U.S. Military Operations in Iran
I am praying for the safety of our military men and women engaged in operations against Iran and who are stationed in the region. My prayers are also with the families of the six American heroes who were killed in action and the troops who were wounded as part of the military operations in the region.

For years, Iran has terrorized its own people, funded terror networks, supported proxy militias that undermine regional stability, threatened Israel’s security, and demonstrated ambitions that put American interests at risk. 

Our Constitution vests the decision to take our nation to war in Congress. When American forces are engaged or may be further committed, the administration should provide full, timely briefings to Congress so that we can understand the objectives, risks and costs for continued or expanded military action.

Update on ROTOR Act
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass aviation safety legislation that I introduced alongside Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act. The ROTOR Act was introduced six months after the tragic midair collision that occurred over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025, and it included many aviation safety measures that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been recommending for years. This legislation was the result of months of bipartisan negotiations and passed unanimously in the Senate. The final product was supported by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary, the NTSB, the families of the Flight 5342 victims and even the Department of Defense until its last-minute reversal the day before the House was scheduled to vote.

The NTSB’s yearlong investigation found that lives could have been saved on January 29, 2025, if the policies in the ROTOR Act had been in place. The failure to pass this legislation is disappointing, and my thoughts are with the families of the victims who turned their grief into advocacy by championing this legislation. Despite this week's, I remain committed to working to pass the ROTOR Act and making certain it is signed into law. We cannot afford to delay.

Learning from Veterans at Joint Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing 
On Tuesday, the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs held the first of three yearly joint hearings to hear directly from veterans service organizations (VSOs). During these hearings, the committees received the legislative presentations of Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association of America, Blue Star Families, Vietnam Veterans of America, National Congress of American Indians, Service Women’s Action Network, Gold Star Wives of America and the Black Veterans Project.

Every day, in every state and district, veterans bring a wealth of skills, leadership, experience and values from the military into their communities. It is our responsibility to make certain that federal programs and policies – at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and in every other department and agency – help veterans translate those strengths into long-term stability, health and opportunity. I appreciated hearing from representatives of these eight organizations at this past week’s hearing and visiting with veterans who came all the way from Kansas to attend the hearing, and I look forward to leading the next two hearings later this week to hear more from veterans across the country about the issues that are most important to them.

You can watch my full opening remarks here.

Good News for KS Ag: Delisting Lesser Prairie-Chicken
I applaud the recent announcement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) that it has removed the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), after a federal court ruling. For more than a decade, I have worked to delist the lesser prairie-chicken from the endangered species list. Kansas producers have long been committed to protecting the bird’s habitat through voluntary, locally-driven conservation efforts. In August, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas ruled that the listing should be withdrawn, and FWS is taking steps to reduce burdensome federal regulations that have placed significant strain on Kansas farmers, ranchers and rural communities. I will continue to support these local initiatives to make certain there are voluntary solutions and adequate resources available to protect the lesser prairie-chicken and promote long-term conservation.

You can read more about this from the Hays Post here.

Supporting Modernized and Reliable Weather Forecasting

This week, I introduced the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 with Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to bolster weather forecasting and emergency communications capabilities at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Kansans and Americans, especially farmers and ranchers, rely on access to timely and reliable weather data every day, and this legislation seeks to improve both the accuracy and delivery of that data. This legislation also includes parts of my other legislation, the Federal Operational Resilience in Emergency Conditions and Storm Tracking (FORECAST) Act, which makes certain that NWS offices remain staffed 24/7 to provide lifesaving weather forecasting.

The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 is co-sponsored by Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass this legislation.

Reaffirming U.S. Support for Ukraine on 4th Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion

This past Tuesday marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. I spoke on the Senate floor to commemorate the anniversary and reaffirm that the U.S. and allies must remain committed to supporting the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom. Because of the bravery and innovation of the Ukrainians, aided by American and European support, Vladimir Putin’s objective to conquer and control the Ukrainian government remains unobtainable. His war is a strategic failure.

You can watch my full remarks on the Senate floor here.

Meeting with Kansans

Kansas Secretary of Transportation
On Tuesday, I met with Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Calvin Reed to discuss KDOT’s current and planned infrastructure projects throughout Kansas and its priorities for upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization legislation. During our meeting, Secretary Reed and I also discussed how federal resources that I secured for Kansas transportation infrastructure projects are being implemented and future opportunities to partner with KDOT to make Kansas’ roads safer and more efficient. I am grateful to Secretary Reed and the team at KDOT for their time and insights, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to support safe, reliable transportation in Kansas.



Johnson County Local Leaders
This week, I met with local leaders from Johnson County to hear updates and discuss efforts to strengthen the community. We spoke about preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Kansas City this summer, including legislation that I introduced to help provide local communities and agencies with federal resources for transportation and security, and we discussed legislative efforts to assist senior citizens and their caregivers, as well as to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits, lower medical costs and support EMS providers.

Thank you to County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson, Governmental Relations Coordinator Erin Winn, Chairman Mike Kelly, Commissioners Julie Brewer, Becky Fast, Janee Hanzlick, and Jeff Meyers, Principal and Manager of Legislative Affairs with the Ferguson Group Zachary Israel and Senior Associate with the Ferguson Group Courtney Miller for taking the time to visit with me.



KCK Police Chief Karl Oakman
I met with Kansas City, Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman on Tuesday to discuss the public safety challenges facing Wyandotte County and the dedication of the men and women who serve in uniform each day to keep their communities safe. Chief Oakman shared updates on efforts to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the Kansas City metro.

KCKPD will be a key partner in supporting the safety of residents and visitors alike for the upcoming FIFA World Cup games. Major international events of this scale require extensive planning, interagency coordination and strong communication between federal, state and local law enforcement. I appreciate Chief Oakman’s proactive leadership and his commitment to making certain Kansas City is fully prepared to host a safe and successful World Cup.



Kansas Department of Disabled American Veterans
After the joint House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Hearing, I met with Richard Fisher of Salina, the Kansas Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department Commander and Carla Robbins of Wichita, DAV Treasurer. We had a productive conversation about their policy goals for the next year and ways that Congress can better support disabled veterans in Kansas and across the country. I appreciate Richard and Carla for making the trip to Washington, D.C. and taking the time to meet with me about our important shared goals. I commend them for all the work they do for Kansas veterans and military families, and I look forward to continuing working together in the future.



Kansas Civil Air Patrol
This week, I met with members of the Kansas Civil Air Patrol. The Civil Air Patrol serves as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force to provide aviation resources for nationwide emergency services and disaster relief. One of the many services the Civil Air Patrol provides is a cadet program that emphasizes the merits of leadership, aerospace, fitness and character. I enjoyed hearing from Cadet 1st Lieutenant Zachary Pippert and Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Maddux Haar about how the cadet program inspired them to give back to their communities.

Thank you to National Commander Major General Regena Aye, Kansas Wing Commander Colonel Eric Davis, Lieutenant Colonel A.W. Pickle, Cadet 1st Lieutenant Zachary Pippert and Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Maddux Haar for meeting with me.



Kansas State University  
On Monday, I met with Kansas State University President Dr. Richard Linton and members of the university’s leadership team to discuss K-State’s continued growth, its impact on students and increasing research and workforce development across Kansas. As our state’s land-grant university, K-State plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of leaders while advancing research that supports key industries, including agriculture, biosecurity, engineering and advanced manufacturing. 

We discussed the university’s efforts to strengthen workforce pipelines through industry partnerships, expand applied research opportunities and make certain students graduate with the skills needed by Kansas employers. K-State’s work not only drives innovation but also supports economic growth and community vitality throughout our state.

Thank you to President Linton, Executive Vice President Marshall Stewart, Vice President for Research Dr. Hans Coetzee, Alumni Association President Adam Walker, Todd Bertoson and Jaylen Lane for the conversation and for your leadership in moving Kansas forward. 



K-State Student Governing Association
While they were in Washington, I visited with student leaders from Kansas State University’s Student Governing Association (SGA). During our conversation, they highlighted their work developing and hosting the Emerging Leaders Summit, which provides high school students with an inside look at the many opportunities for leadership and involvement at KSU. We also discussed the importance of supporting affordable and accessible higher education so students can continue to pursue their academic goals.

Thank you to SGA President Brady Kappelmann, Vice President Zoey Pudenz, Chief of Staff Delainie Hudley, Speaker of the Senate Evelynn Ediger and Government Relations Director Lauren Wolter for the discussion and for your leadership in serving Kansas State students.



Riley County Commissioner John Ford
This week, I met with Riley County Commissioner John Ford to discuss several issues important to the county and the Fort Riley community, including the need to restore the roads leading to the base’s access points, which has posed a safety and readiness issue for soldiers, families and employees who enter and exit Fort Riley. I appreciate Commissioner Ford’s continued service and dedication to our state and to Riley County, and I look forward to continuing our work to support the Kansans, soldiers and families that call the Fort Riley community home.



National Marrow Donor Program
This week, I met with representatives from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) to discuss the lifesaving work being done to connect patients with blood stem cell donors and expand access to bone marrow transplants. NMDP manages a global registry that matches patients with unrelated donors, supports critical research and helps provide financial assistance to families navigating treatment.

We discussed the important role Kansas plays in this effort with The University of Kansas Cancer Center serving as the state’s NMDP transplant center and The University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS) operating one of the largest collection centers in the country. The work of these institutions helps make certain patients in Kansas and across the region have access to this potentially lifesaving care.

I was especially grateful to hear from Haley Hammar, a nurse at TUKHS, about her dedication to care for the patients she serves. Thank you to Haley for the conversation and for your continued commitment to expanding access to lifesaving treatments for patients and families.



Kansas Medical Society
I appreciated visiting with physicians and leadership from the Kansas Medical Society this week to discuss the critical role doctors play in caring for Kansans and strengthening the communities they serve. Physicians are trusted leaders who provide not only medical care but also guidance and reassurance to patients and families. During our conversation, we discussed shared priorities, including improving access to care and addressing affordability challenges facing patients across Kansas. Making certain that individuals and families can receive timely, high-quality care remains essential to the health and well-being of our communities.

Thank you to Dr. Estephan Zayat, Dr. Kimberly Swan, Dr. Katie Rosell, Dr. Chady Sarraf, Rachelle Colombo, Phillip Brownlee, Nancy Sullivan and Ava Tanking for the thoughtful discussion and for the work you do every day to care for Kansans.



Alliance for Childhood Cancer 
On Thursday, I met with advocates from the Alliance for Childhood Cancer to discuss the lifesaving impact of biomedical research and the urgent need to continue advancing treatments and cures for children facing cancer. Federal investments in research make it possible for doctors and scientists to develop safer therapies, expand access to clinical trials and improve survivorship care so that children not only beat cancer but go on to live full, healthy lives. As a senior appropriator, I remain committed to supporting these efforts and making certain families have access to the care and hope they deserve. Through FY26 appropriations, I worked to secure robust funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access and Research (STAR) Act program.

Thank you to Shelle Arnold for advocating in memory of her daughter-in-law Becky, and to Katie and Thomas Fitzgerald for sharing their daughter Quincy’s journey. Your courage and dedication remind us why this work matters and strengthens our resolve to support children and families facing cancer.



Argentum
This week, I met with representatives of Argentum, including Diane Macheers of Shawnee, to discuss the role senior living communities play in caring for the elderly. Argentum represents companies that own, operate and support professionally managed senior living communities across the country. During our conversation, we discussed workforce challenges, access to high-quality care and living environments for seniors and the importance of meeting the unique needs of senior veterans who have served our nation.

I appreciate the work Argentum members do to support seniors and their families, and I will continue working to support policies that strengthen the long-term care workforce and protect access to quality care for senior Kansans.



Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas
On Tuesday, I met with Mary Shannon, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Kansas, and Pierce Bush, CEO of BBBS Lone Star. We discussed the impactful work BBBS is doing to connect young people with strong mentors and help put them on a path toward long-term success, as well as the critical role of federal support for these efforts, including through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs (OJJDP) at the Department of Justice. For more than a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters has strengthened our communities by serving youth who have often faced significant challenges and adversity.

As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds grants supporting organizations like BBBS, I am committed to making certain they have the resources needed to continue providing positive role models and expanded opportunities for Kansas youth. I am grateful to Mary Shannon, Pierce Bush and the entire BBBS nationwide team for their dedication to investing in the next generation.



Kansas AIPAC
I met with members of the Kansas AIPAC board to discuss the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel and the importance of continued engagement in the Middle East. We spoke about the evolving security environment in the region, efforts to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities and the need to make certain Israel has the resources necessary to defend itself against ongoing threats.

Thank you to Bonnie Siegel, Fabian Shepard, Matthew Siegel and Samuel Stern to taking the time to meet and share their perspectives.



Association of Equipment Manufacturers
This week, I met with representatives from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers to discuss issues of critical importance to manufacturers of agricultural and construction equipment, including timely congressional action to pass a Farm Bill, as well as Surface Transportation Reauthorization legislation. We also discussed the importance of certainty in trade and tariff policies for Kansas farmers and for the companies that manufacture the farm equipment used by those producers.

Thank you to Melissa Bergkamp, President and CEO of Harper Industries, which manufactures farm and construction equipment in Kingman, Bill Hurley and Jay Allen for their time and insights.



American Public Power Association
On Wednesday, I met with members of the Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU), Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) and Kansas Power Pool (KPP) who were in Washington for the American Public Power Association’s legislative fly-in. We discussed the critical role that reliable, affordable electric and water services play in supporting Kansas communities. They also shared with me the importance of making certain that Kansas has the resources and capacity necessary to support disaster recovery efforts in the aftermath of severe storms and other natural disasters. I appreciated the opportunity to hear KMU, KMEA and KPP’s perspectives on strengthening utility stability and affordability for Kansans.

Thank you especially to KMU Executive Director Brad Mears, KMU Deputy Director Greg DuMars, KPP CEO Colin Hansen, General Manager at McPherson Board of Public Utilities Josh Bedel, Director of Public Utilities for the City of Augusta Tim Johnson, Hoisington City Manager Jonathan Mitchell, Director of Electrical Operations for Garden City Jose Chan and Kimberly Svaty for taking the time to meet with me.



American Alliance of Museums
I visited with the American Alliance of Museums and Kansas museum leaders this week to discuss the important role museums play in education, community engagement and preserving our state’s history. It was great to speak with these leaders, including Dené Mosier, the first Kansan to be selected as an Aspen Institute Fellow. Museums across Kansas provide students and families with hands-on learning opportunities, support local tourism and serve as community gathering places. 

Thank you to Dené Mosier of the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, Shai Perry of the Kansas Museums Association, Cori Sherman North of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery and Jennifer Wampler of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art for sharing their perspectives and for their dedication to educating
communities across our state.

Celebrating National FFA Week
During National FFA Week, we celebrate the Kansas FFA Association and its commitment to the future of Kansas agriculture. Since its chartering in 1928, Kansas FFA has grown to nearly 14,000 members in 245 chapters across the state, all dedicated to developing the next generation of agriculturists. Through agricultural education and experiences, FFA cultivates leaders and innovators who serve not only their organization, but also their local communities. I have cosponsored a resolution recognizing FFA Week and the hard work of the FFA students and advisors who strengthen and support Kansas agriculture.



Kansans in the Office 

Capitol Tour

Kent Citle of Newton

Paul Eichem of Wamego

Stacie Eichem of Wamego

Darin Fisher of Berryton

Monica Fisher of Berryton

Diane Macheers of Shawnee

Phyllis Provostaas of Haysville

Jared Suhn of Prairie Village

Roxanne VanGundy of Emporia

Donna Weis of Clearwater

Agronomy, Crop, and Soil Science Societies

Skylar January of Manhattan

Aaron Kusmec of Manhattan

Skylar January of Lyons
Argentum

Diane Macheers of Shawnee

Alliance for Childhood Cancer

Shelle Arnold of Topeka

Katie Fitzgerald of Shawnee

Thomas Fitzgerald of Shawnee

American Academy of Family Physicians

Russell Kohl of Stilwell

American Academy of Neurology

Tyler Allison of Overland Park

American Alliance of Museums

Dene Mosier of Topeka

Cori Sherman of Lindsborg

Jennifer Wampler of Lenexa

American Library Association

Joe Mocnik of Manhattan

American Public Power Association

Josh Bedel of McPherson

Jose Chan of Garden City

Greg DuMars of Lindsborg

Colin Hansen of Park City

Tim Johnson of Augusta

Brad Mears of McPherson

Jonathan Mitchell of Hoisington

Kimberly Svaty of Topeka

American Society of Hematology

Heather Male of Fairview

American Urological Association

Joshua Broghammer of Mission

James Gilbaugh of Wichita

Tomas Griebling of Olathe

Casey Kowalik of Leawood

Kevin McDonald of Hays

Association of Equipment Manufacturers

Melissa Bergkamp of Kingman

Bill Hurley of Hesston

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Mary Shannon of Wichita

Boys and Girls Club of America

Joyce Glasscock of Manhattan

Caret & K-State

Ray Flickner of Wichita

Larry Justice of Olathe

Connie Kays of Pittsburg

Eldon Gideon of Manhattan

Jay Schuh of Manhattan

Caroline Kolins of Manhattan

Debbie’s Dream Foundation

June Rempel of Wichita

Benjamin Alcanter of Louisburg

Cara Fuqua of Lenexa

Hexcel

Tom Gentile of Wichita

Kansas AIPAC

Bonnie Siegel of Leawood

Matthew Siegel of Leawood

Kansas City Kansas Police Department

Karl Oakman of Kansas City

Kansas Civil Air Patrol

A.W. Pickel of Olathe

Eric Davis of Ottawa

Kansas Department of Transportation

Calvin Reed of Lecompton

Kansas Disabled Veterans

Richard Fisher of Salina

Carla Robbins of Wichita

Kansas Medical Society

Estephan Zayat of Wichita

Kimberly Swan of Overland Park

Katie Rosell of Wichita

Chady Sarraf of Wichita

Rachelle Colombo of Topeka

Phillip Brownelee of Wichita

Nancy Sullivan of Holton

Ava Tanking of Topeka

Kansas NSF EPSCoR

Belinda Sturm of Lawrence

Doug Wright of Kansas City

John Stanford of Kansas City

Susan Lunte of Lawrence

Doug Byers of Lawrence

Kansas State University

Richard Linton of Manhattan

Marshall Stewart of Manhattan

Hans Coetzee of Manhattan

Adam Walker of Manhattan

Todd Bertoson of Manhattan

Kansas State University Student Government Association

Brady Kappelmann of Liberal

Zoey Pudenz of Kansas City

Delainie Hudley of Wathena

Evelynn Ediger of Hope

Kansas 911 Board

Tim Mikrut of Pittsburg

Krista Amaro of Ford

National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals

Bradley Gibson of Overland Park

Rosalind Gibson of Lenexa

Jason Paowers of De Soto

Jason Galvin of Lenexa

National Association of County and City Health Officials

Randy Bowman of Berryton

National Association of Education of Young Children

Peggy Kemp of Kansas City

Joanna Pohl of Leavenworth

National Association of Foreign Trade Zones

Chris Gutierrez of Kansas City

Mary Ronney of Kansas City

National Association of Surety Bond Producers & Surety & Fidelity Association of America

Monica Donatelli of Overland Park

Lauren Scott of Leawood

John Sanders of Olathe

National Association of Veteran Program Administrators

Laena Loucks of Overland Park

National Fragile X Foundation

Courtney Arnote of Olathe

Bruce Brodie of Prairie Village  

Jean James of Overland Park

National Marrow Donor Program

Haley Hammar of Louisburg

National Sunflower Association

Camaron Pairce of Hutchinson

Rare Disease Legislative Advocates

Paloma Juarez of Prairie Village

Michael Lane of Stilwell

Lorelei Sutherland of Tonganoxie

Sharifu Tusuubira of Wichita

Riley County Commissioner

John Ford of Manhattan

Seaboard

Bob Steer of Leawood

Chad Graves of Overland Park

Sedgwick County

Jeff Blubaugh of Wichita

Meghan Blubaugh of Wichita

Samuel Blubaugh of Wichita

Wichita State University

Andy Schlapp of Wichita

Jack Gearhart of Wichita

ZERO Prostate Cancer

John Avery of Olathe

Rand Cole of De Soto

Trent Cole of De Soto

Vivian Avery of Olathe