon, I visited Hugoton and stopped by the Court House and City Hall. I enjoyed my conversations there with the County Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds and Clerk of the District Court. I also stopped by Hugoton Drug, High Plains Lumber and Hugoton Hermes. Thank you to the Hugoton local government officials and all of the owners and employees I had the opportunity to visit with.
Hoxie
On Wednesday, I made a stop by Hoxie and visited First State Bank, Equity Bank, the Farm Bureau Financial Services office and the Post Office to discuss issues immediately affecting Kansans. I also got to visit with folks at Heim TV and Appliance, USDA Farm Service, Hoxie Implement Company, the City of Hoxie Public Works and City Clerk offices. Thank you to the Hoxie community for being so welcoming and to those that took the time to visit with me.
Kansas Through the Eyes of its Senator
I was at Allen Fieldhouse to attend the men’s basketball game between Kansas and North Carolina. This is a special matchup for the sunflower state as the man attributed with bringing success on the hardwood to North Carolina is Emporia-native and KU graduate Dean Smith. I want to congratulate KU head coach Bill Self for his victory over a top-ranked opponent and for tying Phog Allen as the winningest head coach in KU basketball history.
Capitol Tour
Brad Ansley of Fairway
Ramey Ansley of Fairway
Susan Crawford of Olathe
Maria Engelhardt of Wichita
Elaine Frisbie of Topeka
Lisa Henry of Wichita
Oaklee Henry of Wichita
James Moore of Wichita
Karen Moore of Wichita
Chase Ruff of Olathe
Christopher Ruff of Olathe
Tara Ruff of Olathe
Eric Scott of Olathe
Errol Williams of Topeka
On November 11, Americans came together to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. There is no group I hold in higher regard than our nation’s veterans. Veterans represent the very best values of our country: courage, sacrifice, hard work and a willingness to put others first. That is true not only when they are actively serving in the armed forces but also in their civilian lives as well. On Veterans Day and every day, we should honor their service and show our appreciation for the sacrifices that they and their families make for our country. To all who have served, thank you.
On Veterans Day, I traveled to Cottonwood Falls to speak at the Chase County Veterans Day ceremony – pictured below – where we honored current and past veterans. Thank you to Col. Clay Childs, Col. Charles Rayl and the Chase County All Veterans Committee for putting on this event.
Following the Chase County ceremony, a local veteran shared with me a card that was written to him from a student. It is great to see someone from a young age recognize and support our veterans and their families by thanking them for their service.
Rebuilding Integrity and Trust at VA
As we honor those who have served our nation in the military, we must make certain VA operates with the integrity, transparency and high-performance that veterans deserve. This includes making certain that the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act) is being implemented the way Congress intended it to be and VA is being good stewards of taxpayer dollars by providing top-notch services to veterans.
You can read more here in my op-ed in the Ripon Society’s Veterans Day Special Edition.
A New Senate Majority and Administration
Congratulations to President Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance on their decisive victory. Americans have made their voices heard and sent a clear message that they want new leadership in the White House and U.S. Senate.
The challenges America faces are significant, and the consequences of the Biden-Harris administration failing to address them are felt by Kansans and Americans. I look forward to working with President Trump and my colleagues in the Senate to secure our border, lower prices, strengthen our national security, renew our energy independence and move our country in a positive direction. This election gives us a new chance to secure our children’s futures with the right values and a better economy.
I would like to thank all of the county clerks and election workers across Kansas who worked tirelessly to make certain the voting process was successful.
A Significant Defense Project Stays in Wichita
This week, Bell Textron announced it will continue the fuselage production of the U.S. Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) in Wichita. Bell Textron’s decision to continue production of the FLRAA in Kansas marks an historic day for the Air Capital of the World. This announcement is a testament to the Kansas workforce and the unique combination of academia and industry that Wichita has to offer. I look forward to our state supporting this generational aircraft that will impact our national security and workforce for years to come.
You can read more here in the Wichita Business Journal.
Expanding Research and Development at KU
Hosting National Science Foundation Director
On Thursday morning, I hosted the National Science Foundation (NSF) Director Sethuraman Panchanathan at the University of Kansas (KU) to celebrate the launch of the Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub (EARTH), which aims to develop the next generation of refrigerants right here in Kansas. This work, which will help to phase out potentially harmful chemicals currently used in refrigeration, is made possible by one of the largest federal awards ever made to KU, a $26 million grant from the NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC) program. This award will make KU the center of a pioneering national effort to develop a new generation of sustainable refrigerants, help diversify the Kansas economy and positively impact the community by creating jobs.
By partnering with regional community colleges and technical schools, the center will create educational pathways for training future engineers and technicians who will implement this important research in the real world. These collaborations mean that Kansans interested in STEM careers can receive a competitive education in the state and have a job in a STEM field upon graduation.
I also hosted representatives from universities and colleges from around the state that have active NSF awards, in order to provide them the opportunity to engage with Director Panchanathan. As the lead Republican on the Appropriations subcommittee that funds many federal research agencies, including NSF, I will continue to make certain Kansas is at the forefront of scientific exploration.
Thank you to Director Panchanthan, KU Chancellor Doug Girod, Dr. Mark Shiflett, Kansas Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson and all of the university representatives for joining me.
Hosting the U.S. Department of Energy Undersecretary of Science and Innovation
I also hosted Dr. Geri Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and Innovation for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), at KU to discuss hydrogen storage research and the future of Kansas’ energy needs. In the coming years, U.S. energy needs are expected to shift significantly as the nation’s demand for electricity will likely rise due to increased electrification across industries and the usage of artificial intelligence, data centers and electric vehicles continues to grow. This shift will require major investments in energy storage and infrastructure to ensure reliable energy access, making KU’s research into hydrogen energy storage all the more important.
DOE also performs critical national security work, and this meeting was an opportunity to connect on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence topics to see where the priorities overlap between KU and the department. Throughout the visit, KU was able to showcase its cutting-edge labs and demonstrated to DOE the variety of scientific research being done at the university. I look forward to continuing to build the relationship between Kansas institutions and the Department of Energy.
Thank you to Under Secretary Richmond and Dr. Jay Kalbas for attending.
Meeting with High School Students
Rolla High School
On Monday, I stopped by Rolla High School (RHS) for a tour of their school. I had a chance to talk with faculty, students and staff about the various opportunities provided by RHS. Thank you to students Madylin Huber and Jonathan Kaiser for taking the time to give me a tour.
Moscow High School
On Tuesday, I received a tour of Moscow High School from Principal Shawn Anderson and the high school Student Council leaders. I enjoying seeing the campus, meeting with faculty and students and learning about the day-to-day for all of their students. I want to thank Shawn for taking the time to meet with me and being a great leader for the district.
Speaking at Ulysses Rotary Club
Later on Tuesday, I joined the Ulysses Rotary club for their weekly meeting. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit about the important issues facing our country. Civic clubs are an excellent example of bringing people together to make certain positive things are happening in the areas we call home. I also enjoyed meeting a few members of Ulysses High School’s Senior Class and learning about their plans for the future. Thank you to Catherine Moyer, Kevin Warner, Galen Pelton and the Ulysses Rotary club for allowing me the opportunity to join you.
Visits Across Kansas
Dragon Line Corporate Office
While in Ulysses, I stopped to visit with Monty and Jean Teeter as well as Michael Ask to learn more about Dragon Line. Dragon Line is a Mobile Drip Irrigation system designed to increase water savings by 20-50%, preserving water for future generations to come. By applying water at the base of the plant, the product significantly reduces evaporation, soil compaction and eliminates wind drift on center pivots – increasing irrigation efficiency and improving voluntary water conservation. Dragon Line is sold across the world and manufactured in Ulysses. Thank you to Monty, Jean and Michael for the conversation and being an important business to Kansas.
Ashland Health Center
I visited with folks in Clark County and toured Ashland Health Center (AHC), a Critical Access Hospital that is providing crucial medical services to the community. During my tour, we discussed Kansans’ access to quality health care and visited about Social Security benefits and regulations that affect surviving spouses. I’m grateful to AHC’s CFO Sandy Moore for hosting me at the hospital. I also want to thank Ashland Mayor Kendall Hopp, Clark County Commissioner Dustin McPhail, Dedra McPhail, Kendal Kay and Bill Shaw for joining me in Ashland.
Visiting Kansas Communities
Protection
I visited Protection to meet with members of the community and stopped by the Bank of Protection, City Hall and the local library. Before leaving Protection, I met with the owners of Community Venture - the local grocery store. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing small business owners in Kansas. I also stopped by the Protection Community Center and met with several of the volunteers and leaders of the center - Selicia Hoyt, Sue Page, Betty Jo Maris and Marva Hoyt. Thank you to the people of Protection for hosting me.
Hugoton
Later that afternoon, I visited Hugoton and stopped by the Court House and City Hall. I enjoyed my conversations there with the County Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds and Clerk of the District Court. I also stopped by Hugoton Drug, High Plains Lumber and Hugoton Hermes. Thank you to the Hugoton local government officials and all of the owners and employees I had the opportunity to visit with.
Hoxie
On Wednesday, I made a stop by Hoxie and visited First State Bank, Equity Bank, the Farm Bureau Financial Services office and the Post Office to discuss issues immediately affecting Kansans. I also got to visit with folks at Heim TV and Appliance, USDA Farm Service, Hoxie Implement Company, the City of Hoxie Public Works and City Clerk offices. Thank you to the Hoxie community for being so welcoming and to those that took the time to visit with me.
Kansas Through the Eyes of its Senator
I was at Allen Fieldhouse to attend the men’s basketball game between Kansas and North Carolina. This is a special matchup for the sunflower state as the man attributed with bringing success on the hardwood to North Carolina is Emporia-native and KU graduate Dean Smith. I want to congratulate KU head coach Bill Self for his victory over a top-ranked opponent and for tying Phog Allen as the winningest head coach in KU basketball history.
Capitol Tour
Brad Ansley of Fairway
Ramey Ansley of Fairway
Susan Crawford of Olathe
Maria Engelhardt of Wichita
Elaine Frisbie of Topeka
Lisa Henry of Wichita
Oaklee Henry of Wichita
James Moore of Wichita
Karen Moore of Wichita
Chase Ruff of Olathe
Christopher Ruff of Olathe
Tara Ruff of Olathe
Eric Scott of Olathe
Errol Williams of Topeka
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