Standing with Israel

Standing with Israel
This weekend, Iran launched unprecedented attacks on Israel. Through a coordinated effort by Israel, the United States and other allies, Israel successfully intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles.

Iran’s attack highlights the urgent need for action to address national security threats. Congress must act to immediately pass the national security supplemental package. We must back up our support for Israel with the resources they need to defense themselves, while strengthening our own national security.

You can watch my interview with Fox News here.

Addressing the Biden Admin’s Inaction on the Border
This week, I joined my colleagues on the Senate Floor to address the Biden administration’s historic failure at our southern border. This administration has created dangerous conditions and has done little to dissuade migrants from making the dangerous journey to our border. Migrants know the administration has resisted detaining those who cross the border illegally; they know this administration has resisted hardening border infrastructure; and they know that the administration’s abuse of the parole system will increase their chances of remaining in the United States if they can get across the border. Those making their way to the United States, often through the assistance of criminal organizations, know our laws are not being enforced.

Waiting for comprehensive reform is an excuse from the Secretary and President Biden to do nothing. Secretary Mayorkas has an obligation to use the tools Congress has already provided to enforce legislation that has already passed. His inaction on the border and his leniency towards enforcing the law has resulted in what we see today. The number one priority of the federal government is to protect our national security, and the Biden administration has failed to protect our southern border.

You can watch my floor speech here.

Announcing New Veterans Legal Clinic for KU Law
This week, I spoke at the University of Kansas School of Law to announce the establishment of the KU Veterans Legal Clinic, which will aid veterans in need of legal services. As the lead Republican on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, I secured federal resources to open this clinic, which will be staffed by a dedicated team of legal professionals assisted by University of Kansas law students. The clinic will assist veterans on a wide array of issues from complex benefit claims to resolving housing-related legal issues to employment and family matters.

The education and training at this clinic will grant KU law students the opportunity to provide criminal and civil legal assistance to veterans who cannot otherwise afford representation. There is no group of Americans I hold in higher regard than our veterans, and I look forward to seeing how the KU Veterans Legal Clinic will assist our veterans and provide new hands-on learning opportunities for law students.

Thank you to KU law student and veteran Cody White for speaking about the importance of this clinic for students and veterans. I also want to thank Chancellor Doug Girod and Dean Stephen Mazza for speaking at the announcement. A special thanks to General Butch Tate, Chief Justice Lawton Nuss, the U.S. District Judges and community leaders for attending the event.

Safeguarding Americans' Data Privacy
This week, the Chairwomen of the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee announced a comprehensive data privacy proposal - the American Privacy Rights Act. I have long advocated for and worked with colleagues for the enactment of a federal comprehensive data privacy and security law that puts Americans in control of their data. This proposal creates standards for American businesses that process and use consumers’ personally identifiable data. Such a federal law would help solve ongoing concerns about children’s online data privacy and national security concerns regarding foreign collection of U.S. data, among other issues.

I expect the Senate Commerce Committee to respond with hearings and produce an amended version of this bill that protects consumers and fosters an environment which promotes innovators and job creators.

Discussing VA Care for Women Veterans
On Wednesday, I joined my colleague Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) in leading a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing on the needs facing our nation’s women veterans. This hearing was an opportunity for VA to discuss the quality and accessibility of care and services provided to women veterans and whether such care is meeting the specific needs of these veterans. Despite concentrated efforts from VA and Congress to better support women veterans, they continue to face certain persistent challenges compared to both their male veteran counterparts and their non-veteran women peers. VA must be more proactive in serving the growing number of women veterans who are accessing VA health care benefits and services, especially women veterans in rural areas and women who have specific and unique health needs. These continued discussions are more important than ever, as women are the fastest-growing demographic of active-duty servicemembers and veterans. I would like to thank my colleagues for their continued efforts in supporting our nation’s veterans.

You can watch my questioning here.

Receiving an Update from the Air Force
On Tuesday, the Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, the Air Force Chief of Staff General Allvin and the Chief of Space Operations General Saltzman testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Defense.

I asked Secretary Kendall about the Air Force’s new B-21 Raider, which is slated to replace the aging B-1 and B-2 bombers. It is important that these aircraft are produced in an efficient manner as supply increases. I also asked Secretary Kendall about the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), which is still being developed. CCAs are autonomous fighter aircraft intended to fly themselves into battle alongside crewed fighters. I look forward to further updates from Secretary Kendall on this program.

I next questioned General Allvin about the new KC-46 refueling tanker aircraft. The Air Force is considering replacing the current fleet of KC-135 aircraft, located at Forbes Field in Topeka, with the KC-46. I look forward to working with the Air Force on this decision and ensuring they consider everything necessary for the basing decision.

Welcoming Panasonic CEO Megan Lee to Prime Minister Kishida's Address to Congress
This week, I welcomed Panasonic Corporation of North America CEO Megan Lee to Washington, D.C. for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s address to a joint meeting of Congress. As a nation, we are stronger because of our friendship and alliance with Japan, both through our defense strategies and commerce. Kansas recently welcomed the Japan-based company Panasonic to build a state-of-the-art electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto. These kinds of partnerships bolster the economies of both our countries and advance our shared technological priorities.

Meeting with Northrop Grumman
On Tuesday, I met with Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden to discuss progress on the B-21 Raider. In partnership with Wichita’s Spirit AeroSystems, Northrop Grumman has made incredible strides towards delivering this critical capability to our strategic deterrent and national security. The B-21 represents the modernized component in our air component of the nuclear triad, the backbone of our nation’s deterrence. This platform is critical to our national security and an important project for the workforce in Kansas.

I am grateful for Ms. Warden’s leadership on this capability and Northrop’s continued work with Kansas suppliers.

Meeting with Kansans
Alzheimer’s Association
On Tuesday, I met Kansas representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association. During our meeting, they shared their stories about the impact the disease has had, directly or indirectly, on them and their families. I shared updates on the association’s priority legislation that I introduced, including the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) reauthorization and the BOLD Act, both of which will ensure research into Alzheimer’s is collaborative and streamlined. In my role on the Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, I have been a strong supporter of federal funding for Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health and will continue supporting these essential resources for Alzheimer’s disease.

Thank you to Lorri Beck, Stephen Benson, Jamie Gideon, David Herdman, Jan Johnson, Tiffany Naccarato, Elizabeth Row, Fe Vorderlandwhr and Ben Woodworth for meeting with me and for their work advocating on behalf of Americans living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones who care for them.

American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges
On Wednesday, I met with the dean of the K-State Veterinary Medicine, Bonnie Rush, and two VetMed faculty members. We discussed the pressing need for veterinarians in Kansas and our rural communities. K-State is currently working on offering a new dual degree doctorate in veterinary medicine and physician assistant program, which could help provide increased access to veterinary services, as well as address access care for individual health needs.

Thank you to Bonnie and the faculty for meeting with me.

KC Tech Council
I met with members of the Kansas City Tech Council to discuss their priorities, including federal data privacy legislation and Kansas City’s recent designation as a Tech Hub. It is important to make certain all parts of the country, including Kansas, receive their fair share of resources so that Kansans can participate in innovative groundbreaking research. I look forward to continuing to work with the KC Tech Council to support our state’s growing technology sector.

Thank you to Kara Lowe, Christine Murray, Trent Armbrust, Doug Oliveira and Joe Lilly for joining me during their time in DC.

Alan Poff, Schwan's Food
On Thursday, I was presented with the ceremonial pizza cutter in recognition of the grand opening of Schwan's newly expanded pizza-making facility in Salina, Kansas. Today, the facility is fully operational, with over 200 new jobs operating over 1 million square feet, making it one of the largest pizza-making facilities in the world.

Thank you to Alan Poff of Schwan's for the recognition, and congratulations to Schwan's on the new facility.

Kansas Bank Commissioner
It was great to see Kansas Bank Commissioner David Herndon and Deputy Bank Commissioner Tim Kemp this week. The Office of the State Bank Commissioner plays a key role in managing lenders in Kansas and ensuring that our state’s banks remain stable, well-capitalized and liquid. With the number of rural banks across the country decreasing, we need pro-growth policies that allow rural towns better access to lending. Through prudent oversight and lightened regulations, we can create an environment that bolsters small banks and provides families and individuals throughout Kansas with the opportunities they need to thrive.

Thanks to David and Tim for meeting with me.

Meeting with General Brito
This week I met with General Brito, the Commander of the U.S. Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). TRADOC is responsible for developing the doctrine and curriculum for how the Army fights. They also supervise the basic training schools at Army installations nationwide and other essential functions, like the Combine Arms Center located at Fort Leavenworth.

We discussed the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which allows individuals interested in enlisting in the Army, but unable to meet the current Army fitness and aptitude standards, to enter the prep course. Programs like the Future Soldier Prep Course can provide men and women who want to serve with the necessary tools to meet the requirements to enter service. We also talked about how the Army is reinvesting in its profession by encouraging servicemembers to publish military writings.

Thank you to General Brito for your service to our nation and for taking the time to meet with me.

Visiting Veterans in Kansas City
On Monday, I visited with veterans in the KCK veterans outpatient clinic. It was great to talk with the men and women who served our country and hear about how the VA meets their needs. I appreciate working for those who served in the military.

Recognizing Pittsburg Businessman
On Monday, I spoke on the Senate Floor about Watco Executive Chairman Rick Webb, who was recently inducted into the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association’s (ASLRRA) Short Line Hall of Fame. Under Rick’s leadership, as well as the leadership of Watco’s founders, Rick’s father, Dick, and mother, Kaye Lynne, Watco grew from a single facility to a multi-faceted transportation and supply chain service company with more than 190 locations operating in four countries. Rick has been with Watco from the beginning now is Executive Chairman.

Companies like Watco elevate the standard of industrial transportation in Kansas, America and the world, and the dedication of Rick and all of Watco’s employees have made Watco what it is today. Congratulations to Rick for this accolade and to the entire Watco team for their success as a company.

You can watch my floor speech here.

You can learn more about Rick and Watco here.

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of NATO
This month marks 75 years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s existence. NATO has served as a pillar of security, deterring adversaries and protecting our world as the most successful alliance in history. In today’s complex and dangerous world, NATO is essential to preserving American peace and prosperity.

Honoring “Rosie the Riveters” at the Capitol
On Wednesday, the women who stepped up to help manufacture planes during World War II and who inspired the icon, “Rosie the Riveter,” received a Congressional Gold Medal. Connie Palacioz of Wichita was one of the original “Rosies” who worked on the B-29 Superfortress during World War II.

Capitol Tour
Alexis Gatson Currie of Kansas City

Darren Day of Liberal

Lyn Day of Liberal

Ann Doss of Kansas City

Juanita Douglas of Kansas City

Toya Harris of Kansas City

Sara Hart of Lawrence

Marc Johnson of Manhattan

Karen Penner of Manhattan

Jeannean White of Kansas City

Joyce White of Kansas City

Alzheimer’s Association
Lorrie Beck of Wichita

Stephen Benson of Wichita

Jamie Gideon of Wichita

David Herdman of Kansas City

Abbie Holden of Derby

Jan Johnson of Bucyrus

Tiffany Naccarato of Junction City

Jennifer Owens of Haysville

Elizabeth Rowe of Leawood

Fe Vorderlandwehr of Haysville

Angela Weidenbener of North Newton

Ben Woodworth of Haysville

American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Suzanne Stevens of Shawnee

American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges
Paige Adams of Manhattan

Shane Lyon of Manhattan

Bonnie Rush of Manhattan

American Clean Power
Matt Peters of Wichita

Rorik Peterson of Shawnee

American Dental Association
Robert Dakin of Wichita

Stuart Dexter of Shawnee

Francisco Flores of Overland Park

Leanne McDowell of Kansas City

Allen Reavis of Atchison

Cynthia Sherwood of Independence

American Frozen Food Institute
Deborah Wolman of Kansas City

Enjet Aero
Bruce Breckenridge of Leawood

FirePoint Innovations Center
Robert Carpenter of Wichita

Steve Cyrus of Wichita

Fraternal Government Relations Coalition
Ella Burrows of Satanta

Walker Haber of Lawrence

Sean Hoffmans of Topeka

Bob McKenney of Fredonia

Mike Riley of Hiawatha

Frontier Financial Partners
Wayne Symmonds of Emporia

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Italo Bett of Overland Park

Kansas Association of Insurance Agents
Bryce Burdiek of Centralia

Brock Elliott of Louisburg

Cindy Hower of Holton

David Hulcher of Lawrence

Luke Hunter of Wichita

Brad Leighton of Olathe

Dan Murray of Lawrence

Kevin O’Brien of Leawood

Robert Richey of Wichita

Brian Schmitz of Seneca

Beth Smoller of Manhattan

Jo Erin Stuteville of Louisburg

Joe Voye of Olathe

Kansas Bar Association
Laura Ice of Wichita

Rachael Pirner of Wichita

Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
Javon Knight of Kansas City

Terri Barr Moore of Kansas City

Frank White of Kansas City

Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
Stephanie Coleman of Topeka

Whitney Downing of Topeka

Lola Kernell of Fairway

Sara Hart Weir of Topeka

Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association
Ed Cross of Topeka

Kansas Legal Services
Matt Keenan of Topeka

Kansas Natural Resource Coalition
Tracey Barton of Larned

Bob Rein of Larned

Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner
Mike Enzbrenner of Topeka

David Herndon of Shawnee

Tim Kemp of Wamego

Kansas State University
Hope Bianco of Manhattan

Alexis Burnett of Wichita

Matt Casey of Manhattan

Oliva Honeywell of Manhattan

Christian Kiser of Manhattan

KC Tech Council
Trent Armbrust of Kansas City

Joe Lilly of Kansas City

Kara Lowe of Kansas City

Christine Murray of Kansas City

Doug Oliveira of Kansas City

Lumbermen Association
Jim Bishop of Bonner Springs

Sue Bishop of Bonner Springs

Midwest Housing Equity Group
John Wiechmann of Topeka

Joshua Yurek of Lenexa

Music Theatre Wichita
Angela Cassette of Wichita

National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
Sheila Barnett of Goodland

Bradley Gamber of Winfield

Mikki Herrera of Chanute

Braden Kibel of Goodland

Ty Lewick of Liberal

Shelly Michals of Paola

Sally Stang of Wichita

Shellye Weber of Wellington

Pork Leadership Institute
Hyatt Frobose of Greeley

WaterOne
Jim Jackson of Manhattan

Darci Meese of Lenexa

Water Strategies
Garrett Love of Garden City

Mark Rude of Garden City

Jason Norquest of Garden City

Clay Scott of Garden City

Kansas Common Sense

Standing with Israel

Apr 15 2024

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