Kansas Common Sense
USDA Announces $12 Billion in Economic Assistance for U.S. Farmers
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will provide $12 billion in federal economic assistance for American farmers. The package includes $11 billion in one-time payments to crop farmers under the USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. The remaining $1 billion will cover crops not included in the FBA program.
This announcement is an important step toward improving the economic well-being of rural America. Years of drought, high input costs and trade uncertainty have created economic hardships for American farmers. This package will help farmers weather the current uncertainty while the administration works to increase markets for farmers to sell their crops. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and with the administration to make certain we are providing farmers and ranchers the resources they need to continue feeding, fueling and clothing the world, and maintaining their businesses and livelihoods.
Boeing Finalizes Acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita
The Boeing Company finalized its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems following Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approval of the proposed acquisition on Wednesday. Spirit AeroSystems, based in Wichita, manufactures Boeing fuselages and other structures and components for its narrow- and wide-body fleets, as part of its large portfolio of commercial and defense products and customers.
As Boeing prepares to return to Wichita after two decades, I will continue to advocate for our state’s best-in-class aerospace workforce and supply chain. Kansans are designing and building the aircraft of today, and our workforce and supply chain are prepared to lead the nation into the next generation of aerospace innovation and excellence.
You can read more about Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems from the Wichita Business Journal here.
This evening, I joined Bloomberg TV’s Balance of Power to discuss the news. You can watch my interview here.
Questioning NASA Nominee on Importance of Earth Science Programs for Kansas Agriculture
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation convened a hearing to consider the nominations of Jared Isaacman, President Trump’s nominee to be the Administrator of NASA, and Steven Haines, President Trump’s nominee to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce, leading the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Office of Industry and Analysis.
During my conversation with Mr. Isaacman, I discussed the importance of NASA’s Earth Science programs to Kansas agricultural producers, and Mr. Isaacman indicated his intent to continue NASA’s leadership on these programs to empower farmers in Kansas and across the United States to develop cutting-edge agricultural innovation. In my remarks, I emphasized to Mr. Isaacman the significant role that NASA’s Earth Science Division plays in supporting the agriculture industry, and I shared a letter from a Kansas farmer, Dwane Roth of Holcomb, on the importance of NASA’s earth science research.
I look forward to supporting the nominations of Mr. Isaacman and Mr. Haines in the Commerce Committee and on the Senate floor.
You can watching my questioning of the witnesses here.
Applauding Selection of Prime Integrator to Oversee New Air Traffic Control System
This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that Peraton will the be the Prime Integrator to lead the construction of the new national air traffic control (ATC) system. Congress provided $12.5 billion in federal resources in the Reconciliation Bill for the construction of this new ATC infrastructure. This announcement is good news for the traveling public, and it signals a positive step in the critical efforts to improve the aviation system and modernize our air space. As the project moves forward, Congress remains committed to conducting oversight to make certain that the safety and efficiency of our U.S. aviation system remain the top priority.
As we tragically witnessed on January 29th when a flight originating from Wichita crashed with an Army helicopter – resulting in the loss of 67 lives – the effort to modernize air safety is long overdue. This selection is pivotal in modernizing our aviation system and enhancing greater safety and certainty for air travelers.
Leading Hearing on VA Medication Management Practices
This week, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing to discuss prescription practices and medication management within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). This hearing followed an article published by The Wall Street Journal earlier this year highlighting concerns about a lack of coordination and management of medications for veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, depression and anxiety.
As a nation, we owe veterans the assurance of receiving safe, high-quality and effective care through the VA. This includes making certain that the medications being prescribed to veterans are designed to support their recovery from trauma, pain and mental and physical health challenges and are being paired correctly with the right support systems.
Over the past decade, VA has made significant progress in reducing opioid prescriptions through promoting safer options, expanding programs that support holistic health and implementing new oversight measures to identify high-risk medication combinations. This hearing provided an opportunity to assess progress, discuss effective strategies and identify gaps that still remain. I look forward to working with VA to address concerns and continue to put veterans’ health and well-being first.
Meeting with Greek Minister of Energy Stavros Papastavrou
This week, I met with Greek Minister of Energy, Stavros Papastavrou; the Greek Ambassador to the United States, Ekaterini Nassika; and the former U.S. Ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis. We were joined by Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Minister Papastavrou and I discussed Greece’s recent gas exploration agreement with U.S.-based energy companies. This project represents a significant milestone in reducing Europe’s alliance with Russian oil and is another example of Greece’s strong commitment to its relationship with the United States. Greece is a critical ally that continues to provide stability in the eastern Mediterranean region. We also discussed Greece’s recent acceptance into the National Guard State Partnership Program.
For the last several years, I have expressed to Greek and U.S. officials that Greece should participate in this valuable program. I continue to advocate that the Kansas National Guard be selected as Greece’s state partner, and I look forward to the Department of Defense’s upcoming decision.
Advancing and Reforming Government Technology Modernization
This week, I reintroduced legislation that would reauthorize and reform the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF), a government technology modernization funding mechanism. The Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act, which I introduced with Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), would reauthorize the TMF through 2032 and impose additional requirements and oversight on agencies receiving TMF funds to prioritize long-term technology modernization projects.
I introduced legislation in 2017 that was enacted as part of the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act to establish the TMF, with the goal of providing multi-year funding and repayment flexibility for federal agencies to modernize IT systems, improve the efficiency of government services and strengthen cybersecurity. This bill would sustain and improve that fund and provide for a continued, cost-effective government efficiency solution.
Urging Approval of Disaster Declaration for Kansas Severe Storms
This week, I joined my Kansas colleagues, Sen. Roger Marshall and Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS-01) in supporting Governor Laura Kelly’s disaster declaration for severe storms that ran through our state between September 8-10 of this year. Federal resources provide support for Kansas communities most impacted by these natural disasters and further bolsters local efforts. I will continue to advocate for the resources for local communities to rebuild after these disasters. You can read the full text of the letter here.
Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Commodity Organizations
This week, I met with representatives from the Kansas Soybean Association, Kansas Sorghum Producers and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers to discuss the current state of the farm economy and the need to expand market access for producers. With record harvest numbers in Kansas this fall, the need to move grain is more important than ever. I will continue to advocate for secure, fair and robust trade deals that benefit agricultural producers and expanded access for renewable fuel markets. I look forward to working with Kansas agriculture organizations and other industry stakeholders to provide certainty to the agriculture industry.
Kansas Jobs for America’s Graduates
This week, I met with Kansas high school seniors participating in the Jobs for America’s Graduates–Kansas (JAG-K) program during their visit to Washington, D.C., for the JAG National Student Leadership Academy. JAG-K serves more than 6,200 students across our state, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.
I appreciated hearing about their time in D.C. and the careers they hope to pursue, including nursing, law, auto mechanics and public service. Thank you to the JAG-K students and staff for taking the time to meet with me and for their commitment to preparing the next generation of Kansas leaders.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Kansas City District
This week, I met with Colonel Andrew T. Niewohner, Eric Shumate and Ginger Niemann-Harper with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Kansas City District. We discussed future projects in the Kansas City District, and they provided me an update of the Water Injection Dredging (WID) project at Tuttle Creek Reservoir and the Smoky Hill River Restoration project. I appreciate all the work the Kansas City District does for the state of Kansas.
Kansas Catholic Conference
This week, I met with Chuck Weber of the Kansas Catholic Conference in my Washington, D.C. office. We discussed his work with the Kansas Catholic Conference to advocate for legislative policies that reflect the Catholic faith and its teachings. Thank you to Chuck and his team for visiting with me and for the work they do on behalf of the neediest among us.
Visits Across Kansas
Wichita Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner
On Thursday, I attended the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. I appreciated meeting with local business and community leaders to celebrate the important work the chamber has and continues to support within the Wichita area. Thank you to Wichita Regional Chamber President John Rolfe and all chamber board members for hosting me.
United Methodist Open Door Community Food Ministry
On Friday morning, I toured the United Methodist Open Door Community Food Ministry in Wichita. I learned more about their mission to provide Kansas families in need with nutritious food and their long history of serving the Wichita community. Organizations like Open Door are making a positive impact on lives every day, and I am grateful for the work they do.
Thank you to Executive Director Deann Smith and everyone at Open Door for the warm hospitality. Special thank you to Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Sedgwick County Commission Chair Ryan Baty, Kansas Food Bank CEO Brian Walker, Kansas Health Foundation CEO Ed O’Malley and Vice President of Community Advancement for United Way of the Plains Abel Frederic for joining us.
Minneola District Hospital
On Friday, I visited Minneola District Hospital to meet with CEO Debbie Bruner and learn more about the services the hospital provides to families in southwest Kansas. As a Critical Access Hospital, Minneola plays an essential role in making certain residents have access to emergency care, primary care and rehabilitation services close to home.
I helped to secure federal resources for Minneola District Hospital to purchase a new ultrasound and additional equipment for its emergency and surgical rooms, and I appreciated the chance to see how this investment is helping the hospital upgrade its facilities and better serve the community. We discussed the challenges rural health providers face and the importance of strengthening support for hospitals that serve our smallest communities. Thank you to Debbie Bruner and the Minneola District Hospital team for their dedication to caring for Kansas families.
Skyline High School
This week, I visited Skyline High School in Pratt to speak with students and faculty members about the opportunities the school provides to students to bolster student success after graduation. Thank you to Skyline Elementary School Principal Diana House for welcoming me and to each of these students for a great tour.
Hat Creek Butchery Retail
On Friday, I made a stop at Hat Creek Butchery Retail in Liberal for a tour of their facility. I appreciated meeting with Hat Creek Butchery Owners Dwayne Devellen and Mark West, and Sales, Marketing and Communications Manager Damien Denmark to discuss issues impacting the meat processing industry and how I can best represent them in Washington, D.C. Thank you to Dwayne, Mark and Damien for the tour and for the conversations.
Rolla Community
On Saturday, I travelled to Rolla and met with members of the community. While there, I made stops at Elkhart Coop, the Corner Store and the local U.S. Post Office. Thank you to the Rolla community for the warm welcome and all I met with for taking time out of your day to meet with me.
Remembering Senator Bob Dole
Friday, December 5th, marked four years since we lost one of Kansas’ favorite sons, Senator Bob Dole. Whether it was on the battlefield in WWII, in the halls of Congress or in his everyday life, Senator Dole was dedicated to serving his fellow Kansans and his country. He left a lasting impact on this nation, and I hope that his legacy will always be remembered and carried on by people in Kansas and around the world.
Remembering Pearl Harbor
On December 7th, we paused to remember the brave men and women who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. May we never forget their sacrifice and honor the legacy of our nation’s heroes.
Kansas City Passport Agency Construction Begins
The Department of State has announced that construction has started on the Kansas City Passport Agency, which will be located at 6501 Beacon Drive. The agency is currently expected to open to the public in late 2026, though this timeline may be adjusted as the project progresses. The Kansas City Passport Agency is one of the first of six new passport agencies coming soon.
Once these new agencies are operational, roughly 96% of Americans will be within a five-hour drive of a passport agency for urgent or emergency travel. You can learn more about the progress on the Kansas City Passport Agency here.
Kansans in the Office
Capitol Tour
Alexandra Arnold of Spring Hill
Tracy Arnold of Overland Park
Ashton Dennington of Spring Hill
Jake Fisher of Silver Lake
Katharine Fisher of Silver Lake
Tiffany Fisher of Silver Lake
Thomas Fisher of Silver Lake
Edwin Parish of Wichita
Jordan Roemerman of Topeka
Joshua Roemerman of Topeka
Sharon Sedivy of Wichita
Cindy Sickendick of Overland Park
Emma Sickendick of Overland Park
Jane Sickendick of Overland Park
Keith Sickendick of Overland Park
Kylie Sickendick of Overland Park
Neil Sickendick of Overland Park
District Attorney of Wichita
Marc Bennett of Wichita
JAG-K
Analicia Aquino of Kansas City
Isaiah Douglass of Goodland
Jaden Exantus of Junction City
Aaron Foster of Topeka
Angel Gonzalez of Wyandotte
Beverly Mortimer of Delphos
Macy Patterson of Russell
Julissa Vazquez of Emporia
Acacia Weeks of Winfield
Willie Woods of Junction City
Kansas Association of Wheat Growers
Sarah Henry of Manhattan
Kansas Catholic Conference
Chuck Weber of Topeka
Kansas Sorghum Producers
Adam York of Manhattan
Kansas Soybean Association
Dennis Hupe of Topeka
Kaleb Little of Topeka
Montgomery County
Jonathan Whitson of Independence
Rick Whitson of Independence
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will provide $12 billion in federal economic assistance for American farmers. The package includes $11 billion in one-time payments to crop farmers under the USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. The remaining $1 billion will cover crops not included in the FBA program.
This announcement is an important step toward improving the economic well-being of rural America. Years of drought, high input costs and trade uncertainty have created economic hardships for American farmers. This package will help farmers weather the current uncertainty while the administration works to increase markets for farmers to sell their crops. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and with the administration to make certain we are providing farmers and ranchers the resources they need to continue feeding, fueling and clothing the world, and maintaining their businesses and livelihoods.
Boeing Finalizes Acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita
The Boeing Company finalized its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems following Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approval of the proposed acquisition on Wednesday. Spirit AeroSystems, based in Wichita, manufactures Boeing fuselages and other structures and components for its narrow- and wide-body fleets, as part of its large portfolio of commercial and defense products and customers.
As Boeing prepares to return to Wichita after two decades, I will continue to advocate for our state’s best-in-class aerospace workforce and supply chain. Kansans are designing and building the aircraft of today, and our workforce and supply chain are prepared to lead the nation into the next generation of aerospace innovation and excellence.
You can read more about Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems from the Wichita Business Journal here.
This evening, I joined Bloomberg TV’s Balance of Power to discuss the news. You can watch my interview here.
Questioning NASA Nominee on Importance of Earth Science Programs for Kansas Agriculture
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation convened a hearing to consider the nominations of Jared Isaacman, President Trump’s nominee to be the Administrator of NASA, and Steven Haines, President Trump’s nominee to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce, leading the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Office of Industry and Analysis.
During my conversation with Mr. Isaacman, I discussed the importance of NASA’s Earth Science programs to Kansas agricultural producers, and Mr. Isaacman indicated his intent to continue NASA’s leadership on these programs to empower farmers in Kansas and across the United States to develop cutting-edge agricultural innovation. In my remarks, I emphasized to Mr. Isaacman the significant role that NASA’s Earth Science Division plays in supporting the agriculture industry, and I shared a letter from a Kansas farmer, Dwane Roth of Holcomb, on the importance of NASA’s earth science research.
I look forward to supporting the nominations of Mr. Isaacman and Mr. Haines in the Commerce Committee and on the Senate floor.
You can watching my questioning of the witnesses here.
Applauding Selection of Prime Integrator to Oversee New Air Traffic Control System
This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that Peraton will the be the Prime Integrator to lead the construction of the new national air traffic control (ATC) system. Congress provided $12.5 billion in federal resources in the Reconciliation Bill for the construction of this new ATC infrastructure. This announcement is good news for the traveling public, and it signals a positive step in the critical efforts to improve the aviation system and modernize our air space. As the project moves forward, Congress remains committed to conducting oversight to make certain that the safety and efficiency of our U.S. aviation system remain the top priority.
As we tragically witnessed on January 29th when a flight originating from Wichita crashed with an Army helicopter – resulting in the loss of 67 lives – the effort to modernize air safety is long overdue. This selection is pivotal in modernizing our aviation system and enhancing greater safety and certainty for air travelers.
Leading Hearing on VA Medication Management Practices
This week, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing to discuss prescription practices and medication management within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). This hearing followed an article published by The Wall Street Journal earlier this year highlighting concerns about a lack of coordination and management of medications for veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, depression and anxiety.
As a nation, we owe veterans the assurance of receiving safe, high-quality and effective care through the VA. This includes making certain that the medications being prescribed to veterans are designed to support their recovery from trauma, pain and mental and physical health challenges and are being paired correctly with the right support systems.
Over the past decade, VA has made significant progress in reducing opioid prescriptions through promoting safer options, expanding programs that support holistic health and implementing new oversight measures to identify high-risk medication combinations. This hearing provided an opportunity to assess progress, discuss effective strategies and identify gaps that still remain. I look forward to working with VA to address concerns and continue to put veterans’ health and well-being first.
Meeting with Greek Minister of Energy Stavros Papastavrou
This week, I met with Greek Minister of Energy, Stavros Papastavrou; the Greek Ambassador to the United States, Ekaterini Nassika; and the former U.S. Ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis. We were joined by Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Minister Papastavrou and I discussed Greece’s recent gas exploration agreement with U.S.-based energy companies. This project represents a significant milestone in reducing Europe’s alliance with Russian oil and is another example of Greece’s strong commitment to its relationship with the United States. Greece is a critical ally that continues to provide stability in the eastern Mediterranean region. We also discussed Greece’s recent acceptance into the National Guard State Partnership Program.
For the last several years, I have expressed to Greek and U.S. officials that Greece should participate in this valuable program. I continue to advocate that the Kansas National Guard be selected as Greece’s state partner, and I look forward to the Department of Defense’s upcoming decision.
Advancing and Reforming Government Technology Modernization
This week, I reintroduced legislation that would reauthorize and reform the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF), a government technology modernization funding mechanism. The Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act, which I introduced with Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.), would reauthorize the TMF through 2032 and impose additional requirements and oversight on agencies receiving TMF funds to prioritize long-term technology modernization projects.
I introduced legislation in 2017 that was enacted as part of the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act to establish the TMF, with the goal of providing multi-year funding and repayment flexibility for federal agencies to modernize IT systems, improve the efficiency of government services and strengthen cybersecurity. This bill would sustain and improve that fund and provide for a continued, cost-effective government efficiency solution.
Urging Approval of Disaster Declaration for Kansas Severe Storms
This week, I joined my Kansas colleagues, Sen. Roger Marshall and Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS-01) in supporting Governor Laura Kelly’s disaster declaration for severe storms that ran through our state between September 8-10 of this year. Federal resources provide support for Kansas communities most impacted by these natural disasters and further bolsters local efforts. I will continue to advocate for the resources for local communities to rebuild after these disasters. You can read the full text of the letter here.
Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Commodity Organizations
This week, I met with representatives from the Kansas Soybean Association, Kansas Sorghum Producers and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers to discuss the current state of the farm economy and the need to expand market access for producers. With record harvest numbers in Kansas this fall, the need to move grain is more important than ever. I will continue to advocate for secure, fair and robust trade deals that benefit agricultural producers and expanded access for renewable fuel markets. I look forward to working with Kansas agriculture organizations and other industry stakeholders to provide certainty to the agriculture industry.
Kansas Jobs for America’s Graduates
This week, I met with Kansas high school seniors participating in the Jobs for America’s Graduates–Kansas (JAG-K) program during their visit to Washington, D.C., for the JAG National Student Leadership Academy. JAG-K serves more than 6,200 students across our state, helping them build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.
I appreciated hearing about their time in D.C. and the careers they hope to pursue, including nursing, law, auto mechanics and public service. Thank you to the JAG-K students and staff for taking the time to meet with me and for their commitment to preparing the next generation of Kansas leaders.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Kansas City District
This week, I met with Colonel Andrew T. Niewohner, Eric Shumate and Ginger Niemann-Harper with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Kansas City District. We discussed future projects in the Kansas City District, and they provided me an update of the Water Injection Dredging (WID) project at Tuttle Creek Reservoir and the Smoky Hill River Restoration project. I appreciate all the work the Kansas City District does for the state of Kansas.
Kansas Catholic Conference
This week, I met with Chuck Weber of the Kansas Catholic Conference in my Washington, D.C. office. We discussed his work with the Kansas Catholic Conference to advocate for legislative policies that reflect the Catholic faith and its teachings. Thank you to Chuck and his team for visiting with me and for the work they do on behalf of the neediest among us.
Visits Across Kansas
Wichita Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner
On Thursday, I attended the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. I appreciated meeting with local business and community leaders to celebrate the important work the chamber has and continues to support within the Wichita area. Thank you to Wichita Regional Chamber President John Rolfe and all chamber board members for hosting me.
United Methodist Open Door Community Food Ministry
On Friday morning, I toured the United Methodist Open Door Community Food Ministry in Wichita. I learned more about their mission to provide Kansas families in need with nutritious food and their long history of serving the Wichita community. Organizations like Open Door are making a positive impact on lives every day, and I am grateful for the work they do.
Thank you to Executive Director Deann Smith and everyone at Open Door for the warm hospitality. Special thank you to Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Sedgwick County Commission Chair Ryan Baty, Kansas Food Bank CEO Brian Walker, Kansas Health Foundation CEO Ed O’Malley and Vice President of Community Advancement for United Way of the Plains Abel Frederic for joining us.
Minneola District Hospital
On Friday, I visited Minneola District Hospital to meet with CEO Debbie Bruner and learn more about the services the hospital provides to families in southwest Kansas. As a Critical Access Hospital, Minneola plays an essential role in making certain residents have access to emergency care, primary care and rehabilitation services close to home.
I helped to secure federal resources for Minneola District Hospital to purchase a new ultrasound and additional equipment for its emergency and surgical rooms, and I appreciated the chance to see how this investment is helping the hospital upgrade its facilities and better serve the community. We discussed the challenges rural health providers face and the importance of strengthening support for hospitals that serve our smallest communities. Thank you to Debbie Bruner and the Minneola District Hospital team for their dedication to caring for Kansas families.
Skyline High School
This week, I visited Skyline High School in Pratt to speak with students and faculty members about the opportunities the school provides to students to bolster student success after graduation. Thank you to Skyline Elementary School Principal Diana House for welcoming me and to each of these students for a great tour.
Hat Creek Butchery Retail
On Friday, I made a stop at Hat Creek Butchery Retail in Liberal for a tour of their facility. I appreciated meeting with Hat Creek Butchery Owners Dwayne Devellen and Mark West, and Sales, Marketing and Communications Manager Damien Denmark to discuss issues impacting the meat processing industry and how I can best represent them in Washington, D.C. Thank you to Dwayne, Mark and Damien for the tour and for the conversations.
Rolla Community
On Saturday, I travelled to Rolla and met with members of the community. While there, I made stops at Elkhart Coop, the Corner Store and the local U.S. Post Office. Thank you to the Rolla community for the warm welcome and all I met with for taking time out of your day to meet with me.
Remembering Senator Bob Dole
Friday, December 5th, marked four years since we lost one of Kansas’ favorite sons, Senator Bob Dole. Whether it was on the battlefield in WWII, in the halls of Congress or in his everyday life, Senator Dole was dedicated to serving his fellow Kansans and his country. He left a lasting impact on this nation, and I hope that his legacy will always be remembered and carried on by people in Kansas and around the world.
Remembering Pearl Harbor
On December 7th, we paused to remember the brave men and women who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. May we never forget their sacrifice and honor the legacy of our nation’s heroes.
Kansas City Passport Agency Construction Begins
The Department of State has announced that construction has started on the Kansas City Passport Agency, which will be located at 6501 Beacon Drive. The agency is currently expected to open to the public in late 2026, though this timeline may be adjusted as the project progresses. The Kansas City Passport Agency is one of the first of six new passport agencies coming soon.
Once these new agencies are operational, roughly 96% of Americans will be within a five-hour drive of a passport agency for urgent or emergency travel. You can learn more about the progress on the Kansas City Passport Agency here.
Kansans in the Office
Capitol Tour
Alexandra Arnold of Spring Hill
Tracy Arnold of Overland Park
Ashton Dennington of Spring Hill
Jake Fisher of Silver Lake
Katharine Fisher of Silver Lake
Tiffany Fisher of Silver Lake
Thomas Fisher of Silver Lake
Edwin Parish of Wichita
Jordan Roemerman of Topeka
Joshua Roemerman of Topeka
Sharon Sedivy of Wichita
Cindy Sickendick of Overland Park
Emma Sickendick of Overland Park
Jane Sickendick of Overland Park
Keith Sickendick of Overland Park
Kylie Sickendick of Overland Park
Neil Sickendick of Overland Park
District Attorney of Wichita
Marc Bennett of Wichita
JAG-K
Analicia Aquino of Kansas City
Isaiah Douglass of Goodland
Jaden Exantus of Junction City
Aaron Foster of Topeka
Angel Gonzalez of Wyandotte
Beverly Mortimer of Delphos
Macy Patterson of Russell
Julissa Vazquez of Emporia
Acacia Weeks of Winfield
Willie Woods of Junction City
Kansas Association of Wheat Growers
Sarah Henry of Manhattan
Kansas Catholic Conference
Chuck Weber of Topeka
Kansas Sorghum Producers
Adam York of Manhattan
Kansas Soybean Association
Dennis Hupe of Topeka
Kaleb Little of Topeka
Montgomery County
Jonathan Whitson of Independence
Rick Whitson of Independence
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