From the office of Sen. Jerry Moran

Sen. Moran Addresses Government Funding, Defense Bill, Police Death

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., addressed multiple legislative priorities in recent floor speeches and statements, focusing on government funding deadlines, military authorization and honoring a fallen Kansas police officer.

On Sept. 30, Moran spoke after the Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government through Nov. 21, warning that a shutdown would create uncertainty and dysfunction. He called for 60 votes to pass the resolution and allow remaining appropriations bills to move forward, noting the Senate Appropriations Committee had passed 11 of 12 annual bills.

On Oct. 1, Moran and Sen. Roger Marshall introduced a resolution honoring Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann, who was fatally shot responding to a domestic violence call. Heimann, who served the Hays Police Department for nine years, is survived by his wife and children.

On Oct. 9, Moran warned that a government shutdown would harm the U.S. aviation system, citing his Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would allow the Federal Aviation Administration to continue critical operations during funding lapses.

Moran also applauded Senate passage of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and introduced an amendment to improve collaboration between the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments using Military Medical Treatment Facilities.

Defense Authorization Act Advances Fort Riley

The Senate passed the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act on Thursday, with Moran introducing an amendment to improve collaboration between the military and Department of Veterans Affairs when using Military Medical Treatment Facilities, such as Irwin Army Hospital at Fort Riley.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Moran worked to include authorizations for construction of an air traffic control tower, an automated infantry platoon battle course, and new barracks at Fort Riley. The legislation aims to advance servicemembers' missions to defend the nation.

Government Shutdown Strains Aviation System

Moran spoke on the Senate floor Thursday about the government shutdown's disruption to the nation's aviation system. Nine days into the shutdown, more than 17,000 flights in and out of U.S. airports were delayed.

The senator cited multiple compounding factors, including outdated air traffic equipment and an overworked, understaffed air traffic controller workforce. He referenced the crash near Reagan National Airport in March that claimed 67 lives, which prompted Congressional action on airspace modernization through a $12.5 billion investment in air traffic control improvements.

Moran introduced the Aviation Funding Stability Act in March, which would allow the Federal Aviation Administration to draw from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund during appropriations lapses. However, he said the only real solution is passage of a continuing resolution to fund government operations.

Flight Collision Victims' Families

Moran met with families of victims from American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29 near Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people. The senator committed to supporting ongoing investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board, FAA, and Army while exercising congressional oversight on policy changes to prevent future tragedies.

Middle East Ceasefire and Israel Support

On the second anniversary of Hamas' October 7th terrorist attack on Israel, Moran commemorated the 1,200 lives lost that day, including 40 Americans. He praised President Trump's brokered ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange agreement announced this week as "a long-awaited step toward" peace in the region, while noting that difficult challenges remain.

VA Leadership Confirmed

The Senate confirmed James Baehr as General Counsel at the Veterans Affairs Department, and the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs advanced the nomination of Jeremiah Workman to be Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training at the Department of Labor with bipartisan support. Both are military veterans.

Kansas Constituent Meetings

Moran met with representatives from numerous Kansas organizations and businesses this week, including the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, where he discussed progress at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and opportunities for Fort Riley to focus on Unmanned Aerial Systems technologies.

The senator also met with representatives from Growth Energy to discuss biofuels and ethanol export opportunities, Kansas Sorghum Producers to address farmer margins and market access, and the Nature Conservancy of Kansas regarding conservation funding and farm bill provisions.

Additionally, Moran met with Jeff Schmid, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and leaders of the National Down Syndrome Congress, discussing economic trends and legislation supporting individuals with disabilities.

Kansas Visits

Moran toured Rawlins County Health Center in Atwood, discussing the Rural Health Transformation Fund included in the reconciliation bill to increase funding for rural hospitals. He also visited Cheylin High School in Bird City and met with residents in McDonald, visiting local agricultural businesses.

Internship and Page Applications Open

Moran's offices are accepting applications for Spring 2026 congressional internships and Senate Page positions. Internship applications are due Sunday, October 19, and are open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in public service. Senate Page applications are also due October 19 and are limited to high school students who have completed their sophomore year and will be 16 or 17 years old at the time of appointment.

Other Legislative Actions

The Senate passed a resolution Moran introduced to commemorate the Italian Campaign of World War II, recognizing the valor of U.S. and Allied soldiers who fought to liberate Italy from Nazi occupation.

Moran also joined 50 Senate colleagues in expressing concerns to the Department of Health and Human Services and Food and Drug Administration regarding the recent approval of a generic chemical abortion pill, urging reinstatement of safety protections.