Kansas Common Sense
Boeing Announces Agreement to Acquire Spirit AeroSystems
On Sunday, Boeing announced an agreement to acquire Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita. Wichita would not be the Air Capital of the World without the extraordinary engineers, designers and manufacturers who have invested in our aviation industry and made Wichita their home. When I recently walked the factory floor at Spirit AeroSystems, I reiterated this message and told employees that I am fully committed to them and growing new opportunities for the Air Capital of the World.
For the last several years, I have worked alongside Spirit AeroSystems and other aviation companies across Wichita to diversify the manufacturing industry. This has led to new defense contracts on some of the military’s most elite and innovative programs and new partnerships and jobs for our nation’s growing aerospace industry. I have been in contact with leaders in the Department of Defense and many of our defense and aerospace partners to advocate for Wichita’s diverse capabilities so that defense work is not lost as a result of Boeing’s acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems.
There is no doubt that Boeing has a fractured history in Wichita. I have spoken to Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and Chairman of the Board Steven Mollenkopf and conveyed that Boeing must earn the trust and respect of its Wichita employees and the community.
Today, I joined Neil Cavuto on Fox Business to discuss Boeing's announcement to acquire Spirit AeroSystems, one of the largest employers in the state of Kansas.
You can watch my interview here.
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Thanking our Harvesters
As wheat harvest continues across the state, it is important to be mindful of harvest trucks, equipment and combines on the road as farmers work hard to get their crops in.
It is also a great time to thank those working on farms, grain elevators and all harvesters for helping feed our state, country and world. Thanks for all you do!
Listening to Kansans and Announcing New Community Resources
Seward County Listening Tour & New Community College Resources
On Tuesday morning, I was in Liberal for a Seward County Listening Tour stop and to announce federal resources for Seward County Community College to grow its Commercial Driver’s License training program and to expand other technical education programs including diesel mechanics. The funds will allow SCCC to more than double its capacity for the CDL program, helping to equip students with the knowledge they need to fill critical roles in Kansas and beyond. I also enjoyed the opportunity to visit with those in attendance about infrastructure challenges, immigration and border security and to learn more about the good things happening in Liberal.
Thank you to SCCC President Brad Bennett for hosting this event and also to State Senator Ron Ryckman, State Representative Shannon Francis, County Commissioners C.J. Wettstein and Scott Carr, Liberal Vice Mayor Jeff Parsons and to all who joined to celebrate the expansion of this program.
You can read more about the announcement here.
Morton County Listening Tour & Announcing Resources for the County Health System
This week, I was in Elkhart for a Morton County Listening Tour and to announce resources for the Morton County Health System. Health care is critical to the future of rural communities in Kansas and through being awarded a Critical Access Hospital designation, Horton County Health Systems will be able to remain open and provide critical care to individuals in the community.
Thank you to CEO Lisa Swenson, CFO Richard Adams, Dick Akers, Jim Tucker, Bill and Sue Tucker and Brian Mitchell for joining me for this announcement.
Stanton County Listening Tour & Announcing Hospital Resources
Later on Tuesday, I joined members of the community in Johnson City for a Listening Tour stop and to congratulate the Stanton County Hospital on receiving funds to replace aging equipment. I also received an update regarding what is happening at the hospital and learned more about the challenges in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce.
Thank you to CEO Camille Davidson and members of the area for joining us for this announcement.
Hamilton County Listening Tour & Announcing Resources for Sheriff’s Office
I joined Sheriff Mike Wilson in announcing a federal investment in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office that will allow the agency to purchase License Plate Reader technology this week. This technology aids local police in addressing crime and assists in catching criminals from across the country. During the Listening Tour, I also enjoyed visiting with those in attendance about challenges with the VA and the post office, as well as concerns with workforce and immigration and border security.
Thank you to Sheriff Wilson, Commissioners Mike Lewis and Nikki Schwerdfeger, Mark Davis and everyone who joined.
Kearny County Listening Tour & Announcing Resources for Sheriff’s Office
On Tuesday afternoon, I was in Kearny County for a Listening Tour stop and to federal funding for the Kearny County Sheriff’s Office. We also discussed the importance of finding strong local solutions to address the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer, passing a Farm Bill and the need to secure the border.
Thank you to Undersheriff Mike Fontenot, Ralph Goodnight, Gary and Helen Hayzlett, Randy and Pam Hayzlett, Jason Shambaugh and all who took the time to visit with me.
Hodgeman County Listening Tour & Announcing Resources for County Hospital
On Wednesday, I was in Jetmore for a Listening Tour stop and to announce resources for the Hodgeman County Hospital. The new investment will allow the hospital to make renovations to better serve a growing patient base. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with those in attendance about the importance of border security, the rule of law and the important work our local healthcare providers do.
Thank you to the community leaders for meeting with me.
Hosting VA Secretary at Reopening of the Dole VA Regional Office
On Thursday, I joined Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough in Wichita to celebrate the reopening of the VA Regional Benefits Office. Originally located in the basement of the Robert J. Dole Medical Center in Wichita, the new and improved Regional Office will help better serve the needs of veterans in south central Kansas, allow them to have greater and faster access to the benefits they have earned and deserve and make it easier for VA to attract high-quality employees. It was great to meet with veterans, VA staff, Gen. Turner from the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs and local veterans service organizations to celebrate this new facility.
I would like to thank Donna Meyer-Hickel, the director of the Wichita VA Regional Office, for inviting me to speak and be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and for all the hard work she and her team do to make certain veterans in Kansas are receiving the benefits they are entitled to. I would also like to thank VA Sec. Denis McDonough and his staff, including Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits Mike Frueh, for joining us in Wichita and for their collective effort to support veterans in Kansas and nationwide.
You can read more about the event in KWCH here.
Introducing Legislation to Help with Military Recruitment
I introduced legislation that will allow state public education systems to receive aggregated military enlistment data from the Department of Defense. This bill will allow Kansas public schools to obtain accurate information on which students are serving, in what capacity and for how long. Allowing state education agencies to connect their data with military enlistment information would allow states like Kansas to consider military service a successful post-high school outcome.
Dr. Randy Watson originally started this effort by gathering a coalition of state educational leaders from 31 states and U.S. territories and writing a letter to the Department of Defense to initiate a working group with DoD to come up with a sharing agreement. I want to thank Dr. Watson and the entire Kansas Department of Education for leading this national effort.
You can read more about the Military Education Data Integration Act here.
New Garden City Regional Airport Terminal
This week, I participated in the ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the new regional airport terminal. This project is the result of several years of hard work and planning by the city and their partners. Through this project, the airport has doubled the number of gates, increased security measures and installed a new baggage claim which will help Garden City Regional continue to be the third busiest airport in Kansas.
Thank you to City Manager Matt Allen, Airport Director Rachelle Powell, City Commissioners Roy Cessna and Bryce Landgraf, the airport advisory board and all others who joined to celebrate this achievement.
You can read more about the ceremony here.
Announcing New Resources for McPherson College and Police Department
On Thursday, I was joined by many community leaders at McPherson College to announce federal resources to purchase equipment and upgrade technology to help establish the college's Kansas Center for Rural and Community Health. This innovative program will train students in clinical, behavioral and public health professions and in the process serve as a national model for higher education institutions committed to the health of small, rural communities. My goal is that Kansas is a place where our youth are raised here, remain here to receive a college degree and then easily find a career in their communities or across the state.
Additionally, I helped the McPherson Police Department secure federal funding to acquire new technology that will expand their ability to track and monitor high risk local traffic with new license plate cameras. This investment will also allow for the purchase a new command trailer to enable the department to better respond to high intensity situations.
Special thanks to McPherson College President Michael Schneider and McPherson Chief of Police Mikel Golden for their leadership and for participating in the announcements. Thank you also to the many community and educational leaders who joined us for this special occasion.
You can read more about the announcements here.
New Resources for Reno County Sheriff’s Department
Later Thursday morning, I was in Hutchinson to announce new federal resources for the Reno County Sheriff’s Department. This investment will upgrade the department’s radio communications system, allowing deputies to respond to emergencies in a more efficient manner that meets new federal radio requirements. Funding will also be used to purchase a full body scanner for the county correctional facility which will enhance the safety of officers and inmates.
Special thanks to Sheriff Darrian Campbell for his leadership. Thank you also to the many law enforcement and community leaders who joined me.
Visits Across Kansas
HydroGraph
On Monday, I joined the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce on a visit to HydroGraph. HydroGraph is a Kansas State University and National Science Foundation (NSF) funding success story that produces graphene and other materials.
Thank you to the Manhattan Chamber and HydroGraph President and Interim CEO Kjirstin Breure for hosting me and providing an overview on the cutting-edge work and development being done at HydroGraph. 
Manhattan Intergovernmental Lunch
On Monday, I also joined leaders from the greater Manhattan area for their Intergovernmental Meeting. I provided an update on recent federal funds I secured for Fort Riley, Kansas State University, Riley County Police Department and K/18/I-70 interchange, as well as my past work to help secure federal investments and support for NBAF, the Manhattan Levee project, Tuttle Creek, Manhattan Regional Airport and Riley Avenue in Ogden. I also discussed my work on Name Image and Likeness (NIL) legislation that matters greatly to the success of our athletic programs at Kansas State University, Kansas University and Wichita State.
Thank you to K-State President Richard Linton, Dr. Marshall Stewart, Athletic Director Gene Taylor, State Representatives Mike Dodson and Kenny Titus, Riley County, City of Manhattan, Fort Riley, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Riley County Police Department, Chairman of the Board for Innovative Livestock Services, Inc. Lee Borck and the Food and Farm Council for the invitation to join their group for lunch and conversation.
You can read more about the lunch in the Manhattan Mercury here.
Syracuse
On Tuesday, I visited the Valley State Bank in Syracuse and had great conversations with President Casey Finley, as well as Doug Butler, Tasha Dupre, and Marissa Englert. I was able to discuss the Kansas wheat harvest and banking endeavors in the city. We also talked about the bank’s recent merger with another bank in Scott City.
It is always great to visit with Kansans and hear about the things happening their community. Thanks to Doug, Tasha, Casey and Marissa for meeting with me.
Stanton County Court House
On Tuesday, I toured the Stanton County Courthouse and met with County Treasurer Vanessa Trujillo, County Clerk Sandy Barton, Appraiser Cynthia Wellbrock and Deputy Register of Deeds Nicole Coffey. I appreciated learning about the issues affecting Stanton County and provided an update on things happening in Washington, D.C.
Thanks to Stanton County for letting me stop by and for the tour.
Ness City
I joined Ness City Mayor Ann Kuhlman and others at the ribbon cutting for the new Ness City Pool. This pool is a testament to the hard work of those in Ness City and demonstrates how great things can happen in Kansas when a community comes together to improve their quality of life.
Thank you to those who joined me at this event.
Celebrating Tim Rogers
Thursday evening, I had the opportunity to pay tribute to a longtime friend, mentor and advocate of Salina and the aviation sector. Tim Rogers has been dedicated to the Salina Airport Authority for 39 years and an advocate for Kansas and its future, working to propel economic growth across various business industries and the military. He played a large role in drafting and shaping legislation in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that would benefit Kansas and our airports. Similarly, Tim has been a great collaborator with Kansas State University – Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus, working to develop new partnerships and opportunities for collaboration.
Tim, or as his call sign indicates, “Airport One”, is a visionary and has built a strong platform for the Salina Airport Authority to continue down this course of success. Thank you to Tim for his partnership over these last few decades, and I wish him and his family the best as they enter this next chapter.
You can read more about Tim and the event here.
Recognizing 80 Years of the G.I. Bill
This week, I joined my colleagues Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) to introduce a resolution acknowledging the 80th anniversary of the veterans G.I. Bill. On June 22, 1944, then President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act - known as the G.I. bill - into law. This was landmark legislation that provided returning World War II veterans with a wide array of educational and housing benefits to ease their transition back to civilian life. In the 80 years since its initial passing, there have been many pieces of legislation, including the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act and the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017, to expand and improve the GI bill for more generations of servicemembers, veterans and their family members.
The original author of the G.I. Bill is Harry W. Colmery from Topeka and his legacy has helped millions of veterans and their families gain access to higher education, become home owners and connect with successful careers. I am thankful to my colleagues for their collective efforts to support our nation’s heroes through the expansion of the G.I. Bill, and I am committed to making certain that what Harry W. Colmery envisioned 80 years ago is still being implemented today.
You can read more about the G.I. Anniversary Resolution here.
Celebrating the Investiture of Richard Federico
On Friday, I spoke at the Investiture Ceremony for The Honorable Richard E.N. Federico at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Having previously served his country in the Navy JAG Corps, Judge Federico now continues his career in public service as a Federal Circuit Court Judge. I previously had the honor of introducing him before the Senate Judiciary Committee and am once again honored to be a part of this special day for him and his family. Thank you to Richard for all the work you have done and continue to do for our country.
National Dairy Month
June is National Dairy Month! Kansas ranks 17th in the nation for milk production and is home to 209 small and large dairy farms that contribute to local businesses and economies. In 2023 alone, the value of milk produced in Kansas totaled more than $1 billion and the industry continues to support communities across the state.
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Capitol Tours
Graham Adamson of Leawood
Matt Adamson of Leawood
Alexander Burgess of Lansing
James Burgess of Lansing
Jennifer Burgess of Lansing
James Cox of Wichita
Daniel Craig of Lansing
Jonathan Dailey of Topeka
Austin Eichem of Burlingame
Kathryn Frederick of Leavenworth
Scotlyn Frederick of Leavenworth
Sean Frederick of Leavenworth
Shiloh Frederick of Leavenworth
Waylon Frederick of Leavenworth
Crystal Garcia of Fort Riley
Diego Garcia of Fort Riley
Leticia Garcia of Fort Riley
Rudy Garcia of Fort Riley
Charles Golden of Olathe
Valerie Golden of Olathe
William Golden of Olathe
Kendra Gresham of Augusta
Kennedy Gresham of Augusta
Kira Gresham of Augusta
Taylor Gresham of Augusta
Thomas Gresham of Augusta
Brooklyn Harrison of Topeka
Gabriel Harrison of Topeka
Laura Harrison of Topeka
Robert Harrison of Topeka
Aahliya Herald of Princeton
Anne Hein of Olathe
Jeff Hein of Olathe
Amy Huber of Leawood
Darcy Huber of Leawood
Grady Huber of Leawood
Stephen Huber of Leawood
Sydney Huber of Leawood
Brenda Kaiser of Great Bend
Leonard Kaiser of Great Bend
Molly Kaiser of Great Bend
Morgan Kaiser of Great Bend
Katie Lowry of Burlingame
Jotham Meyer of Princeton
Zachary Molzer of Leawood
Lynnea Nelson of Carbondale
Wyatt Oberly of Richmond
Abby Olson of Lenexa
Alyson Olson of Lenexa
David Olson of Lenexa
Ella Olson of Lenexa
Hadley Olson of Lenexa
Kari Olson of Lenexa
Brynn Perry of Ottawa
Brian Poe of Shawnee
Susan Poe of Shawnee
Karen Puckett of Lansing
Jackson Reece of Topeka
Grace Reece of Topeka
Brendan Robinson of Burrton
Colton Robinson of Burrton
Greg Robinson of Burrton
Rachael Robinson of Burrton
Melissa Ross of Topeka
Shelby Ross of Topeka
Roenan Rumold of Osage City
Sevrin Rumold of Osage City
Chris Schoen of Wichita
Riley Schoen of Wichita
Kaden Senn of Leawood
Katie Senn of Leawood
Kevin Senn of Leawood
Kyle Senn of Leawood
Karlie Stinebaugh of Princeton
Kristie Stinebaugh of Princeton
David Stutz of Overland Park
Kelly Stutz of Overland Park
Henry Stutz of Overland Park
William Stutz of Overland Park
Brody Thompson of Osage City
Kara Thompson of Osage City
Aaron Tilden of Lawrence
Chris Tilden of Lawrence
Kathy Tilden of Lawrence
Ally Williams of Overbrook
Tonya Wirths of Wichita
AARP
Tracee Adams of Wichita
Glenda DuBoise of Topeka
American Truck Dealers
Andy Hoffman of Wichita
American Nurses Association
Dana Erickson of Topeka
Laura Mallett of Chanute
Terry Siek of Hays
Ascension Via Christi; Kansas Hospital Association
Audrey Dunkel of Topeka
Bruce Witt of Wichita
Esophageal Cancer Action Network
Eden Fuson of Wichita
Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kansas
Kasey Dalke of Wichita
Creative Marketing International Corporation
Lee Stiegemeier of Overland Park
Mike Tripses of Stilwell
Clean Fuels Alliance America
Morgan Barba of Topeka
Bryant Brown of Merriam
Kaitlyn Carlson of Topeka
Robert Haselwood of Berryton
Dennis Hupe of Topeka
Raylen Phelon of Topeka
Brent Walz of Merriam
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Kambree White of Derby
Kansas Soybean Commission
Morgan Barba of Topeka
Kaitlyn Carlson of Topeka
Bob Haselwood of Berryton
Dennis Hupe of Topeka
Raylen Phelon of Melvern
Seaboard Energy
Bryant Brown of Merriam
Peter Rosenthal of Merriam
Bret Walz of Merriam
National Association for Fixed Annuities
Paul McGillivray of Olathe
Kevin Mechtley of Overland Park
Andrew Payne of Overland Park
David Wolfe of Lawrence
Natural Grocers
Alan Lewis of Wichita
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