Kansas Common Sense
Breaking Ground on New WSU Tech National Center for Aviation Training Facility
It was great to be at WSU Tech on Friday to break ground on a new state-of-the-art, 85,000 square-foot facility for the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT). I was at WSU Tech in 2010 for the ground breaking of NCAT, and over the last 15 years it has grown to become a key training center for pilots and aviation technicians.
This new facility will help young Kansans pursue careers in the aerospace industry and supply the Air Capital of the World with the next generation of talented, skilled workers. I am grateful for the leadership and vision of WSU Tech President Sheree Utash and her dedication to WSU students. Thank you to the partnerships with Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Congressman Ron Estes, WSU President Rick Muma and Commissioner Ryan Baty. I also want to thank Textron Aviation CEO Ron Draper for his continued investment in the community, including this new facility.
It was also great to meet Colonel Joseph D. Wall, the new Commander of 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base. I am grateful for his service and leadership at McConnell.
Receiving an Update from Boeing
On Wednesday, I visited with Mike Fleming, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Airplane Programs and Customer Support for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Bill McSherry, Vice President for State and Local Operations, at Boeing’s Seattle Delivery Center in Seattle, Washington. During my visit, we discussed Boeing’s commercial airplane programs, including the 737, which is delivered to airlines and other customers at the Seattle Delivery Center. Spirit AeroSystems manufactures 70% of the 737 in Wichita, after which those fuselages are loaded onto a train and transported to other Boeing sites in Washington for final assembly.
As Boeing’s reintegration of Spirit proceeds, I have emphasized the critical importance of Wichita’s unparalleled aerospace engineering and manufacturing workforce and supply chain to Boeing’s long-term success and to the success of the aerospace industry. I hosted Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg in Wichita in August last year, on his third day in this role, to showcase the exemplary capabilities of Spirit and of the broader aerospace supply chain and workforce in Wichita.
Thank you to Mr. Fleming and Mr. McSherry for their time.
Briefing from DEA Seattle Field Division
On Wednesday, I met with the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division, David Reames. SAC Reames shared with me the critical progress on enforcement of the southern border and the unique challenges the DEA faces along our northern border with Canada. I toured the northern border in a Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations helicopter to get a birds-eye-view of what the border territory looks like. During the tour, I saw firsthand the difficult task our federal law enforcement agencies face in securing this rugged mountainous terrain.
With the administration’s stronger enforcement at the southern border, law enforcement anticipates an increase in smuggling being shifted to the northern border. This is evident from the April 2025 seizure of a fentanyl production lab just over the border in British Columbia with the potential to produce enough fentanyl to supply every person in British Columbia. I will continue to work as the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies to make certain our law enforcement agencies have the resources needed to keep our nation safe and secure.
Meeting with KSU Senior VP Dr. Marshall Stewart
On Monday, I was on campus at Kansas State University (KSU) and met with Senior Vice President Dr. Marshall Stewart. Activity on campus was starting to ramp up with students beginning to return to campus for the fall semester and excitement building for the Wildcats’ football season opener against Iowa State University in Dublin, Ireland. During our meeting, Dr. Stewart shared with me an update on the progress of construction on the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation and the Bilbrey Family Event Center which will provide space for events previously held in Weber Arena.
I appreciated hearing about the progress of President Richard Linton’s Next-Gen K-State initiative to reimagine the statewide extension system to better serve a modern, fast-changing world. We also discussed K-State’s role in supporting the mission of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) through partnerships in research conducted at the Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) and educating graduates to supply the highly skilled workforce that NBAF requires. I look forward to continuing to support the mission of Dr. Stewart and President Linton to serve and educate Kansans.
Applauding Federal Trade Commission Crackdown on Ticket Scalpers
This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it is taking action against ticket scalpers who violated the laws established by my legislation, the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act. I introduced the BOTS Act, which was signed into law in 2016, to put an end to the use of software that creates bot accounts on websites like Ticketmaster. This practice allows scalpers to bypass ticket purchasing limits for high-demand events and leaves consumers vulnerable to fraud.
The defendants in the FTC’s complaint used unlawful tactics to inflate ticket prices and rob everyday individuals of the opportunity to attend entertainment events like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. They must be held accountable for violating the law.
You can read more about the BOTS Act from the Topeka Capital-Journal here.
Visiting Kansas Hospitals
Patterson Health Center
On Thursday, I traveled to Anthony for a tour of Patterson Health Center. During my visit, I learned more about the services and care they provide the community and shared with them my efforts to secure federal resources for rural health care facilities. Thank you to CEO Sarah Teaff, PHC CFO Sandra Owen, PHC Marketing Director Kristen Birkey, PHC Board President Jan Lanie, PHC Board Member Richard Aldis and Shelly Hansel for welcoming me.
St. Luke’s Hospital and Living Center
I continued my tour of rural hospitals at St. Luke’s Hospital and Living Center in Marion. While there, I met with CEO Alex Haines to discuss the ways St. Luke’s is continuing to provide quality care for Marion County. Thank you to Alex and the entire St. Luke’s staff for the conversations and for your continued commitment to providing Kansans with the care they need.
Remembering Keith Houghton
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Tipton-native Keith Houghton. Keith graduated from Kansas State University in 1971 and had the unique honor of serving as Willie the Wildcat. Keith spent nearly four decades in the aviation field. He began as a flight instructor at Aircraft Services, then went on to fly for numerous corporate and commercial airlines, including Coleman Company in Wichita. Keith also had a passion for hunting, which led him and his wife, Debra, to open and operate Ringneck Ranch, a full-service upland game bird hunting lodge. Robba and I have enjoyed this special place several times.
My prayers are with Keith’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
Celebrating National Aviation Day
On Tuesday, our nation celebrated National Aviation Day. Since the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, Kansas has supplied 75% of all general aviation aircraft and is home to thousands of skilled aviation manufacturers, engineers and researchers in Wichita, the Air Capital of the World, and across Kansas. Thank you for helping America maintain our leadership in aviation!
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 Monday, September 8, 2025. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Kansans in the Office
Capitol Tour
Desmond Henry of Topeka
Jinnifer Henry of Topeka
Delaney Henry of Topeka
Danika Henry of Topeka
Emily Lingenfelser of Atchison
Disability Writes
Allison Colburn of Manhattan
It was great to be at WSU Tech on Friday to break ground on a new state-of-the-art, 85,000 square-foot facility for the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT). I was at WSU Tech in 2010 for the ground breaking of NCAT, and over the last 15 years it has grown to become a key training center for pilots and aviation technicians.
This new facility will help young Kansans pursue careers in the aerospace industry and supply the Air Capital of the World with the next generation of talented, skilled workers. I am grateful for the leadership and vision of WSU Tech President Sheree Utash and her dedication to WSU students. Thank you to the partnerships with Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Congressman Ron Estes, WSU President Rick Muma and Commissioner Ryan Baty. I also want to thank Textron Aviation CEO Ron Draper for his continued investment in the community, including this new facility.
It was also great to meet Colonel Joseph D. Wall, the new Commander of 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base. I am grateful for his service and leadership at McConnell.
Receiving an Update from Boeing
On Wednesday, I visited with Mike Fleming, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Airplane Programs and Customer Support for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Bill McSherry, Vice President for State and Local Operations, at Boeing’s Seattle Delivery Center in Seattle, Washington. During my visit, we discussed Boeing’s commercial airplane programs, including the 737, which is delivered to airlines and other customers at the Seattle Delivery Center. Spirit AeroSystems manufactures 70% of the 737 in Wichita, after which those fuselages are loaded onto a train and transported to other Boeing sites in Washington for final assembly.
As Boeing’s reintegration of Spirit proceeds, I have emphasized the critical importance of Wichita’s unparalleled aerospace engineering and manufacturing workforce and supply chain to Boeing’s long-term success and to the success of the aerospace industry. I hosted Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg in Wichita in August last year, on his third day in this role, to showcase the exemplary capabilities of Spirit and of the broader aerospace supply chain and workforce in Wichita.
Thank you to Mr. Fleming and Mr. McSherry for their time.
Briefing from DEA Seattle Field Division
On Wednesday, I met with the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Seattle Field Division, David Reames. SAC Reames shared with me the critical progress on enforcement of the southern border and the unique challenges the DEA faces along our northern border with Canada. I toured the northern border in a Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations helicopter to get a birds-eye-view of what the border territory looks like. During the tour, I saw firsthand the difficult task our federal law enforcement agencies face in securing this rugged mountainous terrain.
With the administration’s stronger enforcement at the southern border, law enforcement anticipates an increase in smuggling being shifted to the northern border. This is evident from the April 2025 seizure of a fentanyl production lab just over the border in British Columbia with the potential to produce enough fentanyl to supply every person in British Columbia. I will continue to work as the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies to make certain our law enforcement agencies have the resources needed to keep our nation safe and secure.
Meeting with KSU Senior VP Dr. Marshall Stewart
On Monday, I was on campus at Kansas State University (KSU) and met with Senior Vice President Dr. Marshall Stewart. Activity on campus was starting to ramp up with students beginning to return to campus for the fall semester and excitement building for the Wildcats’ football season opener against Iowa State University in Dublin, Ireland. During our meeting, Dr. Stewart shared with me an update on the progress of construction on the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation and the Bilbrey Family Event Center which will provide space for events previously held in Weber Arena.
I appreciated hearing about the progress of President Richard Linton’s Next-Gen K-State initiative to reimagine the statewide extension system to better serve a modern, fast-changing world. We also discussed K-State’s role in supporting the mission of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) through partnerships in research conducted at the Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) and educating graduates to supply the highly skilled workforce that NBAF requires. I look forward to continuing to support the mission of Dr. Stewart and President Linton to serve and educate Kansans.
Applauding Federal Trade Commission Crackdown on Ticket Scalpers
This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it is taking action against ticket scalpers who violated the laws established by my legislation, the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act. I introduced the BOTS Act, which was signed into law in 2016, to put an end to the use of software that creates bot accounts on websites like Ticketmaster. This practice allows scalpers to bypass ticket purchasing limits for high-demand events and leaves consumers vulnerable to fraud.
The defendants in the FTC’s complaint used unlawful tactics to inflate ticket prices and rob everyday individuals of the opportunity to attend entertainment events like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. They must be held accountable for violating the law.
You can read more about the BOTS Act from the Topeka Capital-Journal here.
Visiting Kansas Hospitals
Patterson Health Center
On Thursday, I traveled to Anthony for a tour of Patterson Health Center. During my visit, I learned more about the services and care they provide the community and shared with them my efforts to secure federal resources for rural health care facilities. Thank you to CEO Sarah Teaff, PHC CFO Sandra Owen, PHC Marketing Director Kristen Birkey, PHC Board President Jan Lanie, PHC Board Member Richard Aldis and Shelly Hansel for welcoming me.
St. Luke’s Hospital and Living Center
I continued my tour of rural hospitals at St. Luke’s Hospital and Living Center in Marion. While there, I met with CEO Alex Haines to discuss the ways St. Luke’s is continuing to provide quality care for Marion County. Thank you to Alex and the entire St. Luke’s staff for the conversations and for your continued commitment to providing Kansans with the care they need.
Remembering Keith Houghton
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Tipton-native Keith Houghton. Keith graduated from Kansas State University in 1971 and had the unique honor of serving as Willie the Wildcat. Keith spent nearly four decades in the aviation field. He began as a flight instructor at Aircraft Services, then went on to fly for numerous corporate and commercial airlines, including Coleman Company in Wichita. Keith also had a passion for hunting, which led him and his wife, Debra, to open and operate Ringneck Ranch, a full-service upland game bird hunting lodge. Robba and I have enjoyed this special place several times.
My prayers are with Keith’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
Celebrating National Aviation Day
On Tuesday, our nation celebrated National Aviation Day. Since the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, Kansas has supplied 75% of all general aviation aircraft and is home to thousands of skilled aviation manufacturers, engineers and researchers in Wichita, the Air Capital of the World, and across Kansas. Thank you for helping America maintain our leadership in aviation!
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 Monday, September 8, 2025. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Kansans in the Office
Capitol Tour
Desmond Henry of Topeka
Jinnifer Henry of Topeka
Delaney Henry of Topeka
Danika Henry of Topeka
Emily Lingenfelser of Atchison
Disability Writes
Allison Colburn of Manhattan
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