During our visit, we discussed the importance of sustained federal investment in medical research and the role NIH plays in supporting the next generation of scientists. I appreciated the opportunity to showcase the strong partnership between NIH, The University of Kansas Health Center and The KU Medical Center, and the long-term benefits this research brings to Kansans and families across the country. Leaders from the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society and representatives from across Kansas also joined us to highlight local efforts to improve patient outcomes.


We received an update on the new KU Cancer Center facility, which will bring researchers together under one roof to strengthen collaboration and expand the center’s national leadership. With the help of federal funding I secured, KU has the resources needed to complete this project at a time when cancer diagnoses in our region continue to rise. We also discussed KU’s Brain Health Initiative and its work to expand research and clinical care in Alzheimer’s disease and neurological disorders.


Examining the Impacts of the Government Shutdown on the Aviation System
On Wednesday, in my role as chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation, I led a hearing to examine the consequences of the recent 43-day government shutdown on the U.S. aviation system and how to ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its workforce can be insulated from the impacts of potential future shutdowns.

During the hearing, members of the subcommittee and I heard from Governor Chris Sununu, President and CEO of Airlines for America, James Viola, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and Nick Daniels, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, on the broad and damaging impacts of the shutdown on all components of American aviation.

In March, I introduced the Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would provide funding for the FAA in the event of a lapse in government funding. I appreciated hearing from the witnesses on the short and long-term impacts of government shutdowns on aviation in America and for their support of my legislation. I also appreciated the presence of Eileen Spickler, a resident of Ottawa, Kansas, and her participation at the hearing.

You can watch my opening remarks and questioning of the witnesses here and here.


Supporting Mental Health in Aviation 
On Thursday, I joined Sens. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) in introducing the Mental Health in Aviation Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) approach to mental health and medical certification. The bill would improve aviation safety by ensuring that pilots and air traffic controllers can seek mental health care without fear of reprisal and reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

This legislation is also co-sponsored by Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Curtis (R-Utah) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.).

Meeting with President & CEO of Honeywell Aerospace Jim Currier
On Tuesday, I met with Jim Currier, President and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace, to discuss the company’s ongoing expansion of its footprint in Kansas and progress on the intended spinoff of Honeywell Aerospace as part of the company’s long-term strategy. During our meeting, Mr. Currier reiterated his desire to expand Honeywell’s facility in Olathe, which currently manufactures avionics for a number of commercial, defense, space and general aviation customers. In June 2024, Honeywell announced an $84 million expansion at the facility to expand production and grow the Kansas aviation workforce in Olathe, and I was pleased to participate in the facility’s ribbon cutting.

I appreciate Honeywell’s commitment to sustaining and expanding their presence in Kansas and to hiring the skilled Kansas aviation workforce necessary to meet the growing demands on the aerospace supply chain. I am grateful to Mr. Currier for his time and insights, and I look forward to Honeywell’s continued investment in Kansas.

Enhancing Transparency of the Broadband Infrastructure Supply Chain
Recently, the Senate unanimously passed the Network Equipment Transparency (NET) Act, legislation I introduced directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to improve the transparency of the broadband supply chain to make certain that critical federal broadband programs remain on track. Many rural communities in Kansas and throughout the country rely on high-speed connectivity to keep pace in an increasingly digital economy. Farms, small businesses, schools and rural health providers depend on reliable internet service for their success, and my legislation aims to expedite federal investments in broadband deployment by adding transparency to supply chains that support broadband infrastructure projects.

The bill would require the FCC’s Communications Marketplace Report to describe to Congress the impact of supply chain disruptions on the timely completion or deployment of broadband infrastructure projects. I was joined in introducing this legislation by Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). The NET Act now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Urging USDA Secretary to Exempt NBAF from Federal Hiring Freeze
This week, I called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to pursue an exemption from the federal hiring freeze to hire necessary staff at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan. As USDA increases the operational capabilities at NBAF, the facility needs more scientists and operational staff, and an exemption would allow the department to make the necessary hires for these critical positions. In September, I toured NBAF along with Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden, and we heard firsthand from staff about the work being done to finish critical repairs and bring NBAF to its full operational capacity. I will continue to work with Secretary Rollins and her team to secure the resources NBAF needs to fulfill its role as the world’s premiere biosecurity facility.

You can read the full letter to Secretary Rollins here.

Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Hospital Association Executive Committee
This week, I met with members of the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Executive Committee to discuss the challenges facing Kansas health care providers and my efforts to secure additional resources for hospitals through the Rural Health Transformation Program. I remain committed to supporting policies that strengthen Kansas hospitals and ensure access to care for families in every part of our state. Our health care providers work tirelessly to keep Kansans healthy, and I appreciate KHA’s continued advocacy on their behalf. 

Thank you to KHA President and CEO Chad Austin, KHA Board Chair and Rice County Community Health CEO George Stover, and Minneola Healthcare CEO Debbie Bruner for the opportunity to meet. 


Rural Broadband Association
On Wednesday, I met with Kansas members of NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association – to discuss issues facing rural broadband providers and ongoing federal broadband deployment efforts. During our meeting, we discussed the significance of the Universal Service Fund (USF) in providing affordable service in rural communities. I am a member of the Senate’s USF Working Group, which is exploring thoughtful reform to sustain the fund and make certain that it is delivering on its objective: universal service.

Thank you to Todd Houseman, CEO of United Telephone Association in Dodge City; Jeff Renner, Customer Operations Manager at United Telephone Association; Beau Rebel, General Manager of Golden Belt Telephone in Rush Center; Jason Pettit, CEO of Tri-County Telephone Association in Council Grove; Rhonda Goddard, CFO of Nex-Tech in Hays; Craig Freeman, General Manager of Wilson Communications in Wilson; Shelly Hansel, Public Relations Director at SCTelcom in Anthony; Stacey Brigham, Regulatory Director at TCA in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Marlene Sanders, Member Relations Manager at NTCA, for their time and insights.


Visits Across Kansas
Hodgeman County Middle School/High School
This week, I visited Hodgeman County Middle School/High School in Jetmore. A group of student leaders led me on a tour of the campus, and I appreciated learning more about the various technical programs provided by Hodgeman County to bolster student success. Thank you to Principal Kari Burkhart, these students and all the faculty and staff for hosting me.


Barclay College
On Thursday, I traveled to Haviland to visit Barclay College and met with President Dr. Derek Brown, students and faculty. Barclay College has a long history of preparing students for service-oriented careers, and I appreciated hearing directly from students about their academic pursuits and future plans. I also toured several campus facilities and learned more about the college’s growing academic programs, including its expanding nursing program. 

We discussed challenges facing small colleges in rural areas, including student recruitment, affordability and workforce development. I worked to secure federal funding to support Barclay’s efforts to strengthen its nursing program and help train more healthcare professionals to serve in Kansas communities. 

Thank you to President Derek Brown and the faculty and students who took time to visit with me. I am grateful for the positive impact Barclay College continues to have on the Haviland community and on our state. 

Congratulating Dr. Doug Girod as Henry Bloch Human Relations Award Winner
On Sunday, Robba and I attended the Jewish Community Relations Bureau-American Jewish Committee's Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Award ceremony in Kansas City to congratulate this year’s award winner, The University of Kansas Chancellor Dr. Doug Girod. Dr. Girod has dedicated his life to bettering the lives of those in our state. Dr. Girod, a former head-and-neck surgeon and U.S. Navy veteran, previously served as the Executive Vice Chancellor at KU Medical Center, helping lead the institution to national education, clinical care and research leadership. He also has served as the President of the American Head and Neck Society, Vice Chair of the American Association of Universities and Chair of the Big 12 Conference. Congratulations to Dr. Girod on this achievement, and I thank him for his continued dedication to bolstering education and healthcare in Kansas.


Now Open: Application for State Two of USDA Crop Disaster Assistance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun accepting applications for the second stage of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). Stage Two covers uninsured and shallow losses for eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses not covered in Stage One. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications from now until April 30, 2026. Producers may visit their local FSA office or visit the USDA website here with any further questions.

Last year, Congress passed the American Relief Act, which secured $16 billion for disaster relief for farmers, ranchers and producers. Stage One of SDRP has already provided more than $5.7 billion in payments for producers who suffered crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to make certain farms and ranches are able to continue their operations, even after adverse weather events.

Kansans in the Office  

Capitol Tour

Thomas Alonzo of Kansas City

Shandi Andres of Alta Vista

Elizabeth Anstine of Overland Park

Chris Blazio of Topeka

Rennick Bodenstab of Olathe

Roberto Cavallaro of Garnett

Taryn Clark of Auburn

Kendra Conrad of Paxico

Heather Corley of Westphalia

Tricia Couch of Fredonia

Mame Saye Drame of Overland Park

Hazel Estes of Fredonia

Logan Gauby of Manhattan

George Hanna of Overland Park

Bob Haselwood of Berryton

Kaylee Helmer of Overland Park

Dennis Hupa of Topeka

Michael Kesel Jr. of Mayetta

Romi Korten of Garnett

Kriti Kumar of Overland Park

Karla LaForge of Erie

Madison Lawson of Holton

Aubrey Murphy of Wichita

Stacie Palmisano of Louisburg

Taylor Palmer-Mrkwa of Fredonia

Reuben Paul of Overland Park

Cira Plummer of Lebo

Fawn Plummer of Lebo

Hrithik Ranganathan of Olathe

Linda Rice of Wichita

Emily Sobba of Richmond

Ajitesh Srivastava of Andover

Jeri Stout of Cottonwood Falls

Lance Stowell of Overland Park

Ben Taylor of Wichita

Elizabeth Van Leeuwen of Olathe

Jaclyn Ward of Wichita

Audrea Wilson of Wichita

American Pharmacists Association

Adison Hoppas of Olathe

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Nicole Chow of Shawnee

Megan Johnson of Lenexa

Anjelica Pearson of Topeka

Jeanette Walther of Lawrence

Kansas Sorghum Producers

Adam York

KHA Executive Committee

Chad Austin of Topeka

Landon Fulmer of Buhler

NTCA

Craig Freeman of Wilson

Rhonda Goddard of Hays

Shelly Hansel of Harper

Todd Houseman of Dodge City

Beau Rebel of Lacrosse

Jason Petit of Council Grove

Jeff Renner of Dodge City

Marlene Sanders of Wichita

Seaboard Energy

Ashley Dubler of Kansas City

Nate Gale of Kansas City