Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.

Welcoming Western Kansas to Washington

This week, I met with local leaders from Hays, Great Bend, Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal in Washington, D.C., for their annual fly-in to discuss issues facing their communities and how I could be helpful to them in Washington, D.C.

Hays
I met with local leaders from the City of Hays and Ellis County to discuss issues facing their community, including efforts to modernize and sustain reliable communications for public safety agencies through the replacement of mobile and portable radios and tower equipment upgrades. I also received an update on High Plains Mental Health Center’s Crisis Intervention Center, set to open in May, and its work to advance a proposal of creating a regional behavioral health hub in Hays. We also discussed the City of Hays’ progress on the R9 Ranch Project and their concerns regarding Essential Air Service funding for the Hays Regional Airport. 

Thank you to County Commissioners Neal Younger and Nathan Leiker, Sheriff Scott Braun, County Administrator Darin Myers, Hays Mayor Mason Ruder, City Commissioner David Vilaysing, Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser, Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman, Brayn Brady with HaysMed, Craig Poe with High Plains Mental Health Center and Sarah Wasinger with the Hays Chamber for making the trip to Washington, D.C. and visiting with me.

Great Bend

I appreciated meeting with Great Bend Chamber President Megan Barfield, Great Bend City Commissioner Shelly Peacock and Great Bend Economic Development Executive Director Jason Kulian to learn more about the recent growth in Great Bend, the progress on their projects at the Innovation Center and receive an update on the health of their businesses and downtown. I look forward to many good things coming in Barton County. Thank you for taking the time to visit with me in our nation’s capital.

Dodge City

I enjoyed seeing representatives from Dodge City and Ford County to discuss the progress they are making in redeveloping their downtown and their upcoming projects to improve transportation and mitigate traffic congestion along primary corridors in Dodge City. I also appreciated receiving an update on the Hilmar Cheese plant and hearing about the success of their commercial air service, which is supported by Essential Air Service. Thank you to Mayor Daniel Pogue, City Manager Nick Hernandez, Director of Public Works Corey Keller, Airport Manager Eliel Marin, Chamber President Karla Lees and Economic Development Assistant Director Mollea Lightner for taking the time to visit with me.

Liberal
I appreciated meeting with representatives from the City of Liberal to learn more about the progress they are seeing in building their community, the success of their community college and upcoming economic development opportunities. Members of the community have put in the work and made lasting positive impressions with several high-tech manufacturers that are working to establish a presence in Liberal, providing new jobs and opportunities for years to come. Thank you to City Commissioner Jose Lara, City Manager Scarlette Diseker, Assistant City Manager Brad Beer, Chief Communications Officer Keeley Young and Chamber CEO Rozelle Webb for taking the time to meet with me.

Garden City
It was great to meet with Garden City leaders at the Western Kansas Reception. I appreciate them sharing with me and my staff about the progress on their water re-use project and their mobile emergency communications vehicle, both projects that will serve Kansans in the Garden City area well for decades to come. During the meeting, I also received an update on Amtrak’s Southwest Chief and their commercial air service. I will continue to be an advocate for these resources that help enable meaningful connection between Kansas and the rest of the world. Thank you to Mayor Tom Nguyen, Commissioner Deb Oyler, City Manager Matt Allen, Assistant City Manager Danielle Burke, Airport Director Rachelle Powell, and Chamber President Myca Bunch for providing an update.

Chairing Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing with Commerce Secretary Lutnick
On Wednesday, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS), I led a hearing with Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss the President’s FY27 budget request for the Department of Commerce. I questioned Secretary Lutnick on the status of the department’s efforts to implement the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, as well as its plan to utilize the program’s $21 billion in leftover allocations. I also emphasized the importance of these allocations being spent for the purposes of deploying broadband services across the U.S. to customers who would not otherwise be served.

During the hearing, I also asked Secretary Lutnick about the department’s efforts to modernize the NOAA’s Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite system to improve NOAA’s ability to provide accurate, lifesaving weather forecasting and monitoring data. Following the recent severe weather that has impacted communities across Kansas, I spoke to Secretary Lutnick about the importance of maintaining full staffing and 24/7 weather monitoring at National Weather Service (NWS) offices around the country to provide critical public safety information to communities. I also highlighted for the Secretary the important work being done at Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus through their pilot training program partnership with the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, preparing the next generation of students for careers operating aircraft for scientific research and environmental surveying.

You can watch my opening remarks here, as well as my questioning of Secretary Lutnick here and here.

Discussing USDA FY27 Budget Request with Secretary Rollins
On Wednesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to discuss UDSA’s operations and the department’s FY2027 budget request. I spoke with her about the importance of continuing to fund international food aid programs such as Food for Peace and the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, which use American-grown commodities to feed the hungry worldwide. We also discussed my efforts to move Food for Peace permanently to USDA, and how the department is temporarily taking on the program.

We also spoke about the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, or NBAF, and how Congress can work with the administration to make certain full operation and staffing of the facility is achieved in a timely manner. Last November, I urged USDA to pursue an exemption from the federal hiring freeze to hire necessary staff at NBAF. I am pleased that they responded to this call and are working to make certain NBAF is ready to take on the mission of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.

We discussed the work USDA is doing to increase fertilizer access for producers, and I emphasized the importance of Congress and the administration working to help lower the cost of inputs. Finally, I asked that Secretary Rollins and USDA continue to engage with her colleagues in the administration to quickly finalize the 45Z tax credit to allow farmers and fuel producers to benefit from the production of biofuels made from home-grown feedstocks.

I appreciate Secretary Rollins appearing before the committee, and I look forward to working with her and USDA throughout the appropriations process and this year on ways to benefit rural America.

You can watch my questions to Secretary Rollins here.

Read more about my conversation with Secretary Rollins in The Topeka Capital Journal here.

Questioning HHS Secretary Kennedy on Bolstering Rural Health Care

This week, I participated in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) hearing with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. to discuss the challenges facing our nation’s health care system and efforts to support rural health care.

During the hearing, I emphasized the workforce shortages that continue to impact hospitals in Kansas and across the country. I have visited every hospital in Kansas, and in my conversations with health providers, the most consistent challenge they face is the ability to recruit and retain doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. This issue is especially pronounced in rural communities, where access to care often depends on having the workforce in place to keep hospital doors open.

In my questioning, I also highlighted the Rural Health Transformation Program, which I worked to establish through the Reconciliation Bill. This program provides an opportunity for states like Kansas to invest in long-term solutions that strengthen the health care workforce, expand access to care and support rural providers.

In addition, I highlighted our work as part of the bipartisan 340B Working Group to find a path forward that strengthens and sustains the program for the patients and providers who rely on it. I will continue working to support policies and investments that help address workforce shortages and make certain Kansans have access to quality health care close to home.

You can watch my questioning of Secretary Kennedy here.

Questioning U.S. National Guard Leadership on KC-135 Tanker Fleet Modernization
On Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Defense heard testimony from General Steven Norsdhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau; Lieutenant General Robert D Harter, Chief of the Army Reserve; Rear Admiral Richard Lofgren, Acting Chief of the Naval Reserves; Lieutenant General Leonard F. Anderson IV, Commander of the Marine Corps Reserve; and Lieutenant General John P. Healy, Chief of Air Force Reserve.

I questioned General Nordhaus about the KC-46A mission and the Air Force’s plans to replace the KC-135 with the more modern KC-46A. Currently, the KC-135 is based at the 190th Air National Guard Refueling Wing in Topeka. The KC-135 is an aging fleet; most aircraft are over 60 years old. As the Guard and Reserve forces are becoming increasingly relied upon for both homeland and international missions, we must supply our Guard and Reserve forces with the necessary equipment to support the joint force.

As a senior member of the subcommittee, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the National Guard and Reserve leadership to best equip the Guard and Reserve with resources that allow them to mirror their active-duty counterparts and defend our country.

Watch my questions to General Nordhaus here.

Update on U.S. Military Operation in Iran

I continue to monitor developments in the Persian Gulf. President Trump this past week extended the original two-week ceasefire as efforts continue to resume direct negotiations while the United States maintains the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the blockade, the extension of sanctions waivers on Russian oil sales is a mistake. The relief for American consumers is minimal, and it enriches the Kremlin at a time when Moscow had begun to feel economic pressure during its war against Ukraine. Further, I am concerned by reports of significant drawdowns in key munitions during this war that could leave our country unprepared to fight a sustained war elsewhere. As a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, my colleagues and I have sought to address this problem by strengthening our defense industrial base and increasing the speed of munitions output. It remains imperative that the administration provide Congress with up-to-date information on the war's progress and the path to a durable peace.

The U.S. Needs Our NATO Allies Now More Than Ever
The ongoing U.S. military operation in Iran has created numerous consequences for both the U.S. and our NATO partners in Europe. High gas prices, heightened security threats and stalled trade through the Strait of Hormuz have led to frustrations that extend far beyond our borders.

Alliances are never free of frustrations as each member country prioritizes its own interests and foreign policy. But we should be careful to not overlook the ways our allies are quietly assisting the U.S. in the conflict against Iran.

The U.S. is stronger because of the willing and able partners in Europe with whom our global interests largely align. At a time when our nation’s own budgetary pressures and backlogged industrial base limit our ability to sustain force in multiple theaters simultaneously, we cannot afford to take them for granted. Indeed, we need them now more than ever and should treat them accordingly — as the valued allies they are.

You can read my full op-ed in The Hill here.

Discussing Haskell University with Interior Secretary Burgum
I met with Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum this week to discuss the future of Haskell Indian Nations University and how we can work together to provide long-term stability at the university. I emphasized the need for consistent leadership and highlighted my legislation to transition Haskell’s governance to a Board of Regents, which would strengthen accountability and continuity. I also encouraged the department to engage more directly on this effort and to support robust funding for Haskell in the upcoming budget cycle. I appreciate Secretary Burgum for meeting with me to discuss this important topic.

Receiving an Update from Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche
This week, I spoke with Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) priorities, including the importance of timely FY26 grant funding for Kansas law enforcement entities that rely on these resources to keep their communities safe. We also discussed the opportunity to establish a federal law enforcement training facility in Kansas, and I encouraged continued engagement from DOJ leadership to keep this effort moving forward. Thank you to Acting Attorney General Blanche for the conversation. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I look forward to working with him and DOJ on continuing to support law enforcement in Kansas and across the country.

Speaking on the Senate Floor to Honor Hill City Coach Keith Riley
On Tuesday, I spoke on the Senate floor to honor Hill City High School basketball coach Keith Riley on his retirement after 58 seasons of coaching, teaching and serving the local community. Under his leadership, Coach Riley's team won more than 800 games, three State titles and six track and field championships. To recognize his incredible performance, the National High School Athletic Coaches Association inducted Keith into their association’s Hall of Fame in 2018.

Keith, like so many educators, cared about his students, and his successful career was the result of his genuine interest in the well-being of the students who walked the halls of Hill City High School. I want to congratulate Keith on his legendary career, and wish him and his wife, Merriel, the best in his retirement.

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

Discussing USDA Planned Reorganization with Under Secretary Hutchins
I spoke with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Research, Education and Extension, Dr. Scott Hutchins, this week about the department’s planned reorganization for the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). USDA plans to bring more agency staff from the D.C. area and across the country to their offices in Kansas City. I’ve long advocated for ERS and NIFA to be located in the KC area, and regardless of what side of the border these jobs are located, both Kansas and Missouri will benefit from having USDA staff closer to the producers they serve. This move is a positive development for Kansas, agricultural producers and the Midwest.

Meeting with Gold Star Spouses of America
This week, I met with members of Gold Star Spouses of America and discussed the importance of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) for surviving spouses and families of fallen servicemembers. We discussed my legislation, the Love Lives On Act, which would make certain that spouses of fallen servicemembers who remarry before the age of 55 maintain certain earned benefits through VA and DOD. Parts of the bill have passed and are law, including the ability for surviving spouses to maintain access to commissaries and exchanges on U.S. military bases as well as have certain education benefits even if they remarry, but I continue to work to get the legislation passed in full. Military service is family service, and I want to thank the members of Gold Star Spouses of America for taking the time to visit with me, as well as their advocacy on behalf of all survivors.

Read more about the Love Lives On Act here.

Discussing Panasonic North America’s De Soto Facility with CEO Megan Lee

On Wednesday, I met with Panasonic North America CEO Megan Lee to discuss the continued progress of the company’s De Soto battery manufacturing facility. Since opening in July, the plant has made significant strides, and we spoke about the next phases of development as well as strategies to strengthen and expand the local workforce. I look forward to the innovation this facility will bring as it grows, and I remain committed to making certain that Kansas continues to be a premier destination for advanced manufacturing and high-quality job creation.

Addressing the Conclusion of the DOJ's Investigation of Chairman Powell
The Federal Reserve must operate independent of political parties, and our justice system must be guided by facts, fairness and the rule of law. I support thorough oversight, but politicization of the fed risks damaging the credibility of the institution. The Department of Justice's decision to close its investigation into Chairman Powell is a positive development.

Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Hospital Association
This week, I met with members of the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) to discuss health care in Kansas and the work being done to support hospitals and providers across our state. During our conversation, we discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen rural health care, including the Rural Health Transformation Program I supported to bolster rural hospitals and federal investments through the appropriations process. We also talked about the importance of supporting the health care workforce and making certain providers have the resources they need to care for patients in both rural and urban communities. Kansas hospitals play a critical role in keeping our communities healthy and strong, and I appreciate the partnership of the KHA in advancing policies that support patients and providers alike.

Thank you to KHA CEO Chad Austin, KHA Senior Vice President of Member and Public Relations Cindy Samuelson, KHA Director of Workforce and Healthcare Policy Jaron Caffrey, KHA Consultant Landon Fulmer, Debbie Bruner of Minneola Healthcare, Gabriela Diaz Lenguillu, Molly Haase and Audrey Hill of Advent Health, Matt Fry and Pamela Lanier of Freeman Health System, Dennis George of APS, Val Gleason of Newton Medical Center, Lisa Horn and Dallas Polen of Children’s Mercy, Ashley Hutchinson of Salina Regional, Richelle Marting of Marting Law, George Stover of Rice Community Health, Jake Vance of Saint Luke’s, Sherri Vaughn and Kenny Wilk of The University of Kansas Health System and Bill and Juli Voloch of Wesley Healthcare for taking the time to meet with me.

Kansas Livestock Association
On Wednesday, I met with the leadership of the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) to discuss USDA’s efforts to combat New World Screwworm, and the devastating impact the insect could have on livestock if it moved up from Mexico. We also spoke about USDA’s response to the wildfires that spread across southwest Kansas in February. This past February, I led my Kansas colleagues, Sen. Roger Marshall and U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, in urging Secretary Rollins to take immediate action to support cattle producers affected by the fires. We also spoke about the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, and my efforts to make certain it is fully functional as soon as possible. NBAF will take on the work of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, making it the premier facility for the research of animal diseases.

Thank you to KLA President Ty Breeden, President-Elect Jeff George, Past President Troy Sander, Stockgrowers Council Chair Rossie Stephens, CFC Executive Committee Chair Tod Kalous, and KLA staff Matt Teagarden, Aaron Popelka, and Cole Sjeklocha for meeting with me on these important topics.

American Liver Foundation
On Wednesday, I met Melissa Tolzien of the American Liver Foundation, a Kansan who is advocating on behalf of her mother and herself, and in memory of her grandmother, all of whom have faced liver-related diseases. During our conversation, we discussed the importance of access to care, organ transplantation and continued investment in medical research to improve outcomes for patients. We also talked about the unique challenges facing rural communities and the need to make certain patients can access specialized care when they need it. I appreciated hearing Melissa’s story and thanked her for her advocacy on behalf of Kansans and families impacted by liver disease.

Land O’Lakes
This week, I met with Kansas members of the Land O’Lakes board of directors, Brice Elnicki of Pittsburg and Ross Plumberg of Vermillion, as well as board member Darren Taber and Senior Vice President Kevin Schluender. During our meeting, we discussed Land O’Lakes’s priorities, including the passage of a new five-year Farm Bill, the importance of trade to the agriculture industry and the need to secure permanent, year-round availability of E15. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, I am working with my colleagues to develop a Farm Bill that provides updates to USDA programs used by all parts of the agriculture industry, including cooperatives like Land O’Lakes. I am also a strong supporter of year-round E15 and will continue to work toward a solution that helps grow the biofuels industry. Thanks to meeting with me and discussing how Congress can continue to support American agriculture.

Kansas Association of Insurance Agents
On Wednesday, I met with the Kansas Association of Insurance Agents (KAIA) to discuss the challenges facing the insurance industry. Our conversation focused on legal reforms to increase oversight, transparency and accountability in litigation financing. We also discussed disaster mitigation and making certain recovery programs operate efficiently so homeowners can more easily invest in repairs after disasters. I want to thank KAIA Executive Director Dave Hulcher, KAIA COO Beth Smoller and KAIA Consultant Dan Murray, Bryan Schmitz of SBS Insurance Agency, Jo Erin Stuteville and Brock Elliott of Elliott Insurance Group, Dave Vogul of ProValue Insurance, Scott Strickland of Ranchland Trust of Kansas, Jordan Crow of Imperial PFS, Ashton Fee of Fee Insurance and Robert Richey of Conrade Insurance Group for visiting me in Washington and for their continued work to serve Kansas families, businesses and communities.

American Beverage Association
On Tuesday, I met with members of the American Beverage Association (ABA), including Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, which opened a production facility in Olathe in 2024. We discussed innovation in the beverage industry and companies responding to consumer demand for greater options and greater transparency in labeling. The beverage industry supports over 46,000 jobs in Kansas and contributes over $4 billion to the state economy. Thank you to John Monroe of Lawrence, Ramona Palma-Eason of Lawrence, Gregory Sklenar of Olathe,Tashayla Person, Kevin Morris and Macy Placide for taking the time to meet with me.

Kansas Beer Wholesalers Association
On Tuesday, I met with the Kansas Beer Wholesalers Association to discuss ways to strengthen efforts to prosecute organized crime that are harming their businesses and communities. We also discussed the new dietary guidelines and policies that help make certain alcohol is safely and legally transported across the country. These distributors are key contributors to local Kansas economies, supporting jobs, small businesses and community events. Thank you to Steve Beykirch, Tyler Powell and Keith VanLeeuwen of Eagle Beverage Corps., Heidi Shadid and Matthew Dykstra of LDF Sales & Distributing, Russell Barnett of Crawford Sales Company, Mike Bourneuf and Kevin O’Malley of O’Malley Beverage of Kansas, Casey Mussatto of Flint Hills Beverage and Jessica Lucas with the Kansas Beer Wholesalers Association for meeting with me and for their continued investment in communities across the state.

Visits Across Kansas
Kansas State University Foundation Annual Board of Trustees Meeting
On Friday, I spoke at the Kansas State University Foundation's Annual Board of Trustees meeting. The Board of Trustees has 434 members who are advocates, ambassadors and investors for K-State. I appreciated hearing about the board's recent work to advance K-State's mission and contribute to the long-term success of the university and its students. Thank you to President Kansas State University president Richard Linton, Foundation president and CEO Greg Willems and everyone on the board for hosting me.

 
Photo courtesy of David Mayes Photography, Inc.

Fort Riley Community Reception with Commanding General Monté Rone
I attended a Fort Riley community reception hosted by Commanding General Major General Monté Rone and his wife, Michelle Rone. I appreciate his dedication for the servicemembers of the 1st Infantry Division and the families' stationed at Ft. Riley. It was great to get to celebrate all the work that both MG Rone and his wife have poured into this installation. I also appreciated visiting with Judy Bauer, Director of the Association of the United States Army Leavenworth chapter, and General Carter Ham, former commander of the First Infantry Division at Ft. Riley.

As co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus and a member of the Senate West Point Board, I value CG Rone's leadership and investment in the success of the soldiers at Ft. Riley. Thank you for hosting me.

Indra Olathe Manufacturing Facility Ribbon Cutting
This week, I participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for Indra’s new manufacturing facility. This investment marks another significant step forward for Indra, Olathe and the entire Kansas aerospace sector. Indra’s Olathe facility will provide more than 200 skilled jobs to Kansans and manufacture next-generation air traffic surveillance radars that distinguish Kansas as a continued leader in aviation. As Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation, I worked to secure $12.5 billion to modernize the National Airspace System through the Reconciliation Bill, following the tragic DCA crash involving a flight from Wichita. That investment included $3 billion dedicated to replacing outdated radar systems to ensure the safety of all passengers traveling through some of our nation’s busiest airspaces. Thank you to Indra Chairman and CEO Jose Vicente, Indra Air Traffic USA CEO Bill Colligan and the entire Indra Olathe team for hosting me and for your continued investment in our state.

High Plains Mental Health Crisis Intervention Center
I appreciated touring High Plains Mental Health Center’s Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) on Thursday, which is set to open for services on May 4. High Plains Mental Health Center (HPMHC) serves a 20-county region in northwest Kansas. The facility, one of three in the state, will be the first centralized, clinically appropriate response for behavioral health crisis in the region, serving between 800-1,000 individuals annually and diverting hundreds of patients from emergency departments and law enforcement facilities each year. While the CIC will provide immediate acute care for individuals in mental health crisis or who need substance abuse sobering, HPMHC will coordinate continued care at an inpatient behavioral health care facility or release the client to outpatient care services for those who can be stabilized. Currently, the CIC is licensed for 16 people but was constructed with the ability to expand to serve more patients if the need arises.

Thank you to Executive Director Craig Poe, CIC Operations Manager Benito Rivera-Madrid, Director of Clinical Programs Mark Dinkel, CIC Nurse Coordinator Danielle Lummus, CIC Patient Services Coordinator Raegan Snyder and Mobile Crisis Coordinator JoLynn Ashmore for providing me with a tour of the new facility. The care and services provided by HPMHC staff have a profound impact on the communities they serve. The behavioral health service they provide both through the CIC and through their outpatient services not only saves lives but also makes a tremendous difference in the life of those who seek their care.

You can read more from the Hays Post here.

Remembering Ford County Firefighter & Paramedic William Cory Price
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Ford County firefighter and paramedic William Cory “Liam” Price, who passed away in the line of duty. William was a dedicated member of Ford County Fire and EMS and a faithful servant of his community. My prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

You can learn more about William’s life from KAKE here.

God of Grace and Glory
Appreciated this hymn from church on Sunday.

Lo' the hosts of evil 'round us,
On Thy people pour your power,
Crown Thine ancient Church's story,
Bring her bud to glorious flower

Cure Thy children's warring madness,
Bend our pride to Thy control.
Shame our wanton selfish gladness,
Rich in thing and poor in soul.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the living of these days,
For the living of these days.

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.

Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.

Kansans in the Office 

Capitol Tour

David Groff of Topeka

Jane Groff of Topeka

Mason Ruder of Hays

Collin Bielser of Hays

Jarrod Kuckelman of Hays

David Vilaysing of Hays

John Bemis of Garden City

Virginia Bemis of Garden City

Andros Guitering of Fort Leavenworth

Adrienne Guitering of Fort Leavenworth

Axel Guitering of Fort Leavenworth

Amira Guitering of Fort Leavenworth

Jose Lara of Liberal

Jose Vega of Liberal

Mary Vanleeuwen of St. Paul

James Carr of Andover

Alyssa Carr of Andover

Barbara Luck of Elkhart

Jon Jenek of Emporia

Sarah Jenek of Emporia

Piper Jenek of Emporia

Fynn Jenek of Emporia

Jude Jenek of Emporia

Emersyn Jenek of Emporia

Bradyn Rockers of Hays

Kassadee Dickey of Hays

Taden Fikan of Hays

Chase Steinert of Hays

Danee Phillips of Hays

Maelin Johnson of Hays

City of Dodge City

Nick Hernandez of Dodge City

Karla Ber of Dodge City

Mollea Cishtner of Dodge City

Eliel Martin of Dodge City

Daniel Pogue of Dodge City

Corey Neller of Dodge City

BJC Health

Jake Vance of Saint Lukes

Kansas Beer Wholesalers Association

Steve Beykirch of Frontenac

Tyler Powell of Frontenac

Heidi Shadid of Wichita

Keith VanLeeuwen of Frontenac

Russell Barnett of Olathe

Mike Bourneuf of Lawrence

Matthew Dykstra of Wichita

Jessica Lucas of Topeka

Casey Mussatto of Osage City

Kevin O’Malley of Lawrence

Murphy O’Malley of Lawrence

Lupus Foundation of America

Curtisha Anderson of Kansas City

James Anderson of Kansas City

Karen Holliday of Kansas City

Shakayla Holliday of Kansas City

Kansas Hospital Association

Chad Austin of Topeka

Debbie Bruner of Minneola

Jaron Caffrey of Bonner Springs

Dennis George of Ottawa

Val Gleason of Newton

Ashley Hutchinson of Salina

Henry Hutchinson of Salina

Pamela Lanier of Fort Scott

Cindy Samuelson of Topeka

George Stover of Lyons

Sherri Vaughn of Lawrence

Bill Voloch of Wichita

Juli Voloch of Wichita

Kenny Wilk of Basshor

Molly Haase of Kansas City

Audrey Hill of Kansas City

Lisa Horn of Kansas City

Dallas Polen of Kansas City

Jake Vance of Kansas City

Richelle Marting of Olathe

Landon Fulmer of Buhler

City of Liberal

Scarlette Diseker of Liberal

Keeley Young of Liberal

Brad Beer of Liberal

Brian Mannel of Liberal

Rozelle Webb of Liberal

City of Garden City

Danielle Burbe of Garden City

Tom Nguyen of Garden City

Chad Tenpenny of Garden City

Myca Bunch of Garden City

Deb Oyler of Garden City

Pachelle Powell of Garden City

Matt Allen of Garden City

HARDI

Lauren Roberts of Olathe

Association of Clinical Oncology

Ronald Chen of Overland Park

Lauren Nye of Leawood

Promotional Products Association International

Brian Porter of Overland Park

Performance Plastics Association

Susan Avery of Overland Park

American Physical Therapy Assoc

Marsha Lawrence of Stillwell

AJ Tomas of Hays

City of Hays

Mason Ruder of Hays

David Vilaysing of Hays

Collin Bielser of Hays

Jarrod Kuckelman of Hays

Neal Younger of Hays

Nathan Leiker of Hays

Darin Myers of Hays

Scott Braun of Hays

Bryan Brady of Hays

Craig Poe of Hays

Sarah Wasinger of Hays

City of Great Bend

Megan Barfield of Great Bend

Jason Kvilan of Great Bend

Shelly Peacock of Great Bend
 
Americans for the Arts

Tim Storhoff of Wichita 

American Society of Travel Advisors

Kathryn Sudeikis of Overland Park

Deidre Alexandra Turner of Olathe

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Jon Monroe of Lawrence

Ramona Palma-Eason of Lawrence

Gregory Sklenar of Olathe

North American Deer Farmers Assoc

Karla Kretchmer of Chetopa

Jake Lamb of Manhattan 

National Association of Trailer Manufacturers

John Kerr of Overland Park

Scott Crimmins of Topeka

Aaron Langer Topeka

Kevin Sander of Topeka

Online Lenders Alliance

Tim Madsen of Ottawa

Joe Lilly of Overland Park

Dave Lockridge of Basehor

Kansas Livestock Association

Matt Teagarden of Topeka

Cole Sjeklocha of Topeka

Aaron Popelka of Topeka

Rossie Stephens of Grinnell

Ty Breeden of Quinter

Jeff George of Garden City

Tod Kalous of Pratt

BAE/LTC

Matt Henry of Wichita

Ryan Deirker of Wichita

One Voice for Manufacturing

Fred Stipkovits of Shawnee

Kansas Head Start

Erika Rater of Kansas City

Tesia Sanders of Kansas City

Vianey Guerrero of Kansas City

Home Care Assoc of America

Erin Sullivan of Olathe

LeadingAge

Kylee Childs of Topeka

Rachel Monger of Topeka

Land O Lakes

Brice Elnicki of Pittsburg

Ross Plumberg of Vermillion

American Liver Foundation

Melissa Tolzien of Abilene 

K-State Extension Team

Chandra Plate of Hays

Chris Onstel of Manhattan

Jaime Menon of Manhattan

Jennifer Wilson of Manhattan

Denine Steir of Gypsum

Dooley Center

Renee Cottrell of Atchison

Beandy Schmelzle of Atchison

Duke University School of Medicine

Megan Hansen of Medora

SMART Local 2

Dustin Truitt of Tonganoxie 

Kansas Association of Insurance Agents

Dave Hulcher of Lawrence

Beth Smoller of St. George

Bryan Schmitz of Baileyville

Jo Erin Stuteville of Louisburg

Dave Vogel of Hutchinson

Brock Elliott of Louisburg

Scott Strickland of Leawood

Jordan Crow of Johnson County

Ashton Fee of Hutchinson

Robert Richey of Valley Center

Dan Murray of Lawrence

Ashton Fee of Hutchinson 

FosterAdopt Connect

Jayme Davis of Wichita

Jeremy Cagle of Lee Summit