$2 Million Federal Investment for Kansas Forest Service
On Thursday, I announced a $2 million federal investment for the Kansas Forest Service, which I secured as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. It was great to be joined by representatives from state and local fire and emergency management agencies at the new Riley County EMS Headquarters for this announcement. These federal resources will strengthen wildfire response across Kansas by supporting the purchase of new fire management equipment, including trucks, hand tools, machinery and personal protective equipment (PPE) and by advancing the Kansas Forest Service Action Plan.

Kansans know the toll that wildfires can take, and we have seen that impact across our state this year. Our first responders step forward to protect their neighbors and their communities, and we have a responsibility to make certain that they have the equipment and resources necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Special thanks to State Forester Jason Hartman and the Kansas Forest Service for hosting me, and to those from the state and local fire and emergency management agencies across our state for joining us, and for their tireless efforts to help keep Kansans safe. 


Investiture Ceremony of U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Kuhlman
On Friday, I participated in the investiture ceremony of Jeffrey Kuhlman as a Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. I was pleased to recommend him to the White House to serve on the federal bench for Kansas after a thorough selection process where I met with many qualified candidates interested in the position. Judge Kuhlman stood out to me because of his strong commitment to the pursuit of justice and his respect for the rule of law.

Judge Kuhlman grew up in Ness City, a small town in western Kansas with a population of just over 1,000 people. Growing up in rural Kansas, he was raised with small-town values and character. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep respect for the Constitution, and he has dedicated his life to serving Kansas and our country. I know he will serve the people of our state well on the federal bench. Congratulations to Judge Kuhlman and his family, and thank you for your willingness to serve the people of Kansas in this position.


Speaking with FAA Administrator Bedford
This week, I spoke with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford about the importance of the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) in Olathe and its critical role in our nation’s air traffic control infrastructure. As the FAA moves forward with efforts to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system, it is important that the agency recognizes the significant value of the Olathe facility to Kansas and the broader region. During our conversation, Administrator Bedford also provided updates on the progress of the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) initiative and the work moving forward. Thank you to Administrator Bedford for his dedication to keeping the traveling public safe. I look forward to continuing to work with him to strengthen aviation safety and support our ATC facility in Kansas.

Visits Across Kansas
SCK Health in Arkansas City
On Friday, I visited SCK Health in Arkansas City. It was great to meet with President and CEO Margaret Grismer and her board of directors to hear an update from them on the work of SCK Health to care for local communities. We also discussed the recent $2.4 million investment awarded to SCK Health through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which I worked to establish last year on the federal level to help rural providers address the unique challenges in their communities and to give them the resources they need to provide quality care to patients.

During my visit, we spoke about how the resources from this program will be used to complete SCK Heath’s physical transformation into a purpose-built Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) facility, spanning behavioral health crisis capability, diagnostic and surgical retention and outpatient conversion.

Thank you to Margaret and the entire SCK Health team for hosting me to discuss the important work taking place at the hospital. Thank you also to State Senator Larry Alley, State Representative Bill Rhiley, Arkansas City Mayor Tad Stover, Cowley County Commissioner Jim Maxwell, Arkansas City Manager Randy Frazer and Arkansas City Chamber CEO Arty Hicks for joining me.


Cheyenne County Hospital in St. Francis
On Sunday, I visited Cheyenne County Hospital in St. Francis. During my visit, I met with CEO Jeremy Clingenpeel to discuss the programs and services the hospital provides the Cheyenne County community, including their mobile OB clinic and regional residency programs. We also discussed the SUSTAIN 340B Act, legislation I introduced to provide greater stability, clarity and transparency to the 340B program to support rural hospitals in Kansas and across the country.

Thank you to CEO Jeremy Clingenpeel for hosting me. Thank you also to Cheyenne County Commissioners William Martinez and Brett Poling; Cheyenne County Sheriff's Deputies Sam Reed and Matt Grogan; Les Lacy and Ward Cassidy for joining me on my visit.


Nex-Tech in Hays
I enjoyed meeting with Nex-Tech CEO Jimmy Todd, CFO Rhonda Goddard and CTO Allan Reiter in Hays on Thursday. We discussed the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Universal Service Fund (USF) and my role in the bipartisan, bicameral USF Working Group, as well as my efforts as a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to support investments in broadband infrastructure to connect Kansans. We also spoke about Nex-Tech’s work to invest in the future of western Kansas through the Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth and internship program. I’m grateful for our conversation and for Nex-Tech’s efforts to provide reliable broadband to communities across western Kansas.


Cedar Vale and Dexter Community Visits
On Friday, I visited Cedar Vale to meet with members of the community. I stopped by several local places, including the post office, Bank of Cedar Vale, Caney Valley Electric, City Hall and Hilltop Cafe.


Later in the day, I also visited Grouse Valley Grill in Dexter and met with local coffee drinkers. I enjoyed connecting with many Kansans and learning more about what’s happening in their communities. Thank you to Mayor Jeff Henderson and everyone who took the time to meet with me.

Touring Oxford High School
I had a great visit at Oxford Junior/Senior High School this week. I appreciated the tour of the campus from students Eliana Wendt, Cade Lewellen and Logan Gaither, and I enjoyed learning about their studies and how the school is helping prepare them for a successful future. Thank you to USD 358 Superintendent Ashley Bugbee, Principal Teresa Commerford and everyone at the school for hosting me. 

Supporting Gold Star Spouses
Military service is a family service, and surviving spouses of our nation’s veterans and servicemembers know that all too well. Under current law, if a surviving spouse chooses to remarry before the age of 55, they risk losing certain Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits. That’s why I introduced the Love Lives On Act, which would make certain surviving spouses do not have to choose between rebuilding their lives after a significant loss and the financial benefits they rely on to support their families.

There are more than 30,000 surviving military spouses, and Melissa Wilson and Anita Sullivan are two of them who have unfortunately been forced to make the difficult decision between keeping their benefits or supporting their families.

The Love Lives On Act is part of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, a bipartisan, bicameral effort that brings together more than 60 bills to improve the health care, benefits and services available to veterans, servicemembers, their families, caregivers and survivors like Melissa and Anita.

Veterans, their families, their survivors and their caregivers should not have to wait any longer for the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. You can read more about Melissa and Anita’s story from the Daily Mail here. You can learn more about the Love Lives On Act and the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act from Politico here. 

Now Accepting Spring 2027 Internship Applications
My own interest in public service was sparked by an internship for Kansas First District Congressman Keith Sebelius in 1974. As an intern, I had the chance to learn firsthand how a Congressional office operates and how the legislative process works. I am glad to be able to offer this same opportunity in my Senate office today, where I have interns year-round working closely with my staff to serve Kansans.

Applications for internships in my Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for the spring 2027 are now open. Priority will be given to applications completed before Thursday October 1. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, November 15 at 11:59PM CT. Congressional internships are open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in public service and have achieved academic excellence. Click here for more information and to apply. 

Now Accepting Spring 2027 Senate Page Application 
Applications are now open for the spring 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. Spring 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, October 4 at 11:59PM CT. Click here for more information and to apply. 

Now Accepting 2026 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2031. 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. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on October 2, 2026. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board. 

Kansans in the Office 

Capitol Tour

Gregg Beemer of Abilene

Joleen Beemer of Abilene

James Burgess of Lansing

Jennifer Burgess of Lansing

Adam Hannan of Spring Hill

Christina Hannan of Spring Hill

Laine Hannan of Spring Hill

Annette Hulsey of Olathe

Brian Hulsey of Olathe

Brian Martin of McPherson

Kristie Pryor of Overbrook

Thaine Pryor of Overbrook

Jack Stuckey of Wichita

IBEX2 Solutions, LLC

Susan Nelson of Oskaloosa