Valley Hope in Atchison
Valley Hope is a nonprofit organization that provides care and treatment for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, and it has five locations in Kansas. The Atchison facility was founded in 1972 and is located in an area that has experienced high rates of overdose deaths. In my role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I helped to secure federal resources to update, improve and expand the Atchison facility to support the important work done there.

I appreciate the participation of Valley Hope CEO Dr. Patrick Hall; Mayor LaRochelle Young; Valley Hope Foundation Executive Director Megan O’Connor; Fr. Meinrad, monk of St. Benedict’s Abbey and a chaplain at Valley Hope; Rick Berger and Karen Seaberg, Co-Chairs of Valley Hope’s Honorary Campaign. The leadership of these individuals continues to make an impact on the lives of those touched by the mission of Valley Hope.


Meeting with Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, Christal Watson
Before returning to Washington, D.C., I met with the newly elected Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, Christal Watson. During our meeting, we discussed federal investments for Kansas City, including for The University of Kansas Health Systems, Kansas City Kansas Community College and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County. We also discussed the upcoming 2026 World Cup being hosted in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, including matches held in Kansas City. Thank you to Mayor Watson for taking the time to meet with me.


Leading Hearing to Discuss Improvements to VA Adaptive Sports Programs
On Wednesday, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and veteran adaptive athletes to discuss VA’s adaptive sports programs ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games that began this week in Italy. Adaptive sporting events are designed to foster independence, strengthen community involvement and improve the overall quality of life for veterans and others living with disabilities. Through direct programming, adaptive sports grants and training stipends for elite veteran Paralympic athletes, our country provides support for veterans recovering from injury as they build new strengths, compete as teammates within a new community and engage in healthy living through tailored athletic and rehabilitation events.

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


Introducing ATF Director Nominee Before the Senate Judiciary Committee
This week, I introduced Robert Cekada, the President’s nominee to serve as the next Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. As Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds ATF, I’ve worked closely with Rob in his current role as ATF Deputy Director and recently hosted him in Kansas to highlight the strong partnerships between ATF and our state and local law enforcement agencies.

ATF has a robust presence in Wichita, including the Wichita Crime Gun Intelligence Center, a collaborative effort involving the ATF, the Wichita Police Department, and other law enforcement partners. Located on Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus are The National Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence, a recently established permanent ATF field office and ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Correlation and Training Center, which expands national capacity for ballistic evidence correlation. Rob brings extensive experience, sound judgment and a deep commitment to public safety. I urge my colleagues to advance his nomination and move it to the Senate floor for consideration.

You can watch my full introductory remarks here.


Meeting with Midwest HIDTA Director Dan Neill
This week, I met with Dan Neill, Director of the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), to discuss ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and strengthen coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement across Kansas and the Midwest. During the meeting, we discussed their work partnering with Johnson County to further research the effects of 7-OH, the impacts of xylazine across America, and the importance of reauthorizing HIDTA. As the Chairman of the subcommittee that funds and oversees the Department of Justice, I’ve seen firsthand the value that Midwest HIDTA provides to Kansas by improving information sharing, targeting transnational criminal organizations, and supporting law enforcement officers. Thank you to Director Neill for meeting with me and for their continued dedication to public safety.


Introducing Legislation to Bolster Sustainable Aviation Fuel
This week, I introduced the Securing America’s Fuels (SAF) Act with my colleagues Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). This legislation would reinstate the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) bonus tax credit that would allow qualifying SAF producers to receive up to $0.35 or $1.75 per gallon, and it would extend the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit for all clean fuels through 2033. Agriculture and aviation are two important industries for Kansas and strengthening the SAF industry provides new markets for farmers and lower emissions in the transportation sector. As a founding member of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus, I remain committed to bolstering our aviation industry and expanding market access for Kansas farmers through renewable fuels.

You can read more about this legislation from The Ripon Advance here.


Supporting U.S. Travel and Tourism
This week, I introduced legislation with Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) to promote cooperation between the U.S., Canada and Mexico to support trade within the travel and tourism industries. The USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act would require the U.S. Trade Representative to advocate for the establishment of a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group as part of the approaching Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). As the administration continues to negotiate trade agreements, I urge consideration of the value of travel and tourism to the health of the American economy.

Meeting with Kansans
KU Chancellor Doug Girod
On Tuesday, I met with The University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod to discuss the important work taking place at the university and how I can continue supporting KU’s mission of educating students and advancing research. We talked about the university’s role in training the next generation of leaders and the importance of sustained federal investment in its scientific and biomedical research.

Through my role as an appropriator on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I have supported robust funding for scientific and biomedical research, including $48.7 billion for the National Institutes of Health, an increase of $415 million, and $8.75 billion for the National Science Foundation. These resources will help make certain that universities like KU remain leaders in discovery, education and economic growth. I appreciate Chancellor Girod’s leadership and thank him for taking the time to meet.


National Commander of The American Legion Dan Wiley
On Wednesday, I met with the National Commander of The American Legion (TAL), Dan Wiley, and his colleagues, Logan Barber and Linden Dixon Jr., to discuss TAL’s legislative priorities this year. Commander Wiley is a member of Leavenworth's American Legion Post 23. During our meeting, we had a productive discussion on how the proposed Veterans Health Administration reorganization has the potential to be successful if implemented correctly and shared our appreciation of the support and open communication between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Congress and TAL’s fellow veteran service organizations regarding this initiative.

The American Legion has consistently worked closely with VA and Congress to make certain veterans in Kansas and across the country receive the health care and benefits they have earned. I appreciated our conversation and look forward to Commander Wiley’s testimony before the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees next month.


Kansas Independent College Association
This week, I met with several members of the Kansas Independent College Association, representing 21 private Kansas colleges, to discuss issues impacting independent colleges and their students. Our conversation focused on the importance of maintaining access to federal student aid, including Pell Grants.

I appreciate the work our colleges and universities do to prepare students for successful careers here in Kansas. Thanks to Dr. Bill Tsutsui, Chancellor of Ottawa University; Dr. Amy Carey Bragg, President of Friends University;  Dr. Kathleen Jagger, President of Newman University; Monsignor Stuart Swetland, President of Donnelly College; Dr. Elizabeth Frombgen, President of Southwestern College; Dr. David Janzen, President of Tabor College and Matt Lindsey, President of the Kansas Independent Colleges Association, for the conversation and their dedication to improving education in Kansas.


Leadership Sorghum
This week, I met with Kansas members of Leadership Sorghum, a program by the Sorghum Checkoff to help develop the next generation of industry leaders and expose them to the various parts of the industry, including federal policy. We discussed the various efforts I help champion in the Senate, including moving the Food for Peace program to USDA and securing international market access for sorghum growers. Thank you to former National Sorghum Producers President Craig Meeker, Jared Stegman, Lesley and Weston Schmidt for taking the time to meet with me. I appreciate the passion they have for becoming more involved in their industry and communities, and I will continue working to make certain rural America is able to grow and thrive.


National Sheriffs' Association
On Tuesday, I was glad to see Franklin County Sheriff Jeffrey Richards during his visit to Washington, D.C., on behalf of the National Sheriffs’ Association. During the meeting, Sheriff Richards discussed the need to improve recruitment and retention efforts across law enforcement agencies, as well as the importance of the asset forfeiture fund in supporting Department of Justice operations. Sheriffs play a critical role in keeping communities safe, particularly in rural areas, and I will continue to look for ways to support them in my role as chairman of the subcommittee with funding oversight of law enforcement. Thank you to Sheriff Richards for taking the time to see me, and for his continued commitment to keeping Franklin County safe.


Meeting with the Foreign Minster of the Republic of Cyprus
This week, I hosted the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus, Minister Constantinos Kombos in my Washington, D.C., office. Over the last eight years, our two countries have made great strides strengthening our security cooperation efforts and safeguarding critical energy infrastructure. I look forward to continuing to build on our strategic alliance and improve the daily lives for both Americans and the citizens of Cyprus.


Visiting my Hometown of Plainville
This week, I stopped by my hometown of Plainville to meet with members of the community. During my visit, I talked with folks at Astra Bank, Farm Implement & Supply, Short Stop Convenience and the local U.S. Post Office. I also visited the local United Methodist Church, Plainville Public Library and Unified School District 270. Thank you to all who took time out of their day to visit with me.


Remembering Hays Artist Pete Felten
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Pete Felten, a native of Hays and a talented artist and sculptor whose work captured the beauty and spirit of Kansas. Pete devoted his life to Kansas art and history, and he served our country in the United States Navy before returning to Hays. To many, Pete was a symbol of Kansas, and he was even depicted as a character in the Western novel, “The Last Cattle Drive,” by Robert Day.

At 24, he first began to sculpt, a skill he would continue for nearly 70 years, creating landmarks, statues and monuments to honor our special way of life in Kansas. Today, his work can be found across our state: in the Kansas State Capitol home to his statues of famous Kansans, near historic Fort Hays where his iconic “Monarch of the Plains” monument can be seen and in numerous other locations throughout Kansas. In my office in Washington, D.C., I have one of his pieces – a sculpture of a Kansas bison.

Pete will forever be a part of Hays history, and his legacy will live on in the sculptures he crafted to represent the state he loved. My prayers are with his loved ones and friends in this difficult time as we mourn the passing of a great Kansan.

You can watch a documentary about Pete's life produced by Blake and Ashley Chaffin and filmed by Jordan Horsch here.


Now Accepting Summer 2026 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 Summer 2026 session are due Sunday, March 8. 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 Summer 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the Summer 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. Summer 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, March 22.

You can learn more about the Senate Page program here.

Kansans in the Office 

Capitol Tour

Gordon Entz of Peabody

Shawn Entz of Peabody

Kaylee Marshall of Lawrence

American Indian Higher Education Consortium

Rickson Bull Calf of Lawrence

Aiyanna Tanyan of Lawrence

April Carmelo of Lawrence

Casey Douma of Lawrence

CADCA

Leigh Bird of Liberal

Terry Bevermeyer of Hillsboro

Amelia Breugem of Hillsboro

Tyler Bungard of Hillsboro

Alyssa Danler of Hutchinson

Sarah Drake of Olathe

Callie Dyer of Garden City

April Jackson of Iola

Sarah Jewell of Wichita

Beth Koksal of Garden City

Laura Paulus of Hillsboro

Raymond Penner of Hutchinson

Sarah Mersdorf-Foreman of Liberal

Diana Villarreal of Liberal

Kansas Fraternal Order of Police

Christian Harsha of Topeka

Ben Heusted of Topeka

Scott Kirkpatrick of Kansas City

Trustee Matt of Topeka

Casey Slaughter of Wichita

Amanda Wood of Wichita

Kansas Independent College Association

Amy Bragg Carey of Wichita

Elizabeth Frombgen of Winfield

Kathleen Jagger of Wichita

Matt Lindsey of Lawrence

Diane Steele of Leavenworth

Stuart Swetland of Kansas City

Bill Tsutsui of Ottawa

Kansas Rural Water Association

Daryn Martin of El Dorado

Elmer Ronnebaum of Seneca

Bill Shroyer of Sabetha

Megen Shroyer of Sabetha

Leadership Sorghum

Craig Meeker of Wellington

Laney Meeker of Wellington

Lesley Schmidt of Spearville

Weston Schmidt of Syracuse

Jared Stegman of Dodge City

Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center

Darin Altenburg of Holton

Matthew Breshears of Mission

National Sheriffs’ Association

Jeffrey Richards of Ottawa

Power and Communication Contractors Association

Craig Amerine of Great Bend

Rex Schick of Olathe

SER Corporation

Joel Leiva of Wichita

The American Legion

Dan Wiley of Leavenworth

University of Kansas

Kyle Christian of Lawrence

Douglas Girod of Lawrence