Working to Fund the Military & Pay our Troops
On Thursday, I voted to advance the FY2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act. This legislation would make certain our military has the resources it needs to maintain global U.S. leadership and deter our adversaries who wish to do us harm. This legislation would also ensure our servicemen and women receive compensation for their service to our nation. Despite passing the Senate Committee on Appropriations with overwhelming bipartisan support, this legislation failed to receive the necessary 60 votes to advance in the full Senate.

I have never seen the value in a government shutdown, and failing to fund our military further jeopardizes our ability to pay our troops and strengthen our military. To make certain our servicemen and women’s livelihoods are not negatively affected by Congress’ inaction, I cosponsored the Pay Our Military Act of 2026, legislation that would allow servicemembers to continue to be paid in the event of a government shutdown. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this legislation and pass the short-term continuing resolution and annual appropriations bills to reopen the government, fulfill our constitutional responsibility and provide certainty to our troops.

Calling for Support for Ukraine by Maintaining Pressure on Russia
This week President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and I spoke on the Senate floor to reaffirm the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine and maintained pressure on Moscow.

Recently, we witnessed the long-awaited peace agreement between Israel and Hamas come to fruition. Iran has been dealt a crippling blow that has weakened its hold on the region, and Hamas has released all living hostages who had been held captive for more than two years. Through strength, the U.S. brokered a peace deal that serves the security of Israel and the humanitarian needs of Gazans alike. As the conflict in Ukraine has surpassed the three-year mark, Putin remains undeterred in his mission to carry out his unjust war on the Ukrainian people. Each day this war continues, lives are lost, and the safety, economic stability and global leadership of the United States are threatened. This war must end.

Our adversaries, Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, are always looking for an opportunity to disrupt our alliances, weaken our resolve and disturb the free world. It is imperative that the United States stands firm in its support for Ukraine and, in doing so, places significant pressure on Putin to show our adversaries that democracy will not go undefended.

You can watch my full speech on the Senate floor here.


Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
On Wednesday, I spoke on the Senate floor to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and draw attention to the devasting impact domestic violence has across the country. In 2024, domestic violence affected more than 12 million Americans. In Kansas alone, law enforcement officials received nearly 22,000 reports of domestic abuse or assault.

I’m grateful to the Kansans who dedicate their lives to bring awareness to this crisis and provide care and hope to those in need. In Iola, Kansas, Hope Unlimited provides a lifeline for victims seeking safety and support. The organization advocates and trains volunteers to deliver services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Other Kansas organizations like SAFEHOME in Johnson County, Stepstone in Wichita and Crisis Center, Inc. in Manhattan also work to support survivors of domestic violence. This October and every day, let us speak out against violence in all forms, raise awareness of this devastating issue and bring hope to those who need it most.

You can watch my full speech on the Senate floor here. 

Receiving an Update on WSU NIAR Partnership with Hexcel Corporation
This week, I met with Tom Gentile, CEO of Hexcel Corporation, which is a company that manufactures advanced composite materials for the commercial aerospace, defense, space and industrial markets. Hexcel has strong partnerships with Wichita’s aerospace industry, including a recently announced expanded partnership with Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). Hexcel will establish an application center at NIAR’s ATLAS lab, as well as donate more than $10 million in state-of-the-art equipment to support research and development, which will create new opportunities for innovation, workforce development and economic growth in the region. I was pleased to announce this partnership earlier this year at the International Air Show and look forward to working with Hexcel and NIAR to deliver on their investment, as well as identify additional opportunities for growth. Thank you to Tom Gentile; Patrick Winterlich, Hexcel’s CFO; Gina Fitzsimons, Hexcel’s Chief HR Officer; and Bob Kody, Hexcel’s CTO for their time this week.

Discussing Economic Assistance for Farmers with Brownfield Ag News
This week, I joined Brownfield Ag News to discuss the government shutdown and efforts in Washington to provide assistance to producers. When the government shut down, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was forced to furlough over half of its staff. This has caused most county Farm Service Agency offices to sit empty, leaving farmers without resources and answers to their questions as they work through harvest. This is coupled with the agricultural industry lacking international market access and low commodity prices, causing stress and uncertainty in farm country. Swiftly reopening the government will allow USDA employees to get back in the office and help local producers, as well as allow Congress and the administration to focus efforts on supporting producers and keeping farm operations in business.

You can find my interview with Brownfield Ag News here.

Meeting with Pittsburg State University
This week, I met with Dr. Amy Hite, Director of the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing at Pittsburg State University. During our meeting, we discussed the important work Pittsburg State’s nursing program is doing to train the next generation of nurses and strengthen the health care workforce across Kansas. Kansas continues to face a shortage of nurses, particularly in rural communities, and programs like Pittsburg State’s play a critical role in preparing students to meet that need.

I have long supported federal investments in Kansas nursing education and workforce development programs to make certain hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities have the staff they need to provide quality care. Strengthening our nursing workforce is essential to improving access to health care and supporting the well-being of Kansans across the state. Thank you to Dr. Hite for meeting with me and for your dedication to to educating future healthcare professionals in Kansas.


Meeting with Kansans
Central Kansas AUSA Chapter
This week, the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) held its annual convention in Washington, D.C. AUSA is a non-profit educational and professional organization dedicated to supporting the Army. Once a year, AUSA brings together Army senior leaders, Members of Congress and private industry to address opportunities and challenges facing the Army. I was grateful to meet with several members of the Central Kansas AUSA Chapter from Fort Riley and Junction City to discuss the needs and successes of the greater Ft. Riley area. Thank you to the Central Kansas AUSA Chapter members for making the trip out and visiting with me.


Janet Kerr and Daniel Hinnah
I appreciated visiting with Kansans Janet Kerr and Daniel Hinnah of Topeka during their trip to Washington, D.C. I'm always grateful for the opportunity to speak with Kansans and hear their perspectives. Thank you, Janet and Daniel, for taking the time to meet with me during your visit.


Visits Across Kansas
Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital
This week, I visited Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado and met with CEO Melissa Hall and members of the hospital’s leadership team. We discussed the vital role Susan B. Allen plays in the community and the challenges facing rural health care providers across Kansas. With more than 300 dedicated employees, the hospital serves as a cornerstone of health care in Butler County.

We also discussed the recent approval of Kansas’ 2025 provider tax preprint by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), increasing the hospital provider tax from 3% to 6%. This change will strengthen Medicaid reimbursements for hospitals and physicians across Kansas, generating roughly $1 billion in additional annual support. Thank you to CEO Melissa Hall; El Dorado, Inc. CEO Sarah Hoefgen and Executive Director Linda Jolly; Kansas State Representative Will Carpenter; Bulter County Commission Chair Darren Jackson; and Park City Vice President for Corporate Relations John Prather for joining me during my visit.

You can read more from the Butler County Times-Gazette here.


Eureka High School
On Friday, I toured Eureka High School and met with teachers and students to hear how the semester is going. I appreciated learning more about the programs Eureka provides to invest in the success of Kansas students. Thank you to Principal Angie Lowe and students, T.J., Hannah and Britta for meeting with me and showing me around.


Burns Community
Later on Friday, I made a stop in Burns to chat with members of the community. During my visit, I made stops at Goodwin Industries, Mid Kansas Coop and Community National Bank. I also met with folks at Burns Hardware and Pizza Rehea's. Thank you to the Burns community for welcoming me and for the conversations.


Celebrating Dr. Amy Hite’s Induction into American Academy of Nursing
Congratulations to Dr. Amy Hite, Director of the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing at Pittsburg State University, on her on her induction into the American Academy of Nursing on October 18. This well-deserved honor recognizes her leadership, dedication to nursing education and commitment to improving health care across Kansas. Dr. Hite joins a distinguished group of nurse leaders from across the country and around the world who are being recognized for their leadership, research and service.

Greater Manhattan Community Foundation

Christine Benne of Manhattan

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce

Christian Bishop of Manhattan

Daryn Soldan of Manhattan

PEER

Charles Pickens of Manhattan

Pittsburg State University

Amy Hite of Pittsburg

Stu Hite of Pittsburg

Riley County Commission

John Ford of Manhattan

Secure Passage

Rod Eisenhauer of Kansas City

Kirk Cerny of Kansas City

Society of Hospital Medicine

Ali Rafiq of Wichita

Chady Sarraf of Wichita

State of Kansas

Leisa Shepherd of Topeka

David Toland of Topeka

Kelsey Williams of Topeka

University of Kansas

Gregory Rudnick of Lawrence