Good News: Kansas Rural Hospitals to Receive Increased Funding
This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Kansas’ application to allow Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Emergency Hospitals to receive increased Medicaid payments through the state’s provider assessment program. This approval means more rural hospitals across Kansas will now have access to additional federal resources, providing more than $72 million annually to help strengthen rural health care. During negotiations on last year’s reconciliation bill, I worked to secure language to make certain Kansas’ application could remain eligible for consideration and approval, helping make this outcome possible.

This decision builds on additional improvements secured through last year’s reconciliation bill that strengthen Kansas' provider assessment program. A recent RAND analysis found the legislation is expected to increase federal Medicaid funding flowing to Kansas providers, helping support hospitals as they continue caring for patients across our state. You can read more from KRSL Radio here.


Leading Hearing to Examine Recent Close Calls & Efforts to Ensure Aviation Safety
On Tuesday, as chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation, I led a hearing to examine recent near collisions and runway incursion incidents that have occurred across the National Airspace System. Just this past week at Boston Logan International Airport, a Delta Air Lines flight was forced to abort its landing and execute a go-around after an aircraft departed from an intersecting runway. While the flight landed safely and no one was injured, the incident serves as a timely reminder that our aviation system is fragile and constant vigilance and safety improvements across the National Airspace System remain essential.

During the hearing, the committee heard testimony from President and CEO of Airlines for America Governor Chris Sununu, President American Association of Airport Executives Todd Hauptli, President of General Aviation Manufactures Association (GAMA) James Viola and President of Air Line Pilots Association Captain Jason Ambrosi. The witnesses discussed the progress of implementation of safety technologies, runway safety programs and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) modernization efforts. The hearing also covered how the ROTOR Act; bipartisan legislation unanimously passed by the Senate that I introduced with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), would help to bolster the safety of the flying public. Thank you to our witnesses for the conversation and for their dedication to protecting the traveling public.

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


Senate Farm Bill Discussion Draft Released
On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry released its Senate Farm Bill discussion draft. While the draft includes several important provisions that support producers and rural America, it unfortunately does not include my legislation to permanently transfer the administration of Food for Peace to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This transfer is a critical step that would strengthen the program, benefit American farmers and expand reliable markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. USDA is currently administering Food for Peace on a temporary basis, and making this transfer permanent would provide long term stability and ensure the program’s continued success. The House-passed Farm Bill includes this provision, and the Senate Agriculture Committee should not advance its version until this omission is addressed. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate to make certain this language is included in the final bill.

Kansas Veterans & Providers Have Received $328 Million from VA’s Community Care
This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it paid $328.6 million to health care providers in Kansas that cared for veterans through VA’s community care program in FY2025. Through the bipartisan MISSION Act and the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, legislation that I championed in the Senate, more veterans are choosing care closer to home. VA’s community care program is increasing access to care for veterans while also bolstering local economies and providing meaningful investments and support to doctors, nurses and health care workers statewide. Rural veterans in particular are able to access care much closer to home while also supporting rural hospitals.

I recently introduced the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, which would build on the progress of the MISSION Act and Dole Act, making it easier for veterans, especially those with mental health conditions or addiction, to receive life-saving care at VA facilities and in the community. I look forward to building upon these successes as we continue to expand access to timely, high-quality care and make certain that veterans in Kansas and across the country are receiving the prompt, high-quality care they have earned through their service.

Meeting with NSF Director Nominee Jim O’Neill
This week, I met with Jim O’Neill, the nominee to be the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF provides critical research and development resources, grants and programs to institutions and organizations across the country to help boost American research competitiveness. NSF covers research ranging from medical advances and treatments to everything in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

During our meeting, we discussed how he plans to increase the opportunities for researchers in Kansas to leverage their expertise in aerospace, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and other emerging capabilities important to Kansas and the nation. I was pleased to hear his support for Established Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCorRs), which benefits Kansas universities. Securing opportunities for our universities, including making certain our Kansas universities remain nationally competitive research centers, continues to be a priority of mine.


Discussing Agricultural Priorities with National Sorghum Producers
On Wednesday, I met with Tim Lust, Elissa Gilliam, Parker McCallister and Brian Younker with National Sorghum Producers to discuss the key issues currently affecting sorghum growers. We discussed the wins secured for sorghum in the Farm Bill and emphasized the importance of including language in the bill for the successful transfer of Food for Peace from the Department of State to USDA. We also spoke about the President’s request for supplemental disaster assistance, as well as the administration’s call for year-round E15 and additional disaster aid for producers. As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I will work with my colleagues to advance a supplemental package that delivers meaningful economic relief to agricultural producers.


Support for the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act
I recently introduced the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, major legislation that delivers long-awaited improvements to the health care and benefits that thousands of veterans, servicemembers, survivors, caregivers and military family members rely on. The package includes numerous bipartisan, bicameral bills, including the Major Richard Star Act, the Veterans’ ACCESS Act, the Love Lives On Act and other widely supported priorities from the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs.

This legislation has received support from veterans, advocacy groups and others, including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). I appreciate their support for the legislation, and I am working to see it pass the Senate and House and be signed into law.


Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Music Educators Association
On Wednesday, I met with representatives from the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) to discuss the important role music education plays in the lives of Kansas students. Music teachers help students develop creativity and leadership while creating opportunities for young people to discover and pursue their talents. During our meeting, we discussed support for music education, federal arts programs and the association’s efforts to recruit and prepare the next generation of music educators in Kansas.

Kansas has one of the nation’s strongest music educator communities, with the tenth-largest music educators' association in the country. I appreciate the work being done to expand opportunities for students in every corner of our state. Thank you to KMEA President Damian Johnson of Eudora, KMEA President-elect Nancy Monical of Manhattan, KMEA Vice Presdient Jamie Minneman of Great Bend, President of the National Association of Music Educators Collegiate Chapters Alexis Stone of Wichita, KMEA Executive Director Craig Manteuffel of Topeka and KMEA Government Relations Chair Kelly Knedler of Belleville for meeting with me and for their commitment to helping young Kansans succeed.


Lieutenant General James Isenhower
On Wednesday, I met with Lieutenant General James Isenhower, the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Command at Fort Leavenworth. Founded in 1827, Fort Leavenworth is home to the Command and General Staff College, where the Army has equipped its senior leaders and developed military capabilities for generations. In today's security environment, that mission is more important than ever. Fort Leavenworth is also a critical part of the surrounding community, supporting thousands of jobs and families across the Leavenworth region.

As co-chair of the Senate Army Caucus, I will continue to work to make certain Fort Leavenworth has the resources and support it needs to carry out its mission, and I look forward to working alongside General Isenhower and the Combined Arms Command.

Kansan West Point Cadet Lukas Haase
It was great to visit with Lukas Haase of Overland Park this week while he was on Capitol Hill with the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. I was pleased to nominate Lukas for the United States Military Academy in 2023, and he served Kansans as an intern in my D.C. office during the summer of 2024. I appreciate his dedication to service and thank him for his willingness to answer the call to serve.


Cox Enterprises
This week, I met with representatives from Cox Enterprises – including members from their Kansas operations. Cox Enterprises, particularly through Cox Automotive, has a significant presence in Kansas. During our meeting, we discussed an update on their work, technological advances that have improved the services they provide to Kansans and how decisions made in Washington, D.C. impact their business. Thank you to Assistant Vice President of Product Development Kristen Baehr of Leawood, Drew Ramm, Katherine Foster and Brett Clifton for their continued investment in our state and for meeting with me.


Clean Fuels Alliance America
On Tuesday, I met with members of Kansas Soybean who were in Washington, D.C., advocating on behalf of Clean Fuels Alliance America. The organization represents producers of biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel industries for which soybeans are a key feedstock. Kansas Soybean intern Madelyn Lueck shared their 2026 Kansas Congressional Report, which their intern team compiles each year to highlight the agricultural sector’s economic contribution to the state. We also discussed the EPA’s 2026–2027 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes and how they will support both the renewable fuels industry and farmers. The group shared their support for the updated 45ZCF GREET model and how we can continue strengthening U.S. energy independence while expanding market opportunities for farmers. Thank you to Bob Haselwood, Brett Neibling, Dennis Hupe, Kaleb Little and Madelyn Lueck with Kansas Soybean and Ashley Dubler with Seaboard Energy for their time and conversation.


National Association of Fixed Annuities
This week, I met with Kansas members of the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA) to discuss retirement security and the importance of long-term financial planning. We also discussed a Senate resolution I recently introduced recognizing June as National Annuities Awareness Month, highlighting the work of organizations like NAFA to promote strong financial futures for Kansans. The investments families make today can help provide financial security for generations to come, and I will continue advocating for responsible federal retirement policies that preserve state-based regulation of insurance and annuity products. Thank you to Kevin Mechtley, Andrew Payne, Lee Stiegemeier and Sarah Williams of Overland Park, Mike Miller of Perry, Michael Tripses of Stillwell and Ashley Zeller of Topeka for meeting with me.


Visits Across Kansas
Belvue Bridge
On Friday, I participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Belvue Bridge. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), I helped secure federal resources to rehabilitate the Belvue Bridge crossing the Kansas River. The upgraded bridge links communities to allow for safer, more reliable transit for area residents and regional commerce.

Thank you to Wabaunsee County Commissioner Nancy Heir, Jim Meinhardt, Terry Force and Doyle Pearl for their efforts to resolve transportation issues impacting locals in the area. Thank you also to Wabaunsee County Commissioner Boyd Davis, Wabaunsee County Undersheriff Chris Herbel, Kansas Department of Transportation Joel Skelley, Pottawatomie County Commissioners Deloyce McKee, Gary Yenzer, Merl Page, Pottawatomie County Administrator Chad Kinsley and Potawatomie County Sheriff Doug Adams for joining me at the event.

You can read more from KSNT here.


Manville Farms
On Friday, I met with Bill and Brett Manville, fifth and seventh-generation farmers from Winchester, along with several of their neighboring farmers, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Kansas agriculture. We spoke about the latest developments in the Farm Bill, including provisions to strengthen farm lending, support rural hospitals and improve conservation programs for livestock producers. We also discussed the administration's supplemental request for farm economic aid, efforts to secure year-round E15 and policies supporting the biomass-based diesel industry and soybean producers. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I remain committed to advancing policies that strengthen our agricultural economy, expand market opportunities for Kansas farmers and support rural communities.

Thank you to Bill and Brett Manville for hosting me, and thank you as well to USD 339 Superintendent Brad Kempf, Melodie Keirns, Brad Kemp, Ryan Feldkamp, Mitch Feldkamp, Jared Abel, Cragi Gigstad, Kaleb Little, Paul O’Trimble, Tyler Wilson, Mitch O’Trimble, Wes Henning, Jim O’Trimble, Neil Manville, Richelle Feldkamp, Arleta Manville, Christy Manville and Abie Fowler for joining me during my visit.


Visits Across Kansas
Council Grove Community
On Thursday, I stopped by Council Grove to meet with members of the community. I visited Morris County Hospital, Farmers and Drovers Bank and the Council Grove Republican newspaper. I also met with the Morris County Clerk Chelsey Schmidt, County Register of Deeds Corrine Blosser, County Appraiser Ryan Michaelis, County Treasurer Kelsey Sharr and County Sheriff Scott Coover. Thank you to all those who took the time to meet with me.


Holton Community
On Friday, I traveled to Holton to visit local businesses and meet with Holton residents. During my visit, I stopped by the Jackson County Courthouse and met with Jackson County Clerk Kristie Richter, County Register of Deeds Jerica Holt, County Treasurer Lisa Miller, County Clerk of District Court and Chief Clerk Amy Entrikin and County Zoning Administrator Steven Duryea.

Sen. Moran with Denison State Bank CEO & Chairwoman Paula Taylor, Matt Taylor and their son, Carson Taylor.


I also visited Denison State Bank, GN Bank, White Law Office, Title Abstract Company, Holton Community Hospital, Jackson Farmers COOP, Special Education Cooperative and the local USDA Service Center.

Sen. Moran with Holton Community Hospital CEO Carrie Lutz.



Thank you to Denison State Bank CEO and Chairwoman of the Bank Board of Directors Paula Taylor, her husband Matt Taylor and their son, Carson; Attorney at Law Dennis White of White Law Office; CEO of Holton Community Hospital Carrie Lutz and the entire Holton community for the warm welcome and for their time and conversation.

Along the Way
During my community visits on Friday, I passed this unique barn near Holton.


My View, Their View

Capitol Hill press awaiting the President’s arrival


Photo by Roll Call photographer Bill Clark


Recognizing Senate Page Maddux Haar
I was pleased to sponsor Maddux Haar, a high school student from Cheney, who served as my Senate page this summer. Senate pages help carry out the functions of the Senate floor while learning about the legislative process. I appreciated meeting with Maddux and hearing about his experiences in Washington, D.C. Thank you to Maddux for his work representing Kansas within the U.S. Senate.

Click here to learn more about the Senate page program, which is available to high school students nationwide.


Remembering Maureen Morrison
On Saturday, Robba and I attended the funeral of Maureen “Sissy” Morrison from Salina. Sissy was a hardworking Kansan, raised on her family farm in Hutchinson. She cared deeply for their family, neighbors and friends, and she’ll be missed. My prayers are with her husband of 61 years, Roger, as well as their four children, nine grandchildren and all her loved ones during this difficult time.


Remembering Charyl Deloney
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Fort Scott native, Charyl Deloney. Charyl was the widow of Gary Deloney, a U.S. Navy veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange during his service but was denied VA disability benefits because records of his service remained classified. I introduced the Gary Deloney and John Olsen Toxic Exposure Declassification Act in 2017 to assist veterans in proving toxic exposure and to make certain other veterans, like Gary, do not face the same bureaucratic obstacles and delays in receiving the care they need. My prayers are with Charyl’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.


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 September 18, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board. 

Kansans in the Office  

Capitol Tour

Malinda Bailey of Fort Scott

Hank Boyer of Salina

Carol Lynn and Robert Brazil of Abilene

Allen Corcoran of Lawrence

Dan and Melissa Defore of Dexter

Patrick Farley of Baldwin City

Trevor Flynn of Lawrence

Gale Hansen of Lenexa

Melinda Harger of Eudora

Barbara Hersh of Stilwell

Trevor Hynn of Lawrence

Durwood Johnson of Kansas City

Liz, Tony, Wally and Winn Krsnich of Mission Hills

Stive Nirschl of Kansas City

Hazel, Jillayne, Justin, Myra and Reid Richey of Stilwell

Barbara Rittler of Garland

Ann Rudy of Wichita

Dustin, Nina, Sam and Season Schwind of Wichita

Chad and Charlie Sedlacek of Lenexa

Brandon Sisk of Kansas City

Dana and Daryn Splichal of Tonganoxie

Dennis Staab of Olathe

Amy, Gary and Sophie Struck of Olathe

Janice Thome of Overland Park

Jodee White-Nirschl of Kansas City

Susan Will of Olathe

Dylan, Michelle and Tanner Wirth of Overland Park

American Horse Council

Monica Chapman-Pickett of Pleasanton

Justine Staten of Manhattan

American Nurses Association

Linda Moody of Wichita

Terri Roberts of Topeka

Clean Fuels Alliance America: Kansas Soybean Association

Carissa Dalquest of Perry

Robert Haselwood of Topeka

Dennis Hupe of Topeka

Kaleb Little of Perry

Madelyn Lucek of Basehor

Brett Neibling of Topeka

Corvias

Tim McGuire of Riley

Cox Enterprises

Kristen Baehr of Leawood

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Bryan Francis of Olathe

Evaline Francis of Olathe

Encompass Health

Britni Green of Overland Park

Healing Breakthrough

Jennifer Kubin of Baldwin City

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

Brian Alexander of Wichita

Jeff Grippi of Wichita

Shaun Junkins of Wichita

Rickey Nelson of Wichita

Kansas Music Educators Association

Damian Johnson of Eudora

Kelly Knedler of Belleville

Craig Manteuffel of Topeka

Jamie Minneman of Great Bend

Nancy Monical of Manhattan

Alexis Stone of Wichita

Kansas Natural Resource Coalition

Tracey Barton of Garden City

Kansas Organization of State Employees

Rockford Lindgren of Abilene

Local Initiatives Support Coalition

Geoff Jolley of Kansas City

Mid-America Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Shabina Kavimandan of Overland Park

National Association for Fixed Annuities

Kevin Mechtley of Overland Park

Mike Miller of Perry

Andrew Payne of Overland Park

Lee Stiegemeier of Overland Park

Michael Tripses of Stillwell

Sarah Williams of Overland Park

Ashley Zeller of Topeka

National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies

Troy Moore of Ellinwood

Tim Niemeier of Tonganoxie

Ray Will of Olathe

National Audubon Society

Jacob Yetter of Manhattan

National Business Aviation Association Young Professionals

Carter Tos of Overland Park

Kara Wolf of Wichita

National Organization for Women

Giana Bellev of Kansas City

Sharon Lockhart of Shawnee

Seaboard

Ashley Duber of Merriam

Supply Energetics

Mike Brown of Parsons