From the office of Sen. Jerry Moran

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Sen. Jerry Moran hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden in Manhattan last week to showcase critical research at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute.

The facilities play a crucial role in protecting the food supply from diseases and bio-attacks, Moran said. He emphasized ensuring NBAF becomes fully operational and that BRI is equipped to conduct research aligned with NBAF's needs and priorities.

The visit allowed Vaden to observe K-State's research and academic capabilities. Earlier this month, K-State was named among the top five agriculture colleges in the country, Moran noted.

RURAL HEALTH TRANSFORMATION FUND

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment launched a state portal for submitting applications for the Rural Health Transformation Program this week, created through the Reconciliation Bill.

The program will provide approximately $1 billion to Kansas over five years for rural health care. Moran said he worked with colleagues to establish $50 billion in funding for the RHT Program to invest in rural health care and provide critical resources to hospitals in need.

HOSPITAL TOURS

Moran visited Anderson County Hospital in Garnett and AmberMed in Hoxie, formerly Sheridan County Hospital. He met with hospital leadership and staff about challenges in delivering rural health care and innovative approaches to meet patient needs.

AMERICAN LEGION COMMANDER

Moran welcomed new American Legion National Commander Dan Wiley at American Legion Post 400 in Topeka on Monday. Wiley, born and raised in Lawrence, served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years before retiring as a state district court judge in August. He was elected commander at the 106th National Convention and is promoting the "Be The One" campaign to prevent veteran suicide and the Major Richard Star Act, which Moran co-sponsored to give combat injured veterans back their full retirement.

WICHITA POLICE REAL TIME INFORMATION CENTER

Moran participated in a ribbon cutting Friday for the Wichita Police Department's new Real Time Information Center. The facility will collect and analyze data from cameras, license plate readers and other systems to provide officers with real-time information. As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies with oversight of the Department of Justice, Moran said his priority is ensuring Kansas law enforcement has access to the best resources available.

BOB WISE CAMPUS COMMONS DEDICATION

Moran spoke Saturday at the dedication of the Bob Wise Campus Commons at McPherson College, honoring Wise's commitment to student success and generosity. Wise's legacy will be remembered by everyone who walks through the building, Moran said.

SERVICE ACADEMY DAY

Moran hosted his annual U.S. Service Academy Day at Wichita State University on Saturday. Students interviewed with members of his Service Academy Selection Board, which submits recommendations for nominations to the military service academies including West Point, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.

LEGISLATION INTRODUCED

Increasing Access to CDLs During Harvest: Moran introduced legislation with Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to reduce burdensome regulations for seasonal agricultural drivers by allowing them to renew commercial driver's licenses online and updating classifications for farm equipment. The bill would modernize requirements for seasonal agricultural commercial driver's licenses.

Countering Fentanyl-Laced Pill Production: Moran joined Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in introducing the Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act. The bill would help stop production of counterfeit and fentanyl-laced pills by requiring pill presses, punches and dyes to be engraved with serial numbers, enabling the Drug Enforcement Administration and other law enforcement agencies to more easily track down individuals responsible for producing counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills.

Supporting American Entrepreneurs: Moran and Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., introduced the bipartisan Expanding American Entrepreneurship Act, which would increase the permitted size of angel funds to allow for a higher number of individual investors per angel fund and raise the fund's cap. This will allow new investors with less access to capital to invest in start-ups, expanding the funding base for early-stage startups.

KANSAS VISITS

Moran visited Yates Center Senior High School and Marais Des Cygnes Valley High School in Melvern. He also spoke with constituents in Morland at City Hall, Aunt Faye's Kitchen, The Mercantile and the U.S. Post Office. He visited the Oberlin Rotary Club and GAF's new roofing manufacturer construction site in Newton.

FALLEN OFFICER

Moran mourned the loss of Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann, killed in the line of duty over the weekend.

GOLD STAR FAMILIES

The last week of September is Gold Star Families Remembrance Week, with Sept. 28 recognized as Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day.

INTERNSHIPS AND PAGE PROGRAM

Applications for internships in Moran's Washington, D.C. and Kansas offices for spring 2026 are due Sunday, Oct. 19. Applications are also open for the Spring 2026 Senate Page Program for high school students ages 16 or 17.

VETERAN CAREGIVERS OP-ED

Moran and Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, wrote an op-ed in The Hill highlighting approximately 14.3 million Americans who voluntarily care for post-9/11 veterans and calling for passage of the bipartisan Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act.
Click HERE to read Sen. Moran and Mr. Schwab’s op-ed in The Hill

This summary is based on communications from Moran's office.