Kansas Common Sense
Protecting U.S. Airspace
Oct 21 2024
Protecting U.S. Airspace
As drone technology continues to evolve, the tactics used against the United States grow more sophisticated and alarming each day. Recently, reports were released regarding an unidentified aircraft hovering for 17 days over a U.S. military base without intervention. I am disturbed by this violation of our airspace as it poses a risk to our national security and threatens the lives of our soldiers. Military leaders currently lack the authority to engage until there is an imminent threat posed to our men and women in uniform. I am working on legislation to provide the Department of Defense with the necessary authorities to engage drones or unidentified aircrafts that breach our military airspace before it is too late to respond. Additionally, as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I will request a classified briefing on this matter to learn more about the threats our military continues to face. Our adversaries are working around the clock to find ways to intimidate and threaten the U.S., and we must equip our servicemembers with the tools they need to protect American lives around the world.
You can read more about this in the Wall Street Journal, here.
Touring Great Plains Manufacturing
On Thursday, I visited Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina to visit with their leadership and leaders from the City of Salina. Great Plains Manufacturing is owned by Kubota, and we discussed the ongoing expansions that, once completed, will facilitate the production of state-of-the-art Kubota construction equipment. Salina leadership shared the success they have had with housing initiatives to attract new employees to the community. Both city officials and Kubota staff stated the importance of having a strong farm economy and the struggles farmers face due to a lack of updated equipment production.
They also emphasized their desire to see a new Farm Bill now and highlighted that a great amount of our economy is rooted in and impacted by farming and agriculture. Kansas’ economy flourishes when partnerships like the one between Kubota and Salina exist as it attracts other businesses to the state. I look forward to continuing working with Great Plains and Salina to support the expansion of businesses like Kubota in our state.
You can read more about my tour in KWCH here.
Receiving an Update on the Panasonic Battery Plant
On Wednesday morning, I received an update from Panasonic Senior Vice President Koya Takahashi on the De Soto Battery Plant. Panasonic has spent the last two years building this plant from the ground up and are expected to start limited production of batteries in 2025. Panasonic will have 450 employees hired by the end of the year, part of the 4,000 they will hire when the plant is fully operational. I heard from De Soto Mayor Rick Walker and City Administrator Mike Brungardt on improvements and investments that the city, state and county are making in De Soto.
I joined Dr. Lynn Murray and her staff on the campus of Baker University to present them with a Bible signed by President Biden on Wednesday. This Bible will join the other Presidential Bibles in the Quayle Bible Collection that serves as a unique contribution to our state’s educational system and a vital repository of religious and historical documents. Thank you to Chair of the History Department Dr. Nicholaus Pumphrey for highlighting the history of the collection that dates to President Herbert Hoover. Thanks to Dr. Murray, members of the Baker University Board, locals and students for joining me.
Visits Across Kansas
Garden City Fire Department
On Monday morning, I joined Fire Chief Jon Irsik and firefighters from the Garden City Fire Department for their shift change. During my visit, I met with Zach Golemboski, who also serves as the Treasurer of the Kansas State Firefighters Association. We discussed the impacts of OSHA’s proposed Emergency Response regulations and the effect it would have on large and small fire departments across our state. In August, I encouraged the Secretary of the Department of Labor to fairly reconsider these regulations that would harm rural fire departments and volunteers. Thankfully, OSHA is reevaluating the scope of these regulations. I enjoyed meeting the recruit class that was preparing for their final week of the department’s academy and would like to thank Chief Irsik, Lieutenant Luke Freeman, Firefighter Zach Golemboski and the firefighters of the Garden City Fire Department for their hospitality and for allowing me to join part of your morning routine.
Greeley County
After my visit at the fire department, I joined Greeley County Community Development Director John Kennedy for a walk along Broadway in downtown Tribune to meet members of the community that have recently opened or purchased businesses. I enjoyed visiting with Paul and Melissa Walk, who own Rocket Tire and Thumper Hardware, as well as Store Manager Natasha Tarman and Dewayne Bond. The building also houses Greeley County Drug and Redeeming Grounds coffee, and we met with owners Jeremi Whitham and Jessica Young. This combination of business makes Thumper Hardware a great community meeting place. We also stopped by the Recovery Lounge and met with Jordan Stweart who informed us on the IV Therapy services provided. When I visited the Greeley County Hospital, Chief Operations Officer Katy Reynolds gave me an update on the challenges they face providing rural health care.
Thank you to John Kennedy, Christie Hopkins, Paul and Melissa Walk, Jeremi Whitham, Jordan Stewart, Katy Reynolds and all who welcomed me and shared their experience.
Wichita County Health Center
I stopped by the Wichita County Hospital to visit with CEO Teresa Clark and tour their facility in Leoti. While there are many challenges facing health care in rural Kansas, it was great to see the work being done in Leoti to make certain quality care is available and that investments are consistently made so that providers have access to first-class technology, equipment and resources. In their Emergency Room, I was able to view equipment that is used to help providers in challenging situations. We also discussed the challenges with the proposed long-term care regulations that will jeopardize facilities’ ability to stay open. I enjoyed learning about the many services provided, including their recent addition of behavioral health. This is a much-needed resource across our state, and I commend Wichita County Health Center for providing this care in an underserved region.
Thank you to CEO Teresa Clark, Licensed Master Social Worker Abby Luebbers, and all others for their time and sharing their experience with me.
Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center
In Scott City, I met with Program Director Kelly Robbins and Executive Director Lyla Mumgaard of the Western Kansas Child Advocacy (WKCAC). WKCAC provides advocacy, therapy and forensic interview services in 34 western Kansas counties for children that have been victims of physical and emotional abuse. We talked about the important role of federal resources for Child Advocacy programs and victim support services through the Victims of Crime Act and the Crime Victims Fund. Children are the most vulnerable and impressionable population, and I am thankful for the services and support system that WKCAC and their staff provide to heal the trauma of abuse to children. Thanks to Kelly Robbins, Lyla Mumgaard, Child Advocacy Centers of Kansas Executive Director Kasey Dalke and State Representative Jim Minnix for your time and hospitality.
Lane County Hospital
I stopped by the Lane County Hospital to visit with Board Chairman Dennis Selfridge, CFO and Co-CEO Marcia Grable and Director of Nursing and Co-CEO Jennifer Whipple. We talked about the impact of regulations on long-term care services, the challenges in recruiting health care providers and the importance of keeping decisions about health care local. While at the hospital, I ran into Corinne Herndon, a long-time friend of mine, who highlighted the high-quality care she is receiving at the hospital.
Minneapolis High School
I toured Minneapolis Junior/Senior High School on Thursday. I met with faculty and talked about the continued importance of rural education and recruitment and retention of quality educators. I visited different classrooms and talked with students about their classes and learning opportunities at their school. Thanks to students Braxton Grimes and Braedee Weatherman and Principal Terry Moeckel for the tour and for taking the time to visit with me.
Morris County Hospital
I visited Morris County Hospital and met with the facility’s staff and CEO Kevin Leeper. During my time there, we talked about challenges rural hospitals face and the importance of government programs that help them keep their doors open. Rural health care keeps communities thriving, and I am grateful for the staff at Morris County Hospital for providing quality services to Council Grove and surrounding areas.
Alta Vista
On Tuesday, I traveled to Alta Vista to visit with folks at local businesses throughout the town. I stopped by Farmer and Drovers Bank and the Alta Vista Mercantile, after which I had the chance to see the local city library. I then visited K Construction, the Barnyard Cafe and Bill’s Barber Shop. Thank you to the people of Alta Vista for their warm welcome and for taking the time to speak with me.
Celebrating Army Leadership
The annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition was held in Washington, D.C. this week. As co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus and the Ranking Member on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, it has been my priority to advocate for the vital needs of the Army, servicemembers and their families. This nonprofit association advocates for the Army’s interest both on and off the battlefield and has more than 120 chapters with three located in Topeka, Leavenworth and Manhattan. I was honored to have received the Association of the Army Legislator of the Year award last year and remain dedicated to continuing advocating for the Army. I want to congratulate the Henry Leavenworth Chapter for being awarded the Chapter of the Year and am grateful for the dedication these Kansas chapters provide in supporting our military, veterans and their families.
Kansas Through the Eyes of its Senator
The leaves are starting to change color across Kansas. I saw a glimpse of fall on the Neosho River as it runs through Council Grove.
Kansans in the Office
Capitol Tours
Ramon Bowie of Ft. Leavenworth
Jennifer Diaz of Olathe
Franklin Gardi of Olathe
Shobha Gardi of Olathe
Arlo Good of Overland Park
Heather Good of Overland Park
Linda Jones of Wichita
Paul Jones of Wichita
Carol Keller of Derby
Ronald Keller of Derby
Richard McCombs of Kansas City
Tracy McCombs of Kansas City
Amy Reese of McPherson
Andrew Reese of Bel Aire
Beckham Reese of Bel Aire
Kinley Reese of Bel Aire
Marisa Reese of Bel Aire
Emilianno Rodriguez of Olathe
Matteo Rodriguez of Olathe
Pablo Rodriguez of Olathe
Dakota Routt of Ft. Leavenworth
Ammelia Wright of Tonganoxie
Jayme Wright of Tonganoxie
Jeremy Wright of Tonganoxie
Marshall Wright of Tonganoxie
Kansas Independent College System
Nathan Butler of Junction City
Mickey Dean of Junction City
Kristy Haden of Junction City
Ronald Johnson of Junction City
Pat Lander of Junction City
Alex Tyson of Junction City
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