Kansas Common Sense
Welcoming Kansas Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
It was great meeting Kansas Honor Flight 105 as they visited the memorials in Washington, D.C. that were built to honor their service to our country. These veterans traveled from all across Kansas for the trip, and I visited with a group of veterans from Arkansas City while they were at the Vietnam War Memorial. Many of them fought in Vietnam, and it was humbling to hear about their experiences during the war and the overwhelming gratitude they felt from everyone who welcomed them to Washington, D.C. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the son of a World War II veteran, there is no group of Americans I hold in higher regard than our nation’s heroes, and I value every opportunity to thank them for their service.
Thank you to the Honor Flight team and the volunteers who made this trip possible. To the Kansas veterans on Honor Flight 105, and all our veterans, we respect you, we thank you for your service and we love you.
Advocating for Kansas Priorities with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
On Wednesday, I sat down with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer along with my colleagues Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. We spoke about the opportunities the United States has to secure robust and fair-trade deals with other countries and the benefits that trade provides to American industries like agriculture and manufacturing. With fall harvest underway, farmers are looking for places to sell their commodities. Additional trade deals will provide certainty for producers and help raise low commodity prices. I also emphasized the importance of the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, which created free trade for aircraft, engines and related parts with a number of other countries. Kansas is home to the Air Capital of the World, and maintaining the 1979 agreement in our bilateral trade negotiations will allow for continued success for our manufacturers in Wichita and across our state.
I appreciate Ambassador Greer’s time and willingness to discuss trade issues, and I look forward to continuing the conversation to make certain the United States continues to compete on the global stage.
Addressing Concerns from Kansas Cattle Industry
This week, I have been hearing concerns from Kansas ranchers regarding President Trump’s recent comments on purchasing beef from Argentina in an effort to lower beef prices for consumers. This comes at a time when ranchers have received high prices for their cattle, even during a struggling agricultural economy. The cattle inventory is experiencing a 75-year low, but continued demand for beef has raised prices over time. I believe our cattle industry can have the most success by letting the free market operate.
On Friday, I stopped into the Kansas Livestock Association’s office to better understand what they are hearing from producers across the state. I appreciate Kansans reaching out to let me know their concerns, and I will also continue to support policies to incentivize the investment in and rebuilding of our domestic cattle herd.
You can also find my interviews on this topic with Agri-Talk here and RFD-TV here.
Working to Open the Government & Pay Essential Workers
This week, the Senate voted for the twelfth time on the non-partisan, short-term continuing resolution that would reopen the federal government, but it did not receive the necessary 60 votes to proceed. Following the bill’s failure to pass, the Senate voted on the Shutdown Fairness Act, legislation introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) that would provide necessary appropriations to pay active duty servicemembers and federal employees who are working without pay during a government shutdown. Similarly, this bill did not receive the required 60 votes after failing to receive Democrat support. I have never seen any good come from a government shutdown, and I continue to urge my colleagues to vote yes on the short-term continuing resolution to reopen the government and pass all annual appropriations bills and provide stability to Americans impacted by this shutdown.
Discussing Shutdown Impacts on Gray TV
This week, I joined Gray TV’s Rhyan Henson to discuss how this government shutdown, as it enters its fourth week, is affecting the lives of Kansans and Americans. Due to Congress’ inability to compromise and fulfill one of its most important constitutional duties, our nation’s servicemembers, law enforcement officials and aviation safety personnel, including air traffic controllers and TSA agents, continue to work without a paycheck. Our nation already faces a shortage in air traffic controllers, and this shutdown has hindered the efforts underway to increase safety in the skies. Last March, I introduced the Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 to make certain air traffic controllers tasked with the safety of our aviation system continue to be paid during a government shutdown. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, making certain every traveling American can fly safely and efficiently continues to be one of my top priorities.
Read more about my interview from WIBW here.
Advancing Critical Aviation Safety Legislation
On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation considered several nominations and pieces of legislation, including the ROTOR Act, which I introduced with Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on the six-month anniversary of the midair collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 with an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport (DCA). Following negotiations, the Commerce Committee approved a modified version of this critical aviation safety legislation, which includes elements of legislation I introduced in May to require all aircraft operating in congested airspace to install and use ADS-B In and Out and to repeal a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) loophole permitting exemptions to the military’s use of ADS-B technology.
The negotiated agreement also strengthens oversight of mixed air traffic and flight routes near commercial service airports, requires annual Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General audits, directs the FAA to develop an action plan regarding implementation of new collision avoidance technology and various other improvements to bolster aviation safety. While there remains significant work to be done to improve America’s aviation safety, this is a critical step toward a safer aviation system.
You can watch my remarks following committee passage of the ROTOR Act here.
Receiving Updates on U.S. Space Leadership from Industry Leaders
SpaceX
On Tuesday, I met with SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell to receive an update on the company’s work on NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return American astronauts to the Moon by 2027. SpaceX is currently contracted by NASA to develop a human landing system to deliver astronauts to the lunar surface for the Artemis III mission. While the Artemis program has faced several hurdles to achieving its objectives in the timelines prescribed, the U.S. is committed to meeting its objectives and beating China to the Moon.
As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds NASA, I have continued to prioritize American leadership in space. As SpaceX continues to develop and test its Starship rocket, NASA will continue to evaluate how best to manage partnerships to achieve the goals of Artemis.
Blue Origin
This week, I met with Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp to receive an update on the company’s work on behalf of NASA to develop a human landing system (HLS) for the Artemis program, which aims to return American astronauts to the Moon by 2027. NASA has contracted two commercial space companies – Blue Origin and SpaceX – to provide complementary HLS services for the Artemis program on different contract timelines. This approach offers more flexibility to NASA with respect to the availability of HLS technology that will be critical to the success of the Artemis missions.
Blue Origin’s contract focuses on Artemis IV, set to launch in 2028, and the company is in advanced stages of development to support both the immediate and long-term goals of the American space enterprise. As Chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds NASA, I will continue to monitor NASA’s and its commercial partners’ progress on the infrastructure necessary to support the Artemis program.
Meeting with Northrup Grumman CEO Kathy Warden
On Wednesday, I met with Kathy Warden, the CEO of Northrop Grumman. Northrop Grumman is responsible for several of our nation’s most critical national security programs, including the B-21, the Air Force’s next-generation long-range strike bomber. I appreciated hosting Ms. Warden in Kansas earlier this year to showcase the numerous aerospace companies and the world-class workforce the Air Capital of the World has to offer. I appreciate the defense and space opportunities they bring to our state and the vital national role they play in securing our national security priorities and advancing space exploration technologies for generations to come.
Meeting with Johns Hopkins University Provost Dr. Ray Jayawardhana
On Wednesday, I met with Dr. Ray Jayawardhana, Johns Hopkins University Provost, to discuss their critical research, as well as opportunities to facilitate collaboration between research institutions, industry and the federal government. As a senior appropriator with jurisdiction over several federal agencies that support academic research, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and more, I have worked to support institutions that steward federal dollars responsibly and to advance the cutting-edge scientific research at institutions like the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University and others.
Thank you to Dr. Jayawardhana for his time and insights.
VVA Legislator of the Year Award
This week, I met with Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and they presented me with their Legislator of the Year award. During the meeting, we discussed the importance of the PACT Act for supporting toxic-exposed veterans, ways to improve the care and benefits veterans receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the unique experiences of Vietnam veterans. I appreciate the valuable insight, wisdom and guidance VVA provides and deeply appreciate their work on behalf of all generations of veterans. I look forward to our continued work together in the future.
Visits Across Kansas
Collins Aerospace
This week, I traveled to Lenexa for a tour of Collins Aerospace. Collins Aerospace is part of the Kansas aviation industry that employs more than 100,000 people across our state. During my visit, I learned more about their cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities and their operations and mission to develop innovative solutions for the future of American aerospace. Thank you to Senior Director Greg Dombek, Director Mark Malicdem, Associate Director Mike Zimmers, Associate Director Brett Marquis and all the staff at Collins Aerospace for hosting me.
AAR Corp.
On Friday, I visited AAR Corp. in Wellington for a tour of their facility. AAR Corp. is an aerospace and defense company that supplies airframe and engine components to commercial and military customers around the globe. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and senior defense appropriator, I remain committed to maintaining U.S. aerospace leadership and making certain our military has the necessary tools they need to keep our nation safe. I also appreciated the opportunity to try several chili dishes during their Chili Cook Off competition.
Thank you to Kansas State Senator Larry Alley, Kansas State Representative Bill Rhiley and Wellington Mayor Joe Soria for joining me during my visit, and thank you to AAR Corp., including Vice President of Global Relations Walter White for hosting me and for your continued investment in Kansas.
Winfield Kansas Veterans’ Home
Later on Friday, I traveled to Winfield to visit with veterans at the Kansas Veterans’ Home and pay my respects at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery. I always appreciate visiting with and hearing from Kansans and am especially grateful for the opportunity to meet with veterans and thank them for their courageous service to our country. Thank you to Superintendent Andrea Jones and everyone I met with for the conversations.
Sunflower Showdown
It was great to be at David Booth Memorial Stadium in Lawrence for the 123rd annual Sunflower Showdown. This game between the University of Kansas and Kansas State University has been played every year since 1911, making it one of the longest running annual rivalries in college football. Congratulations to the KSU Wildcats on their win, and thank you for KU Chancellor Douglas Girod and KSU President Richard Linton for hosting me.
Congratulating President’s Environmental Youth Award Winner Archer Grier
Congratulations to Archer Grier of Tonganoxie High School on receiving the President’s Environmental Youth Award! This award highlights young leaders across our nation who are dedicated to solving problems and caring for our land. You can read more about Archer's sustainable fish-breeding project at Cedar Lake in Olathe here.
Kansans in the Office
AJP Action
Abdul Subhan Mohammmed of Overland Park
Haneen Abu Jalalah of Overland Park
Yafa Saifan of Overland Park
Fort Leavenworth USD 207
Keith Mispagel of Ft. Leavenworth
The One Campaign
Rick Bartlett of Wichita
National Association for Trailer Manufacturers
Kevin Sander of Hays
It was great meeting Kansas Honor Flight 105 as they visited the memorials in Washington, D.C. that were built to honor their service to our country. These veterans traveled from all across Kansas for the trip, and I visited with a group of veterans from Arkansas City while they were at the Vietnam War Memorial. Many of them fought in Vietnam, and it was humbling to hear about their experiences during the war and the overwhelming gratitude they felt from everyone who welcomed them to Washington, D.C. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and the son of a World War II veteran, there is no group of Americans I hold in higher regard than our nation’s heroes, and I value every opportunity to thank them for their service.
Thank you to the Honor Flight team and the volunteers who made this trip possible. To the Kansas veterans on Honor Flight 105, and all our veterans, we respect you, we thank you for your service and we love you.
Advocating for Kansas Priorities with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
On Wednesday, I sat down with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer along with my colleagues Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. We spoke about the opportunities the United States has to secure robust and fair-trade deals with other countries and the benefits that trade provides to American industries like agriculture and manufacturing. With fall harvest underway, farmers are looking for places to sell their commodities. Additional trade deals will provide certainty for producers and help raise low commodity prices. I also emphasized the importance of the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, which created free trade for aircraft, engines and related parts with a number of other countries. Kansas is home to the Air Capital of the World, and maintaining the 1979 agreement in our bilateral trade negotiations will allow for continued success for our manufacturers in Wichita and across our state.
I appreciate Ambassador Greer’s time and willingness to discuss trade issues, and I look forward to continuing the conversation to make certain the United States continues to compete on the global stage.
Addressing Concerns from Kansas Cattle Industry
This week, I have been hearing concerns from Kansas ranchers regarding President Trump’s recent comments on purchasing beef from Argentina in an effort to lower beef prices for consumers. This comes at a time when ranchers have received high prices for their cattle, even during a struggling agricultural economy. The cattle inventory is experiencing a 75-year low, but continued demand for beef has raised prices over time. I believe our cattle industry can have the most success by letting the free market operate.
On Friday, I stopped into the Kansas Livestock Association’s office to better understand what they are hearing from producers across the state. I appreciate Kansans reaching out to let me know their concerns, and I will also continue to support policies to incentivize the investment in and rebuilding of our domestic cattle herd.
You can also find my interviews on this topic with Agri-Talk here and RFD-TV here.
Working to Open the Government & Pay Essential Workers
This week, the Senate voted for the twelfth time on the non-partisan, short-term continuing resolution that would reopen the federal government, but it did not receive the necessary 60 votes to proceed. Following the bill’s failure to pass, the Senate voted on the Shutdown Fairness Act, legislation introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) that would provide necessary appropriations to pay active duty servicemembers and federal employees who are working without pay during a government shutdown. Similarly, this bill did not receive the required 60 votes after failing to receive Democrat support. I have never seen any good come from a government shutdown, and I continue to urge my colleagues to vote yes on the short-term continuing resolution to reopen the government and pass all annual appropriations bills and provide stability to Americans impacted by this shutdown.
Discussing Shutdown Impacts on Gray TV
This week, I joined Gray TV’s Rhyan Henson to discuss how this government shutdown, as it enters its fourth week, is affecting the lives of Kansans and Americans. Due to Congress’ inability to compromise and fulfill one of its most important constitutional duties, our nation’s servicemembers, law enforcement officials and aviation safety personnel, including air traffic controllers and TSA agents, continue to work without a paycheck. Our nation already faces a shortage in air traffic controllers, and this shutdown has hindered the efforts underway to increase safety in the skies. Last March, I introduced the Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 to make certain air traffic controllers tasked with the safety of our aviation system continue to be paid during a government shutdown. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, making certain every traveling American can fly safely and efficiently continues to be one of my top priorities.
Read more about my interview from WIBW here.
Advancing Critical Aviation Safety Legislation
On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation considered several nominations and pieces of legislation, including the ROTOR Act, which I introduced with Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on the six-month anniversary of the midair collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 with an Army helicopter near Reagan National Airport (DCA). Following negotiations, the Commerce Committee approved a modified version of this critical aviation safety legislation, which includes elements of legislation I introduced in May to require all aircraft operating in congested airspace to install and use ADS-B In and Out and to repeal a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) loophole permitting exemptions to the military’s use of ADS-B technology.
The negotiated agreement also strengthens oversight of mixed air traffic and flight routes near commercial service airports, requires annual Department of Transportation (DOT) Inspector General audits, directs the FAA to develop an action plan regarding implementation of new collision avoidance technology and various other improvements to bolster aviation safety. While there remains significant work to be done to improve America’s aviation safety, this is a critical step toward a safer aviation system.
You can watch my remarks following committee passage of the ROTOR Act here.
Receiving Updates on U.S. Space Leadership from Industry Leaders
SpaceX
On Tuesday, I met with SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell to receive an update on the company’s work on NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return American astronauts to the Moon by 2027. SpaceX is currently contracted by NASA to develop a human landing system to deliver astronauts to the lunar surface for the Artemis III mission. While the Artemis program has faced several hurdles to achieving its objectives in the timelines prescribed, the U.S. is committed to meeting its objectives and beating China to the Moon.
As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds NASA, I have continued to prioritize American leadership in space. As SpaceX continues to develop and test its Starship rocket, NASA will continue to evaluate how best to manage partnerships to achieve the goals of Artemis.
Blue Origin
This week, I met with Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp to receive an update on the company’s work on behalf of NASA to develop a human landing system (HLS) for the Artemis program, which aims to return American astronauts to the Moon by 2027. NASA has contracted two commercial space companies – Blue Origin and SpaceX – to provide complementary HLS services for the Artemis program on different contract timelines. This approach offers more flexibility to NASA with respect to the availability of HLS technology that will be critical to the success of the Artemis missions.
Blue Origin’s contract focuses on Artemis IV, set to launch in 2028, and the company is in advanced stages of development to support both the immediate and long-term goals of the American space enterprise. As Chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds NASA, I will continue to monitor NASA’s and its commercial partners’ progress on the infrastructure necessary to support the Artemis program.
Meeting with Northrup Grumman CEO Kathy Warden
On Wednesday, I met with Kathy Warden, the CEO of Northrop Grumman. Northrop Grumman is responsible for several of our nation’s most critical national security programs, including the B-21, the Air Force’s next-generation long-range strike bomber. I appreciated hosting Ms. Warden in Kansas earlier this year to showcase the numerous aerospace companies and the world-class workforce the Air Capital of the World has to offer. I appreciate the defense and space opportunities they bring to our state and the vital national role they play in securing our national security priorities and advancing space exploration technologies for generations to come.
Meeting with Johns Hopkins University Provost Dr. Ray Jayawardhana
On Wednesday, I met with Dr. Ray Jayawardhana, Johns Hopkins University Provost, to discuss their critical research, as well as opportunities to facilitate collaboration between research institutions, industry and the federal government. As a senior appropriator with jurisdiction over several federal agencies that support academic research, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and more, I have worked to support institutions that steward federal dollars responsibly and to advance the cutting-edge scientific research at institutions like the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University and others.
Thank you to Dr. Jayawardhana for his time and insights.
VVA Legislator of the Year Award
This week, I met with Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and they presented me with their Legislator of the Year award. During the meeting, we discussed the importance of the PACT Act for supporting toxic-exposed veterans, ways to improve the care and benefits veterans receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the unique experiences of Vietnam veterans. I appreciate the valuable insight, wisdom and guidance VVA provides and deeply appreciate their work on behalf of all generations of veterans. I look forward to our continued work together in the future.
Visits Across Kansas
Collins Aerospace
This week, I traveled to Lenexa for a tour of Collins Aerospace. Collins Aerospace is part of the Kansas aviation industry that employs more than 100,000 people across our state. During my visit, I learned more about their cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities and their operations and mission to develop innovative solutions for the future of American aerospace. Thank you to Senior Director Greg Dombek, Director Mark Malicdem, Associate Director Mike Zimmers, Associate Director Brett Marquis and all the staff at Collins Aerospace for hosting me.
AAR Corp.
On Friday, I visited AAR Corp. in Wellington for a tour of their facility. AAR Corp. is an aerospace and defense company that supplies airframe and engine components to commercial and military customers around the globe. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation and senior defense appropriator, I remain committed to maintaining U.S. aerospace leadership and making certain our military has the necessary tools they need to keep our nation safe. I also appreciated the opportunity to try several chili dishes during their Chili Cook Off competition.
Thank you to Kansas State Senator Larry Alley, Kansas State Representative Bill Rhiley and Wellington Mayor Joe Soria for joining me during my visit, and thank you to AAR Corp., including Vice President of Global Relations Walter White for hosting me and for your continued investment in Kansas.
Winfield Kansas Veterans’ Home
Later on Friday, I traveled to Winfield to visit with veterans at the Kansas Veterans’ Home and pay my respects at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery. I always appreciate visiting with and hearing from Kansans and am especially grateful for the opportunity to meet with veterans and thank them for their courageous service to our country. Thank you to Superintendent Andrea Jones and everyone I met with for the conversations.
Sunflower Showdown
It was great to be at David Booth Memorial Stadium in Lawrence for the 123rd annual Sunflower Showdown. This game between the University of Kansas and Kansas State University has been played every year since 1911, making it one of the longest running annual rivalries in college football. Congratulations to the KSU Wildcats on their win, and thank you for KU Chancellor Douglas Girod and KSU President Richard Linton for hosting me.
Congratulating President’s Environmental Youth Award Winner Archer Grier
Congratulations to Archer Grier of Tonganoxie High School on receiving the President’s Environmental Youth Award! This award highlights young leaders across our nation who are dedicated to solving problems and caring for our land. You can read more about Archer's sustainable fish-breeding project at Cedar Lake in Olathe here.
Kansans in the Office
AJP Action
Abdul Subhan Mohammmed of Overland Park
Haneen Abu Jalalah of Overland Park
Yafa Saifan of Overland Park
Fort Leavenworth USD 207
Keith Mispagel of Ft. Leavenworth
The One Campaign
Rick Bartlett of Wichita
National Association for Trailer Manufacturers
Kevin Sander of Hays
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