Celebrating Father’s Day
Happy Father’s Day! I’m grateful for my dad and the influence he had on my life. Two of the greatest joys of my life are being called Dad by own daughters and Pop by my grandchildren.


Strengthening our Airspace
Questioning FAA Nominee on Airspace Safety
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation convened a hearing to consider the nomination of Bryan Bedford to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During the hearing, I asked questions about shortcomings in the FAA’s management and oversight of the busy airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), where 67 people tragically lost their lives when an Army helicopter collided with a commercial jet on January 29th. I also raised the critical importance of making certain that the FAA determines how any resumption of military rotorcraft flights near DCA can be conducted safely before such flights are permitted to continue.

During my questioning, I asked Mr. Bedford about legislation I introduced to require the installation and use of ADS-B In/Out technology in Class B airspace like that of DCA. We also discussed the organizational failures at the FAA to identify and act upon alarming near miss data near DCA in advance of January 29th.

I look forward to working with Mr. Bedford, if confirmed, to bolster aviation safety and modernize America’s National Airspace System (NAS) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure. You can watch my questioning here.


Receiving an Update on Aviation Safety at DCA
As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation, I called for leaders from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), FAA and Army to come to Capitol Hill to report on the status of the NTSB’s investigation, airspace management over DCA and coordination between the FAA and the Army.

The hearing revealed several major findings, including that the NTSB discovered the ADS-B Out technology on numerous, operating Army helicopters is not working; the Department of Defense (DOD) has changed operations to restrict Pentagon flights to a limited group of high-ranking officials; and the FAA and DOD are nearing a policy agreement to enhance coordination on airspace use. I hope to build on these findings as Congress works with the FAA, DOD, NTSB and other federal agencies to improve aviation safety near DCA and throughout the U.S.

You can read more about this here in Reuters.

Calling for a Safety Audit of DCA
On Monday, my colleagues and I called on the Acting Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT OIG) and the Inspector General of the Department of the Army (Army OIG) to conduct concurrent audits on the circumstances that led to the tragic midair collision of an Army Black Hawk with American Airlines Flight 5342 on January 29th.

DOT Secretary Sean Duffy echoed our calls for an audit, and I look forward to reviewing the findings of these audits and continuing to work with the FAA, Army and other federal agencies to improve aviation safety.

You can read more here.

Questioning Secretary Hegseth in Defense Subcommittee
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing this week to examine the Department of Defense’s FY2026 budget request, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine and DOD Comptroller Bryn MacDonnell.

During the hearing, I raised the issue of the Army Corps of Engineers' delays that are preventing the hiring of park rangers at Council Grove Lake this summer. I also questioned Secretary Hegseth on the use of military helicopter flights around Reagan National Airport (DCA) until the ongoing safety investigation is complete, following the January 29th tragedy. In addition, I asked Secretary Hegseth about reports that the Pentagon has diverted anti-drone technology intended for Ukraine, and whether there is a plan to provide Ukraine with the necessary technology to replace those anti-drone defenses.

You can watch my questioning here.


Advancing VA Nominees Out of Committee
On Wednesday, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I led the committee markup where we advanced the nominations of Cheryl Mason to be Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by a vote of 10-9 and Don Bergin to be Assistant Secretary of Congressional and Legislative Affairs of VA by a vote of 12-7.

Mason is a lawyer, military spouse and longtime advocate for veterans who previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals and is currently a senior advisor at the VA. Bergin is a Marine Corps veteran, lawyer, former congressional liaison and former Senate staffer who is also already working as a senior advisor at the VA.

These are two important positions, and I am grateful to both of these nominees for their willingness to serve. I look forward to their nominations being considered by the full Senate soon.

NIH Director Testifies Before Appropriations Subcommittee
On Tuesday, Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies as our committee begins to draft the budget for NIH for FY2026. Director Bhattacharya committed to a continued focus on research that leads to advances in treatments and cures. I look forward to continuing to support robust funding for the NIH and advancing cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation in Kansas and the United States.

You can watch my questioning here.


Meeting with French Ambassador Laurent Bili
This week, I met with Laurent Bili, the Ambassador of France, ahead of the Paris Airshow, a forum that offers U.S. and Kansas aviation and defense manufacturers a platform to showcase their capabilities. During our meeting, we discussed the strong ties between Kansas and France, including the growing number of French companies, like Michelin, Thales and Airbus, that have established a presence in our state. I appreciated the opportunity to highlight these successful partnerships and look forward to finding new ways to strengthen the economic ties between Kansas and France.


Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Byron Wade & Family
I met with former Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Byron Wade and his family on Monday. I met Trooper Wade in Larned in 1988 and appreciate his many years of dedicated service to our state. I want to thank Trooper Wade, his wife Renea and their grandson Cole for stopping by my office while they were in our nation’s capital.


Kansas Building Industry Association
I met with the Kansas Building Industry Association on Wednesday for a conversation about how Congress can support homebuilders in Kansas, such as creating a tax structure that will incentivize the creation of additional housing and finding ways to bring down material costs for homes. I want to thank this group for visiting me, and I look forward to working with them to expand the housing supply for Kansans.


Alzheimer's Association
I met with Kansas members of the Alzheimer’s Association this week for an update on their work to end Alzheimer’s and the federal investment needed to continue to advance this mission. The University of Kansas Medical Center conducts groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research as one of 29 Alzheimer’s Disease Centers in the country designated by the National Institute on Aging. As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I have worked to secure a significant increase in funding for NIH research into Alzheimer’s and related dementias and will continue to work to support this vital work.


American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
On Tuesday, I met with Kansas advocates from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, who were in town to advocate for continued federal investment in cancer research. Cancer deaths have declined more than 30 percent over the past 30 years, but there is still more work to be done. I believe Kansas, and the new University of Kansas Cancer Center, will play a key role in advancing cancer treatments and the mission of finding a cure for cancer. I will continue to support robust federal investment in cancer research.


Congressional Award Recipients and Parents
This week, I met with Kansas Congressional Award recipients and their parents to congratulate the students on receiving the award in recognition of their outstanding achievements. The Congressional Award, a nonprofit established by Congress, honors excellence in young people across four areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition. Over the course of two years, each individual completes more than 400 hours of community service, dedicates 200 hours to personal development, spends 200 hours on physical fitness and successfully carries out a 5-day, 4-night expedition.

Congratulations to Leonard Bertels of St. James Academy, Carlos Salazar and Eshan Patel of The Barstow School and Janis Curit of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School on their remarkable accomplishments. Thank you to them and their families for taking the time to meet with me.


Capitol Tour Group
This week, I met with Kansans from Ottawa while they were in Washington, D.C. I always enjoy the opportunity to visit with Kansans while they are in our nation’s capital. If you are planning a visit to Washington, D.C., and would like a tour of the Capitol, please visit my website here for more information.

Kevin, Lorie and Laura Schneider; Ottawa, KS


Celebrating the Army’s 250th Anniversary
250 years ago, the Second Continental Congress authorized what would become the most capable and lethal ground force the world would ever see – the United States Army. To the soldiers at Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, across the country and overseas and the generations of soldiers who came before them, our nation thanks you. Your patriotism and selfless service to America have made us the free nation we are today. God bless our Army servicemembers.


Recognizing Flag Day
On June 14th, we celebrated the stars and stripes! The American flag design was adopted by the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War, and it has been a symbol for liberty and justice for all ever since. May we always be reminded of the sacrifices of millions of Americans when we put our hand over heart and pledge our allegiance to a nation that has blessed us beyond measure.


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

Faye Jones of Overland Park

Alasdair Jones of Stillwell 

Byron Wade of Chanute

Cole Mccray of Lyndon

Renea Wade of Chanute

Shawna Sorenson of Overland Park

Alan Sorenson of Overland Park

Kaden Sorenson of Overland Park

Curtis Hultman of Lenexa

Shelley Hultman of Lenexa

Tracey Thibodeau of Overland Park

Ryan Templeton of Overland Park

Christian Enser of Overland Park

Emma Enser of Overland Park

Audrey Enser of Overland Park

Jamie Labrier of Topeka

Braxton Bohnstedt of Topeka

Andi Heinen of Topeka

Will Heinen of Topeka

Delaney Hermann of Topeka
Dustin Hermann of Topeka

Col. Joshua Urban of Lawrence

Ashley Urban of Lawrence

Tyler Urban of Lawrence

Kole Urban of Lawrence

Kim Crisp of Lawrence

Mike Zamrzla of Wichita

Eunice Zamrzla of Wichita

Easton Zamrzla of Wichita 

Kevin Snider of Ottawa

Lorie Snider of Ottawa

Laura Snider of Overland Park

Katie Smith of Shawnee

Logan Smith of Shawnee

Tanner Cole of Wichita 

Madeline Cole of Wichita

Mike Watson of Wichita

Marci Watson of Wichita

Kurt Hershey of Wichita

Kaitlin Hershey of Wichita

Tenley Hershey of Wichita

Rennon Hershey of Wichita

Jovie Hershey of Wichita

Shane Austin of Stockton

Elizabeth Thompson of Cherryvale

Mia Odle of Stockton

Brenna Odle of Stockton

Shae Yohon of Stockton

Alex Litzau of Olathe

Kathleen Litzau of Olathe

Charlotte Litzau of Olathe

Jill Inman of Olathe

Karen Bond of Shawnee

Tony Parker of Manhattan

Amy Parker of Manhattan

Cole Parker of Manhattan

Guolin Zhaw of Manhattan

Edwin Lowndes of Shawnee

Carol Lowndes of Shawnee

Avery Carmitchel of Basehor

NPGA/Propane Central

Eric Payne of Wichita

Good Energy Solutions

Malcolm Proudfit of Lawrence

King Solar

Mark Horst of Hutchinson

American Nephrology Nurses Association

Molly Cahill of Overland Park

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Ella Chen of Overland Park

Matthew Chen of Overland Park

University of Kansas School of Medicine

Akinlolu Ojo of Lawrence

U.S. Global Leadership Coalition

Ruaa Hassaballa of Olathe

Gina Montalbano Zesiger of Lawrence

Justin Gilpin of Manhattan

Ruaa Hassaballa of Olathe

Bryan Zesiger of Lawrence

Kansas Home Health Care Association

Scott Averill of Overbrook

Brian Barbeau of Mission

Linda MowBray of Tecumseh

Angela Moore of Shawnee

Nurture KC

Tracy Russell of Kansas City

Shannon Williams of Kansas City

Alzheimer’s Association

Emily Bennett of Shawnee

Stephen Benson of Wichita

Ruth Burress of Augusta

David Herdman of Kansas City

Abbie Holden of Derby 

Jan Johnson of Bucyrus

Stephene Moore of Lenexa

Tiffany Naccarato of Manhattan

Liz Rowe of Mission

Fe Vorderlandwehr of Wichita

Ben Woodworth of Haysville

Timothy Donnelly of Leawood

National Milk Producers Federation

Thomas Enneking of Seneca

Molly Enneking of Seneca

Bread for the World

Dr. Gregory Hunt of Olathe

Brendale Wakely of Leavenworth

Laura Fortmeyer of Fairview

Kansas Music Educators Association

Damian Johnson of Eudora

Nancy Monical of Manhattan

Jamie Minneman of Grat Bend

Craig Manteuffel of Topeka

Kelly Knedler of Belleville

Kansas Farm Bureau

Glenn Brunkow of Wamego

Dan Schmidt of Marshall County

Doug Zillinger of Phillips County

Caleb Mattix of Thomas County

Laura Haffner of Sheridan County

Ryan Flickner of Manhattan

Terry Holdren of Manhattan

Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City

Bob Frost of Blue Springs

Shawn Woods of Blue Springs 

Gary Kerns of Platte City

Brian Tebbenkamp of Kansas City 

Misty Hanson of Smithville

Matt Ernst of Kansas City

George Schluter of Kansas City

Cole Griggs of Lenexa

Christy Meers of Gower

Will Ruder of Overland Park

Jordynn Webster of Kansas City

Zachh Little of Kansas City  

Kari English of Lenexa

Tanner Cole of Wichita

Thomas Baalmann of Wichita

Derek Claassen of Wichita

Friends University

Amy Carey of Wichita

Kansas Department of Commerce

Kayla Savage of Topeka

Spirit AeroSystems

Stephen Pety of Wichita

Health Industry Distributors Association

Guy Cunningham of Winfield

Congressional Award Recipients 

Leonard Bertels of Shawnee

Carlos Salazar of Leawood

Janis Curit of Junction City

Eshan Patel of Leawood

Stockton FFA Chapter

Philip Austin of Stockton

Shae Yohon of Stockton

Mia Odle of Stockton

Brenna Odle of Stockton

Elizabeth Thompson of Cherryvale