Kansas Common Sense
Leading a Hearing on the VA Disability Compensation System
This week, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing to review the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation benefits system. Following recent reporting by The Washington Post, I heard from veterans and veteran service organizations (VSOs) who were concerned and frustrated that the reporting left the impression that veterans are committing widespread fraud through the disability claims system. The cases of fraud highlighted in these articles do not reflect the reality of who veterans are, the vast majority of the veteran population or the values veterans embody.
These concerns were addressed and discussed throughout the hearing through the testimony and questioning of veteran advocates, representatives from VSOs, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the VA Inspector General, Cheryl Mason. All of the witnesses agreed that it is important to empower veterans with service-connected disabilities to succeed after their time in uniform comes to an end, and that better efforts to connect veterans with these opportunities are necessary within the VA and the Department of Defense. I plan to hold more hearings to better understand how the VA’s benefits system is helping or failing veterans.
You can watch my opening statement here and questioning of the witnesses here.
Working to Reopen the Government
This week, I voted for the 13th time to pass the non-partisan, short-term continuing resolution, which failed to receive the required 60 votes in the Senate to pass. As the government shutdown has now passed the one-month mark, our already fragile air traffic control system is facing further strain, and the most basic functions of our government continue to be negatively impacted by the continued lapse in appropriations. Essential programs such as SNAP and Head Start are experiencing lapses in funding, leading to great uncertainty for millions of Kansans and Americans.
This shutdown should never have happened, and I will continue voting to bring the shutdown to an end so funding for programs like SNAP and Head Start can resume and continue serving families in need. I urge my colleagues to pass the short-term continuing resolution to restore funding to critical programs and allow congressional appropriators more time to negotiate and pass all twelve full appropriations bills.
Introducing Bill to Pay Capitol Police During Government Shutdown
This week, I joined Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) in introducing legislation that would make certain members of the United States Capitol Police, their civilian staff and essential contractors continue to receive pay during the ongoing government shutdown. The men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police risk their lives defending our Capitol, and I am thankful for their service. This legislation would make certain Capitol Police officers, who protect those who work in the Capitol and the thousands of people who visit it every day, receive paychecks during the ongoing shutdown.
Applauding Trade Agreement to Sell U.S. Crops to China
After years of drought and high input costs, farmers are struggling to make ends meet. While crops across parts of Kansas did well this year, farmers need more markets to sell those crops, and China is an important agricultural customer. The President’s trade agreement reopens the door to China as a buyer of what we produce in Kansas. Selling American-grown sorghum, soybeans and other crops to China will provide support to farmers and benefits the rural communities in our state.
Meeting with NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs
On Tuesday, I met with Administrator Neil Jacobs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to discuss NOAA’s and the National Weather Service’s (NWS) work in Kansas and opportunities to expand NOAA’s presence in our state. We also discussed opportunities for NOAA to leverage the unique coalescence of diverse climate conditions and industries in Kansas to improve NOAA’s core functions and grow the agency’s presence in Kansas.
In my role as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS), which funds NOAA, I have worked to support NOAA with the resources it needs to conduct best-in-class forecasting, modeling, research and innovation. Thank you to Mr. Jacobs for his time and insights, and I look forward to continuing to work with him and NOAA on these important issues.
Before returning to Washington, D.C., earlier this week, I visited Shield AI’s facility in Frisco, Texas. Shield AI is an autonomy company, headquartered in San Diego, that just announced its new vertical takeoff and landing UAV, the X-Bat. I worked to facilitate connections with stakeholders in Kansas, which led to Shield AI announcing its intentions to develop a flight test facility in Newton. This investment will create dozens of jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefit to Harvey County. I am grateful for Shield AI’s decision to invest in Kansas and for the dedicated Kansans who made this opportunity possible.
Meeting with DAV's New National Commander Coleman Nee
On Tuesday, I met with the new National Commander of Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Coleman Nee. Commander Nee is a disabled Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and a member of DAV Chapter 3 in Dorchester, Massachusetts. During our meeting, we discussed what he sees as the strengths and weaknesses of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and how VA and DAV can be more accessible to veterans. Keeping veterans active post-service and encouraging them to pursue their passion is a priority to Commander Nee, and I look forward to working with him to continue supporting veterans to achieve success after their time in service.
Recognizing National Military Toxic Exposures Awareness Month
I introduced a resolution this week with my colleagues, Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), to recognize October 2025 as National Military Toxic Exposures Awareness Month. It is important to recognize the impact of toxic exposures on veterans, servicemembers, their families and survivors. Greater public awareness of these issues reinforces our commitment to remedying and researching toxic exposures, while highlighting the resources available to those who are affected.
The PACT Act was passed in 2022, and since its passage, the Department of Veterans Affairs has completed more than 6.4 million toxic exposure health screenings, processed more than 2.7 million PACT Act related claims and enrolled more than 700,000 veterans in healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I will continue to make certain veterans injured or impacted by toxic exposure during their service can continue to receive the care and support they need.
You can learn more about the resolution here.
Meeting with OP Chamber of Commerce
This week, I met with members of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues affecting local employers and the broader business community in their region. Throughout our conversation, chamber members highlighted how uncertainty in the economy can make planning and investment more difficult for small businesses.
We also discussed ongoing workforce challenges, including the need to attract and retain skilled employees, as well as the importance of access to affordable, reliable health care. I appreciate the chamber’s work to support local industry, foster economic growth and strengthen opportunities for families in northeast Kansas.
Touring Wakefield High School
On Friday, I visited Wakefield High School for a tour of their campus. I appreciated meeting with students and teachers to learn more about how Wakefield is supporting student success and hearing more about how the semester is going. Thank you to Principal Mark Moneypenny and all the students who took the time to show me around.
Remembering Steve Morris
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Morris, my longtime friend and a dedicated public servant. He served with me in the Kansas Senate, where he was the Senate President from 2005 to 2013. Steve also served our nation as a pilot in the United States Air Force. He was a thoughtful, principled and dedicated statesman who represented Kansans well. Steve loved Kansas and had friends everywhere. He and his wife Barb had a special concern for the citizens of Southwest Kansas and fiercely advocated for our part of the state.
Robba and I respected and admired Steve and loved him and his family. We send our condolences to his family and all those whose lives he touched. We will miss him deeply.
Evacuation Assistance from Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa
The devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa has made it extremely difficult for commercial flights to resume operations in Jamaica. If you, your loved ones or your colleagues need help evacuating Jamaica or any region impacted by Hurricane Melissa, please reach out to my office immediately.
To request assistance, contact my office by emailing casework@moran.senate.gov or by calling 202-224-6521.
For those traveling abroad: the U.S. Department of State offers the Smart Travel Enrollment Program – a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the U.S. Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.
Kansans in the Office
Goldman Sachs
Karen Crnkovich of Olathe
Tamara Huff of Hays
LaFarris Risby of Junction City
Robin Sturgis of Wichita
KCA Grant Consulting
Kari Cronbaugh-Auld of Olathe
Kansas State University
Kate Mielitz of Manhattan
Mercy Hospital
Aaron Herber of Moundridge
Overland Park Chamber
Reagan Cussimanio of Overland Park
Hyleme George of Overland Park
Cameron McGown of Overland Park
Tracey Oltjen of Overland Park
Netsmart
Molly Greenwald of Overland Park
NCOA
Gary Haulmark of Coldwater
Beth Salmans of Marysville
This week, I led a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing to review the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation benefits system. Following recent reporting by The Washington Post, I heard from veterans and veteran service organizations (VSOs) who were concerned and frustrated that the reporting left the impression that veterans are committing widespread fraud through the disability claims system. The cases of fraud highlighted in these articles do not reflect the reality of who veterans are, the vast majority of the veteran population or the values veterans embody.
These concerns were addressed and discussed throughout the hearing through the testimony and questioning of veteran advocates, representatives from VSOs, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the VA Inspector General, Cheryl Mason. All of the witnesses agreed that it is important to empower veterans with service-connected disabilities to succeed after their time in uniform comes to an end, and that better efforts to connect veterans with these opportunities are necessary within the VA and the Department of Defense. I plan to hold more hearings to better understand how the VA’s benefits system is helping or failing veterans.
You can watch my opening statement here and questioning of the witnesses here.
Working to Reopen the Government
This week, I voted for the 13th time to pass the non-partisan, short-term continuing resolution, which failed to receive the required 60 votes in the Senate to pass. As the government shutdown has now passed the one-month mark, our already fragile air traffic control system is facing further strain, and the most basic functions of our government continue to be negatively impacted by the continued lapse in appropriations. Essential programs such as SNAP and Head Start are experiencing lapses in funding, leading to great uncertainty for millions of Kansans and Americans.
This shutdown should never have happened, and I will continue voting to bring the shutdown to an end so funding for programs like SNAP and Head Start can resume and continue serving families in need. I urge my colleagues to pass the short-term continuing resolution to restore funding to critical programs and allow congressional appropriators more time to negotiate and pass all twelve full appropriations bills.
Introducing Bill to Pay Capitol Police During Government Shutdown
This week, I joined Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) in introducing legislation that would make certain members of the United States Capitol Police, their civilian staff and essential contractors continue to receive pay during the ongoing government shutdown. The men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police risk their lives defending our Capitol, and I am thankful for their service. This legislation would make certain Capitol Police officers, who protect those who work in the Capitol and the thousands of people who visit it every day, receive paychecks during the ongoing shutdown.
Applauding Trade Agreement to Sell U.S. Crops to China
After years of drought and high input costs, farmers are struggling to make ends meet. While crops across parts of Kansas did well this year, farmers need more markets to sell those crops, and China is an important agricultural customer. The President’s trade agreement reopens the door to China as a buyer of what we produce in Kansas. Selling American-grown sorghum, soybeans and other crops to China will provide support to farmers and benefits the rural communities in our state.
Meeting with NOAA Administrator Neil Jacobs
On Tuesday, I met with Administrator Neil Jacobs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to discuss NOAA’s and the National Weather Service’s (NWS) work in Kansas and opportunities to expand NOAA’s presence in our state. We also discussed opportunities for NOAA to leverage the unique coalescence of diverse climate conditions and industries in Kansas to improve NOAA’s core functions and grow the agency’s presence in Kansas.
In my role as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS), which funds NOAA, I have worked to support NOAA with the resources it needs to conduct best-in-class forecasting, modeling, research and innovation. Thank you to Mr. Jacobs for his time and insights, and I look forward to continuing to work with him and NOAA on these important issues.
Meeting with GE Aerospace
On Tuesday, I met with Russell Stokes, CEO of GE Aerospace’s Commercial Aircraft and Engine Services business, to discuss the state of the commercial aviation industry, GE’s contribution to America’s space exploration mission, obstacles to aviation manufacturing and maintenance and opportunities to grow the industry. During our meeting, Mr. Stokes and I discussed growing demand in the aerospace industry and the need to meet that demand with a robust supply chain and workforce and an efficient regulatory system at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Kansas is home to GE Aviation’s manufacturing and maintenance facility at Strother Field, where GE services several of its jet engines, including the CF34 for regional aircraft. As GE looks to meet the strong demand for commercial engines in the aviation industry, Kansas stands ready to support its work with an unparalleled skilled aviation workforce and aerospace supply base. Thank you to Mr. Stokes for his time and insights.
Before returning to Washington, D.C., earlier this week, I visited Shield AI’s facility in Frisco, Texas. Shield AI is an autonomy company, headquartered in San Diego, that just announced its new vertical takeoff and landing UAV, the X-Bat. I worked to facilitate connections with stakeholders in Kansas, which led to Shield AI announcing its intentions to develop a flight test facility in Newton. This investment will create dozens of jobs and millions of dollars in economic benefit to Harvey County. I am grateful for Shield AI’s decision to invest in Kansas and for the dedicated Kansans who made this opportunity possible.
Meeting with DAV's New National Commander Coleman Nee
On Tuesday, I met with the new National Commander of Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Coleman Nee. Commander Nee is a disabled Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and a member of DAV Chapter 3 in Dorchester, Massachusetts. During our meeting, we discussed what he sees as the strengths and weaknesses of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and how VA and DAV can be more accessible to veterans. Keeping veterans active post-service and encouraging them to pursue their passion is a priority to Commander Nee, and I look forward to working with him to continue supporting veterans to achieve success after their time in service.
Recognizing National Military Toxic Exposures Awareness Month
I introduced a resolution this week with my colleagues, Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), to recognize October 2025 as National Military Toxic Exposures Awareness Month. It is important to recognize the impact of toxic exposures on veterans, servicemembers, their families and survivors. Greater public awareness of these issues reinforces our commitment to remedying and researching toxic exposures, while highlighting the resources available to those who are affected.
The PACT Act was passed in 2022, and since its passage, the Department of Veterans Affairs has completed more than 6.4 million toxic exposure health screenings, processed more than 2.7 million PACT Act related claims and enrolled more than 700,000 veterans in healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I will continue to make certain veterans injured or impacted by toxic exposure during their service can continue to receive the care and support they need.
You can learn more about the resolution here.
Meeting with OP Chamber of Commerce
This week, I met with members of the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues affecting local employers and the broader business community in their region. Throughout our conversation, chamber members highlighted how uncertainty in the economy can make planning and investment more difficult for small businesses.
We also discussed ongoing workforce challenges, including the need to attract and retain skilled employees, as well as the importance of access to affordable, reliable health care. I appreciate the chamber’s work to support local industry, foster economic growth and strengthen opportunities for families in northeast Kansas.
Touring Wakefield High School
On Friday, I visited Wakefield High School for a tour of their campus. I appreciated meeting with students and teachers to learn more about how Wakefield is supporting student success and hearing more about how the semester is going. Thank you to Principal Mark Moneypenny and all the students who took the time to show me around.
Remembering Steve Morris
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Morris, my longtime friend and a dedicated public servant. He served with me in the Kansas Senate, where he was the Senate President from 2005 to 2013. Steve also served our nation as a pilot in the United States Air Force. He was a thoughtful, principled and dedicated statesman who represented Kansans well. Steve loved Kansas and had friends everywhere. He and his wife Barb had a special concern for the citizens of Southwest Kansas and fiercely advocated for our part of the state.
Robba and I respected and admired Steve and loved him and his family. We send our condolences to his family and all those whose lives he touched. We will miss him deeply.
Evacuation Assistance from Jamaica Following Hurricane Melissa
The devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa has made it extremely difficult for commercial flights to resume operations in Jamaica. If you, your loved ones or your colleagues need help evacuating Jamaica or any region impacted by Hurricane Melissa, please reach out to my office immediately.
To request assistance, contact my office by emailing casework@moran.senate.gov or by calling 202-224-6521.
For those traveling abroad: the U.S. Department of State offers the Smart Travel Enrollment Program – a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the U.S. Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.
Kansans in the Office
Goldman Sachs
Karen Crnkovich of Olathe
Tamara Huff of Hays
LaFarris Risby of Junction City
Robin Sturgis of Wichita
KCA Grant Consulting
Kari Cronbaugh-Auld of Olathe
Kansas State University
Kate Mielitz of Manhattan
Mercy Hospital
Aaron Herber of Moundridge
Overland Park Chamber
Reagan Cussimanio of Overland Park
Hyleme George of Overland Park
Cameron McGown of Overland Park
Tracey Oltjen of Overland Park
Netsmart
Molly Greenwald of Overland Park
NCOA
Gary Haulmark of Coldwater
Beth Salmans of Marysville
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