Celebrating Progress on New KU Cancer Center
It was great to be in Kansas City on Friday to place the final beam on the new University of Kansas Cancer Center (KUCC) building alongside the leadership of the KU Cancer Center, the University of Kansas Health System and the University of Kansas. This state-of-the-art facility will bring world-class cancer services to the region, creating the very best opportunities for patients to access cancer treatments and care right here in the Heartland. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have secured $115 million in federal resources to construct this facility and to purchase cutting-edge technology to equip it. These investments are helping to expand access for all Kansans to the most advanced cancer care, while solidifying our state’s role as a leader in the fight against cancer.


I have had a dream for our state since before I was elected to the U.S. Senate: that the Kansan who likes science, engineering and research has an opportunity to fulfill their educational potential, build a career and raise a family right here in our state. This project is one of the most consequential efforts I know of to increase the opportunity for Kansas to be a place for people who want to engage in science, research, engineering and innovation. It gives them a place to call home, build a career and raise their family. That is a good thing for our state, and I am pleased to see the progress being made at the KU Cancer Center.

Thank you to KU Medical Center Director Dr. Roy Jensen; KU Chancellor Douglas Girod; KU Health Systems President & CEO Bob Page; KUCC KC Division President Tammy Peterman; KUCC SVP Jack Beal; and everyone else whose leadership and dedication has helped advance this significant project.

You can watch my full remarks during the ceremony here.


Honoring Senator Nancy Kassebaum
We honor the life of Senator Nancy Kassebaum, a trailblazer who put the well-being of Kansans first. Her pioneering role as the first woman to represent our state in the U.S. Senate perfectly reflects the Kansas spirit. She was one of a kind, and she will be remembered among the greats who served the people of our state so well. Senator Kassebaum’s time in public service embodied the institution of the U.S. Senate at its best.

I campaigned for her in western Kansas during her first election in 1978, as well as the campaigns that followed. She was never afraid to challenge me in our conversations, but she was always a friend and encourager. She was deeply respected across our state, and Kansans remain grateful for the way in which she represented us with such intelligence and integrity. Robba and I are keeping her children and the entire Kassebaum family in our thoughts as they mourn this loss.

The legacy of the U.S. Senate, the well-being of our nation and, most significantly, the future of the state of Kansas are brighter because of the impact Senator Kassebaum had throughout her life. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will never be forgotten. 

Advocating for Kansas Businesses & Taxpayers to USTR
On Tuesday, I called on U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to consider the consequences of the administration’s 50 percent tariffs on imported salt from Canada for Kansas businesses, local governments and taxpayers, who rely on de-icing salt to keep roads safe during the winter. Two Kansas-based companies, Morton Salt and Compass Minerals, which are headquartered in Overland Park, own and operate Canadian mines and bring the product to the U.S. for distribution.

Salt is a commodity well-known in Kansas, with commercial manufacturing beginning as early as 1863 and mining still occurring in Hutchinson, Kanopolis and Lyons. Despite being the second-largest salt producer in the world, the U.S. still relies on international markets to meet domestic demand.

Following my outreach to Ambassador Greer, the administration temporarily postponed the proposed tariffs on Canadian goods, including salt. Unfortunately, the two countries did not arrive at a deal during that time, and the tariffs went into effect on Saturday. I believe we should hold our trading partners accountable, including Canada; that is why I have advocated for the renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which gives us the negotiating table we can use to resolve disputes such as these. While I am disappointed by this outcome, I will continue working to support U.S. companies, local governments and taxpayers in Kansas and across the nation You can learn more and read my full letter to USTR here. 

Touring Kansas Businesses to Hear About Impacts
This week, I visited Lyons to tour Compass Minerals and Lyons Salt Company. I appreciated learning more about the salt industry that plays an important role in the community and throughout Kansas. These two operations provide more than 200 jobs in the Lyons area and demonstrate how Kansas’ natural resources continue to support families, businesses and local communities.

At Compass Minerals, Plant Manager Christopher Ray walked me through the facility that produces water-conditioning salt, food-grade salt and bulk salt for customers across the country. We also discussed the impacts of the tariffs on salt imported from Canada, which is an important component of Compass Minerals’ operations in Lyons.


At Lyons Salt Company, General Manager Nathan Steele shared the company’s history and provided a look at its mining and production operations. Seeing both facilities firsthand reinforced how significant the salt industry is to Lyons and the surrounding region, as an important part of Kansas’ economy and a source of good jobs for local families. During the visits, we also discussed Lyons’ World’s Largest Saltshaker, a 15-foot landmark completed in 2024 with support from state resources and both of Lyons’ salt companies. It is a fitting symbol of a community that has embraced its history while continuing to advance its future through the local resources and workforce.


Thank you to Mayor Alicia Hommon, Assistant City Administrator Elizabeth Fuller, Rice County Commission Chair Clay Thomas, District 3 Commissioner Terry David, County Childcare Business Engagement Coordinator Tabitha McLemore and Lee Sankey for joining me during my visits. I also appreciate Christopher Ray, Nathan Steele and their teams for taking the time to show us their facilities and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. Lyons is a great example of Kansas ingenuity and hard work. I’m grateful for the opportunity to see these operations firsthand and hear from the people working every day to keep this Kansas industry strong.

Urging President Trump to Halt Beef Tariff-Rate Quota Pause
On Friday, President Trump announced that the administration plans to import up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef without out-of-quota tariffs for 90 days and sell the product for 25% below market price. Economic forces and natural disasters have constrained the cattle herd for years, and importing beef below market prices will only put further downward pressure on the livestock sector, endangering what has been a bright spot in a struggling agriculture industry. I urge President Trump to halt this action, listen to ranchers and let the free market work.

Great Plains Manufacturing Expands Production in Salina
On Tuesday, I was in Salina to participate in the opening of Great Plains Manufacturing’s new line of production for the Kubota SVL75-3 track loader. Kubota’s decision to bring the production of this equipment to Salina will bring this technology closer to its customers and strengthen the skilled manufacturing and construction industry in the area. I visited Kubota’s headquarters in Japan two years ago and emphasized to its leadership team the benefits of building in America – particularly in Kansas. Our manufacturing workforce is second to none, and I’m pleased by Kubota’s decision to expand its presence in our state.

I remain committed to working with Great Plains Manufacturing and Kubota to help strengthen their successful partnership, which is helping build demand for technical and manufacturing employees in Salina and the surrounding communities where Great Plains Manufacturing has a presence. Thank you to Great Plains Manufacturing President & CEO David Disberger, Kubota Manufacturing of America Corporation President Brian Arnold, Kansas Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary of Business Development Joshua Jefferson, Mayor Mike Hoppock and all the local and state leaders who joined us and have worked to build this partnership.

You can read more about the event from KSAL here.


Providing an Update at Kansas Ag Summit Luncheon
On Tuesday, I met with farmers, ranchers and agricultural leaders at the Kansas Governor’s Agricultural Growth Summit in Manhattan. I appreciated hearing from producers across our state about their concerns, and I provided them with an update on the Senate Agriculture Committee’s progress to advance a Farm Bill to strengthen the farm safety net, improve risk management tools, support year-round E15 and provide greater certainty for farmers and ranchers. I remain committed to working with my colleagues to get this important legislation across the finish line to our agricultural community. Thank you to Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam and all who attended and shared their insights and ideas with me.


NBAF Must be Brought to Full Operational Capacity
I reviewed the recently released report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) following its September 2025 site visit of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). It is disappointing that NBAF was not fully operational when the facility was transferred from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to USDA in 2024. Despite DHS’s failure, then-USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack testified that NBAF was expected to be significantly operational by the end of 2024. Since then, I have insisted that USDA quickly bring NBAF to full operational capacity – a point I have emphasized to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. In my role as a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, we have provided funding necessary for successful completion of the facility.

NBAF is important to the safety of Americans, and further delays cannot be tolerated. Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden has visited the facility with me, and I have invited Secretary Rollins to do the same. I will continue working with USDA and department officials to make certain there is a clear timeline and that the resources necessary are in place to realize NBAF’s full operational capacity.

You can learn more here.

Participating in the Investiture Ceremony of U.S. Attorney Ryan Kriegshauser
On Friday, I participated in the investiture ceremony for the U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas and my former intern, Ryan Kriegshauser. I was pleased to advocate for his nomination to this position, and I supported his confirmation by the United States Senate. I have had the opportunity to know Ryan well for many years, and I appreciate his willingness to serve our state in this role.

As a Navy Reserve officer, Ryan spent many years serving our nation, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He also served as a member of my Service Academy Selection Board, helping to invest in the next generation of young Kansans interested in military service. Serving as United States Attorney is a solemn responsibility, but also a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Kansans. I am confident he will perform the duties of this office with the same character and commitment he has demonstrated throughout his career.

Congratulations to Ryan and thank you for your willingness to serve the people of Kansas. Thank you also to his family, whose dedicated support has helped make this achievement possible.


Meeting with Select Milk Producers Board of Directors
I recently met with members of the Select Milk Producers Board of Directors, including Harry DeWit, the owner of Twin Circle Dairy in Lewis, Kansas. Established in 2025, Twin Circle Dairy provides milk to feed 900,000 People Dairy Products and it also provides milk to Hilmar Cheese in Dodge City. During our discussion, we talked about the efforts of dairy farmers across the country to deliver high-quality dairy products and the growth of the dairy industry in Kansas. I also shared my work on the Senate Agriculture Committee to pass a strong Farm Bill that supports American agricultural producers. I appreciated the opportunity to visit with Harry and the board members and thank them for their commitment to feed our country and the world.

Touring Kansas High Schools
Thunder Ridge High School
I enjoyed visiting Thunder Ridge High School in Kensington this week and touring the campus with the Senior Leadership Team. The students shared with me about how Thunder Ridge is preparing them for a successful future, and we discussed their academic goals as the fall semester begins.

Special thank you to seniors Brillon McDowell, Jasmine Ferguson, Alana Schroeter, Leanka van der Linden and Declan Tweedy for showing me around campus, and thank you to Principal Greg Koelsch and the entire staff and faculty for hosting me.


Hillsboro High School
I enjoyed visiting Hillsboro High School on Tuesday to speak at the Teacher Learning Day event. While the school’s classes have not yet started, I had an opportunity to visit with classroom teachers preparing for the arrival of students in their classrooms. During my visit, I met with Government and History Teacher Jacob Gunden to learn more about the quality educational programs Hillsboro provides for its students. I also met with students Mason Bartel, Ethan Rempel, Hudson Sibayan, Kyson O’Hare, Emerson Corby, Kolton Fenske and Logan Bartel, members of the Hillsboro High School Robotics team, to hear about their goals for the new school year and congratulate them on their recent 9th-place finish in the 2026 National Technology Student Association Convention in Washington, D.C. Thank you to Principal Tyler Weinbrenner for inviting me to speak and all those who met with me.


Dighton Jr./Sr. High School
This week, I visited Dighton Jr./Sr. High School to visit with students, faculty and staff as classes resume for the fall semester. I appreciate Superintendent Matthew Hendricks and student leaders Maelyn Berndt and Charlie Vogel for providing me with a tour of the campus, and I wish the students and teachers a productive school year.


Visiting Lane County Community Grocery
I also stopped in Dighton, where I visited Lane County Community Grocery. This store, which opened in June, is a community-driven initiative that was established through the efforts of local residents. After a fire destroyed the only grocery store in the county in 2024, the community faced limited options for purchasing food. In response, members of the community came together to establish a grocery store to provide convenient and reliable access to food while also supporting the local economy.

Through their generous donations and volunteer work, the people of Lane County truly embody the spirit of serving their neighbors. I am grateful for their dedication to strengthening their community. Special thank you to Store Manager Randy Evans, Staff Member Chad Lawrence and community member Jeff Schmalzried for taking the time to visit with me and share their stories.


Touring MACRO Industries
On Friday, I visited MACRO Industries in Lenexa. It was great to see the work happening here to support our national defense and security. MACRO manufactures Macrolite composite systems used in aviation and flight-deck armor and builds custom ballistic protection systems that support platforms like the UH-60M Black Hawk that our troops rely on. This employee-owned Kansas company is a testament to the innovation and dedication of our manufacturers. I will continue to support MACRO, its partners and the broader supply chain that makes this work possible. Thank you to Wes Hodges, Michelle Taylor, Dan Ziegler and Michael Breslin for hosting, along with Bryan Shaffer of Teijin Aramid, Zachary Woodham of SAATI of Americas Protection and Jeremy Ussery of Corrigan & Ussery.


Visiting Fairleigh Feed Yard in Scott City
On Wednesday, I visited Fairleigh Feed Yard in Scott City. Fairleigh Feed Yard is a family-owned commercial feed yard that has been operating in Scott County for more than 50 years. During my visit, I met with General Manger Perry Nowak to learn more about their operation, which helps to support our state’s farmers, ranchers and producers. Perry is also a Scott County Commissioner, so he provided an update on the latest happenings in the county. Thank you to Perry and the entire Fairleigh Feed Yards team for hosting me.


Mankato Community Visit
This week, I visited Mankato to speak with members of the community. During my time there, I stopped by State Exchange Bank, Wilson Accounting, and the Kansas State University Research and Extension Post Rock District Office. I also visited the local U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency offices, as well as the Jewell County Sherrif Office. I also met with the Jewell County Register of Deeds Amanda Davis, County Treasurer Brenda Eakins and County Clerk Myka Zadina. I also called and visited with former Kansas State Representative Keith Roe. Thank you to all who took the time to meet with me.

Celebrating National Aviation Day
On Wednesday, as our nation recognized National Aviation Day, we also celebrated the engineers, manufacturers and pilots across our state who are advancing Kansas’ role as a global leader in aviation. You cannot talk about aviation without talking about Kansas, and our state remains the Air Capital of the World thanks to generations of Kansans who have built, innovated and advanced the field of aviation.

From Amelia Earhart’s trailblazing flights to our role as an aviation hub during World War II to Wichita’s recent recognition as the #1 city for aerospace and defense manufacturing investments, Kansas’ aviation heritage continues to support global advancements. To the talented Kansans behind our rich aerospace legacy, happy National Aviation Day!


Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. 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. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on October 2, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.