Western Kansas Goes to Washington  
Garden City
As part of an annual event, many of the communities in western Kansas were represented in Washington, D.C. this week by mayors, county commissioners, business owners and many more.

In addition to attending panels and receptions, many of the folks also met with me. I met with members of the Garden City delegation who provided me updates on their water reuse project to help protect the Ogallala Aquifer for generations to come. Additionally, we discussed the benefits and importance of transportation programs such as the Essential Air Service program and long-distance rail service and the city’s work to bolster the region’s emergency response capabilities with communications and regional resources such as their wildland fire fighting team. I also received updates on their efforts to increase higher education opportunities in western Kansas in partnership with Kansas universities and local community colleges.

Thank you to Mayor Roy Cessna, City Commissioners Tom Nguyen, City Manager Matt Allen, Assistant City Manager Daniel Burke, Chamber President Myca Bunch and Board Chair Debbie Young and Finney County Economic Development President Lona DuVall for meeting with me in Washington, D.C.

Leaders from Dodge City came by my office to update me on projects in their community such as their airport terminal renovation, managed aquifer recharge project and their current efforts to improve the city’s transportation network, especially in areas that are often congested by as a result of railroad crossings and highway interchanges. They also shared with me the importance of federal initiatives such as the Airport Improvement Program grants, long-distance passenger rail service, essential air service and funding streams that have allowed for expanded water reuse and biogas production. These initiatives have helped protect the aquifer and provided income sources for the city to aid in reducing the property tax burden on their residents.

Thank you to Vice-Mayor Daniel Pogue, City Commissioners Chuck Taylor and Michael Burns, City Manager Nick Hernandez, Public Works Director Corey Keller and Chamber President Karla Lees for visiting with me.


City of Liberal
I met with leaders from Seward County and Liberal. They shared information with me about the current investments of new businesses, industry and housing in their community. Additionally, we discussed their plans to improve infrastructure in and around the community, including improvements to the airport, overpasses, rail crossings and to U.S. Highway 54. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet their new City Manager, Scarlette Diseker, and wish her all the best in this role. Thank you to County Commissioner Scott Carr, City Commissioner Matt Landry, Chief Communications Officer Keeley Moree, Chamber President Rozelle Webb and Chamber Office Manager Betty Symons for making the trip to Capitol Hill.


City of Hays
Closing out the western Kansas visit, I met with the local leaders from the City of Hays and Ellis County. I received an update on issues facing Ellis County, including adequate mental health resources, importance of the Medicaid program and support of rural hospitals, investing in educational resources like museums and libraries and policies to better support our agricultural communities. I enjoyed meeting with Hays leaders in Washington, D.C., and I look forward to working together to advance these priorities this Congress.


Speaking with FAA Acting Administrator
On Friday, I spoke with the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Chris Rocheleau, to discuss the ongoing investigation into the tragic midair collision of American Airlines Flight 5342, which originated in Wichita, and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. We also discussed other recent aviation safety incidents and the FAA’s efforts to modernize outdated air traffic control systems and other technologies that keep our skies safe.

As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues its investigation into the crash at DCA, I am committed to making certain that Congress – including the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation, which I chair and which has oversight over the Federal Aviation Administration – exercises the full measure of its oversight authority and provides the FAA and other federal agencies with the resources needed to protect the flying public.

I thank Acting Administrator Rocheleau for his time and continued dedication to aviation safety.

Addressing Recent System Outages at the FAA
This week, I joined my colleagues in calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to provide information about recent outages in the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system and to update Congress on the status of much-needed updates to the system. This critical technology alerts pilots of safety and location hazards on flight routes. Recent temporary outages have prompted nationwide ground stoppages at airports and are an urgent reminder of the need to modernize this and other FAA systems.

In 2023, I joined my colleagues in introducing the NOTAM Improvement Act, which was signed into law and requires the FAA to establish a task force to strengthen the resiliency and cybersecurity of the NOTAM system. The legislation also required the FAA to upgrade the NOTAM system and create a backup system by September 2024. While the backup system is in place, the required upgrade of the primary system has not been completed.

Meeting with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
On Tuesday, I met with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to discuss his plans to improve services for veterans in Kansas and across the country. Secretary Collins is focused on putting veterans first by making the VA work better and more efficiently, and I introduced him to my colleagues during a weekly Republican Policy meeting so they could hear from him directly about his vision for the VA.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am committed to working with Secretary Collins on making certain our nation’s heroes, their families and survivors receive the highest quality of care and benefits they’ve earned.


Questioning NASA Administrator and FCC Commissioner Nominees
On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce Committee convened a hearing to consider the nominations of Jared Isaacman and Olivia Trusty, President Trump’s nominees to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), respectively.

During the hearing, I questioned Mr. Isaacman on NASA’s plans for the Space Launch System (SLS), parts of which are manufactured in Kansas, and highlighted the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson and its importance to Kansas. I questioned Ms. Trusty on spectrum policy, the implementation of the 5G Fund and her vision for the FCC.

If confirmed, I look forward to working with Mr. Isaacman and Ms. Trusty to further America’s leadership in aeronautics and space and in broadband and spectrum development.

You can watch my questions and remarks here.


Passing Legislation to Stop Misuse of PACT Act Funds
This week, the U.S. Senate passed my legislation to prohibit Critical Skill Incentive (CSI) payments from going to senior executive employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO) in Washington, D.C. I introduced this legislation with Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) after the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that, in 2023, VA’s Under Secretaries of Health and Benefits improperly awarded $10.8 million in PACT Act CSI payments to VACO’s senior executives rather than rank-and-file employees across the country. Using funds that were appropriated by Congress to improve recruitment and retention at VA medical centers and regional officers to boost the salaries of senior executives in D.C. is a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars. This amendment makes certain this will not happen again.

Correcting Grave Markers for Jewish-American Fallen Servicemembers
This week, I introduced legislation with Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) to identify and research Jewish-American servicemembers who are buried beneath grave markers that do not accurately reflect their religion and heritage. During World War II, some servicemembers did not wish to publicly display their Jewish faith on their dog tags when fighting against Nazi Germany making it difficult to correctly identify their religious heritage post-mortem. As a result, an estimated 600 Jewish-American servicemembers who were killed in action during World War II are incorrectly buried under a Latin Cross grave marker, instead of a Star of David grave marker.

The Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act would create a 10-year program within the American Battle Monuments Commission to identify and conduct research on servicemembers who are incorrectly memorialized and locate and contact their surviving descendants to facilitate a grave marker change that properly represents their religious heritage. This legislation makes certain that the religious heritage of those who died for our country, particularly Jewish-American servicemembers, is rightfully represented at their final resting places, providing their survivors with assurance that their loved one’s faith is being acknowledged and memorialized with accuracy.

Click here to read more about the legislation in the Daily Signal.

Questioning Nominees to the U.S. Department of Agriculture
As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I attended the hearing on the nomination of Stephen Vaden to be the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Tyler Clarkson to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture. I spoke to them about USDA’s offices in Kansas City and the department potentially moving more offices outside of the D.C. area and closer to rural America. I also spoke about the importance of trade and international markets for our farmers and ranchers and my efforts to move the Food for Peace program out of USAID and over to USDA. American farmers feed a hungry world, and USDA’s support in this endeavor is crucial.

You can watch my questions and remarks in full here.


Receiving an Update on Panasonic’s De Soto Plant
On Wednesday, I had a productive meeting with Panasonic North America CEO Megan Lee. She updated me on Panasonic’s De Soto plant and its operational capacity as it moves towards full production. We also discussed the importance of on-shoring manufacturing and moving supply chains away from China. Developing a reliable domestic critical mineral base is essential to supporting U.S. manufacturing and growing investments in the American workforce. I appreciated meeting with Megan, and I look forward to working with Panasonic to grow its presence in Kansas.


Big XII Hill Day
On Wednesday, I met with KU Athletic Director Travis Goff and K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor to discuss the current landscape of college sports as well as my efforts on the Senate Commerce Committee to address Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy here in the Senate. College athletics provide student-athletes the invaluable opportunity to obtain a quality education as well as continue their athletic career. It is my goal to make certain that high school students in Kansas will have these opportunities for years to come. I appreciate Travis and Gene making the trip to Washington, D.C. to visit with me and share their insight, and I will continue to pursue a legislative solution here in the Senate that will stabilize college athletics for students and universities alike.


Preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games
This week, I visited with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee to discuss the preparations taking place to make certain the 2028 Summer Olympics are a success. Additionally, we discussed how the current landscape of college sports affects the Olympic Games internationally as many athletes from across the globe attend American universities to train in their sport while earning a quality education. I want to thank the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland for visiting with me in my office, and I look forward to continuing our partnership on maintaining the United States’ competitiveness on the global stage.


Meeting with Kansas Bankers
On Tuesday, I met with the Kansas Bankers Association in my office to discuss the ways we can improve our banking system to provide greater access to capital for individuals and businesses alike. One of the topics discussed was the ACRE Act, which I reintroduced this Congress to help lower interest rates for borrowers in rural America. We also discussed the issue of fraud and ways the federal government can help protect Kansans’ hard-earned dollars from an increasing number of scams. I want to thank the KBA for visiting me in Washington, and I look forward to passing the ACRE Act into law.


Meeting with Midwest Air Traffic Control Services
On Tuesday, I met with Shane Cordes, CEO of Midwest Air Traffic Control Services (Midwest ATC), a Kansas company that provides air traffic control services to the FAA through the Federal Contract Tower (FCT) program. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the value of the FCT program, particularly for remote areas that would otherwise lack air traffic control services and opportunities to improve the program and to expand training initiatives for individuals seeking a career in air traffic control.

Hearing from Kansas companies like Midwest ATC is invaluable, particularly as Congress considers legislative proposals to modernize America’s ATC infrastructure and expand the controller workforce. I am grateful to Shane for his time and insights.


Meeting with Kansas Beer Distributors
Kansas beer distributors visited Washington, D.C. this week to relay the importance of extending tax policies from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Making certain businesses have the assurance they need for future decisions and investments is paramount to long-term economic growth. We also discussed the importance of accurate dietary guidelines and ways to make certain that alcohol is safely and legally transported across the country. These distributors play an important role in their local Kansas economies, supporting community events, small businesses and local charities. I appreciated our visit and these distributors’ continued role in their communities.


Visits Across Kansas
Kansas State University Open House
On Saturday, I visited Kansas State University for their open house event. While there, I toured the School of Veterinary Medicine, University Gardens and had the opportunity to speak with prospective college students considering continuing their academic career at KSU. Thank you to the students and faculty who took the time to show me around.

Northern Heights High School
On Friday, I visited Northern Heights High School in Allen. I would like to thank Principal David Watkins and students Briauhna Pierce and Brylee McCallough for taking the time to meet with me and give me a tour of the school. I appreciate everyone at NHHS for welcoming me and for their efforts in preparing the next generation of leaders in Kansas.


Emporia
Later on Friday, I had the opportunity to meet with Kansans while in Emporia. I visited American Legion Post 5, Emporia State University’s School of Business and Technology, the Flint Hills Technology Center, Emporia Spanish Speakers, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Emporia Chamber of Commerce. I finished off my visit with a quick lunch at Do-B’s Restaurant. Thank you to everyone for being welcoming and taking the time to visit with me.


Recognizing Carl and Mary Ice
On Friday, I spoke at the Friend of the Flint Hills award ceremony recognizing Carl and Mary Ice of Manhattan as the recipients of the 2025 award for their conservation and educational efforts regarding Kansas’ Flint Hills. Thank you, Carl and Mary, for your continued dedication to preserving the natural beauty of our great state.

Congratulations to Kansas State University Golfer Carla Bernat
Congratulations to Kansas State University student Carla Bernat on her outstanding win at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur! She represented her team and school exceptionally. Looking forward to Carla helping lead KSU to the 2025 Big XII Championship later this month.

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 Tours
Mike Aylward of Chanute

Jason Beninga of Topeka

Bryten Buelow of Olathe

Chris Buelow of Olathe

Hantley Buelow of Olathe

Heather Buelow of Olathe

Irelyn Buelow of Olathe

Liberty Buelow of Olathe

David Clingan of Hays

Nicole Frank of Hays

Ryan Hillhouse of Lenexa

Stephanie Hillhouse of Lenexa

Darin Myers of Hays

Marty Parthemer of Frankfort

Patricia Stein of Fairfax

Brad Womack of Silver Lake

American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges

Bonnie Rush of Manhattan

American College of Surgeons

Kate Dixon of Merriam

Josh Broghammer of Fairway

Robert Winfield of Mission Hills

American Lung Association

Ann Howard of Gardner

Sara Prem of Overland Park

American Society of Clinical Oncology

Lauren Nye of Leawood

Joud Zakhour of Wichita

Association of Progressive Rental Organizations

Mike Strong of Wichita

Rickey Ninemire of Concordia

Jonathon Robinson of Great Bend

Garden City

Matt Allen of Garden City

Myca Bunch of Garden City

Daniel Burke of Garden City

Roy Cessna of Garden City

Lona DuVall of Garden City

Tom Nguyen of Garden City

Debbie Young of Garden City

City of Liberal

Scott Carr of Liberal

Scarlette Diseker

Matt Landry of Liberal

Keeley Moree of Liberal

Betty Symons of Liberal

Rozelle Webb of Liberal

City of Hays

Reese Barrick of Hays

Michael Berges of Hays

Collin Bielser of Hays

Scott Braun of Hays

Alaina Cunningham of Hays

Eddie Herrman of Hays

Nathan Leiker of Hays

Darin Myers of Hays

Mason Ruder of Hays

Tori Ruder of Hays

Sarah Wasinger of Hays

Neal Younger of Hays

Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau

Brad Leighton of Olathe

Shay Foster of Mapel Hill

Brian Johnson of Ottawa

Kasey Engel of White City

Disability Rights Center of Kansas

Rocky Nichols of Topeka

Dodge City

Michael Burns of Dodge City

Nick Hernandez of Dodge City

Corey Keller of Dodge City

Karla Lees of Dodge City

Daniel Pogue of Dodge City

Chuck Taylor of Dodge City

IAM Local 839

Jason Loveland of Wichita

Kansas Bar Association

Mark Dupree of Olathe

Kansas Department of Health's Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention

Lauren Swenson of Topeka

LeadingAge

Jack Hill of Overland Park

Kelly Keefe of Overland Park

Midwest Air Traffic Control Services

Shane Cordes of Overland Park

McPherson Church of the Brethren

Daniel Bowen of McPherson

Jerry Bowen of McPherson

Alexander Brubaker of McPherson

Mark Delaney of McPherson

Zayla Ensfield of McPherson

Daisy Friesen of McPherson

Kayden Friesen of McPherson

Ethan Gustafson of McPherson

Rudy Jensen of McPherson

Kaia Pfeiff of McPherson

Clara Stover-Brown of McPherson

Jonathan Ullom of McPherson

Dustin Wilgers of McPherson

Military Officers Association of America

Mike Kelly of Lawrence

Roy Yenchesky of Goddard

National Funeral Directors Association

Joshua Meyer of Concordia

National Roofing Contractors Association

Micah Burgess of Overland Park

National 4-H Conference

Meredith Burgess of Silverlake

Michelle Beran of Claflin

Melody Braddy of Hoisington

Josie Heter of Raymond

Allyson Rietcheck of Gardner

Nuclear Engineering Department Heads Organization

Amir Bahadori of Saint George

Online Lenders Alliance of Kansas City

Gayle Huber of Kansas City

PhD students at K-State

Rania Buenavista of Manhattan

Parker Poulos of Manhattan

Public Issues Leadership Development Conference

Nora Rhoades of Smith Center

Rick Peterson of Manhattan

Jennifer Wilson of Manhattan

The Arc

Stephanie Coleman of Kansas City

WaterOne

Darci Meese of Lenexa