Failing to Pass ROTOR Act Puts Aviation Safety at Risk
Despite months of negotiations and strong bipartisan support, the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass the ROTOR Act, which included critical aviation safety requirements recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) after its yearlong investigation into the midair collision at Reagan National Airport (DCA) last January. This week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee delayed a hearing on an alternative aviation safety bill, the ALERT Act, after pushback from the NTSB and families of the victims regarding the bill’s lax recommendations for position tracking technology, known as ADS-B. The NTSB’s investigation found that the requirements of the ROTOR Act could have saved lives. Every day that the ROTOR Act isn’t enacted and implemented represents a failure to learn from the tragedy of January 29 by making our skies safer.

You can read more from my letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal here.

Meeting with USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg to discuss Food for Peace
On Wednesday, I led a meeting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg along with Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) to discuss USDA’s operation of Food for Peace. In January, it was announced that USDA and the Department of State signed an interagency agreement to allow USDA to temporarily operate Food for Peace. I have long advocated for Food for Peace’s permanent move to USDA, and this agreement allows the department to demonstrate how it is able to deliver international aid efficiently and effectively to starving communities around the world while providing an additional market for U.S. growers. Our conversation focused on USDA’s plans to operate the program going forward, and how Congress can help secure the resources necessary to make that happen. 

To provide long-term stability for the program and the partners who carry out its mission, Congress should codify this transition and permanently place Food for Peace at USDA. As Chair of the Congressional Hunger Caucus, I believe Food for Peace represents an opportunity for American farmers to help feed those in need, and my legislation to move the program would help maintain the long-term vision first put forward by the program’s creators.

Thank you to Under Secretary Lindberg for meeting with us and for his continued commitment to U.S. agricultural producers.


Hearing from Veterans at Joint VA Committee Hearing 
This week, I led the final two annual joint hearings of the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs to receive the legislative presentations of 16 veteran service organizations (VSOs). Over the last two weeks, members of both committees have had the opportunity to hear from two dozen VSOs about issues that are affecting veterans from across the country and how Congress can help alleviate some of these issues. I am grateful for the work that VSOs do every day to support veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors and to advocate for the timely, high-quality health care and benefits that they have earned and deserve. The work of these committees would not be possible without the tireless work and dedication of the organizations we heard from over the last two weeks.

During the hearing on Wednesday, I introduced The American Legion National Commander, and my dear friend and Kansan, Mr. Dan Wiley. Commander Wiley has a long history of supporting veterans in Kansas, from helping develop the Leavenworth County Veterans Treatment Court to being a lifelong member of the Byron H. Mehl American Legion Post 23 in Leavenworth. His vision and experience are strengthening the mission of The American Legion, and it was an honor to introduce him at our joint hearing.

You can learn more about the hearings here and watch my introduction of Commander Wiley here.


Speaking in Support of The Major Richard Star Act on the Senate Floor
On Tuesday, I spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of finding a path forward to pass the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow veterans with service-connected disabilities to retain both their full military retirement pay from the Department of Defense and disability compensation pay from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I am an original cosponsor of this legislation because no veteran should have the retirement pay they earned decreased because they are also eligible for disability compensation due to an injury they sustained during military service.

During joint Senate and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearings over the last two weeks, Members of Congress heard from many veterans and veterans service organizations about the importance of passing the Major Richard Star Act to help combat-injured veterans and their families. While the legislation is currently in the jurisdiction of Senate Armed Services Committee, I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues in a bicameral and bipartisan way to make certain we find a path forward for the Major Richard Star Act. Our nation’s veterans have upheld their oath and fulfilled their duty, and Congress must fulfill ours. 

You can learn more about the Major Richard Star Act here.


Meeting with Gold Star Wives of America
This week, I met with representatives of Gold Star Wives of America, Barbara Burt and Dr. Nancy Randolph Peppers. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am committed to supporting the whole military family, because military service is family service. We must keep our promise to care for those who sacrifice so much for our country and those they leave behind. One such effort is my bill, the Love Lives on Act, which allows surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers to retain certain survivor benefits if they remarry. I appreciate Barbara and Dr. Peppers for taking the time to meet with me, and I will continue to advocate for the survivor community and make certain we provide them with the support and resources they deserve.


Introducing Legislation to Support Veterans with Spinal Cord Injuries
This week, I introduced the Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices (STAND) Act, which would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide annual preventive health evaluations to veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI-D) and expand access to assistive technologies to better support their needs. This legislation would create a preventive health program allowing veterans who receive VA care for a spinal cord injury to have yearly checkups to review treatments for chronic pain, nutrition, risks of related health conditions and support with prosthetic equipment.

Veterans living with spinal cord injuries continue to face the life-altering effects of their service long after their time in uniform has ended. With the right preventive health systems in place, along with new and adaptive technologies being developed, these veterans can not only manage their injuries but thrive in their post-military lives. This legislation would allow these veterans to receive the care they deserve, while maximizing their independence and mobility.

You can learn more about the legislation here.

Statement on Iran War Powers Resolution
The Iranian government has terrorized its own people, funded terror networks, threatened the security of our allies and called for the destruction of the U.S. Iran’s ambition to enrich uranium and acquire long-range missiles threatens the U.S. and the stability of the region.

Iran’s continued attacks on American troops, our embassies and consulates, and the bombardment of Israel, require vigilance and ongoing military action in the Middle East. Support for this resolution as written would constrain ongoing operations and potentially put American servicemembers at greater risk. Congress must remain fully engaged through oversight and deliberation, and we must do so in a way that supports, not jeopardize as this resolution would do, the men and women carrying out their current mission. If military engagements become sustained or expanded, Congress must debate and authorize further use of force on behalf of the American people.

Receiving an Update from Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center
This week, I received a briefing at the Kansas Intelligence Fusion Center (KIFC) from the Kansas Guard Adjutant General, Brigadier General Paul Schneider, and the Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Kansas, Dave Young. The KIFC, located in Topeka, is an important strategic advantage for our state, providing intelligence analysis and threat warnings to relevant stakeholders across Kansas. During our conversation, we discussed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the Kansas National Guard 190th Air Refueling Wing and 130th Field Artillery Brigade’s role in supporting these operations. I am thankful for the time and attention that BG Schneider and Mr. Young give to protect the livelihood of Kansans and Americans, and for the men and women who continue to make sacrifices to protect our nation.

PASSED: NASA Reauthorization Legislation
As Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation with jurisdiction over NASA, I worked with my colleagues to support the passage of the NASA Authorization Act of 2026 out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. When our Artemis astronauts return to the Moon, aerospace manufacturers across Kansas will have played a role in launching America into the next era of space exploration. This legislation will provide NASA with the tools necessary to lead these efforts, including support for the establishment of a sustained U.S. presence on the Moon, continued investments in science and technology development, expanded public-private partnerships with aerospace manufacturers and new jobs and opportunities for businesses in Kansas and across America.

You can learn more about the legislation here.

Introducing Legislation to Bolster Artificial Intelligence Training
This week, I introduced legislation with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to expand scholarship and professional development opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) with the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF). My legislation, the NSF AI Education Act, would establish undergraduate and graduate scholarships specifically focused on the use of AI in Kansas’ leading industries, including agriculture and advanced manufacturing.

As AI evolves, the U.S. workforce must be equipped with the necessary skills and tools to successfully integrate AI into our industries. This legislation would direct important investments in STEM education, fellowships and hands-on learning from kindergarten to college. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to advance this legislation.

Meeting with Kansans
KC2026 CEO Pam Kramer
This week, I met with KC2026 CEO Pam Kramer to discuss how the Kansas City region is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Throughout the tournament, the Kansas City area will host four teams and six matches at Arrowhead Stadium, including two knockout-round matches and a fan festival, among many other fan-based events. Preparing for an event of this scale requires significant coordination and investment in infrastructure and security. Earlier this year, Congress approved $625 million in federal funding for World Cup security and preparedness, an effort I worked to support through the reconciliation process to make certain host cities like Kansas City have the resources necessary to protect athletes, visitors and local communities.

During our meeting, we discussed the importance of making certain these funds are released in a timely fashion to help strengthen public safety coordination among federal, state and local partners and leave lasting benefits for host cities after the tournament concludes. Thank you to Pam and the rest of the KC2026 committee for their willingness to work with me to make certain Kansans, athletes and fans from around the world are safe and have a seamless experience during the matches and events in Kansas City.


Kansas Agricultural Retailers Association
I met with members of the Kansas Agricultural Retailers Association (KARA) on Tuesday to discuss their legislative priorities across the agriculture and transportation industries. We spoke about the importance of expanding market access for agricultural commodities, both domestically and internationally, and how Congress can help make certain producers have access to the inputs necessary to maintain a safe and reliable food supply. I appreciate KARA’s support for my bill, the Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act, which would help reduce burdensome regulations for seasonal Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) license holders by allowing drivers to renew their licenses online, and provide a standard definition for farm equipment across states. Thank you to Scott Morris, Ted Behring, Jami Loecker, Ron Seeber and Dave Spears for meeting with me, and congratulations to Dave Spears on being named the chair of the Ag Retailers Association Board of Directors.


Kansas Credit Union Association
On Wednesday, I met with members of the Kansas Credit Union Association to discuss the challenges credit unions encounter as they work to support the Kansas economy. Our conversation covered the importance of maintaining a secure and dependable credit card system for members, as well as ongoing efforts to prevent fraud. We also talked about the need for clear and effective regulatory frameworks for digital assets. Thank you to Frontier Community Credit Union CEO Mike Augustine, Associate Vice President for Community and Government Affairs of Heartland Credit Union Darren Werth and all those who took the time to travel to Washington D.C., to meet with me.


Kansas Association of Broadcasters
On Wednesday, I met with representatives from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) to discuss issues facing local radio and television stations across Kansas. During our meeting, we discussed the critical importance of modernizing the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) broadcast ownership rules to allow local broadcasters to compete with large, multimedia tech giants. Local journalism remains the lifeblood of Kansas communities, and I appreciate the dedicated efforts of Kansas broadcasters to provide their communities with a shared source of news and entertainment.

Thank you to KAB Chair Phil McComb, Treasurer Brook Arnold and former Chair Roger Brokke for their time and insights.


Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.
After hearing testimony from the national leadership of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) on Tuesday, I met with leadership of the Kansas VFW. We discussed the issues facing veterans in Kansas, including long wait times that interfere with veterans’ ability to access care or receive the benefits they have earned through the VA. VFW has been a strong advocate of my legislation, the ACCESS Act, which would increase a veteran’s ability to receive care through providers in the community, and ultimately, improve efficiency and accountability of the VA community care program. This legislation would make certain that veterans in Kansas and across the country would have prompt, high-quality care and greater flexibility in choosing when, where, and how to use the health care benefits they have earned through their service.

I appreciated our conversation and am thankful for the work of Kansas Commander Charlie Cravens, Jr., Vice Commander Rick McKenna and the other state leadership that flew in from Kansas to take time to visit with me in Congress.


Kansas State University Students
I appreciated speaking with a group of students from Kansas State University participating in the Flinchbaugh Fellows and K-State Risk Management Fellows programs this week. These programs allow students to visit with lawmakers and industry stakeholders in Washington, D.C., to build a greater understanding of agricultural policymaking. The Flinchbaugh Fellows program honors the late Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, a K-State professor and agriculture economist who helped guide federal farm policies for nearly 50 years. During our meeting, I shared with the students my legislative priorities, including the passage of a five-year Farm Bill, securing year-round E15 and the continued operation of Food for Peace under U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). I appreciated the conversation and am grateful for Kansas State University providing the opportunity to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of agricultural policy and how it affects Kansas farmers and ranchers. 

Thank you to Dr. Jennifer Ifft, Dana Woodbury, Evelyn Bachamp, Eli Boden, Audrey Byers, Carissa Dalquest, Regan Darbyshire, Cappi Hoeting, Margaret Lippsmeyer, Dewey Robertson, Carson Rudd and MaKenna Villwok for visiting with me.


Visits Across Kansas
Barton Community College
This week, I visited Barton Community College to announce federal resources that I secured for the college to help purchase equipment to expand its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Agricultural Mechanics programs in the new Agriculture and Transportation Complex. The college is committed to training students for successful careers in fields that meet the needs of the community, and I appreciate the work they do every day to support the next generation of our state’s workforce.

Special thank you to Barton Community College President Marcus Garstecki, Great Bend Mayor Alan Moeder, Trustees Mike Johnson and Gary Burke, City Administrator Logan Burns, Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President Megan Barfield, Great Bend Economic Development Director Jason Kuilan and all who came to celebrate this program and the work being done at Barton.

You can read more from the Great Bend Tribune here.


Halo Ridge
This week, I met with Chief Operating Officer of Loretto Companies James Arkell and Director of External Affairs and Issues Management for the City of Olathe, Tim Dannenberg. We discussed updates on Halo Ridge, an ultra-accessible entertainment, healthcare and hospitality complex that is planned for Olathe and would include Halo Care Cooperative, a medical clinic aimed at helping people with disabilities and their families, as well as Michael's WonderWorld, an accessibility-focused theme park.

Michael's WonderWorld was inspired by James' son and Lamar Hunt Jr.'s grandson, Michael, who was born with a rare genetic condition and relies on a wheelchair for mobility. The family found inspiration for this project from Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas, and sought to create a brand-new accessible theme park right here in Kansas.

Thank you to James and Tim for their time and insights, and I look forward to seeing the positive results this project will bring to families in Kansas and across the country. You can learn more about Halo Ridge from The Kansas City Star here.


Rush County Memorial Hospital
I visited Rush County Memorial Hospital on Thursday to learn more about their transition from a Critical Access Hospital to a Rural Emergency Hospital. This change has allowed them to operate at significantly reduced costs, helping make certain they can continue to offer quality care to the La Crosse community. Rural health care providers are critical to our small towns, and I appreciate the hospital’s commitment to keeping Kansans healthy. Thank you to CEO Dr. Robert Ladd, COO Amy Depperschmidt, Board Member Brady Goss and all the hospital staff for hosting me and their dedication to serving the community.


Lecompton Elementary School
As part of National Read Across America Week, I visited Lecompton Elementary School and had the opportunity to read to the 1st grade students. Growing up in a small town in Kansas, I enjoyed reading about politics, history and government, and books opened a world of knowledge. I appreciate the dedicated teachers across Kansas who help instill a love of reading in their students.

Special thank you to 1st grade teacher Grace O’Trimble, Principal Mark Lamb and all the faculty, staff and students for hosting me.


Remembering Russ Meyer
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Russ Meyer, a dear friend and someone I had the privilege of knowing well for many years. He was deeply loved by all who knew him, and his leadership was invaluable in strengthening Wichita’s standing as the Air Capital of the World. One cannot think of Kansas aviation without thinking of Russ, who dedicated decades of his life to supporting the general aviation community as the longtime chairman and CEO of Cessna.

Russ once said, ‘If I were 25 years old today, I’d pursue a career in this industry in a heartbeat,’ and his life embodied the truth of those words. Because of him, countless young people and Kansans have pursued careers in aviation, finding the same joy and meaning in flight that he did. He treated everyone he met with kindness and respect, and I always knew I could count on his wise advice and counsel. Giving back was important to Russ and his wife, Helen, and they invested deeply in the community they loved, supporting causes such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas, GraceMed Health Clinic, League 42 and more.

Robba and I are praying for Helen, their children and their grandchildren in this difficult time. He will be deeply missed, but his life and legacy will not be forgotten. Wichita, our entire state and the field of aviation have been forever changed for the better because of Russ.

You can read more about Russ’s life from the Wichita Business Journal here.


Attending Sunflower Showdown at Allen Field House
It was great to attend the annual Sunflower Showdown basketball game between the University of Kansas and Kansas State University at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. Thank you to KU Chancellor Doug Girod, Athletic Director Travis Goff and the entire KU team for hosting me, and congratulations to the Jayhawks on their win.


Now Accepting Summer 2026 Page Applications
Applications are now open for the Summer 2026 Senate Page Program. High school students are afforded a unique opportunity to work in the Senate and learn about Congress and the legislative process. Summer Page eligibility is limited to students who have completed their sophomore year of high school and who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. The deadline to apply is Sunday, March 22. You can learn more about the Senate Page program here.

Kansans in the Office  

Capitol Tour

David Huddleston of Tribune

Joyce Huddleston of Tribune

Kay Klassen of Hillsboro

Adam McElroy of Overland Park

Elizabeth McElroy of Overland Park

Greg Schulewitz of Overland Park

Henry Schulewitz of Overland Park

Karol Schulewitz of Overland Park

Agriculture Retailers Association

Ted Behring of Isabel

Jami Loecker of Manhattan

Scott Morris of Senneca

Devin Schierling of Inman

Dave Spears of Valley Center

AMA Medical Students

Ella Wright of Kansas City

Lauren St. Peter of Kansas City

American College of Surgeons

Josh Brughamm of Farway

Katelyn Sanner Dixon of Gardner

John Sullivan of Kansas City

American Endurance Ride Conference

Monica Champan-Pickett of Pleasanton

Ducks Unlimited

Mike Bulk of Sabetha

Jeff Irvine of Easton

Lynne Rozine of Kansas City

GO2 Lung Cancer Voices Summit

Michael Scanlon of Overland Park

FAST and ASF

Colin Sargent of Leawood

Laura Sargent of Mission Hills

Patrick Sargent of Mission Hills

Fight Colorectal Cancer

Beth Kornegay of Shawnee

Gold Star Wife of America

Barbara Burt of Manhattan

Harvesters

Karla Hagemeister of Manhattan

Elizabeth Keever of Lawrence

Brian Walker of Wichita

Humanities Kansas

Julie Mulvihill of Topeka

Tracy Quillin of Topeka

Ginger Williams of Hays

Kansas Association of Broadcasters

Justin Antoniotte of Kansas City

Brook Arnold of Pittsburg

Ross Brokke of Olathe

Roxanne Marati of Mission

Philip McComb of Wellington

Kansas Chapter of The Nature Conservancy

Mandy Frank of Topeka

Kansas State Historical Society

Elizabeth Rosin of Kansas City

Kansas Veterans of Foreign Wars

Jay Boyle of Wichita

Charlie Cravens of Winfield

David J. Huddleston of Tribune
Rick McKenna of Springhill

John Muckelbauer of Kansas City

Joyce Huddleston of Tribune

Kansas YMCA

Jennifer Bruning of Kansas City

Jackie Regan-Gaucin of Dodge City

Kelly Hills/Thales/Onaga Hospital

Lukas Koch of Seneca

Mindy Olberding of Onaga

Leavenworth Waterworks

Lisa Haack of Leavenworth

Joel Mahnken of Leavenworth

Eric Peterson of Leavenworth

Chad Tenpenny of Leavenworth

Livestock Marketing Association

Kevin Thielen of Lebo

National Association of Chain Drug Stores

Mercy Chepleting of Leavenworth

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors

Hilary Aubey of Topeka

Cassie Johnson of Olathe

Brittany Williams of Topeka

National Bleeding Disorders Foundation

Kelly Wornall of Lenexa

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

Jenifer Ashford of Olathe

National Parent Teacher Association

Devin Wilson of Shawnee

National Treasury Employees Union

Jennifer Chapin of Mission Hills

Megan Hayes of Overland Park

Aisha Obiri King of Overland Park

Daniel Scharpenburg of Overland Park

Barrett Woods of Mission Hills

National Wildlife Federation

Cory Hatcher of Syracuse

Treg Hatcher of Syracuse

One Voice Against Cancer

Christina Coward of Lawrence

Anne Zajic of Topeka

PKD Foundation

Susan Bushnell of Overland Park

Nicole Harr of Overland Park

Stephen Parnell of Shawnee

Gabriella Sage of Lawrence

PrairieStar Health

Bryant Anderson of Hutchinson

Tourette Association of America

Laurel Jenson of Overland Park

Robin Jenson of Overland Park

Kaden Mielitz of Manhattan

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Advocates

Alexandra Dahlgren of Prairie Village

Sikorsky

Jarrod Bartlett of Wichita

Malissa Nesmith of Wichita

State Library of Kansas

Allie Lousch of Topeka

University of Kansas Education Dean

Rick Ginsberg of Lawrence

Lisa Wolf-Wendel of Lawrence