Advancing Reconciliation Bill to Bolster our Economy & National Security
Today, I voted to pass the Senate version of the budget reconciliation legislation. The Senate budget reconciliation bill provides certainty for Kansans by preventing a tax hike on middle-class families and small businesses, while also investing in the long-term security of our southern border and bolstering our military’s capabilities at a time when threats from our adversaries are increasing.

As this legislation was being drafted, I worked to make certain hospitals in Kansas were at the forefront of these discussions. After numerous discussions with Kansas hospital leaders, my colleagues and Administrator Oz, I was able to make changes to the legislation to make certain Kansas hospitals will not face any immediate cuts upon enactment of this legislation.

These provisions will protect Kansas’ ability to continue pursuing its application for increased Medicaid payments for certain providers. This change ensures that as state directed payments wind down, Kansas providers will be starting at a higher percentage of enhanced payments buying them much-needed time to utilize federal dollars as payments are reduced.

I also secured a one-year delay in the implementation of reductions to state directed payments to give Kansas providers more time to access these resources. Finally, I pushed for the establishment of a rural provider fund to aid rural hospitals facing significant financial challenges. These changes and investments, along with tax cuts for Kansas families, will bolster our economy and strengthen the safety of our nation.

Leading Legislation to Reform Haskell University
This week, I introduced legislation with Sens. Roger Marshall (Kan.) and Markwayne Mullin (Okla.) and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Derek Schmidt (KS-02) to federally charter Haskell Indian Nations University and transfer governance from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to the Haskell Board of Regents, while maintaining federal funding for the university.

Rep. Mann and I released an initial draft of the legislation in December. Throughout the last five months, we solicited and reviewed feedback from the Native American, Lawrence and higher education communities to make certain the legislation would effectively address issues at Haskell and best serve students and staff. Haskell University once provided Native American students the opportunity to receive a high-quality, tuition-free education in an environment that understood and prioritized indigenous heritage and culture. Over the last few years, the university has been neglected and mismanaged by the BIE. The BIE has failed to protect students, respond to my congressional inquiries or meet the basic infrastructure needs of the university.

It is clear that the best path forward is for the university to be led by an independent Board of Regents nominated by the Tribal community and no longer obstructed by the BIE. I am grateful for the input I have received from the Haskell Board of Regents, tribal members and Haskell University students and staff to make certain Haskell, as the sole Tribal Nations University in the country, receives the reforms necessary to best serve the Native American community in Kansas and across the country.

Read more about our bill from the Kansas City Star here.

Holding a Hearing on Mismanagement of the Veterans Crisis Line
On Wednesday afternoon, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing to discuss mismanagement at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). Whistleblower and former lead auditor at the VCL, Brad Combs, and former VCL responder Marcia Blane both testified at this hearing to share their first-hand insight into the struggles the VCL has been facing. This hearing followed a request I made in November 2023 asking GAO to audit the VCL following VA Office of Inspector General findings of mismanagement before and after a veteran suicide as well as subsequent alarming whistleblower disclosures from VCL employees. GAO published its audit on June 25, 2025, which confirmed that serious issues at VCL went unaddressed. I am grateful to the witnesses for providing possible solutions moving forward to improve this life-saving service for veterans.

You can watch my full opening statement here. You can also watch my questioning of the VA whistleblowers here and the GAO leadership here.


Questioning Attorney General Bondi on DOJ Budget Request
As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, I led a hearing to review the President’s FY26 budget request for the Department of Justice (DOJ), with United States Attorney General Pam Bondi as a witness. I asked General Bondi about plans by the DOJ and FBI to mitigate the possibility of Iran or its supporters retaliating against American citizens. During the hearing, I also raised concerns about DOJ law enforcement grant policies, which make it very difficult for small law enforcement departments in Kansas to access and navigate the bureaucratic process of acquiring these vital funds.

You can watch my opening remarks here. You can watch my full questioning here.


Questioning Navy & Marine Corps Leadership on FY26 Budget Request
On Tuesday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing to review the President’s FY26 Budget for the Navy and Marine Corps with Secretary John Phelan, Admiral James Kilby and General Eric Smith as witnesses. During the hearing, I highlighted to Secretary Phelan and Admiral Kirby the importance of the P-8A, for which Wichita's Spirit AeroSystems produces the fuselage. I asked Admiral Kilby about the Navy’s efforts to evaluate alternative repair processes from fire damages following welding and sparks maintenance aboard ships. Viega in McPherson manufactures press-connect fittings that do not require welding and are much quicker, safer and easier to use.

I also spoke with General Smith about how vital the CH-53K King Stallion aircraft is to the Marine Corps. Spirit AeroSystems builds the cabin for the CH-53, the largest component of the entire aircraft. I am grateful for the influential work our state provides in supporting the mission sets of both the Navy and Marine Corps.

You can watch my full questioning here.


Evaluating Air Force and Space Force FY26 Budget Request 
On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing to evaluate the President’s FY26 Budget for the Air Force and Space Force with Secretary Troy Meink, General David Allvin and General Chance Saltzman. I highlighted for Secretary Meink the 190th Air Fueling Wing in Topeka and the reasons it should be considered as the primary site for the KC-46 basing decision. I asked General Allvin to highlight the significance of extending the life cycle of the B-1 within the Air Force bomber fleet, as well as the impact of cuts to Cyber Red Teams, like the 177th Aggression Squadron in Wichita and the role it serves in advancing our cyber capabilities against emerging threats. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to make certain that our men and women in the active duty and national guard forces are adequately supported to address the ever-changing battlefield of our modern age.

You can watch my full questioning here.


Meeting with John Bartrum, Nominee for VA Under Secretary for Health
This week, I met with the nominee for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Under Secretary for Health, John Bartrum, about improving access to quality care for veterans. We both agree that veterans deserve greater choice and control of their VA health care benefits, and that systemic issues that impact access and timeliness of care need to be addressed within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The partnership between the VA Under Secretary for Health and Congress is vital to improving the VA health care system for veterans in Kansas and across the country, and I encouraged Mr. Bartrum, if confirmed, to prioritize communication and transparency with Congress as well as with veterans and their families and VA staff. I look forward to Mr. Bartrum’s testimony before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.


Discussing Veteran Access to Care with Concerned Veterans for America
On Thursday, I met with representatives from Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) to discuss the importance of improving access to care for veterans everywhere and CVA’s support for my bill, the Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. We discussed the urgency of improving timeliness and quality of care for veterans in rural areas, veterans with mental health and substance use concerns and CVA’s grassroots efforts to hear from veterans nationwide about how the ACCESS Act would help them. I am grateful to CVA members for their hard work and advocacy, and I look forward to working with them to enact the ACCESS Act into law.


Discussing the Future of Space Exploration with NASA Administrator
I met with Janet Petro, Acting Administrator of NASA, to discuss the future of NASA’s critical space exploration mission, including the Artemis program, and how Congress can work with the administration to maintain and advance American leadership in space. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation and the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds NASA, I am focused on supporting NASA’s diverse mission set.

Kansas has a rich legacy of supporting all aspects of American space dominance and a burgeoning aerospace sector delivering advanced design and manufacturing capabilities that support NASA and the commercial space sector. I am grateful to Acting Administrator Petro for her time and insights, and I look forward to continuing our positive working relationship to advance U.S. leadership in aeronautics and space.


Meeting with Families of AA5342 Flight Victims
On Thursday, I met with families of the victims who tragically passed away aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk on January 29th near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. During our meeting, family members told me about the loved ones they lost in this tragedy and detailed investigative, legislative and regulatory measures that target apparent lapses in aviation safety in advance of the crash. Among their priorities are concurrent audits from the Offices of the Inspectors General of the Department of Transportation and the Army regarding the collision, for which my colleagues and I called earlier this month. We also discussed the critical importance of modernizing America’s National Airspace System (NAS) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure.

I remain fully engaged in the work of supporting the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), FAA and Army ongoing investigations into the causes of this incident and exercising congressional oversight and considering policy changes to make certain that an incident like this never occurs again. Thank you to the family members who have demonstrated incredible resilience and strength in the face of profound loss and tireless dedication to the cause of aviation safety.

Speaking on U.S. Military Action in Iran
On Friday, I spoke on the Senate floor recognizing President Trump’s constitutional authority to authorize military strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities. The most significant responsibility and heavy burden a President has is the determination of when to engage the armed forces of our nation. Such decisions can both cost and save lives.

With escalating tensions between our ally Israel and our adversary Iran, the President made the decision to deter and delay the capabilities of Iran to deliver a nuclear weapon. What we know to date from our intelligence sources is the President’s actions were significant and successful. The U.S. Constitution splits the responsibilities of military force between the legislative and executive branch. Having had a classified and thorough briefing from our military, intelligence and diplomatic officials, I conclude the President acted within his constitutional authorities.

I welcome the return to a stricter constitutional balance of power between the branches of government. In the circumstance of the recent actions of the President and the offering and timing of this resolution before the Senate we should not adopt the resolution which states: “Congress hereby directs the President to terminate the use of United States Armed Forces for hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran… unless explicitly authorized by a declaration… of war.”

With continuing threats from Iran against Israel, the danger to American military men and women in the region, and because of the potential for terrorist acts upon U.S. interests within and without the borders of our country, I believe the President has the constitutional authority and responsibility to defend the United States and its interests.

Meeting with Kansans
University of Kansas Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
This week, I met with representatives of the University of Kansas Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). We spoke about the importance of funding for the Developmental Disabilities Network, which supports the great work being done at UCEDD, including research, community engagement and education and training to better support individuals with disabilities and their families.


Kauffman Foundation
On Tuesday, I met with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, President and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation, a Kansas City-based nonprofit organization that supports economic development and educational activities through grant-making and research. During our meeting, I learned more about the Kauffman Foundation’s efforts to expand the scope of their workforce development initiatives in recent years. Organizations like the Kauffman Foundation are critical catalysts for local, state, regional and national economic development, particularly for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs who might otherwise lack the expertise and resources to act on their ideas.

Thank you to Dr. Burns-Wallace for her and her colleagues’ time and insights. I look forward to working with the Kauffman Foundation to support economic development activities in Kansas and beyond.


U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman Calum Lynn and Family
On Tuesday, I met with Olathe-native, Calum Lynn, and his family during their visit to Washington, D.C. Calum, a graduate of Olathe West High School, received my service academy nomination and is now a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy. I appreciated hearing about his visit to Washington and his experience at the Naval Academy. I am grateful to the young men and women who choose to continue their education at our U.S. service academies and for their commitment to serving our nation.


Hoxie Junior-Senior High School
On Thursday, I met with students and teachers of Hoxie Jr./Sr. High School in Washington, D.C., while they were on a tour of the U.S. Capitol. We discussed what they are learning and how my own interest in public service began as a student from Plainville – not too far from Hoxie. Thank you to the students and staff who took the time to visit with me.


Remembering Phillips County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Gaede
On Friday, June 27th, Kansas lost one of its finest when Phillips County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Gaede was tragically killed in an officer-involved shooting while responding to a report of illegal fireworks being detonated. My prayers are with the family and loved ones of Brandon Gaede and the Phillips County community during this difficult time. 

You can read more about Deputy Brandon Gaede’s life in KWCH here.


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

Debra Bostelman of Salina

Charles Boyce of Franklin

Andrew Boyce of Franklin 

Brian Boyer of Salina 

Debra Boyer of Salina 

Lucelena Diaz of Garden City

Veronica Diaz of Salem 

Brian Duncan of Salina 

Anne Ferneau of Overland Park

Emma Ferneau of Overland Park

Grayden Ferneau of Overland Park 

Jim Ferneau of Overland Park

Chris Fisher of Lawrence 

Kent Fisher of Lawrence 

Noah Fisher of Lawrence 

Jaden Gaskins of New Cambria

Crystal Graham of Wichita 

Everett Graham of Wichita 

Lori Graham of Wichita 

Mike Graham of Wichita 

Zach Graham of Wichita 

Kayne Hagedorn of Hanover 

Larry Hagedorn of Hanover 

Taylor Hagedorn of Hanover 

Hicham Hassani of Wichita 

Grant Helmers of Kansas City

Annalee Helmers of Kansas City

Jack Helmers of Kansas City

Nolan Helmers of Kansas City

Vera Helmers of Kansas City

Amy Jackson of Leawood 

Jessica Johansen of Wichita 

Henry Johnston of Roeland Park

Nicole Johnston of Roeland Park

Daniel Lewien of Topeka  

Laura Lewien of Topeka 

Calum Lynn of Olathe 

Chad Lynn of Olathe 

Megan Lynn of Olathe 

Ella Needham of Tonganoxie 

Leslie Needham of Tonganoxie 

Terry Needham of Tonganoxie 

Marcy Peaden of Wichita 

Allissa Pimlott of Hill City

Caelyn Pimlott of Hill City

Darien Pimlott of Hill City

Joel Pimlott of Hill City

Josie Pimlott of Hill City

Michael Pimlott of Hill City

Marley Poole of Cherryvale 

Mayetta Poole of Saint Marys

Mya Poole of Cherryvale 

Rex Poole of Saint Marys

Alice Purcell of Overland Park

Frank Purcell of Overland Park

Joseph Purcell of Overland Park

Wendy Purcell of Overland Park

Ezra Rohrberg of Andover 

Owen Rohrberg of Andover 

Tess Rohrberg of Andover 

Travis Rohrberg of Andover 

Brian Schavee of Lawrence 

Cameron Schavee of Lawrence 

Christina Schavee of Lawrence 

Sydney Seratte of Mission 

Ashley Stecklein of Lawrence 

Amelia Stiers of Topeka 

Karissa Stiers of Topeka 

Dylan Timmerman of Lenexa 

Caleb Watney of Sterling 

Laurel Watney of Sterling 

Mark Watney of Sterling 

Adrianna Willeford of Hill City

Harold Wingert of Ottawa 

AARP

Tracee Adams of Wichita

Glenda Buboise of Topeka

American Endurance Ride Conference

Monica Chapman-Pickett of Pleasanton

American Academy of Family Physicians

Karen Johnson of Leawood

Stephanie Kim of Leawood

Beth Oller of Wichita

Keith Ratzlaff of Olathe

Tarah Remington Brown of Overland Park

Emily Thibodeaux of Overland Park

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Angela Crowley of Prairie Village

Jaclyn Evans of Wichita

Stephen Kunz of Overland Park

American Nurses Association

Terri Janda of Topeka

Carla Lee of Wichita

Vicky Mcgrath of Auburn

Associated Builders and Contractors Heart of American Chapter

Joe Riedel of Shawnee

Clean Fuels Alliance America

Dennis Hupe of Topeka

Laci Kirchhoff of Topeka

Kaleb Little of Topeka

Brayden Meseke of Topeka

Peter Rosenthal of Shawnee Mission

Brian Wittenborn of Fairway

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Alyssa Francis of Olathe

Eva Francis of Olathe

Janel Francis of Olathe

Dairy Farmers of America

Orville Miller of Hutchinson

Steve Ohlde of Linn

Stacy Rethman of Seneca

Holton Community Hospital

Carrie Lutz of Holton

J-Six Farms

Mike Bulk of Seneca

Kansas Horse Council

Justine Staten of Manhattan

Kansas State Legislature

Ella Hoye of Lenexa

Brandon Woodard of Lenexa

Rui Xu of Westwood

Kansas State University

Chuck Rice of Manhattan

Kansas Women for Gun Rights

Tammy Bartels of Lawrence

Dianna Muller of Coffeyville

National Association for Fixed Annuities

Ash Foster of Topeka

Andrew Payne of Overland Park

Lee Stiegemeier of Overland Park

Michael Tripses of Stilwell

David Wolfe of Lawrence

National Association of State Highway Transportation Unions

Rick Wiley of Anderson County

Society of Dermatology Physician Associates

Dylan Timmermann of Lenexa

United Spinal Association

Allison Merriam of Basehor

Tamara Roberts-Blackwell of Wichita

University of Kansas University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

Gary Blumenthal of Merriam

Lauren Bruno of Lawrence

George Grotto of Lawrence

Ryan Henley of Lawrence

Karrie Shogren of Lawrence