Welcoming the Artemis II Crew to the “Best Space Museum in the World”
It was great to host Artemis II astronauts, Commander Reid Wiseman and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson this week. Their presence shows the next generation of young Kansans what is possible when they pursue their dreams of careers in science, research, engineering and innovation. 


Shortly after the Artemis II crew was announced in April 2023, I spoke with the astronauts by phone, and they told me, “You do know you have the best space museum on planet Earth in Kansas?” On their return trip to Earth following the historic mission around the Moon earlier this year, I invited them to visit Kansas and see firsthand how the Cosmosphere is inspiring tomorrow’s scientists, researchers and engineers.

On Tuesday, that invitation finally became a reality. 200 Kansans joined us in Hutchinson to celebrate the Artemis II crew and their historic mission, as well as the workforce, suppliers, researchers and engineers that made it possible.

Our Kansas state motto – “to the stars through difficulties” – doesn’t promise that the stars are easy, that they’re safe or that they’re certain. But it tells us we should try, we should explore and we should go. The event was a meaningful reminder of the importance of inspiring and equipping the young people who will shape the future of American leadership in innovation, discovery and exploration.


I’m grateful to Jim Remar, Claire Ludes and the entire Cosmosphere team for preserving the pioneering spirit of space exploration and equipping young Kansans for meaningful careers. I also appreciate the many local leaders and community members who joined us and who share the same desire to invest in the next generation.

Thank you as well to Administrator Isaacman for coming to Kansas and for his commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in space and innovation. And a very special thank you to Reid and Christina for coming to the Cosmosphere, for inspiring the world and for setting an example for the next generation of young Americans who will lead the way in exploration and discovery.

You can watch a recap video from the visit here. 



Good News: Kansas Receives Over $1 Million from Rural Health Transformation Program
This week, I was pleased to announce over $1 million in federal resources for Kansas rural health providers, made possible through the second round of funding from the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. Recipients of this latest round will use the funding to expand Community Health Worker (CHW) and Accountable Food is Medicine (AFIM) programs, increasing access to community health services and nutritional intervention services and structures.


I worked to establish the RHT program on the federal level last year to help identify the root challenges facing rural health providers and invest in solutions to improve outcomes for struggling providers. In the first round of funding through the program, Kansas providers received nearly $80 million in federal resources, and these investments have made a critical difference for rural providers across our state.

These investments help increase access to high-quality care for Kansans living in rural communities, and I will continue working with our rural health care providers and state leaders to find innovative solutions that improve care and strengthen rural communities in Kansas. You can learn more about the program and find the latest recipients here. 


Announcing Partnership Between KU Cancer Center & Citizens Health Center
On Wednesday, I was in Colby to help announce a new partnership between The University of Kansas Cancer Center and Citizens Health Center. Access to quality health care is vital for our rural communities, which is why I’ve worked to make certain that Kansans continue to have access to quality cancer care and treatments. This partnership will bolster the quality of care that Citizens Health provides to northwest Kansas by incorporating the specialized expertise and treatments of the KU Cancer Center. Most importantly, it will support cancer patients and their families when they need it most, right in their own communities.

Special thank you to Citizens Health CEO David McCorkle for his leadership and for hosting me. Thank you to Bob Page, President and CEO, The University of Kansas Health System; Tammy Peterman, President, Kansas City Division, The University of Kansas Health System; Jack Beal, SVP of Cancer Services, The University of Kansas Health System; Dr. Gary Doolittle, Medical Director, Masonic Cancer Alliance, KU Cancer Center; Bob Standage, Member of Citizens Health Board of Trustees; Colby City Manager Ron Alexander; Colby Mayor Lee Leiker; Colby Community College President Seth Carter and members of the Colby community for joining us.


Joining NWKS Radio
Earlier in the day, I joined Lucas Kenney on NWKS Radio to discuss how this partnership will improve access to care for northwest Kansas. One of my priorities in Congress is making certain rural Kansas has a bright future, and access to quality health care is a critical component of that goal. This investment will help meet the needs of Kansans today and in the future. Listen to the full interview here.


Now Open: Washburn Tech’s New North Facility
It was great to participate in the grand opening ceremony for the new Washburn Tech North facility, which will create more opportunities for young Kansans to pursue their goals here in the Heartland. Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I helped secure federal resources to support this expansion and help strengthen Washburn Tech’s efforts to train students for high-demand manufacturing jobs to fill workforce gaps.

Special thank you to Washburn University President Dr. Mazachek, Dean of Washburn Tech Scott Smathers and all the staff, faculty and members of the community who made this expansion possible. Thank you to Sen. Roger Marshall, Congressman Derek Schmidt, Kansas State Senators Rick Billinger, Brenda Dietrich, Michael Fagg and Rick Kloos, Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, Kansas State Representatives Adam Turk, Ken Rahjes, Kirk Haskins, Kyle McNorton, Jason Goetz and Mike Amyx, and all the local and state leaders who joined us.


Participating in Stafford County Port Authority Ribbon Cutting
On Monday, I joined Stafford County community members to celebrate the completion of the Stafford County Port Authority – a significant milestone for the region. This port creates a critical link to transport goods and services throughout Kansas and across the country, which is why I helped secure more than $5 million in federal resources to construct the rail loop that enables entry into the rail system. This port will create new opportunities for commerce and industry, attract investment in the community and help make certain future generations can live and work right here in Kansas.

Special thank you to Stafford Co. Strategic Projects Manager Carolyn Dunn; Stafford County Commissioners Todd Wycoff, Bryce Garner and Jim Stanford; ASM Engineering’s Jake Ferrell and Ryan McCune; Congressman Ron Estes; BNSF Railway’s John Rider and Andy Williams; Federal Railroad Administration’s Norman Arevalo; State Representative Brett Fairchild; Kansas Infrastructure Hub’s Jason Fizell and Adams Industries President and CEO Zach Adams for their leadership, support and for joining us to celebrate this important milestone and their efforts to complete this project.


Visiting Kansas Cadets at the U.S Air Force Academy
I enjoyed visiting with Kansas cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy this week and learning more about their experience at the academy and desire to serve our country. One of my most meaningful responsibilities as a United States senator is nominating young Kansans to attend our nation’s service academies and supporting them as they pursue their commitment to serve our country. These men and women represent some of the best and brightest of Kansas, and their service is one of the many ways Kansas is helping strengthen our nation’s national defense.

Thank you to Robert Wright, Jonah Meyer, Chase Dwornicki, Addie Curtis, Lauren Steinlage, Malachi Feil, James Dykes, Logan Taggart, Cora Dow, Lucas Kaufman, Ryan Kwan and Jackson Jones for visiting with me.


Touring Rawlins County High School
This week, I visited Rawlins County High School in Atwood to tour the campus and receive an update on the progress of the campus rebuilding project following a major fire at the school in June 2023. During my visit, I met with Superintendent Eric Stoddard to discuss the construction efforts, as well as the quality educational programs and services the school provides to students in the community.

Thank you to Superintendent Eric Stoddard for hosting me, and thank you also to City Clerk Dana Philpott, City Councilman Dakota Dunker and Rawlins County Health Center CFO Heather Prideau for joining me during my visit. 


Welcome Back to School, Students
As the fall semester begins, I wish the students all across Kansas a great start as they head back to school!


Visiting Kansas Communities
Oberlin
On Wednesday, I was in Oberlin to visit with members of the community at Akers Implement, Frederickson Insurance, the local Phillips 66, Ward Drug Store and the Oberlin Police Department. I stopped by the Decatur County Courthouse and met with the County Register of Deeds Kari Ketterl, County Clerk Diane Zodrow, County Treasurer Jean Ann Hale and County Sheriff David Wachendorfer. I also visited the Kansas State University Research and Extension Decatur County office. Thank you to everyone I met with for the time and conversation.


Lyndon
It was great to visit Lyndon this week to meet with local residents. During my visit, I stopped by the Osage County Courthouse and met with the County Clerk Jay Hatfield, County Register of Deeds Linda Massey, Clerk of the District Court Kelsey Winsky and members of the Maintenance Department. I also visited Lyndon State Bank, the City Police Department, City Hall and the Osage County Law Enforcement Center. Thank you to all those who took the time to meet with me.


Working to Preserve VA Benefits for Surviving Family Members
Marcie Robertson is a lifelong Kansan, mother of three and advocate for military survivors, who I have had the opportunity to meet on multiple occasions. In 2013, her husband, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Forrest Robertson, was tragically killed in action in Afghanistan. Years later, Marcie learned she and her children could lose critical Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) survivor benefits if she remarried. She reached out to my office to share her story and how this policy impacts many surviving families of servicemembers. No survivor like Marcie should have to choose between getting married again or keeping the benefits they need to support their family following the loss of their servicemember or veteran spouse.

That is why I introduced the Love Lives On Act, which is now included in the bipartisan Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA). Marcie recently shared her story in the Wichita Eagle and Kansas City Star, urging Congress to pass the legislation. As she says: “It is my belief that the best way a grateful nation can honor Forrest’s sacrifice is by supporting his widow and his children through passing the Take Care Of America’s Veterans Act. Surviving families cannot wait any longer.”

You can read her full op-ed here and learn more about the importance of the Love Lives On Act and the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act here.


PASSED: Legislation to Authorize NIH Down Syndrome Research Program
The Senate recently passed the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced with Sen. Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). This legislation authorizes the INCLUDE (Investigation of Co-Occurring Conditions Across the Lifespan to Understand Down Syndrome) Project at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and supports continued federal investments in Down syndrome research. Research funded by the NIH has already led to meaningful advancements, but more work remains.

By authorizing continued federal investments in scientific research focused on Down syndrome, this legislation will help scientists better understand the health challenges these individuals face and advance new solutions to improve care and outcomes. As co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome, I was pleased to see this bill pass the Senate unanimously and look forward to swift passage in the U.S. House of Representatives. You can learn more here.

Introducing Legislation to Increase Transparency in Bank Exams
I recently introduced the Fair Audits and Inspections for Regulators’ (FAIR) Exams Act, which brings greater accountability to the bank and credit union examination process. The legislation would increase transparency for bank and credit union examinations by establishing statutory timelines for examinations and examination reports, creating a prudential private letter ruling and creating a robust appeals process if there is a legitimate disagreement between a regulator and the institutions they oversee. Maintaining a healthy and transparent financial system depends on an examination framework that is consistent, accountable, and free from bias, and that principle remains a priority for me.

Congratulations to De Soto High School Senior Kennadi Fuhrman
Congratulations to De Soto High School Senior Kennadi Fuhrman for winning the 2026 Patriot Games, held in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. She represented her school and our state exceptionally. Way to go, Kennadi! 


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 October 2, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

Kansans in the Office 

Capitol Tour 

Skyler Ayesh of Derby

Drake Bush of Leawood

Gwyneth Bush of Leawood

Mark Bush of Leawood

Wesley Bush of Leawood

Joe Crough of Topeka

Heather Crough of Topeka

Patricia Den Hartog of McPherson

Graham Den Hartog of McPherson

Mallory Fiebich of Derby

Jason Hall of Olathe

Brian Hiltunen of Basehor

Jacob Hiltunen of Basehor

Jennifer Hiltunen of Basehor

Levi Kowalsky of Wichita

Norman Kowalsky of Wichita

Toni Kowalsky of Wichita

Kimberly Larkin of Wichita

Debbie Miller of Olathe

Greyson Miller of Olathe

Todd “TJ” Miller of Olathe

Emily Paton of Olathe

Michael Paton of Olathe

Olivia Paton of Olathe

Sofia Paton of Olathe

William Paton of Olathe

Mykaela Ptacek of Wichita

Deborah Richards of Olathe

John Theodore-Eden of Leawood

Deborah Williams-Thorne of Olathe

Partners in Health Engage

Helinna Bontrager of Manhattan

Peter Clegg of Olathe

Owen Jarboe of Wichita

Emily Pachtz of Wamego

Daniel Park of Overland Park

Mattie Schoenfeld of Overland Park

Olivia Waren of Lenexa

Lanie Whitehill of Shawnee