Kansas Common Sense
Reviewing NTSB’s Preliminary Report on DCA Tragedy
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report on its initial findings from the investigation into the deadly crash involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on January 29th. The report lays the foundation for understanding the circumstances that led to the tragic accident, in which 67 people were killed. The preliminary report is the product of dedicated work by the NTSB, FAA, DOD and others.
As Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation, I will hold a hearing on March 27th to review the report. The hearing will also be an opportunity to hear directly from NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau and Director of U.S. Army Aviation Brigadier General Matthew Braman and determine what policy changes may be necessary to prevent future tragedies.
You can read the full report here and learn more about the subcommittee hearing here.
Seeking Answers from the Army on Jan. 29th Tragedy
I joined Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), in calling on Brigadier General Matthew Braman, director of Army Aviation, to provide more information regarding the tragic midair collision on January 29th. Sen. Cruz and I asked General Braman about the Army’s use of technology that broadcasts position data from its aircraft, the frequency of Army helicopter flights around DCA’s airspace, and other relevant issues that will inform congressional oversight regarding steps that may be necessary to prevent a tragedy like this from occurring again. Last month, the Senate Committee on Commerce hosted a briefing with members of the FAA, the NTSB and the Army, during which the Army committed to providing answers to questions that remain unanswered.
You can read the full letter here.
Tragedy on I-70
Over the weekend, eight people tragically lost their lives in a multi-vehicle pileup on I-70 between Goodland and Colby. My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones in this terrible accident in northwest Kansas between Goodland and Colby. It took a multi-county effort to respond to this tragedy in very challenging conditions, and the efforts of our first responders saved many lives. Thank you to the fire departments, EMS, Kansas Highway Patrol and local police departments who responded to this accident.
Opening Hilmar Cheese’s New Processing Plant in Dodge City
It was great to join community leaders in Dodge City to celebrate the opening of Hilmar Cheese. This plant will provide 250 high-wage, high-skill jobs in southwest Kansas and will produce cheese, whey and baby formula ingredients. Hilmar has also partnered with Dodge City Community College to establish an industrial maintenance program, to help train the next generation of Hilmar employees. This is a testament to community leaders and industry partnerships throughout western Kansas and a decades-long goal to grow the dairy industry in Kansas. It was great to meet Richard Clauss, one of the 12 founding owners of Hilmar Cheese.
Thank you to Governor Kelly, Hilmar CEO David Alhem, County Commissioner Shawn Tasset Dodge City City Manager Nick Hernandez, Ford County Economic Development Director Joann Knight and all of the state and local officials that came to celebrate this achievement.
Reviewing Veteran Legislation
On Tuesday, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing to review 15 pieces of legislation aimed at improving the delivery of care, benefits and services to veterans and survivors. During the hearing, representatives from VA, The American Legion, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and Veterans of Foreign Wars testified about bills, which included four that I introduced, the Restore VA Accountability Act, the Veterans’ ACCESS Act, the Love Lives On Act and the External Provider Scheduling Act. Together these bills will build on the successes Congress has achieved to expand access to care and benefits for veterans and survivors, remove barriers to life-saving mental health care and root out poor performers to strengthen VA’s workforce.
During the hearing, I addressed the witnesses from the Department of Veterans Affairs on the recent workforce changes that have been occurring at VA. Changes that affect VA policy and personnel must be thoughtful, transparent and carried out in close coordination with the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, our colleagues in the House and with stakeholders - including veterans and the VSOs who represent them in Washington. I also again indicated the need for the return of an Inspector General for the VA. I am committed to making certain the VA remains well-staffed by a top-notch workforce and that efforts to right-size that workforce are well-planned.
You can watch my opening statement here.
Advancing the Nomination for the Deputy Secretary of VA
The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs successfully advanced the nomination of Dr. Paul Lawrence to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Dr. Lawrence is an Army veteran who previously served as VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits from 2018 to 2021. I look forward to his swift confirmation by the full Senate so he can get to work helping our nation’s veterans at the VA.
Meeting with Nominee for Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs at VA
Continuing my work as the Chairman of the Senate VA Committee, I met with Sam Brown, President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Brown is a retired Captain of the U.S. Army. He received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan after surviving a roadside bomb attack that left significant burns across most of his body. In our discussion, we talked about how, if confirmed, he can make certain the National Cemetery Administration maintains its excellent service to veterans and their family members.
I look forward to his testimony before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Supporting Military Spouses
This week, I reintroduced the Military Spouse Hiring Act. Military service is family service, and military families are often called on to relocate, creating numerous career challenges for military spouses, including long wait times for licensing credentials to transfer. This bill would expand the current Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program that provides tax credits to employers who hire people facing unique barriers to employment, including military spouses. I am thankful for my colleagues support to get this legislation passed to better serve our servicemembers and their families.
Passing Government Funding
On Friday, I voted to pass a continuing resolution that will make certain our troops and critical government workers, like air traffic controllers, continue to receive a paycheck and veterans continue to have access to the benefits they have earned. I have long been a supporter of funding the government through regular process, including 12 individual appropriations bills that are debated, amended and passed. Last year, the Senate Committee on Appropriations advanced 11 of the 12 Senate appropriations bills, yet Sen. Schumer chose to not bring a single one to the Senate floor for a vote. Congress must move on from Biden-era budgets and introduce appropriations bills which adequately fund the Department of Defense to address new and emerging threats, provide the government with the resources necessary to secure the border and put public resources to work in communities across Kansas. Congress has a constitutional obligation to make certain public funds are used in a manner consistent with the principles of public safety, national security and fiscal responsibility. I commit to working with my colleagues to produce legislation which accomplishes these goals for fiscal year 2026.
Introducing Legislation to Reinforce U.S. Space Leadership
On Tuesday, I joined members of the Senate Committee on Commerce in introducing the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025, which sets clear near-term priorities for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) programs, advances American leadership in deep space exploration, prevents a gap in low-Earth orbit leadership and capability and upholds scientific ingenuity. This legislation also equips NASA with the support it needs to continue critical science and exploration missions that will lead to breakthrough discoveries across our solar system.
Kansas is home to small and large aerospace manufacturers supporting America’s space mission and facilitating American leadership and dominance in space exploration. As Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation, I will continue to work to promote the goals of NASA and make certain Kansas aerospace suppliers continue to be competitive in the space supply chain.
Read the full text of the bill here. You can get more information about the bill in the section-by-section summary here.
Receiving an Update on the Ag Economy
The Senate Committee on Agriculture continued its series of hearings examining the state of the agricultural economy. I spoke to rural lenders about the importance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administering disaster relief in a timely manner, as well as a strong safety net that we can achieve through passing a Farm Bill. I also spoke with a beginning farmer to gain his insights on accessing USDA programs. The message that each witness shared was that a Farm Bill and the tools it provides, including disaster programs and crop insurance, are vital to the health and stability of rural America. In a time of low commodity prices and high costs of inputs, we must quickly get support to our farmers and ranchers.
Waters of the United States Rule Change
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced he will be working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review and revise the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS). Kansas farmers and ranchers have been burdened by overreaching federal rules dictating the utilization of water on their land. Providing clarity for stakeholders through the WOTUS rule change is important to protect our wetlands and waterways for future generations. I look forward to working with the current administration to provide a clear and sensible definition that benefits Kansas producers.
Discussing Broadband Deployment
On Tuesday morning, I joined INCOMPAS CEO Chip Pickering to discuss the state of telecommunications policy in the U.S. and how Congress can support the deployment of broadband services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. We discussed various federal broadband expansion and deployment programs like the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the work that must be done to make certain that Kansas broadband providers and their customers can benefit from these programs.
Recently, I introduced the Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act, which would exclude federal broadband funding, such as that provided by BEAD, from taxable income for the providers working to deploy critical infrastructure and services to customers across the country. I am grateful to INCOMPAS and their members for their support of this legislation. As a member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media and chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), I will work to support federal efforts to expand broadband deployment and access. Thank you to Chip and INCOMPAS for hosting me and for the important work that their members are doing.
Meeting with Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan
On Wednesday, I met with Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan to receive an update on Southwest’s business model realignment and to discuss ongoing efforts to improve aviation safety and support the industry. Recently, Southwest has undertaken several changes to their business model, and I appreciated hearing from Mr. Jordan on the status of implementing those changes. Hearing from industry leaders like Southwest is essential, as Congress advances critical efforts to modernize the National Airspace System, including much-needed updates to Air Traffic Control facilities and the controller workforce.
I enjoyed discussing Mr. Jordan’s recent visit to Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, where he had the opportunity to view Spirit’s production line and Wichita’s skilled aviation workforce in action. I am grateful to Mr. Jordan and Southwest Airlines for their time and important work on these issues, and I look forward to remaining engaged in these efforts.
Applauding the FIFA World Cup 2026 White House Task Force
Last week, President Trump announced the establishment of a White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup 2026. In August 2024, I led 19 of my colleagues in calling on the administration to set up a federal task force to prioritize safety measures for the World Cup in cities across the country, including Kansas City. This is an important step as the U.S. prepares to host a decade of large-scale international sporting events.
Meeting with Kansans
Vibrant Health
On Monday, I met with members of the Community Care Network of Kansas. Community health centers and clinics provide affordable, quality health care to Kansas’ most vulnerable population. Last year, community health centers served more than 300,000 Kansas patients. Beyond the care they provide, community health centers serve as economic development hubs, providing good jobs in the heart of Kansas communities. Thank you to Vibrant Health for the work you do to support Kansans across the state.
City of Wichita
On Tuesday, I visited with city leaders of Wichita who traveled to Washington D.C to discuss the economic priorities of the city. Wichita's economy continues to grow as more companies deicide to relocate or expand in Kansas. Thank you to Mayor Lily Wu, city council members Brandon Johnson and J.V. Johnston and Strategic Communications Director Jim Jonas for taking the time to meet with me.
City of Overland Park
This week, I met with Overland Park city leaders to discuss how the federal government could assist in advancing the needs of Overland Park and its residents. Thank you to Mayor Curt Skoog, City Council President Holly Grummert, Council Member Scott Mosher, City Manager Lori Curtis Luther, Assistant City Manager Kate Gunja, Assistant to the City Manager Kaitlyn Walberg, Management Fellow Alexandria Rinne, Overland Park Teen Council President Sara Jiang and Vice President Akhil Reddy and Teen Council Service Chair Anika Goyal for visiting with me in Washington, D.C.
League of Kansas Municipalities
On Wednesday, I joined leaders from numerous Kansas cities and municipalities to discuss the federal budget and the impact it will have on local Kansas. I would like to thank the city leaders of Ottawa, Shawnee, Topeka, Prairie Village, Mission, Wichita, Douglass, Lawrence, Olathe and Hutchinson for visiting with me in Washington, D.C and keeping me informed on the needs of your communities.
Fiber Dynamics
On Wednesday, I met with Darrin Teeter, the CEO of Fiber Dynamics, and Andreas Fill, the CEO of FiLL – a robotics manufacturer in the aerospace field. We discussed the ongoing partnership between these two innovative manufacturing companies and their proposals to support jobs in Kansas’ strong aerospace sector. I look forward to working with Darrin and Andreas to strengthen our nation's aerospace and defense industrial base with the highly-skilled workforce and innovation that originates in Kansas.
Seaboard
This week, I met with senior leadership of the Seaboard Corporation, an agriculture and shipping company headquartered in Merriam. We spoke about the importance of trade and making certain Kansas shipping companies continue to be able to move U.S. goods across the globe. As Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, I will work with the U.S. Trade Representative and stakeholders like Seaboard to advance this goal.
Recognizing McPherson College's Car Restoration Program
CBS News ran a special segment recognizing the automotive restoration program at McPherson College. This program is the first and only that offers a four-year degree in automotive restoration. Students have the opportunity to restore classic vehicles, like a 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet or a 1965 Porsche 356C, and gain hands-on training on how to become mechanics. You can watch the special segment here.
Congratulating Richard Porter
Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry recently announced that Richard Porter was awarded the 54th Annual Stockman of the Year award. Richard, a second-generation rancher from Reading, received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State University. As the current owner and operator of Porter Cattle Co., Richard has grown a successful business and continues to support his alma mater. Congratulations on this achievement, and thank you for all that you do for our state.
Capitol Tours
Anne Massey of Dexter
Dane Massey of Dexter
Danielle Swartsfager of Wichita
Diane Knutson of Wamego
Henry Bell of Wichita
Hunter Houck of Emporia
Jeffrey Knutson of Wamego
Justin Bellv of Wichita
Kevin Prewitt of Shawnee
Lindsey Prewitt of Shawnee
Penelope Prewitt of Shawnee
Remington Prewitt of Shawnee
Riley Bontrager of Seneca
Scarlett Prewitt of Shawnee
Tobin Bell of Wichita
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Abigail Proffer of Mission
Natalie Rixen of Overland Park
Jessica Hyde of Wichita
Tara Chettiar of Overland Park
Americans for Prosperity
Elizabeth Patton of Topeka
BikeWalkKC
Eric Rogers of Kansas City
Holly Terrill of Wichita
Michael Kelley of Kansas City
City of Lenexa
Beccy Yocham of Lenexa
Chelsea Williamson of Lenexa
Chris Herron of Lenexa
Craig Denny of Lenexa
Courtney Eiterich of Lenexa
Julie Sayers of Lenexa
Mark Charlton of Lenexa
Mike Nolan of Lenexa
City of Overland Park
Alexandria Rinne of Overland Park
Curt Skoog of Overland Park
Finn Grummert of Overland Park
Holly Grummert of Overland Park
Kaitlyn Walberg of Overland Park
Kate Gunja of Overland Park
Lori Curtis Luther of Overland Park
Scott Mosher of Overland Park
City of Shawnee
Colin Duffy of Shawnee
Paul Kramer of Shawnee
Jeanie Murphy of Shawnee
Michael Sandifer of Shawnee
City of Wichita
Brandon Johnson of Wichita
Jim Jonas of Wichita
J.V. Johnston of Wichita
Lily Wu of Wichita
Fort Leavenworth USD 207
Keith Mispagel of Fort Leavenworth
Kansas Principals Association
Cara Ledy of Topeka
John Baylor of Ellis
Kansas State University
Cliff Hight of Manhattan
Kansas Water Association
Matt Unruh of Topeka
KU Transition to Postsecondary Education Program
Arijana York of Lawrence
Henry Chiew of Lawrence
Livestock Marketing Association
Chelsea Good of Leawood
Neil Bouray of Mankato
Midwest Transplant Network
Jan Finn of Westwood
Lori Markham of Kansas City
Salama Gallimore of Kansas City
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
Sheila Barnett Goodland
Ty Lewick of Liberal
National Humanities Alliance
Karin Westmen of Manhattan
Maggie Goddard of Lawrence
New York Life
Shane Grau of Topeka
School Nutrition Association
Margery Erckert of Olathe
Ruchithri Favreau of Kansas City
Steven Newman of Olathe
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center
Amber Mornsch of Yates Center
Jennifer Taylor of Iola
Wanderley Reis of Iola
Vibrant Health
Patrick Sallee of Kansas City
Teresa Lovelady of Wichita
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