From the office of Sen. Jerry Moran

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., commemorated the 24th anniversary of Sept. 11 and outlined various legislative activities and Kansas visits in his newsletter dated Sept. 15, 2025.

Moran marked the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, saying Americans will never forget the brave heroes who saved lives and those who answered the call to defend the nation against terrorism in subsequent years.

The senator welcomed NASA astronaut and U.S. Space Force Brigadier General Nick Hague as a keynote speaker at the Rotary Club of Wichita. Hague, a Kansas native, served as commander for NASA's Crew-9 mission and played a critical role in the safe return of astronauts who had remained at the International Space Station after technical difficulties. Moran said Hague's leadership helped bring the astronauts home safely.

Moran spoke on the Senate floor supporting a resolution recognizing military victories and sacrifices of U.S. and Allied partners in the Italian Campaign during World War II. He honored his grandfather, Raymond Moran, who served throughout North Africa and Italy, saying Americans remain grateful to those who fought courageously to liberate Rome and other European capitals from Nazi aggression.

The senator addressed government and aviation industry leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Global Aerospace Summit. As chairman of the Senate Commerce Aviation Subcommittee, Moran said he discussed America's aerospace sector with former Congressman Rodney Davis and emphasized the importance of adequate staffing for air traffic control and supporting Kansas aerospace companies.

Moran participated in a nomination hearing for Dr. Karen Brazell to serve as Under Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He said the hearing focused on ensuring productive leadership at the Veterans Benefits Administration to provide timely and accurate benefits to veterans and their families.

The senator announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved Kansas' 2025 provider tax preprint, increasing provider tax from 3% to 6%. He said this change will allow Kansas hospitals to see increased Medicaid reimbursement rates, providing additional resources for quality care.

President Trump announced a disaster declaration granting $5.7 million in federal emergency aid to Kansas following severe storms, flooding and tornadoes from June 3-7, 2025. Moran said he led the Kansas delegation in urging Trump to make the disaster declaration, which will help the state and local governments recover from the devastating storms.

The senator met with Elyce Arons, the Kansas State Society's 2025 Kansan of the Year, who co-founded Kate Spade and Frances Valentine fashion brands. Moran praised Arons for carrying Kansas values into her career as an entrepreneur.

Moran also met with representatives from Wichita State University Tech, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas, Ascension Via Christi, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Automobile Dealers Association, Growth Energy and Russell Stover during the week.

The senator visited Troy High School and Kickapoo Nation School to learn about their academic programs and discuss challenges facing rural and tribal schools. He also stopped at Holton Community Hospital to discuss rural healthcare needs with CEO Carrie Lutz.

Moran announced that applications are open for Spring 2026 internships and Senate Page positions, with deadlines of Oct. 19 for both programs.

This summary is based on Sen. Moran's Sept. 15, 2025, newsletter.