Connecting Kansas: Welcoming FCC Commissioner to the Sunflower State
This week, Commissioner Olivia Trusty from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) accepted my invitation to visit Kansas to meet with local leaders, telecommunications providers and broadcasters. Due to the Senate holding votes over the weekend, I was unable to be in Kansas with her. Commissioner Trusty joined my staff at Garmin’s headquarters campus in Olathe to tour Garmin’s manufacturing, operations, research and development and aviation facilities. Commissioner Trusty met with Garmin representatives to discuss issues that Garmin and the technology industry are facing, including trade and supply chain disruptions and regulatory developments impacting Garmin’s business.

She also joined my staff at WTC Fiber, an internet service provider in Wamego, for a roundtable discussion with telecommunications providers from across Kansas. During the roundtable, they discussed the FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) and how federal, state and private investments in broadband infrastructure are essential to delivering reliable, high-speed internet for all Kansans and Americans. Following the roundtable, Commissioner Trusty also had the opportunity to view WTC Fiber’s broadband deployment work underway in Maple Hill.


Commissioner Trusty also visited WIBW-TV in Topeka to see the station’s studio space and control facilities, before meeting with television and radio broadcasters from across Kansas to discuss issues they are facing, particularly as they vie for viewers and revenue with multimedia tech giants, and how Congress and the FCC can support a competitive media landscape.

I appreciate Commissioner Trusty coming to Kansas and spending time with Kansas leaders in technology, telecommunications and broadcasting. Thank you to Nex-Tech Wireless CEO & General Manager Jimmy Todd, CFO Rhonda Goddard and VP of Government Affairs Daron Jamison; General Manager of MT Networks Rob McDonald; Chairman & CEO of Twin Valley Telephone Ben Foster; Executive Director of KOBD Bill Abston; General Manager of Totah Communications Mitch Gailey; VP & General Manager of Wilson Communications Craig Freeman; CEO of Blue Valley Technologies Candace Wright; General Manager of Haviland Broadband Diane Thompson; CEO & General Manager of SCTelecom Carla Shearer; Owner of Cunningham Fiber Brent Cunningham; CEO of Kanokla Jill Kuehny; CEO of Tri-County Telephone Jason Pettit; General Manager of GBT Beau Rebel; CEO & General Manager of Rainbow Communications Jason Smith; CEO of WTC Fiber Jeff Wick; Executive Director of CCK Erik Sartorius; and Pioneer Communications CEO Catherine Moyer for their time and conversations.

Thank you also to Kansas Association of Broadcasters President Gregg Hibbeler; WIBW General Manager David Hermann, former General Manager Roger Brokke, News Director Melissa Brunner and Sales Director Chris Fisher; VP & General Manager of KCTV5 Curtis Miles; and SWKS Radio Market Manager Phil McComb for helping welcome Commissioner Trusty to Kansas.


Intelligence Briefing on Worldwide Threats
On Wednesday, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held its annual worldwide threats hearing with the leaders of the Intelligence Community. I used the opportunity to ask CIA Director John Ratcliffe about how the conflict with Iran will benefit Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. I am concerned that providing Russia with sanctions relief on its oil exports will provide Vladimir Putin with more revenue to sustain his war machine, and I am also concerned about the disruption of supply chains that are critical to providing for Ukraine’s defense. As military operation in Iran continues, our military continues to make progress in degrading Iran’s capabilities that threaten our interests and partners in the region. As the Iranian regime continues to block the Strait of Hormuz, it is necessary for ships carrying energy, fertilizers and food to be permitted safe passage. I continue to pray for the safety of our Armed Forces as they carry out their missions.

You can watch the video of my questioning here.

Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Revitalize Rural Hospitals
This week, as a member of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, I introduced bipartisan legislation with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to strengthen rural hospitals by providing zero-interest loans to support new construction and the renovation of existing hospital facilities. The resources would be provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Facilities Direct Loan Program to improve the ability of hospitals to provide essential health care services to rural communities.

Rural hospitals are critical to the well-being of the communities they serve in Kansas and across the country. Our legislation would provide a pathway for qualifying rural hospitals to make needed renovations and facility upgrades, helping to promote the long-term viability of rural hospitals and communities. You can learn more about the Rural Health Revitalization Act and my efforts to support rural Kansas health providers here.

VA Committee Passes 24 Bills Promoting Key Veterans Priorities
This week, I chaired a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs legislative markup, where our committee passed 24 pieces of bipartisan legislation to improve the lives of veterans, servicemembers and survivors across the country. I introduced four of the 24 bills that advanced out of committee, including the Love Lives On Act, the Guard/Reserve G.I. Bill Parity Act, the Veterans Prosthetics Advancement and Reform Act and the Fisher House Availability Act.

Under current law, surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers lose eligibility for most Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits if they remarry before the age of 55. I introduced the Love Lives On Act to allow surviving spouses to retain their DOD and VA benefits upon remarriage regardless of age so their families can continue receiving the benefits they need. Military service is family service, and no one knows that as well as a survivor. I am grateful this legislation passed out of committee and look forward to bringing it – and the other bipartisan pieces of legislation approved by the committee this week – forward for a full vote in the Senate.

You can learn more about the legislation and the markup here.

Visiting with Kelly McHugh, Gold Star Daughter
At the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs markup, I visited with Kelly McHugh, the surviving daughter of U.S. Army Colonel John M. McHugh, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010 while his family was stationed at Ft. Leavenworth. In 2021, I named the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act after Kelly's dad to pay tribute to his sacrifice and recognize how important his children's education was to him. It was great to have Kelly join us at the signing ceremony when it became law in November 2021. Thank you, Kelly, for your dedication to supporting fellow surviving families across the country.


Meeting with VA Under Secretary Sam Brown
On Thursday, I met with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Sam Brown, to discuss National Cemetery Administration (NCA) performance and how Congress can help improve the services we provide for our fallen servicemembers, veterans and their families. Since Under Secretary Brown’s confirmation in July, VA set a record for customer satisfaction within memorial services – the highest satisfaction score ever achieved by any public or private organization measured by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

I appreciate the work Under Secretary Brown and his team have been doing within the NCA, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to find new ways to improve burial services to honor our fallen servicemembers and strengthen support for veterans and their families in Kansas and across the country.


Meeting with General Paul Funk II
Earlier this week, I met with former Fort Riley Commander, General Paul Funk II (ret.) to learn about advances our nation is making in quantum technology. The development of these cutting-edge solutions strengthens our national security as we compete to deter emerging threats facing the United States. I look forward to continuing to support Kansas’ role in developing the science that helps keep American families safe here at home.


FAA Announces New Aviation Safety Standard
This week, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bedford took an important step to improve the safety of our skies by requiring air traffic controllers to use radar technology to coordinate aviation traffic near our nation’s busiest airports. Our aviation system is fragile, and the tragic mid-air collision on January 29, 2025, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen and modernize safety standards. The implementation of radar-only tracking for helicopters and airplanes was recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following its investigation into the crash of Flight 5342, and I commend USDOT and FAA leadership for enacting this safety measure.

There is still work to be done, including passage of ROTOR Act, my legislation that would implement the broad adoption of location-transmitting technology, known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B), for planes and helicopters in busy airspace. I will continue working to pass the ROTOR Act to further strengthen critical aviation safety standards. You can learn more here.

Touring FAA Air Route Traffic Control Center
Before returning to Washington D.C., on Monday, I visited the Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) for a tour of the facility. During my visit, we discussed the challenges air traffic controllers face. We also spoke about the $12.5 billion investment for ATC modernization that Congress approved in last year’s reconciliation bill and my legislation, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, that would provide stability for the U.S. aviation industry in the event of government shutdowns. We also discussed the ROTOR Act, legislation I introduced with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to improve aviation safety and support our air traffic controllers. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, I am committed to making certain our aviation industry has the resources and support it needs to keep our skies safe for the traveling public. Thank you to everyone at Fort Worth ARTCC for their service and thank you to National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Nick Daniels for joining us on the tour.


Touring Textron Advanced Vertical Launch Center
This week, I visited the Bell Textron office located just outside of Washington, D.C. Bell Textron currently manufactures the fuselage production for the Army’s Future Long Rang-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) V-280 in-house at its facility in Wichita. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Defense, I have consistently supported this program by the Army. The V-280 is a modernized tilt-rotor aircraft built for the speed and range of the warfighter’s capabilities to successfully fight and win. I will continue to work to bolster our state’s efforts to support the development of these cutting-edge military capabilities.


Recognizing Women in Agriculture Day
During National Agriculture Week, I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution designating March 21, 2026, as National Women in Agriculture Day, honoring the more than 1.2 million women who contribute to American agriculture. Earlier this year, I also cosponsored a resolution recognizing 2026 as the International Year of the Women Farmer. In Kansas and across the nation, women play an important role in advancing the future of agriculture by managing family farm operations, educating the next generation of producers and supporting our rural communities. As we celebrate National Women in Agriculture Day, we extend our gratitude for their hard work, resilience and unwavering commitment to keeping our agricultural industry strong and investing in the future of rural America.

Update on the SAVE America Act
This week and into the weekend, the Senate held extended debate on the SAVE America Act. If enacted, this legislation would set voter identification requirements, including proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It would also require citizens to show photo ID, like a driver's license, to vote in federal elections. Federal law already prohibits non-citizens voting in federal races. This legislation would create a uniform standard to verify that requirement across all 50 states.

Meeting with Kansans
City of Ottawa
I met with leadership from the City of Ottawa this week and discussed an update on the $2.6 million federal investment I secured to upgrade the Ottawa Municipal Airport runway. I look forward to seeing the reconstruction and extension of the runway and its impact on the future growth of the community. I will continue to work with Ottawa local leaders on projects in the area to support economic growth and opportunities for the city. Thank you to City of Ottawa Commissioners Zach Clayton, Eric Crowley, Emily Allen, Mike Skidmore and Tim VanLeidon for meeting with me.


Kansas Association of Community Action Programs
This week, I met with Jessica Wedaski from Kansas Association of Community Action Programs (KACAP) and Jamey Whitney and Casey Brown from Southeast Kansas Community Action Program (SEK-CAP) to discuss the important services they provide to Kansans. SEK-CAP serves 12 counties in southeast Kansas and provides support with housing, utilities, transportation, employment, early childhood education and nutrition for individuals and families in communities across our state.

During our conversation, we discussed federal programs that support these efforts, including the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and Head Start. Community Action Programs use the flexibility of CSBG dollars to provide tailored resources to the communities they serve. The FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill includes $810 million for the CSBG and $12.4 billion for Head Start to help support these critical services to provide opportunities for those in need.

I appreciate the work of KACAP and SEK-CAP, as well as community action programs across Kansas, that help support families and strengthen our communities.


American Society of Engineers
On Thursday, I met with the American Society of Civil Engineers to discuss Kansas’ infrastructure and water resource needs. We talked about the importance of advancing the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act and the Water Resources Development Act to support the state’s long-term priorities. I appreciate Dave Bohnenblust and Aaron Frits taking the time to visit the office and for their continued work on behalf of Kansas.


Kansas City, KS, Fire Department
I appreciated the opportunity to visit with members of the Kansas fire service community, including representatives from the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD), during their time in Washington for the Congressional Fire Service Institute Symposium. Local firefighters, many of whom serve as volunteers, are a cornerstone of communities across Kansas, and I am grateful for their dedication to protecting and serving Kansans. Thank you to KCKFD Deputy Chief Andrew Novak, KCKFD Assistant Chief Chad Womble, Wyandotte County Assistant County Administrator Bridgette Cobbins, and Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute Director Jennifer Johnson for taking the time to meet with me.



Capitol Tour Groups
This week, I had the opportunity to visit with several Kansans while they were visiting the U.S. Capitol. I always enjoy getting to talk with Kansans while they are in Washington, D.C. and hearing about their visits to our nation’s capital.








Recognizing World Down Syndrome Day
Each year on World Down Syndrome Day, we celebrate the meaningful impact individuals with Down Syndrome have on our communities and across the globe. Through my role as the Senate co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome, I am committed to advancing policies that empower every member of this community to succeed.



Kansans in the Office  

Capitol Tour

Daniel, Carolina, Mateo and Mia Arango of Wichita

Jenna Marie and Michael Archer of Olathe

Brett and Luke Atwell of Wichita

Ava, Emily, Matthew and Preston Beigel of Wichita

Rachel Berland of Wichita

Amber, Charlie, Chris, Grace, Henry and William Beverlin of Olathe

Alexandra, Angela, Brooks, Everett and Joseph Blackburn of Olathe

Randee Boggs-Olive of Hays

Michelle Bridges of Kansas City

Christopher, Claudia, Elsa, Kathleen, Heuer and Soren Brungardt of Hays

Crystal Bryant-Kearns of Manhattan

Elanor Bryant of Manhattan

Andrew, Henry, Jude, Lindsey, Lucy and Sofia Calovich of Overland Park

Allison and Sam Cargnel of Overland Park

Angela Covey of Spring Hill

Meghann Chaudry of Topeka

Samuel Cargnel of Overland Park

Allison Cargnel of Overland Park

Samual Cargnel or Overland Park

Bridgette Cobbins of Kansas City

Johnny Delmont of Baxter Springs

Jill, Lane, Tanner and Wyatt Dixon of Ellis

Ava, Brenna and Brian Dugan of Wichita

Christopher, Katie and Rose Ebberwein of Wichita

Fiona, Gwen, Kinley and Ryan Gigous of Lawrence

Boston Goddard of Wichita

Mads Hansen of Hays

Everett and Melinda Harrison of Murdock

Avery, Gavin, Joseph, Randi and Sydney Helget of Ottawa

Clara Jaehnel of Olathe

Jennifer Johnson of Lawrence

Ben and Charlotte Kearns of Manhattan

Kyndel and Mandy Kinley of Columbus

Ava, Dominic, Don and Sara Kirby of Tonganoxie

Beverly and Stuart Kowalski of Wichita

Erin, Steve and Ty La Row of Topeka

Kimberly Mackey of Stilwell

Ian, Lindsay, Luke and Megan Maresh of Olathe

Anthony Mijango of Topeka

Ben Moore of Manhattan

Andrew Novak of Kansas City

Teixeira and Trexynn Olive of Hays

Brian, Melissa, Robert and Selah Overton of Leawood

Mason and Scott Placke of Spring Hill

Datha, Nathan, Vienna and Zara Santomieri of Shawnee

Fiona Rey of Overland Park

Loa, Patrick and Zelia Stephens of Overland Park

Allison, Claire, Cole and Emily Smart of Lenexa

Eleanor, Neil, Shanna and Thomas Stewart of Overland Park

Asher, Eric, Lucas, Natasha and Tatum Swanson of Olathe

Alexis, Angela and Christopher and Ethan Van Deusen of Wichita

Melissa VanLeiden of Ottawa

Lincoln, Kierstyn, Ryan and Stephanie Whitsel of Olathe

Gretchen and Julia Willhite of Olathe

Chad Womble of Kansas City

AFS-USA

Viktoria Gramp of Manhattan

Council of the Great City Schools Conference

Amy Jensen of Wichita

Central Plains Agency on Aging

Stephen Shaughnessy of Wichita

Olathe Teen Council

Liz Ruback of Olathe

Hope Kelly of Olathe

Cooper Saadah of Olathe

Ryleigh Forshee of Olathe

Francesco Keuwo of Olathe

Kansas Superintendents

Reginald Eggleston of Junction City

Keith Mispagel of Fort Leavenworth

City of Lenexa

Mike Nolan of Lenexa

Julie Sayers of Lenexa

John Michael Handley of Lenexa

Mark Charlton of Lenexa

Avery Bell of Lenexa

Chelsea Williamson of Lenexa

Chris Herron of Lenexa

Craig Denny of Lenexa

Beccy Yocham of Lenexa

City of Shawnee

Mickey Sandifer of Shawnee

Jeanie Murphy of Shawnee

Paul Kramer of Shawnee

Colin Duffy

City of Wichita

Becky Tuttle of Wichita

Mike Hoheisel of Wichita

Dalton Glasscock of Wichita

JV Johnston of Wichita

Maggie Ballard of Wichita

Joseph Shepard of Wichita

Jim Jonas of Wichita

American Podiatric Medical Association

Corin Wilde of Pittsburg

National Association of Postal Supervisors

William McIntyre of Gardner

Mike Hobson of Overland Park

Don Avis of Wichita

Yvone Avis of Wichita

Chas Rogers of Wichita

Katherine Rogers of Wichita

American Health Information Management Association

Megan Mawhirter of Larned

Darin Callacombe of Overland Park

American Coalition for Ethanol

Dough Sommer of Garnett

National Association for College Admission Counseling

Marcie Frederickson of Topeka

United Postmasters and Managers of America

Harry Gifford of Oswego

Judy Wasko of Hanston

American Optometric Association

Jeremy Durham of Wichita

Wayne Gilmore of Parsons

City of Overland Park

Amy Antrim of Overland Park

Bryan Dehner of Overland Park

American Society of Civil Engineers

Aaron Frits of Lawrence

David Bohnenblust of McPherson

Kansas Association of Community Action Programs

Jamey Whitney of Girard

Casey Brown of Girard

National Kidney Foundation

Curtisha Anderson of Kansas City

Megan Elliott of Olathe

Melissa Tolzien of Abilene

Shana Warkentine of Wichita

National Blood Clot Alliance

Sierra Ferguson of Derby

Congressional Fire Service Institute Fire Service Day

Brittany Bronw of Leawood

City of Ottawa

Emily Allen of Ottawa

Zachary Clayton of Ottawa

Eric Crowley of Ottawa

Mike Skidmore of Ottawa

Tim VanLeiden of Ottawa

National Association of Convenience Stores

Robert Erskin of Saint Francis

Gray Taylor of Alexander

Lounilyn Erskin of Saint Francis

Brain Posler of Topeka

MRIGlobal

Ian Colrain of Kansas City

Michael J Fox Foundation Parkinson's Policy Forum

Colleen Bixenman of Colby

Jennifer Christensen of Olathe

Louise Eisenbrandt of Leawood

Michelle Haub of Manhattan

Elaine Ptacek of Colby

Connie Urbanek of Wichita

Mark Vance of Leawood

Julianne Vance of Leawood

UG Fire Chief

Dennis Rubin of Kansas City

Andrew Novak of Kansas City

Bridgette Cebbing of Kansas City

Chad Womble of Kansas City

BLD Connection & National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Assoc

Jim Bishop of Bonner Springs

Sue Bishop of Bonner Springs

Airbus

Tom Bush of Lawrence

Lenexa Fire Department

Robert Renton of Lenexa

Benedictine College

Stephen Minnis of Atchison

Thomas Keller of Atchison

Evergy/HBS

Stacy McBebe of Kansas City

Breakthrough T1D

Jeannie Hudes of Overland Park

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Bhubalan Mani of Olathe

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

Chad Slawsom of Leawood

Chad McCormick of Kansas City

National League of Cities

Enrico Villegas of Hutchinson

Steven Garza of Hutchinson

Greg Fasf of Hutchinson

Wanda Vaughn of Mission

American Society of Civil Engineers

Aaron Frits of Lawrence

David Bohnenblust of McPherson

Kansas Association of Community Action Programs

Casey Brown of Girard

Jamey Whitney of Girard

Jessica Wedaski of Topeka

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Katie Betts of Olathe

Karen Downing of Overland Park

Autoimmune Association

Katie Taylor of Leawood

Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Tabitha Northrup of Leavenworth

Fulbright Advocacy Day

Nonhlakanipho Ntuli of Lawrence

Ernestina Lukas of Lawrence