Kansas Common Sense
Happy Easter!
Apr 21 2025
Happy Easter!
He is Risen! Robba and I hope this Easter Sunday was a day full of happiness, worship and celebration for all. May it be a reminder of the gift of our risen Savior Jesus Christ.
"Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadow o’er me."
Jesus, Keep me Near the Cross
By: Fanny Crosby
Receiving an Update from the Pacific Fleet
As part of my responsibilities as a senior appropriator for the Department of Defense, I met with the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Third, Seventh and Tenth Fleet commanders in San Diego. I received classified threat briefs and operational plans for the United States in the Pacific and the cyber domain. San Diego also hosts the west coast’s only full-service shipyard, which is operated by General Dynamics NASSCO. I had the opportunity to tour the shipyard and see firsthand the important shipbuilding being done to equip the U.S. Navy.
I am grateful for the many sailors and marines who work tirelessly to protect the U.S., our allies and our national maritime interests. San Diego is an important military and commercial port to the U.S., and I am committed to working towards the growth and sustainment of U.S. commercial and military maritime priorities.
Paying Respects at Rosecrans National Cemetery
While in San Diego, I visited Rosecrans National Cemetery, which has been administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs since 1973. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am responsible for overseeing the proper care and maintenance of our VA cemeteries. These cemeteries reflect the valor and sacrifice of America’s finest and the United States’ gratitude towards our military. Thank you to Greta Hamilton the Director at Fort Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemeteries for her service and for providing me an update on the cemetery.
Receiving an Update from DEA’s San Diego Field Division
I also serve as the chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and I visited the DEA San Diego Field Division. I met with Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian Clark as well as members of the Special Response Team (SRT), case agents and other support personnel. They shared with me case briefs detailing the complex and dangerous nature of large-scale drug investigations. The DEA is tasked with combating illegal drug trafficking, and the years-long crisis at the southern border has led to historic amounts of dangerous drugs flooding our country and stretching the DEA’s resources. Situated so close to the southern border, San Diego’s DEA team are on the frontlines every day dealing with drug traffickers crossing the border. I am grateful to the men and women at the DEA who are working to keep our nation safe. Thank you to SAC Clark and the San Diego Field Division for opening your facility to me and providing more insight on the vital missions performed by DEA Special Agents every day.
Combating China’s Influence on Global Trade
He is Risen! Robba and I hope this Easter Sunday was a day full of happiness, worship and celebration for all. May it be a reminder of the gift of our risen Savior Jesus Christ.
"Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadow o’er me."
Jesus, Keep me Near the Cross
By: Fanny Crosby
Receiving an Update from the Pacific Fleet
As part of my responsibilities as a senior appropriator for the Department of Defense, I met with the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Third, Seventh and Tenth Fleet commanders in San Diego. I received classified threat briefs and operational plans for the United States in the Pacific and the cyber domain. San Diego also hosts the west coast’s only full-service shipyard, which is operated by General Dynamics NASSCO. I had the opportunity to tour the shipyard and see firsthand the important shipbuilding being done to equip the U.S. Navy.
I am grateful for the many sailors and marines who work tirelessly to protect the U.S., our allies and our national maritime interests. San Diego is an important military and commercial port to the U.S., and I am committed to working towards the growth and sustainment of U.S. commercial and military maritime priorities.
Paying Respects at Rosecrans National Cemetery
While in San Diego, I visited Rosecrans National Cemetery, which has been administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs since 1973. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am responsible for overseeing the proper care and maintenance of our VA cemeteries. These cemeteries reflect the valor and sacrifice of America’s finest and the United States’ gratitude towards our military. Thank you to Greta Hamilton the Director at Fort Rosecrans and Miramar National Cemeteries for her service and for providing me an update on the cemetery.
Receiving an Update from DEA’s San Diego Field Division
I also serve as the chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and I visited the DEA San Diego Field Division. I met with Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian Clark as well as members of the Special Response Team (SRT), case agents and other support personnel. They shared with me case briefs detailing the complex and dangerous nature of large-scale drug investigations. The DEA is tasked with combating illegal drug trafficking, and the years-long crisis at the southern border has led to historic amounts of dangerous drugs flooding our country and stretching the DEA’s resources. Situated so close to the southern border, San Diego’s DEA team are on the frontlines every day dealing with drug traffickers crossing the border. I am grateful to the men and women at the DEA who are working to keep our nation safe. Thank you to SAC Clark and the San Diego Field Division for opening your facility to me and providing more insight on the vital missions performed by DEA Special Agents every day.
Combating China’s Influence on Global Trade
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced actions the U.S. will take to combat China’s dominance in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. After a year-long investigation, USTR found that China’s policies have restricted U.S. commerce and made us more dependent on Chinese-built ships. Starting in October, fees will be imposed on Chinese-owned or operated ships, as well as some Chinese-built vessels. I spoke with Jamieson Greer, the United States Trade Representative, on these actions as well as the administration’s opportunities to secure new trade deals with our allies. Kansas agriculture relies on our ability to export food, fiber and fuel around the world, and I will continue to work with the administration to make certain our farmers, ranchers and producers are able to market their goods.
Full Military Honors Resumed at Arlington National Cemetery
This week, the Department of Defense announced that the U.S. Army’s Caisson Platoon at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) would be resuming their operations for military funerals in June. The Caisson Platoon at ANC operates as a ceremonial escort for military funerals. Last year, the platoon was indefinitely suspended after the death of two horses, poor living conditions for the animals and lack of training for the soldiers working in the platoon. In July, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and I called on then-Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth to make certain the appropriate changes were implemented so it could be fully operational. I am grateful to see the platoon’s operations have resumed so that veterans and the families of servicemembers can make certain their loved ones receive the full military honors they deserve.
You can learn more about the platoon here.
Visits Across Kansas
Republic County Courthouse
As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I helped secure federal funds to make repairs to the Republic County Courthouse in Belleville to make it more accessible and maintain it for future generations. I attended the ribbon cutting to mark the completion of those repairs. The county courthouse is an important symbol of the community. Thank you to County Clerk Kathleen Marsicek for hosting and to all the community leaders who attended including County Commissioners Ed Spichal, Tim Eitzmann, and Doug Jackson.
Cloud Ceramics
This week, I made a stop in Concordia where I toured the Cloud Ceramics facility. Cloud Ceramics has been in business since 1944 and manufactures more than 30 different kinds of brick that are sold nationwide. Thank you to Cloud Ceramics President Michael Kaiser and Operations Manager Shawn Kling for the tour. It was great to have Mayor Amy Jackson, City Commissioner Ashley Hutchinson, Cloud County Community College President Amber Knoettgen, State Senator Elaine Bowers and State Representative Dawn Wolf join us for the tour.
Minneapolis VFW Post
On Monday morning, I attended the Minneapolis Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3201 morning coffee group and heard from veterans on the issues most important to them. They specifically shared about the difference the PACT Act has made in their life as they receive care and benefits from the VA. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am committed to continuing the improvement of veterans’ services and making certain they receive the honor and benefits they have rightfully earned.
Ottawa County Commissioners’ Meeting
While in Minneapolis, I attended the Ottawa County Commissioners’ meeting at the county courthouse. It was great to hear from individuals about their needs and concerns and the new economic developments underway in Ottawa County. We also discussed ways the federal government can work with Ottawa County to support the community. Thank you to Commissioners Carla Grund, Scott Mortimer and Duane Morris for the productive meeting.
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.
Capitol Tours
Makenna Coyne of Overland Park
Mark Coyne of Overland Park
Mason Coyne of Overland Park
Michelle Coyne of Overland Park
Mary Dunn of Leawood
Pat Dunn of Leawood
Rosie Dunn of Leawood
Joe Mulford of Topeka
Kyle Mulford of Topeka
Casey Olson of Manhattan
Covin Olson of Manhattan
Kelsey Olson of Manhattan
Nela Olson of Manhattan
Abigail Rajewski of Hays
Diana Rajewski of Hays
Justin Rajewski of Hays
Brad Rice of Valley Center
TRIO Future Leaders Summit
Cynthia Pizzini of Wichita
Full Military Honors Resumed at Arlington National Cemetery
This week, the Department of Defense announced that the U.S. Army’s Caisson Platoon at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) would be resuming their operations for military funerals in June. The Caisson Platoon at ANC operates as a ceremonial escort for military funerals. Last year, the platoon was indefinitely suspended after the death of two horses, poor living conditions for the animals and lack of training for the soldiers working in the platoon. In July, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and I called on then-Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth to make certain the appropriate changes were implemented so it could be fully operational. I am grateful to see the platoon’s operations have resumed so that veterans and the families of servicemembers can make certain their loved ones receive the full military honors they deserve.
You can learn more about the platoon here.
Visits Across Kansas
Republic County Courthouse
As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I helped secure federal funds to make repairs to the Republic County Courthouse in Belleville to make it more accessible and maintain it for future generations. I attended the ribbon cutting to mark the completion of those repairs. The county courthouse is an important symbol of the community. Thank you to County Clerk Kathleen Marsicek for hosting and to all the community leaders who attended including County Commissioners Ed Spichal, Tim Eitzmann, and Doug Jackson.
Cloud Ceramics
This week, I made a stop in Concordia where I toured the Cloud Ceramics facility. Cloud Ceramics has been in business since 1944 and manufactures more than 30 different kinds of brick that are sold nationwide. Thank you to Cloud Ceramics President Michael Kaiser and Operations Manager Shawn Kling for the tour. It was great to have Mayor Amy Jackson, City Commissioner Ashley Hutchinson, Cloud County Community College President Amber Knoettgen, State Senator Elaine Bowers and State Representative Dawn Wolf join us for the tour.
Minneapolis VFW Post
On Monday morning, I attended the Minneapolis Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3201 morning coffee group and heard from veterans on the issues most important to them. They specifically shared about the difference the PACT Act has made in their life as they receive care and benefits from the VA. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am committed to continuing the improvement of veterans’ services and making certain they receive the honor and benefits they have rightfully earned.
Ottawa County Commissioners’ Meeting
While in Minneapolis, I attended the Ottawa County Commissioners’ meeting at the county courthouse. It was great to hear from individuals about their needs and concerns and the new economic developments underway in Ottawa County. We also discussed ways the federal government can work with Ottawa County to support the community. Thank you to Commissioners Carla Grund, Scott Mortimer and Duane Morris for the productive meeting.
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.
Capitol Tours
Makenna Coyne of Overland Park
Mark Coyne of Overland Park
Mason Coyne of Overland Park
Michelle Coyne of Overland Park
Mary Dunn of Leawood
Pat Dunn of Leawood
Rosie Dunn of Leawood
Joe Mulford of Topeka
Kyle Mulford of Topeka
Casey Olson of Manhattan
Covin Olson of Manhattan
Kelsey Olson of Manhattan
Nela Olson of Manhattan
Abigail Rajewski of Hays
Diana Rajewski of Hays
Justin Rajewski of Hays
Brad Rice of Valley Center
TRIO Future Leaders Summit
Cynthia Pizzini of Wichita
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