Dangerous Times Around the World
Joining Fox News
I joined Fox News to discuss America’s role in supporting Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East, in their fight against Hamas. I stressed the importance of taking a firm stance against Iran and their proxies, who have openly attacked both our allies around the world as well as American bases in Syria and Iraq. The Biden administration needs to respond to these acts and cannot simply look on as Iran, Russia, China and other adversaries impose their authoritarian overreach. You can watch my full interview with Fox News here.

Questioning the Secretary of State & Defense Secretary
On Tuesday, I questioned Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the President’s emergency supplemental appropriations request. I take seriously Congress’ constitutional responsibility to determine how the United States spends its resources. To that end, I will not rubber stamp the President’s request but will work with my colleagues on the Senate Committee on Appropriations to determine how to best ensure the safety and security of the American public. Ensuring those things starts with secure borders. Although Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas is expected to testify at a later hearing, I relayed to the cabinet secretaries present that I expect the administration to work with Congress on substantive policy changes to deter and mitigate the harms caused by illegal immigration.

I also relayed to Secretaries Austin and Blinken that it is in our interest that Ukraine is successful in its defense against Putin’s unjust and illegal invasion. Any other result makes the world a more dangerous place. The United States must continue to send the message that we are faithful to our partners and allies to deter not just Russia, but China, Iran, and Hamas from causing harm to the free world.

You can watch my full questions here.

Joining CNBC’s Squawk Box
On Thursday, I joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to address the important issues currently threatening our national security. The Senate Committee on Appropriations has been tasked with creating a funding package that will address the national security crisis happening at our southern border and help to bolster our Israeli and Ukrainian allies in their time of need. This vote will be one of the most consequential votes that we as a Congress will have to address, therefore it is necessary the United States stands strong in the face of adversity. I will continue working for Kansans and the American people to defend our great nation during this challenging time. See the rest of my See the rest of my interview here.

Breaking Ground in Leavenworth
On Monday before returning to Washington, D.C., I was in Leavenworth to announce the construction of the new Federal Correctional Institution. More than 125 years ago, the federal government broke ground on what is now the oldest facility in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Ever since then it has served as the flagship facility of the Bureau of Prisons. Generations of Kansans have served as correctional officers and staff at the facility and in doing so, have made invaluable contributions to the Department of Justice’s law enforcement mission and the public safety of our communities.

Over the past several years, I have used my role as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Bureau of Prisons to appropriate more than $500 million for the construction of a new Federal Correctional Institution and satellite Federal Prison Camp. This is the second-largest federal investment in Kansas history. The new facility will be built on undeveloped, federally-owned land, adjacent to the existing facility. Construction is expected to take approximately three years, with the current contract completion anticipated in May of 2026. I would like to thank the Director of the Bureau of Prisons Collette Peters, Sen. Roger Marshall, Governor Laura Kelly, Leavenworth Mayor Jermaine Wilson, and Warden Don Hudson for joining me in making this announcement.

Read more about the groundbreaking in the Kansas Reflector, here.

Mitigating Risks of Artificial Intelligence
AI has tremendous potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government, in addition to the potential positive impacts on the private sector. However, it would be naïve to ignore the risks that accompany this emerging technology, including risks related to data privacy and challenges verifying AI-generated data. Recognizing these risks, Congress directed the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop an AI Risk Management Framework that organizations, public and private, could employ to ensure they use AI systems in a trustworthy manner. This framework was released earlier this year and is supported by a wide range of public and private sector organizations, but federal agencies are not currently required to use this framework to manage their use of AI systems. This week, I introduced the Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act with Sen. Mark Warner to require federal agencies to utilize these reasonable AI risk management guidelines that have already been created by NIST. It is important for the federal government to mitigate risks associated with AI, while still benefiting from new technology. I urge my Senate colleagues join Sen. Warner and I in support of this commonsense approach to ensure there are sensible guardrails in place on federal AI use.

Read more about the bill in POLITICO, here.

Meeting with the American Legion National Commander
This week, I met with the new National Commander of The American Legion (TAL), Daniel Seehafer, who was elected to his position in August of this year. I applauded Commander Seehafer for his dedicated work in ministry and service to our country, first, in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves and, now, through TAL. I let him know how appreciative I am of TAL for the work they do in Kansas and throughout the nation and for their steadfast support of my efforts in Congress to care for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. I am particularly grateful for TAL’s support for my bipartisan Veterans’ HEALTH Act, which would make it easier for VA to provide veterans with timely, high-quality health care in VA medical facilities and through VA’s partners in the community. Commander Seehafer and I discussed common goals and priorities, which we both have, which include preventing veteran suicide, helping veterans achieve success after their service by providing them with a seamless transition from military to civilian life, and expanding access to care across the country. It was a privilege to meet with him, and I look forward to continuing to work with him and with Legionnaires everywhere to better the military and veteran communities we both serve.