Wichita Ranked No. 1 for Aerospace & Defense Investments
Recently, Wichita was named the top metropolitan area in the U.S. for aerospace and defense investment because of its aviation history, strong supply chain, industrial capacity and engineering and advanced manufacturing talent. This is great news for the Air Capital of the World, and it serves as a testament to the partnerships that are developing the skilled workforce needed to keep Kansas at the forefront of aviation innovation. You can read more about this well-deserved recognition in the Wichita Business Journal here.


Showcasing Kansas’ Aerospace & Defense Leadership on the Global Stage
This week, I led the largest delegation of Kansans yet to the Farnborough International Airshow to showcase our state’s capabilities and strengthen partnerships that bring new investment and innovation to Kansas. The airshow brings together aerospace and defense leaders from around the world to advance innovation, create new opportunities and strengthen our nation’s security. This marked my eighth year leading a Kansas delegation to the international airshow, which presents a unique opportunity to highlight our state’s leadership in aerospace and defense while showcasing the talent and capabilities of the Kansas workforce.

Air Capital of the World Reception
Before kicking off the airshow, I hosted the Air Capital of the World reception with the Greater Wichita Partnership, bringing together more than 600 leaders from industry and government to strengthen partnerships and highlight Kansas’ role as a global leader in aerospace. The event provides an opportunity to highlight the skilled workforce and innovative companies that make Kansas a leader in aviation and manufacturing, while creating connections that lead to new investment and growth.

It was great to be joined by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who highlighted the important contributions Kansans are making to NASA’s capabilities and how our state’s workforce is helping strengthen American leadership in space exploration and support NASA’s Artemis mission to return Americans to the Moon.


I have long made it a priority to bring federal leaders and industry executives to Kansas so they can experience firsthand the opportunities, innovation and talent our state has to offer. Each time, visitors leave impressed by what they see and the capabilities of our workforce, and Administrator Isaacman’s recent visit to Kansas during the Artemis II mission was no exception. A number of industry CEOs who have visited Kansas at my invitation also attended the Air Capital of the World reception, further demonstrating the impact our state and our workforce have on those who come here. 

You can watch my full remarks here. 


Opening the Kansas Booth & Announcing New Investments
Each year at the Kansas Booth, we recognize the workforce, innovation and partnerships that have cemented Kansas’ position as the Air Capital of the World. This platform also serves as a valuable way to showcase the unique capabilities of our state and to foster connections that will bring more business to Kansas and create new jobs for our workforce. I was grateful to be joined by Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Lt. Governor David Toland, Wichita State University (WSU) President Dr. Rick Muma, WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash, WSU NIAR Executive Director Dr. John Tomblin, Greater Wichita Partnership President Jeff Fluhr and other local Kansas leaders.

The connections made at these events help create new opportunities for Kansas businesses, particularly the small local suppliers that are part of our state’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. Over the past five years, these partnerships have brought more than $3.3 billion in new investments to Kansas companies from some of the world’s largest aviation and defense companies, including Boeing’s recent $1 billion investment in the Wichita area.


This year, we announced a number of new investments and collaborations that will continue strengthening Kansas’ role as the Air Capital of the World. These include partnerships between NIAR and Orizon Aerostructures, as well as NIAR and Kelly Hills Unmanned Air Systems, to advance innovation and expand opportunities across the aerospace industry. We also announced JetZero will open an engineering office in Wichita and Esvisage Group is expanding its U.S. presence into Wichita to focus on aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

The presence of the Kansas delegation at the airshow represents our commitment to remaining at the forefront of aerospace, defense and manufacturing. The aviation and defense ecosystem capabilities that exists in our state cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and I remain committed to making certain the world knows what Kansas has to offer.


Joining Aviation Week from the Airshow
During the airshow, I joined Jill Stockbridge with Aviation Week to discuss how Kansas is continuing to build on its legacy as the Air Capital of the World and strengthening our leadership in aerospace and defense. We spoke about recent investments that are driving growth in the Wichita region, as well as the skilled workforce that calls Kansas home. As demand increases for commercial and military aviation, advanced manufacturing and defense capabilities, Kansas is uniquely positioned to meet the moment, and I will continue working to promote our state's capabilities on the global stage and advance opportunities for more Kansans in these critical industries.

Good News: $34 Million Federal Investment for KC BioHub
This week, the Kansas City BioSecure Manufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub), a consortium led by BioNexus KC, received a $34 million federal investment through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program. This announcement is great news for the region and will allow more Kansas City residents to play a role in our national and economic security through increased research in biotech and other key tech sectors.

Supporting the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program, which awarded this funding, has long been my priority. In 2022, I worked with my colleagues to pass the CHIPS and Science Act, legislation establishing the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program with the directive to invest directly into high potential U.S. regions and shape them into global competitive innovation centers.

Since the program was launched, I’ve worked to provide more than $600 million in federal investments through my role leading the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee tasked with funding the program. This latest investment supports our state's experienced, highly skilled workforce, and it’s a sign of the Greater Kansas City region’s continued growth. I look forward to the good that will come from this investment as the Kansas City region helps strengthen the future of innovation and scientific advancement while supporting our nation’s biotechnology capabilities and national security. You can learn more about my efforts to support this program here.


Questioning DOD Leadership on President’s Supplemental Request
On Tuesday, I participated in the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing to review the President's Supplemental Request for increased resources to support our defense capabilities and provide economic support for American farmers. This supplemental would strengthen our military readiness and help make certain U.S. warfighters have the capabilities they need to face emerging threats, protect our interests and keep our nation safe. Our adversaries are watching how we resource this moment. Beijing, Moscow, Tehran and Pyongyang are increasingly coordinated, and each is measuring whether U.S. commitments in one theater come at the expense of readiness in another. I questioned General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, on whether our adversaries view this moment as an opportunity to exploit U.S. commitments elsewhere and how this supplemental would make certain our deterrence posture and our commitments to allies remain credible across every theater at once.

Meeting that challenge requires fielding the most advanced technologies and making the investments necessary to make certain our armed forces remain prepared, capable and equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. One example is the Cheyenne II, which I raised with U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This modernized aircraft bolsters the Army's ability to transport equipment and personnel, strengthening the readiness of our warfighters.

In addition, the administration's supplemental request includes agricultural economic aid, which comes at a time when producers are continuing to face low commodity prices and high input costs. Supplemental funding would help provide farmers with the resources necessary to weather the current agricultural economy while safety net provisions from last year's reconciliation legislation take effect this fall. I will continue working with my colleagues and the administration to support our nation’s servicemembers, while providing Kansas farmers with the economic assistance necessary to maintain their farming operations. You can watch my questioning of General Caine here and Secretary Hegseth here. 


Introduced: Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Cost of Oral Cancer Treatments
This week, I introduced the Cancer Drug Parity Act with Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), bipartisan legislation to help lower costs for Americans battling cancer and make certain those relying on oral cancer drugs can access them at comparable prices to traditional intravenous (IV) anticancer drugs. 

Orally administered cancer drugs are less invasive than traditional IV medications and can be taken at home, but these drugs often carry high copays that traditional IV anticancer treatments do not. More than 40 states, including Kansas, have passed similar laws at the state level to prevent insurers from charging more for prescribed oral cancer medicine than IV chemotherapy. The Cancer Drug Parity Act would expand these protections at the federal level, supporting Kansans’ access to new treatments while preserving their freedom to choose the treatment methods which best meet their needs. You can read more about this legislation here.

Passed by Committee: Aviation Innovation & Global Competitiveness Act
On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce Committee approved the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, which I introduced with Sens. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) to improve the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) type certification process for American Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft. This bipartisan legislation would help bolster FAA bandwidth to prevent gridlock and increase transparency in the certification process, strengthen the U.S. aviation industry and further American global aviation leadership.

I appreciate the bipartisan support from my colleagues for this legislation, and I’m pleased by this step forward with its passage out of committee this week. This legislation would support emerging aerospace technologies and strengthen the aviation industry in Kansas and across the country, and I look forward to its approval by the full Senate. You can learn more here.


Updates on Efforts to Support America’s Veterans
Supporting Expanded Cancer Care for Veterans
Ahead of leading a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing on research this week, I introduced legislation to codify and expand the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate (POPCaP) to increase access to high-quality care for veterans battling prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among veterans, and veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease as their civilian counterparts. There are currently 21 VA POPCaP Centers of Excellence that provide advanced prostate cancer care, genetic testing and clinical trials to veterans. My legislation would establish seven additional centers so that more veterans, particularly those in rural states like Kansas, have access to cutting-edge therapies as they recover.

During the hearing, I questioned VA witnesses about the department's research programs, and we discussed how VA can strengthen and modernize research efforts to meet the evolving needs of our nation's veterans, including those battling prostate cancer. We also discussed my legislation, the Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate Authorization Act, and how it would safeguard POPCaP's funding, protect its infrastructure and make certain veterans battling prostate cancer continue to receive the world-class, specialized care they have earned. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation. Learn more about the legislation here, and watch my questioning from the hearing here and here.


Update on the Take Care of Americans Veterans Act
At the conclusion of the committee hearing, I highlighted the importance of passing the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA), during an exchange with my colleague and committee ranking member, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). TCAVA is paid for by reinvesting savings from elements of a rule that VA proposed in 2022 to change how the department evaluates claims for service-connected disability ratings for sleep apnea and tinnitus. VA officials testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in January that the department is moving forward with this rule and reconfirmed that last week. If these changes are finalized via regulation rather than through TCAVA, the savings associated with them would return to the federal treasury, rather than being reinvested in long overdue improvements in benefits and services to millions of veterans, survivors, caregivers and others across the country.

TCAVA includes more than 60 separate pieces of legislation that Congress, on a bipartisan basis, has been unable to pass until now because they are not paid for. I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this legislation across the finish line and signed into law. You can watch my discussion with Sen. Blumenthal here.

TCAVA is supported by over 20 veterans groups, including The American Legion, the Wounded Warrior Project, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the Military Officers Association of America, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Veterans Justice Alliance and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

Most recently, the bill was also endorsed by Britt Slabinski and Earl Plumlee, the President and Vice President of the Medal of Honor Society. Medal of Honor recipients like Britt and Earl know firsthand the sacrifices made by our military servicemembers, as well as the importance of supporting veterans and their families. I am thankful for their support for the legislation and for their continued service to our nation.


You can read more about the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act and how it will improve the lives of more than 30 million veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors in this opinion piece from The American Legion National Commander Dan Wiley, a Kansan himself, and Steve Schwab, the Chief Executive Officer of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, here.

Meeting with Director of Federal Bureau of Prisons
This week, I met with Bureau of Prisons Director William Marshall to discuss the Bureau's efforts to strengthen safety, staffing and operations across the federal prison system. We discussed the importance of recruiting and retaining correctional officers, as well as ongoing efforts to modernize the Federal Detention Center in Leavenworth. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, I will continue working with the Bureau of Prisons to improve federal correctional facilities and support the dedicated men and women who serve in them.


Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Credit Union Association
I met with members of the Kansas Credit Union Association to discuss the vital role credit unions play in supporting Kansans and communities across the country. Our conversation focused on making certain the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is structured in a way that both protects consumers and provides clear, effective oversight. We also discussed the importance of maintaining a secure and reliable credit card system for members, along with ongoing efforts to prevent fraud. In addition, we talked about the need for a clear regulatory framework for digital assets and my bipartisan SAFE Crypto Act, which would establish an inter-governmental task force to coordinate federal agencies and the private sector in identifying and combating cryptocurrency fraud. I appreciated the opportunity to hear their perspectives and the time they spent in Washington advocating on behalf of Kansas credit unions and their members.

Special thanks to Frontier Credit Union CEO Michael Augustine and Executive VP Darrin DePriest of Leavenworth; Kansas Credit Union Association PAC Manager Anna Cashatt of Topeka; Credit Union of America Community Engagement Specialist Jordan Poland of Wichita; Meritrust FCU SVP-General Counsel Moji Rosson of Wichita;  Kansas State University FCU Lending Specialist Jensen Strasser of Manhattan; Heartland Credit Union VP of Government Affairs Darren Werth of Hutchinson’ Meritrust FCU VP of Regulatory Affairs Katie Works of Wichita; and Kansas Credit Union Association Executive Director Cale Beam of Wichita for meeting with me.


Meeting with Tyson Peters
On Thursday, it was great to meet with Tyson Peters of Leoti, a rising senior at Wichita County High School who was in Washington, D.C. as a participant in the Washington Journalism and Media Conference. Tyson shared his interest in pursuing a future in sports media and learning more about how the federal government and national policy connects to the work of journalists and media professionals. I am grateful for the chance to meet with Tyson and look forward to seeing where his passion for journalism and media takes him.


Girl Scouts of America
This week, I met with members of the Girl Scouts of America leadership who were visiting Washington, D.C., before their tour of the U.S. Capitol. I enjoyed hearing about their experiences as Girl Scout and how the organization has helped them grow as leaders, serve their communities and try new things. I appreciate the efforts of Girl Scouts of America to help support young Kansans and equip tomorrow’s leaders.

Thank you to Patty Dengler of Eastborough; Jeff and Cindy Janssen and their daughter, Jemma, of Wichita; Terry and Rolinda Sample of Wichita; Allison de la Garza and her mother, Julie de la Garza of Wichita; Peggy Bearth of Derby; Patty Zies of Hutchinson; Jen Ashcraft of Valley Center; Krista Wagner of Wichita; and David Bleich of Virginia for meeting with me.


Capitol Tour Groups
I had the opportunity to visit with Darlene and October Cornfield of Valley Center before their tour of the U.S. Capitol. Darlene and I served in the Kansas legislature together, and it was great to catch up with her and her family. Thank you to Darlene for her service to Kansans and for taking the time to meet with me.


I also appreciated visiting with Rachel, Henry and Anita Martin of Olathe before their U.S. Capitol tour. They shared with me about their trip so far to our nation’s capital and what they’ve enjoyed seeing. Thank you for visiting with me.



Recognizing Sen. Bob Dole’s Birthday
This week marked the birthday of someone who remains close to the hearts of Kansans, the late Senator Bob Dole. Sen. Dole spent his life serving Kansans and our country. Our state and nation are better off because of the courage, sacrifice and selfless dedication of this principled statesman and American hero. As we honor his life and the legacy he left behind, it serves as a fitting reminder of how a small-town kid can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.


Recognizing the 57th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
This week marked the 57th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took humanity's first steps on the lunar surface. NASA’s Apollo 11 mission demonstrated what America can achieve through innovation, determination and leadership. It remains one of our nation’s greatest accomplishments and a defining moment in the history of exploration and discovery.

I recently joined Sens. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) in introducing legislation, which has passed the Senate, to designate July 20 as Lunar Landing Day to honor this historic achievement. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds NASA, I look forward to continuing to invest in America’s space program as we work to return Americans to the surface of the Moon once again, building on the legacy of the Apollo program and bolstering U.S. leadership in space exploration. 

Visits Across Kansas
Touring Hays VA Clinic
On Friday, I visited the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Hays for a tour of the facility. During my visit, I met with RN and Nurse Manager Jennifer Neil, RN Rebecca Winkelman, LPN Troy Gnad and ASMA Kelsey Kerns to discuss the  programs and services Hays VA Clinic provides to make certain veterans can continue to receive quality health care close to home. Thank you to Jennifer, Rebecca, Troy, Kelsey and all the Hays VA Clinic staff for their dedication to providing lifesaving care to veterans in Hays and across Kansas.


Larned Community Visit
Following my visit to Hays VA Clinic, I stopped by Larned to meet with members of the community. During my visit, I visited the Pawnee County Courthouse and met with the County Clerk Stacey Rein, County Sheriff Larry Atteberry, Clerk of the Court Kay Schartz, County Treasurer Tami Keenan and County Register of Deeds Joel Davis. I also stopped by Pawnee County Farm Bureau, Jordaan Memorial Library, the local U.S. Post Office and Pawnee County Cooperative Association, where I met with Pawnee County Cooperative Association CFO Kim Barnes. Thank you to all who took the time to meet with me for the conversations.


Recognizing Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
Today, our nation recognizes Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, honoring the brave Americans who served to defend freedom during the Korean War. May their sacrifices never be forgotten.


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 September 18, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board. 

Kansans in the Office  

Capitol Tour

Elaine Bunten of Topeka

Annie Johnson of Wichita

Dr. Jared Johnson of Wichita

Jemma Johnson of Wichita

Lilly Johnson of Wichita

Will Johnson of Wichita

Alexandria Kalous of Lansing

Cody Kalous of Lansing

Ellie Mae Kalous of Lansing

Jennifer Kalous of Lansing

Georgianna Mullin of Lenexa

Lenny Mullin of Lenexa

Andrew Reyes of Lawrence

Janet Rou of Elk City

Maurice Rou of Elk City

Wilson Rou of Wichita

Mark Hershey of Andover

Sarah Hershey of Andover

Norah Hershey of Andover

Lena Hershey of Andover

Darlene Cornfield of Valley Center

October Cornfield of Valley Center

Rachelle Martin of Olathe

Henry Martin of Olathe

Anita Martin of Olathe

Jon Woltz of Wilsey

Patricia Woltz of Wilsey

American Federation of Government Employees

Alicia Burriss of Kansas City

American Legion Boys Nation/American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation

Burklee Jackson of Concordia

Serena Karou of Olathe

Grace Mendenhall of Leavenworth

Alexis Kenneth Zamora Reyes of Kansas City

American Physiological Society

Morgan Zumbaugh of Manhattan

American Society of Hematology

Dr. Heather Male of Fairway

CASE

Korenne Wolken of Iola

Ford

Kevin Clark of Kansas City

Toni Hayes of Kansas City

Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland

Jen Ashcraft of Valley Center

Peggy Bearth of Wichita

Patty Dengler of Wichita

Allsion de la Garza of Wichita

Julie de la Garza of Wichita

Cindy Janssen of Wichita

Jeff Janssen of Wichita

Jemma Janssen of Wichita

Rolinda Sample of Wichita

Terry Sample of Wichita

Krista Wagner of Wichita

Patty Zies of Hutchinson

HEP/CAMP

Andrew Dalton of Manhattan

Joint Council for Exceptional Children-Council for Administrators of Special Education

April Hilyard of Douglass

Nichole Honeywell of Atchison

Angela Karraker of Wichita

Joanna Pohl of Leavenworth

Kansas Credit Union Association

Michael Augustine of Olathe

Cale Beam of Topeka

Anna Cashett of Topeka

Darrin DePriest of Leavenworth

Jordan Poland of Wichita

Moji Rosson of Wichita

Jensen Strasser of Manhattan

Darren Werth of Hutchinson

Katie Works of Wichita

Kansas Falun Gong Group

Ying Kingman of Topeka

MKC

Dave Spears of Valley Center

National Down Syndrome Association

Tavrick Lawless of Wichita

Anita Raghavan of Wichita

Resource Center for Independent Living

Adam Burnett of Osage City

Beth Burnett of Osage City

Lisa Drybread of Iola

Student Services of Goodard (USD 265)

Jess Herbig of Wichita

Torch.AI

Jason Eidam of Kansas City

U.S. Peace Corps

Greg Kennedy of Alma

Marguerite Quirrey of Alma

Washington Journalism and Media Conference

Tyson Peters of Leoti