Advocating for Kansas Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing Jobs
The presence of Bombardier in Wichita supports a local workforce of more than a thousand employees who contribute their talent and expertise to our nation’s defense and aerospace capabilities.

Yesterday, we learned of the President’s comments related to Bombardier. Throughout yesterday and today, I have been fully engaged with Bombardier officials, as well as the White House, the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Ambassador, to make certain the administration knows the importance of Bombardier to the Kansas workforce and the nation. I will continue working with Bombardier leadership and the administration to find a path forward that provides certainty to the Kansans employed by Bombardier and its supply chain. It is time Canada and the United States respectfully resolve their differences and recognize the importance of each country to the other. 

Thanking Our Nation’s Veterans at The American Legion’s National Convention
This week, I was pleased to attend The American Legion’s National Convention to thank our nation’s veterans and provide an update on my work as chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to advance policies that will support the men and women who have served in our military. We discussed the importance of passing the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA), which encompasses more than 60 pieces of bipartisan legislation to improve health care, benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Importantly, this legislation includes the Major Richard Star Act and provisions to improve access to care, provide long overdue benefits for surviving spouses and families, and extend local suicide prevention grant programs. The American Legion has been a strong advocate for legislation that supports our nation’s veterans, and I appreciate their continued efforts and support of TCAVA.

It was particularly meaningful to talk with Legionnaires from Kansas, including Dan Wiley, who recently concluded his service as National Commander of The American Legion at the end of the convention. Commander Wiley has committed his life to serving his fellow veterans, especially through his work to establish and preside over the Leavenworth Veterans Treatment Court, along with holding 24 different leadership positions across The American Legion. Over the last year, he has done a tremendous job representing our home state of Kansas while leading the Legion, and I thank him and his wife, Sonia, for their service and advocacy on behalf of our nation's veterans.


As a lifelong member of the Sons of the American Legion and the son of a World War II veteran, I hold those who have served our nation in uniform in the highest regard and thank them for their service and sacrifices.

Thank you to Medal of Honor Recipient U.S. Navy SEAL (Ret.) Britt Slabinski, National Sergeant-at-Arms Gaylord Sannemen of Newton, Former Department Commander George Honn of Paola, Vice Commander Ed Boring of Chanute, Area Vice Commander-East Melvin Eubanks of Chanute, National Executive Committeeman Jeremy Ehart of Hutchinson, Alternate National Executive Committeewoman Angela Evans of Sterling, Judge Advocate Joe DeWoskin of Olathe, Historian Jeffrey Winters of Olathe and Chaplain Debra Muylaert of Dodge City for meeting with me and for their continued service to our nation.


Advocating for Kansas Cattle Producers
On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) and I led more than 50 of our colleagues in urging President Trump to prioritize policies that expand trade market access and provide certainty for American cattle producers. We outlined the challenges facing producers, including a 75-year low cattle inventory driven by drought, natural disasters and animal health threats, and that intervention in the cattle cycle at a time when producers are making marketing decisions threatens to pick winners and losers and undermine the long-term viability of family-owned cattle operations.

We also requested the administration consult with stakeholders before additional policy changes are announced. Kansas producers continue to deliver high-quality beef to consumers at home and abroad, and Kansas ranchers remain a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural economy. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I am committed to making certain their voices are heard whenever federal policy decisions could impact their operations. You can learn more and read our full letter to President Trump here.

Announcing Federal Investments for Local Kansas Law Enforcement
Yates City Police Department
It was great to join members of the Yates City Police Department on Friday to announce $637,000 in federal funding for the department to support public safety efforts. These federal resources will provide local law enforcement officers with necessary equipment and training to better respond to the challenges they encounter in the field.

Through my role as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I secured these resources to support the purchase of technology upgrades, including mobile and in-car radios as well as the purchase of a new patrol vehicle to assist the department’s efforts to protect and serve the community.

Thank you to Mayor Justin Weston, Yates Center Chief of Police Michael Strode and the entire Yates City Police Department for their dedication to keeping our communities safe.


Greenwood County Sheriff’s Department
Later Friday afternoon, I visited the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Department in Eureka to announce a $146,000 federal investment I secured for the department to upgrade technology and receive the resources to better serve the nearby region. Rural law enforcement faces unique challenges with fewer staff and resources, and I will continue to work to support them through my role as chairman of the subcommittee that funds federal and local law enforcement.

Thank you to Greenwood County Sheriff Heath Samuels, Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson, County Commissioners Preston Evenson, Judd Everitt and Mac Obourn, as well as everyone at the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Department for their leadership and willingness to serve the community.


Securing Over $1 Million in Federal Resources for Workforce Training
On Thursday, I joined Pratt Community College (PCC) to announce a $1.4 million federal investment that will strengthen the college’s workforce training programs and provide students with access to the equipment and technology they need to succeed in high-demand careers.

Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, I helped secure this funding to support programs including agriculture, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training, automotive technology, electrical power distribution, biotechnology, steel and other fields that are critical to the workforce needs of Pratt and communities across Kansas. By giving students more opportunities for hands-on training with modern equipment, this investment will help prepare them for the jobs they will enter after graduation while helping local employers find the skilled workers they need.

Community colleges play an important role in connecting Kansas students with career opportunities and helping rural communities build and retain a skilled workforce. PCC serves students throughout the region, including through its electrical power training program, which provides training opportunities in Pratt, Wichita, Dodge City and Coffeyville.

Thank you to PCC President Dr. Carl B. Smalls, Board Chair Mark Morgan, Board Members Michele Hamm and Suzan Patton, Pratt County Commissioner Tom Jones, Mayor Kyle Farmer, City Manager Regina Goff, City Commissioner Monte Hostetler, Pratt Chamber Director Bruce Givens, as well as the faculty, staff and students for joining us and for their continued work on behalf of Pratt and the surrounding communities. I look forward to seeing how this investment helps students gain new skills, pursue new opportunities and enter the Kansas workforce prepared to succeed.


Speaking to Kansas Farm Service Agency Employees
This week, I spoke to more than 350 Kansas Farm Service Agency (FSA) employees in Wichita during their statewide training session. FSA employees play a vital role in bridging the gap between the policy decisions made in Washington, D.C., and the producers who utilize U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs.

Their work helps make certain Kansas farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to navigate challenges, from unpredictable weather to high input costs and volatile markets. As a member of the Senate Agriculture and Appropriations Committees, I will continue working to provide producers with certainty through policies that strengthen the farm safety net and provide access to effective risk management tools. Many of these programs are administered through FSA county offices, making the agency’s work essential to the success of Kansas agriculture. I appreciate FSA State Executive Director David Schemm for the invitation and thank all FSA employees for their dedication and service to Kansas producers.


Visiting Kansas High Schools
Norwich High School
This week, I visited Norwich High School to meet with students, faculty and staff as classes resume for the fall semester. During my visit, I met with Principal Kevin Hendrick to discuss the educational programs Norwich provides to bolster student success. I also met with several student ambassadors to hear more about their experience and their goals for the school year. Thank you to Principal Hendrick and students Drew Kelly, Lucas Fisher, Jate Samuelson, Isabelle Shipley and Leighton Durr who met with me during my visit.


Chaparral High School
On Thursday, I stopped by Chaparral High School in Anthony to visit with students and teachers and learn more about how Chaparral is investing in the education of the community. I was given a tour by Principal Sheldon Patton and students Elizabeth Swartz, Piper Gilbo and Jaylin Easter. As this school year gets underway, it was great to hear from students about their plans for the upcoming semester. Thank you to the students, teachers and administrators who took the time to meet with me.


Barber County North High School
It was great to visit Barber County North High School in Medicine Lodge this week. During my visit, I met with many students and teachers to hear about their plans for the new school year. I am always encouraged by the conversations I have with the talented students across our state. Thank you to Principal Adam Maloney and the students who provided me with a great tour.


Touring Fredonia Regional Hospital
On Friday, I visited Fredonia Regional Hospital and met with hospital administrators and staff to learn more about the quality services they provide for the community. Fredonia Regional Hospital is a 25-bed city-owned Critical Access Hospital that provides a broad range of medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency and surgical services, physical and occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, interventional radiology and home health services. By providing comprehensive care locally, Fredonia Regional Hospital helps make certain area residents can receive high-quality medical care closer to home, reducing the need to travel long distances for essential health services.

Thank you to CEO Johnathan Durrett and CNO Brooke Payne for the tour of the facility, and thank you to Wilson County Commissioner Jerry Scott for joining me.


Visiting Fanestil Meats in Emporia
It was great to visit Fanestil Meats in Emporia on Friday. Founded in 1942, Fanestil Meats supplies fresh and smoked meats to customers nationwide and supports quality jobs for the Emporia community. In 2018, I supported the efforts of owners Dan and Jan Smoots to secure a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant to move their original facility from its previous location in a flood plain into a new 40,000-square-foot building away from risk of flooding. I participated in the ribbon-cutting for the facility in 2022, and it was great to be back to see its success. Thank you to the Smoots and everyone who took the time to meet with me.


Visiting Howard and Severy Communities
It was great to visit with residents from Howard and Severy this week to hear about local happenings in the region. My first stop was in Howard, where I met with Kansans at Howard City Hall, Double C Insurance, Batson’s Drug Store and John Black, CPA. I also stopped by Cookson’s Hardware, Howard State Bank, Farm Bureau Financial and Bank of Commerce.


In Severy, I visited City Hall to meet with local residents and hear how I can continue to be of service to the community. Thank you to all who met with me for their time and conversation.


Federal Disaster Aid Awarded to Kansas
I recently led my colleagues in the Kansas delegation in urging the approval of two major disaster declaration requests for the State of Kansas regarding the severe storms and flooding that occurred between June 4 and 15, as well as June 18 and 30. This week, President Trump approved these requests, which were formally submitted earlier this year by Governor Laura Kelly. As Kansans continue to face severe weather events, making certain communities have the resources to recover is critical, and I’m grateful for this support as our state rebuilds.

Wishing Kansans a Happy Labor Day
Our state is home to thriving industries, including aviation, agriculture, manufacturing and health care, because of the hard work of so many Kansans. Thank you to the talented workforce that makes our state a sought-after place where kids can grow up, pursue academic and career success, and one day, raise their own families. Happy Labor Day, Kansas!


Commemorating V-J Day
On September 2, 1945, Japan signed official surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri, bringing an end to World War II. 81 years later, we remember, honor and show gratitude to the men and women of the Greatest Generation who bravely served our country and answered the call to fight tyranny and defend the freedom of the United States and the world. 


Now Accepting Spring 2027 Internship Applications
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans. 

Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the spring 2027 are now open. Priority will be given to applications completed before Thursday, October 1. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, November 15 at 11:59PM CT. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply.  

Now Accepting Spring 2027 Senate Page Applications
Applications are now open for the spring 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Spring Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, October 4 at 11:59PM CT. Click here for more information and to apply. 

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 October 2, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

Kansans in the Office  

Capitol Tour 

Ben Badgett of Olathe

John Badgett of Olathe

Paige Badgett of Olathe

Jennifer Berges of Holton

Lynn Berges of Holton

Brooklynn Davis of Wichita

Lisa Drake of Lawrence

Wayne Drake of Lawrence

Cameron Duncan of Wichita

Joshua Jenkins of Derby

Jared Klingensmith of Stilwell

Kenneth Klingensmith of Stilwell

Laura Klingensmith of Stilwell

Hayden Mize of Derby

Kent Needham of Tonganoxie

Terry Needham of Tonganoxie

Kelli Swanson of Lawrence

Leo Swanson of Lawrence

Noah Thompson of Wichita

Kansas Geological Survey

Jay Kalbas of Lawrence