Announcing Committee Assignments for 119th Congress
I will serve on the following committees during the 119th Congress:

Senate Committee on Agriculture
Senate Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – Chairman

I am honored to lead the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and I remain committed to making certain veterans across the nation have an opportunity to achieve success after service and that the VA is working for them. I was also selected to serve on the Senate Committee on Agriculture for the first time during my tenure in the Senate. I look forward to advocating for Kansas producers on the ag committee and helping craft a long-term Farm Bill to provide much needed certainty to farmers and ranchers.  

Each of these committees has important jurisdiction over issues and programs that impact Kansans and our nation, and I am committed to using my position on these committees to better the lives of Kansans and all Americans.

Discussing Priorities for the New Year
This week, I joined multiple news stations across Kansas to talk about my legislative priorities this year and my activity in Kansas over the holiday season. It is important that we provide security for our farmers and ranchers, protect our southern border, support rural health care and take care of our nation’s veterans.

You can listen to my interview with KSCB here.

Remembering Les Herrman
This weekend, Les Herrman passed away. Les was a dear friend, an educator, community leader and father. He was a member of the Hays Lions Club for 56 years and embodied their values of service, compassion and generosity. Last summer, we attended the Lions Club 100th Anniversary with fellow club and community members. Robba and I are praying for the Herrman family and their loved ones.



Denouncing 9/11 Terrorist Plea Deals
The U.S. Court of Military Commission Review decided to uphold a plea deal to allow three 9/11 conspirators to escape harsher penalties for their crimes. I am disappointed by this decision and implore Secretary of Defense Austin to pursue every available avenue to overturn this plea deal. These men deserve to face trial for all their atrocities, and the families of 9/11 victims deserve justice for their loved ones.

Visiting Kansas Hospitals
Rooks County Health Center
On Tuesday, I visited Rooks County Health Center to meet with staff and hospital leadership. During my tour, we discussed the challenges that rural hospitals face and the critical role they provide to our communities.

Thank you to the Rooks County Health Center staff for the tour.

Dennis Frank’s Retirement Reception
On Monday, I had the opportunity to join Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center staff and local leaders to celebrate Dennis Frank’s retirement. For 19 years, Dennis has led Neosho Memorial as its CEO and worked to make certain rural Kansans have access to quality health care. His efforts were recently recognized as he was named the Kansas Hospital Association’s 2024 Charles S. Billings Award for his exceptional contributions to health care in our state.

Congratulations Dennis for all you have done for the Chanute community, and I wish you luck in this next chapter.



Allen County Regional Hospital
While in southeast Kansas on Monday, I toured Allen County Regional Hospital in Iola. This 25-bed critical access facility is a part of the Saint Luke’s system and offers a variety of excellent services to area residents. From laboratory to physical and occupational therapy, the hospital is well-staffed to meet the needs of its patients. Thank you to Administrator Pat Patton, hospital trustee Mary Kay Heard, Allen County Commissioner-elect John Brocker and Chamber Director Kelly Sigg for the tour and warm welcome back to Iola.



Coffey County Hospital
I also stopped by Coffey County Hospital in Burlington to meet with CEO Stacy Augustyn, her leadership team and a several of the hospital’s board members. Newman Regional Health CEO Cathy Pimple joined us for a conversation about challenges facing rural health care facilities such as the 340B prescription program, recruitment and retention of a nursing workforce and financial reimbursements for services from Medicare, Medicare Advantage and insurance companies not fully covering the provider costs necessary to sustain hospital operations. I appreciated Chamber Director Callie Zirkle for joining me to discuss the important role health care systems play in helping our communities thrive.

Kansas Community Visits
Plainville
After my visit at the Rooks County Health Center, I had the chance to visit my hometown of Plainville. It was great to visit with friends and stop by local businesses and institutions, including Ruder Oil Company, Crawford Supply Co., Penco Engineering, Plainville Insurance, Carmichael True Value, Farm Implement & Supply and Plainville City Hall. Thank you to the people of Plainville for their hospitality and for welcoming me home at the end of 2024.



Durham
On Friday, I visited Durham and met with members of the community. While there, I stopped at the post office, Main Street Cafe & Bakery, G & R Equipment and Agri Trails Cooperative. Thanks to everyone for the warm hospitality.

Visits Across Kansas
South Central Area Command Salvation Army
On Friday, I visited the South Central Area Command Salvation Army in Wichita. While there, I received a tour of the facility from Major Powers, Bola Oduniyi, Erik Nerheim, Dominique Davis and Andrew Uhlschmidt. The Recovery Home and Supportive Services for Veteran Families provides resources like food and clothing to veterans and their loved ones,

Thank you to the staff for the tour and for the work you do to support our nations heroes.



Olathe Police Department
On Thursday, I visited the Olathe Police Department to tour their facility. I met with Chief Mike Butaud who began his law enforcement career 30 years ago and became chief in 2019. It was great to meet with law enforcement officers during the tour and see the technology at the department.

Thank you, Mike, for the tour and for the work you do to keep the City of Olathe safe.



Celebrating with KWCH’s Michael Schwanke 
While at KWCH on Friday, we celebrated Michael Schwanke’s 25th work anniversary. Congrats to Michael on this accomplishment!



Favorite Books of 2024
This year I wanted to share some of my favorite books of 2024. One of my first jobs was at the Plainville Memorial Library, and books have always had a special place in my life.

Mirrors of Greatness: Churchill and the Leaders Who Shaped Him
David Reynolds

Churchill’s American Network: Winston Churchill and the Forging of the Special Relationship
Cita Stelzer

Ascent to Power: How Truman Emerged from Roosevelt’s Shadow and Remade the World
David L. Roll

Patton’s Prayer: A True Story of Courage, Faith, and Victory in World War II
Alex Kershaw

An Ordinary Man: The Surprising Life and Historic Presidency of Gerald R. Ford
Richard Norton Smith

Arthur Vandenberg: The Man in the Middle of the American Century
Hendrik Meijer

Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present
Fareed Zakaria


Kansans in the Office
Capitol Tours
Connor Brueseke of Manhattan

Emily Brueseke of Manhattan

Graham Brueseke of Manhattan

Matthew Brueseke of Manhattan

Elijah Gayer of Healy

Elleigha Gayer of Healy

Jacob Gayer of Healy

Megan Gayer of Healy

Connie Jacobson of Topeka

David Jacobson of Topeka

Phil Conrad of Topeka