Kansas Common Sense
Welcoming a New Air Force Program to Wichita
Dec 09 2024
Welcoming a New Air Force Program to Wichita
On Monday, I was in the 'Air Capital of the World' to announce a strategic partnership between Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and global defense contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). The partnership is part of a $13 billion U.S. Air Force (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) contract that will leverage NIAR’s expertise in composites and advanced materials, digital twin capabilities and advanced manufacturing technologies. In support of the SAOC program, one of two 747-8i aircraft recently arrived in Wichita from SNC’s Aviation Innovation and Technology Center (AITC) in Dayton, Ohio. With NIAR’s support, the aircraft will be transformed into highly specialized airborne command centers for the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies.
Last week, NIAR was nationally recognized for their research and engineers and this addition bolsters and expands their programs. I look forward to seeing NIAR’s experience in advanced, cutting-edge technology enhance the design of SNC’s innovative aircraft remodeling as these two companies work to make our country more secure. I will continue to use my position as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to make certain the highly skilled and dedicated Wichita workforce continues to be engaged in the defense of our nation.
Thank you to Wichita State University President Rick Muma, NIAR Executive Director John Tomblin and SNC Executive Vice President John Piatt for joining me for this ceremony.
You can read more about the aircraft in the Wichita Business Journal, here.
Meeting with President Trump’s Nominee for VA Secretary
On Tuesday, I met with President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), former Congressman Doug Collins. We had a productive and good conversation about how to improve the lives of veterans, while making certain VA operates more efficiently and effectively. I highlighted the importance of making certain veterans can access high-quality care and benefits close to home and restoring transparency and accountability at the VA. As the incoming Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I shared how Kansas veterans keep me informed on what veteran services are, or aren’t, working for them. Congressman Collins’ time in Congress has provided him with a strong understanding of the policies that are currently impacting veterans, and I look forward to hearing his testimony before the committee.
Artemis II Mission Set for 2026
On Thursday, NASA announced its decision to launch the Artemis II Mission, the first crewed mission in the program that will fly astronauts around the Moon and back, no earlier than April 2026. While this is a six-month delay, I am pleased NASA has determined the Orion spacecraft and heat shield are safe for the crew. NASA Administrator Nelson also announced the Artemis III Mission, which will utilize a SpaceX Starship to land American astronauts back on the Moon, should fly no earlier than mid-2027. As our nation continues to push further into space, the safety of our astronauts must always come first. It is vital the U.S. remains the world leader in space exploration and that includes once again beating our adversaries to the lunar surface.
Meeting with Dr. Douglas Schmidt
This week I enjoyed meeting with Dr. Douglas Schmidt, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) for the Department of Defense (DoD), Dr. Mitch Crosswait and Mr. Steve Gates. I enjoyed learning more about OT&E’s great work being accomplished in Wichita through a partnership between Novacoast Inc. and the 177th Cyber Aggressor Squadron – a NSA-certified cyber red team which conducts red teaming demonstrations against the DoD’s own systems, platforms or networks to identify vulnerabilities. This information is used to inform OT&E’s critical work in securing our networks to keep our men and women in uniform safe and ready to complete their missions. I look forward to seeing further developments from this partnership and how Wichita can pave the way forward in defending our digital landscapes for our military units.
Congratulating Overland Park Police Officers
This week, Overland Park Police Officers Bill Koehn and Wes Griffith received the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing. This award is given to officers who have positively impacted their communities through outreach events and have conducted assessments to better secure their areas. Thank you for keeping our communities safe, investing in the people of Overland Park and for your dedication to serving those around you.
Delaying Federal Reporting Requirements
This week, I introduced legislation that would prohibit the enforcement of the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements until the Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) meets important criterion. Kansans who own businesses of all sizes raised concerns regarding this reporting requirement, and this legislation will help provide additional time, clarity and flexibility for businessowners to avoid burdensome and unnecessary penalties. I look forward to getting this legislation passed so Kansans can keep their focus on maintaining their businesses in our great state and not on unnecessary regulation.
You can read more about this legislation here.
Meeting with Kansans
Reps. Patrick Penn & Chris Croft
On Wednesday, Kansas House Majority Leader Chris Croft and Kansas State Representative Patrick Penn of Wichita visited my office to discuss their legislative priorities for the year. The Kansas State Legislature is preparing for the FIFA 2026 World Cup and discussed what steps are necessary to make sure Kansas City is ready to host visitors from around the world. We also talked about immigration, commerce and Farm Bill issues that are impacting Kansans and people across the country.
Thank you to Representative Penn and Majority Leader Croft for taking the time to meet with me.
Allan
Allan Swan
On Wednesday, I met with Allan Swan, the President of Panasonic Energy North America, to discuss the status of Panasonic’s DeSoto battery facility and the importance advanced manufacturing tax credits. We also discussed EV Tax credits and how many batteries from the plant go toward electric vehicles. I look forward to continuing to work with Panasonic on this issue, as well as strengthening our state’s manufacturing workforce.
KC World Cup
This week, I met with KC 2026 CEO Pam Kramer to discuss how the Kansas City region is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
It is important that Kansans, athletes and fans from around the world are safe and have a seamless experience traveling to the matches and events in Kansas City. Kansas City, the smallest host-city among the 11 U.S. host cities, will host six matches, including two qualifiers at Arrowhead Stadium, as well as host “base camps” for teams training at the Sporting KC Training Center, the University of Kansas and the KC Current Training Facility. The World Cup requires strategic investments in our local infrastructure and security that will not only benefit our community in advance of the matches, but for many events and years to come.
Earlier this year, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Was.) and I introduced the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cities Act, to provide federal funding for local communities to prepare for the transportation demands ahead of the World Cup. This effort is expected to generate $653 million in economic impact across Kansas and Missouri and is our region’s opportunity to boast what we already know: the Midwest is at the heart of the nation, and we are ready to showcase our states to the world.
Thank you to Pam Kramer and Maggie Collins for meeting with, and I look forward to working with you on KC2026.
Unified Government of Wyandotte County
On Tuesday, I met with representatives from the Unified Government of Wyandotte County to receive an update on the community’s priorities and ongoing efforts. We discussed the Quindaro Ruins and Wyandotte’s work to designate the site as a National Historic Landmark, a prominent designation recognizing its role in shaping American political debate in the 19th century and stopping the westward expansion of slavery into the Kansas Territory. Additionally, we discussed infrastructure concerns for the region and how prioritizing the revitalization and rehabilitation of several bridges will amplify our state’s continued economic development efforts, particularly those in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.
I want to thank Mayor Tyrone Garner, County Commissioner Tom Burroughs, County Commissioner Melissa Bynum, County Administrator David Johnston and former state Representative Paul Davis for joining me for this conversation on the Unified Government’s projects and priorities.
Visits Across Kansas
Highland Community College
On Friday, I visited Highland Community College and received a tour from Dr. Bowhay. It was great to meet with faculty and staff to discuss how the community college is growing and the various career paths students can choose from. Thank you to Dr. Bowhay for the tour.
Remembering Pearl Harbor
On Saturday, December 7, we remembered the brave men and women who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor in 1941. May we honor their sacrifice and never forget the legacy of the Greatest Generation.
On Monday, I was in the 'Air Capital of the World' to announce a strategic partnership between Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and global defense contractor Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC). The partnership is part of a $13 billion U.S. Air Force (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) contract that will leverage NIAR’s expertise in composites and advanced materials, digital twin capabilities and advanced manufacturing technologies. In support of the SAOC program, one of two 747-8i aircraft recently arrived in Wichita from SNC’s Aviation Innovation and Technology Center (AITC) in Dayton, Ohio. With NIAR’s support, the aircraft will be transformed into highly specialized airborne command centers for the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies.
Last week, NIAR was nationally recognized for their research and engineers and this addition bolsters and expands their programs. I look forward to seeing NIAR’s experience in advanced, cutting-edge technology enhance the design of SNC’s innovative aircraft remodeling as these two companies work to make our country more secure. I will continue to use my position as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to make certain the highly skilled and dedicated Wichita workforce continues to be engaged in the defense of our nation.
Thank you to Wichita State University President Rick Muma, NIAR Executive Director John Tomblin and SNC Executive Vice President John Piatt for joining me for this ceremony.
You can read more about the aircraft in the Wichita Business Journal, here.
Meeting with President Trump’s Nominee for VA Secretary
On Tuesday, I met with President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), former Congressman Doug Collins. We had a productive and good conversation about how to improve the lives of veterans, while making certain VA operates more efficiently and effectively. I highlighted the importance of making certain veterans can access high-quality care and benefits close to home and restoring transparency and accountability at the VA. As the incoming Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I shared how Kansas veterans keep me informed on what veteran services are, or aren’t, working for them. Congressman Collins’ time in Congress has provided him with a strong understanding of the policies that are currently impacting veterans, and I look forward to hearing his testimony before the committee.
Artemis II Mission Set for 2026
On Thursday, NASA announced its decision to launch the Artemis II Mission, the first crewed mission in the program that will fly astronauts around the Moon and back, no earlier than April 2026. While this is a six-month delay, I am pleased NASA has determined the Orion spacecraft and heat shield are safe for the crew. NASA Administrator Nelson also announced the Artemis III Mission, which will utilize a SpaceX Starship to land American astronauts back on the Moon, should fly no earlier than mid-2027. As our nation continues to push further into space, the safety of our astronauts must always come first. It is vital the U.S. remains the world leader in space exploration and that includes once again beating our adversaries to the lunar surface.
Meeting with Dr. Douglas Schmidt
This week I enjoyed meeting with Dr. Douglas Schmidt, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) for the Department of Defense (DoD), Dr. Mitch Crosswait and Mr. Steve Gates. I enjoyed learning more about OT&E’s great work being accomplished in Wichita through a partnership between Novacoast Inc. and the 177th Cyber Aggressor Squadron – a NSA-certified cyber red team which conducts red teaming demonstrations against the DoD’s own systems, platforms or networks to identify vulnerabilities. This information is used to inform OT&E’s critical work in securing our networks to keep our men and women in uniform safe and ready to complete their missions. I look forward to seeing further developments from this partnership and how Wichita can pave the way forward in defending our digital landscapes for our military units.
Congratulating Overland Park Police Officers
This week, Overland Park Police Officers Bill Koehn and Wes Griffith received the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing. This award is given to officers who have positively impacted their communities through outreach events and have conducted assessments to better secure their areas. Thank you for keeping our communities safe, investing in the people of Overland Park and for your dedication to serving those around you.
Delaying Federal Reporting Requirements
This week, I introduced legislation that would prohibit the enforcement of the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements until the Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) meets important criterion. Kansans who own businesses of all sizes raised concerns regarding this reporting requirement, and this legislation will help provide additional time, clarity and flexibility for businessowners to avoid burdensome and unnecessary penalties. I look forward to getting this legislation passed so Kansans can keep their focus on maintaining their businesses in our great state and not on unnecessary regulation.
You can read more about this legislation here.
Meeting with Kansans
Reps. Patrick Penn & Chris Croft
On Wednesday, Kansas House Majority Leader Chris Croft and Kansas State Representative Patrick Penn of Wichita visited my office to discuss their legislative priorities for the year. The Kansas State Legislature is preparing for the FIFA 2026 World Cup and discussed what steps are necessary to make sure Kansas City is ready to host visitors from around the world. We also talked about immigration, commerce and Farm Bill issues that are impacting Kansans and people across the country.
Thank you to Representative Penn and Majority Leader Croft for taking the time to meet with me.
Allan Allan Swan
On Wednesday, I met with Allan Swan, the President of Panasonic Energy North America, to discuss the status of Panasonic’s DeSoto battery facility and the importance advanced manufacturing tax credits. We also discussed EV Tax credits and how many batteries from the plant go toward electric vehicles. I look forward to continuing to work with Panasonic on this issue, as well as strengthening our state’s manufacturing workforce.
KC World Cup
This week, I met with KC 2026 CEO Pam Kramer to discuss how the Kansas City region is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
It is important that Kansans, athletes and fans from around the world are safe and have a seamless experience traveling to the matches and events in Kansas City. Kansas City, the smallest host-city among the 11 U.S. host cities, will host six matches, including two qualifiers at Arrowhead Stadium, as well as host “base camps” for teams training at the Sporting KC Training Center, the University of Kansas and the KC Current Training Facility. The World Cup requires strategic investments in our local infrastructure and security that will not only benefit our community in advance of the matches, but for many events and years to come.
Earlier this year, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Was.) and I introduced the Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cities Act, to provide federal funding for local communities to prepare for the transportation demands ahead of the World Cup. This effort is expected to generate $653 million in economic impact across Kansas and Missouri and is our region’s opportunity to boast what we already know: the Midwest is at the heart of the nation, and we are ready to showcase our states to the world.
Thank you to Pam Kramer and Maggie Collins for meeting with, and I look forward to working with you on KC2026.
Unified Government of Wyandotte County
On Tuesday, I met with representatives from the Unified Government of Wyandotte County to receive an update on the community’s priorities and ongoing efforts. We discussed the Quindaro Ruins and Wyandotte’s work to designate the site as a National Historic Landmark, a prominent designation recognizing its role in shaping American political debate in the 19th century and stopping the westward expansion of slavery into the Kansas Territory. Additionally, we discussed infrastructure concerns for the region and how prioritizing the revitalization and rehabilitation of several bridges will amplify our state’s continued economic development efforts, particularly those in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.
I want to thank Mayor Tyrone Garner, County Commissioner Tom Burroughs, County Commissioner Melissa Bynum, County Administrator David Johnston and former state Representative Paul Davis for joining me for this conversation on the Unified Government’s projects and priorities.
Visits Across Kansas
Highland Community College
On Friday, I visited Highland Community College and received a tour from Dr. Bowhay. It was great to meet with faculty and staff to discuss how the community college is growing and the various career paths students can choose from. Thank you to Dr. Bowhay for the tour.
Remembering Pearl Harbor
On Saturday, December 7, we remembered the brave men and women who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor in 1941. May we honor their sacrifice and never forget the legacy of the Greatest Generation.
U.S. Capitol Tour
Pierre Harter of Wichita
Tera Herrman of Hays
Vern Herrman of Hays
Debra Franklin of Wichita
Simon Chak of Kansas City
Alice Phillips of McPherson
Brady Phillips of McPherson
Jess Phillips of Hutchinson
Paul Phillips of Hutchinson
Community Care Network
Scott Anglemyer of Topeka
Aaron Dunkel of Topeka
Patrick Sallee of Kansas City
Duerst Consulting Group
Stephen Duerst of Topeka
Jobs for America’s Graduates Kansas
Hannah Greenleaf of Greensburg
Isaiah Douglass of Goodland
Jaden Exantus of Junction City
AJ Hase of Emporia
Ali Keffel of Overland Park
Chuck Knapp of Topeka
K’lynn Lawrence of Kansas City
Noah Maldonado of Junction City
Beverly Mortimer of Delphos
Kalli Peterson of Eudora
Kameron Welch of Emporia
Kansas Catholic Conference
Chuck Weber of Topeka
Kansas State Legislature
Chris Croft of Overland Park
Patrick Penn of Wichita
KC2026
Pam Kramer of Overland Park
Maggie Collins of Leawood
National Plant Diagnostic Network
James Stack of Manhattan
Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas
Tom Burroughs of Kansas City
Melissa Bynum of Kansas City
Paul Davis of Lawrence
Tyrone Garner of Kansas City
David Johnston of Kansas City
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