Remembering Our Nation’s Servicemembers on Memorial Day
As our country celebrates Memorial Day, we come together as Americans to honor the brave men and women who served in defense of our country. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and honor their memory, as well as the families they left behind. It is a time to gather with loved ones, show appreciation to the veterans in our lives and remember the generations a servicemembers who sacrificed their lives to preserve the freedoms we hold dear as Americans. May we always remember their sacrifice.


Attending Memorial Day Services
Grinnell
On Monday, I joined the Grinnell community to recognize Memorial Day and honor the generations of brave Americans who laid down their lives defending our freedoms.

In the midst of recovering from last week’s tornado, the community came together and cleaned up the cemetery so they would be ready for Memorial Day. Thank you to everyone who helped prepare for this event, honoring the Kansans who gave their all serving our country.

Thank you especially to Bea Albers with the VFW and County Commissioner Adam Teeter and everyone who came out to honor our nation’s heroes.


WaKeeney
After attending the service in Grinnell, I joined the WaKeeney community for a Memorial Day service at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery. Thank you to all those who helped and took part in this special service honoring the Kansan and American heroes who have given their all defending our nation.


Remembering Israeli Embassy Victims
The attack on a young couple in D.C. who are part of the Jewish community - Yaron and Sarah - is a tragic and sickening escalation of antisemitism in America. This violence and hatred must end. Sarah grew up in the Kansas City area, and I attended her memorial service this week. I am saddened for the loved ones who are grieving the loss of these two young people. I am praying for all our Jewish friends and neighbors.

Securing a Hiring Freeze Exemption for Council Grove Lake
As the summer vacation season approaches, Council Grove Lake is unable to fully operate due to a staff shortage and the federal hiring freeze. I visited the lake a few weeks ago to meet with business owners who will be impacted if the lake remains closed during the summer. After reaching out to the Army Corps of Engineer, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll informed me that he has signed an exemption on the hiring freeze to allow the necessary staff to be hired at Council Grove Lake. I urge the Army Corps of Engineers to complete this process so the lake is ready for visitors this summer.

You can read more about this here in KVOE.

Breaking Ground on the New KU Cancer Center
On Friday, I attended the University of Kansas Cancer Center groundbreaking ceremony in Kansas City. The work being done at the KU Cancer Center is remarkable and will be strengthened by the addition of the new cancer center. As a senior member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I helped secure federal resources to invest in the construction of the KU Cancer Center. Cancer touches all of us in some way, and this world-class facility will continue to make KU Cancer Center a global destination for cancer treatment and research.


Hearing from Secretary Rubio on International Food Aid
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations hosted Secretary of State Marco Rubio to hear his testimony on the President’s FY2026 budget request. During the hearing, I asked Secretary Rubio about the benefit of transferring the responsibilities of the Food for Peace program from the Department of State to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). In February, I introduced legislation that would move Food for Peace from USAID to USDA to make certain the program continues and is run effectively. I also emphasized the importance of Agriculture Research and Development, specifically through Feed the Future Labs, which are funded through Foreign Operations funding. I look forward to continuing working with the Department of State through the appropriations process to advance these priorities for programs vital to our state.

You can watch my questions here.


Questioning Secretary Kennedy on Kansas Measles Outbreak
On Tuesday, Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education on the department’s budget request for FY2026. During the hearing, I asked the Secretary to make certain Kansas has the resources it needs from HHS in order to effectively respond to the measles outbreak we’re experiencing in Kansas. He committed to supporting Kansas in this effort.

I also stressed the importance of making certain that as the administration moves forward on its priorities within HHS, that important biomedical research programs, such as Alzheimer’s research, remain a priority, and that Americans with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to receive the support they need from the federal government. I look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Health and Human Services to keep Kansans safe and healthy.

Click here to watch my questions.


Questioning National Guard Leaders on Proposed Budget Priorities
On Thursday, as a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I addressed senior leaders representing the National Guard and Reserve forces from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps about their budget priorities. This was an opportunity to highlight Kansas' critical role in supporting our National Guard and Reserve servicemembers. I focused my statements and questions on the effects of the Army Transformation Initiative, the importance of KC-46As for the 190th at McConnell Air Force Base, the importance of the State Partnership Program and why the Kansas Guard would make an ideal partner with Greece, and the STARBASE program.

Click here to watch my questions.


Reviewing Veteran Legislation
On Wednesday, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing to review 20 pieces of legislation aimed at improving the delivery of care, benefits and services to veterans and survivors. During the hearing, representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled American Veterans testified on the legislation. Of the bills that were discussed, eight were pieces of legislation I introduced, including the Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act, Precision Brain Health Research Act, and VA License Portability Act. These bills will build on previous successes Congress has achieved in partnership with veterans organizations to support veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors to make certain they receive the quality and timely care and benefits they deserve. It was a productive discussion, and I look forward to advancing these pieces of legislation out of committee.

You can watch my questions here.


Questioning Nominees for USDA Under Secretaries
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Agriculture held a hearing for the nominations of Dudley Hoskins to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs and Dr. Scott Hutchins to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education and Economics. I highlighted for the nominees the importance of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan and asked for their commitment to continue issuing reports like the July Cattle Report, a vital tool for ranchers making mid-year decisions for their operations.

You can watch my questions here.


Receiving a Military Preparedness Update from U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal
On my way back to D.C., I joined Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and my colleague, Senator Britt, in Huntsville, Alabama, at Redstone Arsenal to meet with the defense and federal law enforcement leaders. We met with leadership from Army Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation and PEO Missiles and Space to learn about their efforts to accelerate the production of the Army’s Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and the plans to support the Administration’s Golden Dome initiative. The FLRAA program will deliver warfighters greater speed, range and maneuverability while also utilizing Kansas’ highly trained aviation workforce. The cabin of this next-generation aviation platform will be produced by Bell Textron in Wichita. Thank you, Senator Britt for hosting me in Alabama to learn more about the Army’s plans to adapt to the United States’ evolving security environment.

I look forward to hosting Secretary Driscoll in Kansas in the future.


ATF's Redstone Arsenal Facility
I also visited the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)’s Capano Range Complex at the National Center for Explosives Training and Research, which is located on the Army’s Redstone Arsenal property. During this visit, I was joined by Secretary Driscoll who currently also serves as the Acting Director of the ATF. I want to thank Secretary Driscoll for hosting me for this visit, and I look forward to working with him to make certain the ATF has the tools they need to interrupt the illicit trafficking of weapons and explosives into the U.S.


FBI Kinetic Cyber Range
Discussing Wichita Aerospace Supply Chain with Lockheed Martin Space
On Tuesday, I met with Robert Lightfoot, President of Lockheed Martin Space to discuss the integral role of Wichita’s aerospace suppliers to the space supply chain and Lockheed Martin Space’s participation in several NASA exploration and science missions. In 2023, Lockheed Martin Space announced that Wichita would be added to the company’s list of official supply chain market cities. I remain focused on supporting Wichita’s robust and diversified aerospace design and manufacturing capacity. Companies like Lockheed Martin Space help showcase the impressive work being undertaken in Wichita and throughout Kansas. Thank you to Robert Lightfoot, Kyle Griffin, Bob Behnken and Tami Plofchan for their time and insights.

Introducing Legislation to Bolster Farmers and Ranchers
Improving Farmer Coordination and Education
I recently reintroduced the Farmer to Farmer Education Act, which will authorize USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to enter into cooperative agreements with agricultural groups to establish conservation peer networks. This bill will allow Kansas farmers and ranchers to leverage and expand their networks to address conservation challenges like combating floods and wind erosion. Farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists, and they should have the tools necessary to continue feeding, fueling and clothing the world.

Bolstering the Animal Feed Industry
This week, I reintroduced the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (FEED) Act of 2025. Current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations require that animal feed additives go through a lengthy and burdensome drug approval process. This bipartisan legislation would modernize the animal feed regulatory framework at FDA and promote more private sector innovation in the animal health and feed sectors.

Addressing Agricultural Research Facilities Maintenance Backlog
I recently introduced the AG RESEARCH Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would provide funding to address maintenance backlogs at land-grant universities across the country. American farmers and ranchers produce the best food, fuel and fiber in the world, thanks in part to our educational research institutions like Kansas State University.

Meeting with Kansans
St. Francis Ministries
This week, I met with Retired Colonel William Clark, CEO of Saint Francis Ministries, and his wife, Andrea. Saint Francis Ministries, headquartered in Salina, serves more than 11,000 children and families throughout the Midwest, with the goal of supporting permanency for children through foster care, adoption and support services. I thank Col. Clark for the work Saint Francis Ministries does to support children in Kansas and across the Midwest.



Visits Across Kansas
Bowersock Mills and Power Company
On Friday, I visited the Bowersock Mills and Power Company in Lawrence. Bowersock was established in 1874, and it is the only hydroelectric turbine facility in Kansas. While there, we discussed the issues facing the industry and how I can best be of service in Washington, D.C. Thank you to all those who took the time to visit with me and provided me a tour of the facility.


Lawrence Memorial Hospital Main Campus
While in Lawrence, I also visited Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH) for a tour. I spoke with hospital staff on the ways LMH is continuing to provide the Lawrence community with affordable, quality health care services. Thank you to LMH President and CEO Russ Johnson and all those who helped with the tour.


Celebrating Wedding of Jake Wessel & Katheryn Gregerson
On Saturday, I attended the wedding ceremony of my State Agricultural Representative Jake Wessel and his now wife, Katheryn in Elmdale, KS. Jake has been a member of my team since joining on as an intern in 2019 and has been serving as my agricultural representative in Kansas since 2021. It was a joy to celebrate these two as they join their lives together. 

Now Accepting 2025 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2030. 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. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, October 4, 2025. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

Kansans in the Office  

Capitol Tour
Lindsey Base of Lawrence

Maddox Base of Lawrence

Scott Base of Lawrence

Fanny Bowers of Overland Park

Jacob Broadbent of Lawrence

Jeffrey Broadbent of Bonner Springs

Paulette Broadbent of Bonner Springs

Lauren Dandreo of Ottawa

Caiying Huang of Lawrence

Teddy Ingardia of Overland Park

Helaine Karnes of Haysville

Samuel Karnes of Haysville

Benjamin Karnes of Haysville

Mark Kasaei of Stilwell

Souraphon Keodouangkham of Wichita

Son Chan Lam of Wichita

Ki Wai Lau of Lawrence

Carl Lindstrom of Lindsborg

Sabrina Lindstrom of Lindsborg

Yulin Liu of Lawrence

Sally Lunsford of Topeka

Huy Ly of Wichtia

John Meier of Overland Park

Nellie Modaress of Stilwell      

Colleen O’Neal of Wellsville

Sherry Stoeckle of Leawood

Alliance for a Healthy Kansas
April Holman of Topeka

American Council of Engineering Companies of Kansas
Jeffrey Dltancolc of Manhattan

Kevin Honomichl of De Soto

Clint Robinson of Overland Park

American Feed Industry Association
Carlos Gonzalez of Topeka

Will Rock of Overland Park

American Society for Radiation Oncology
Katelyn Kane of Lenexa

Association of American Cancer Institutes
Roy Jensen of Kansas City

Fred Logan of Kansas City

Financial Services Institute
Don Baxter of Wichita

Justin Baxter of Wichita

Inclusion Connections KC
Debbie Horn of Olathe

J-Six Farms
Joe Kramer of Seneca

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
Chuck Ferguson of Overland Park

Kansas City NPA
Gina Gowan of Kansas City

Rebekah Grieb of Kansas City

Motorcycle Riders Foundation
James Iverson of Lyons

Tony Railsback of Sterling

Tammy Railsback of Sterling

Tony Rawls-Riley of Kansas City

Mitch Foley of Abilene

Joseph Williams of Topeka

National Association of Landscape Professionals
Frank Male of Lawrence

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
Shane Grau of Topeka

Tom Morgan of Olathe

NATSO
Kate Augustine of Salina

Mark Augustine of Salina

Joshua Tait of Salina

St. Francis Ministries
Andrea Clark of Plainville

William Clark of Plainville

TrueBlue
Taryn Owen of Gardner

Zero to Three
Hannah Vigneny of Wichita