From the office of the 3rd District

Following Davids’ Push, Trump Administration to Hire Weather Service Staff, Fill Public Safety Gaps

Representative Sharice Davids welcomed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) announcement that they will begin hiring up to 450 staff to shore up critical operations at the National Weather Service (NWS) — a move that follows her June demand for urgent action from the Trump Administration amid dangerous staffing cuts and a severe Kansas storm season.
In June, Davids raised alarms about NWS field offices in Kansas being unable to maintain 24/7 coverage due to hiring freezes and staff cuts ordered by the Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). She specifically called out the Goodland Weather Forecast Office, which was forced to scale back just days before a devastating EF-3 tornado touched down.
“This is what happens when Kansans speak up and hold Washington accountable,” said Davids. “After months of pressing the Trump Administration on dangerous staffing shortages at the National Weather Service, we’re finally seeing movement to get this life-saving agency back on track. These new hires are critical to making sure families, farmers, and first responders across Kansas have the timely, accurate weather information they rely on — especially as storms grow more frequent and severe.”
The Trump Administration confirmed this week that NOAA has received permission to begin filling critical roles — including meteorologists, hydrologists, and electronics technicians — despite the hiring freeze currently in effect until at least October 15. These exemptions follow increasing pressure from Davids and others demanding action to restore basic public safety functions.
Davids has consistently advocated for federal support that keeps Kansas families safe and informed, including introducing bipartisan legislation to update weather technology and emergency preparedness. She continues to call out the harmful impacts of the Trump Administration’s reckless federal workforce cuts and push for swift action to rebuild critical public safety infrastructure. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins admitted to Davids that certain federal firings have been an “imperfect process.”

Davids Highlights Ongoing Fight to Protect Reproductive Health Care at Kansas Panel Discussion

OVERLAND PARK, KS — Representative Sharice Davids joined a Planned Parenthood Great Plains event to reflect on the current state of reproductive health care in Kansas and the continued challenges ahead. The event, which featured leaders in medicine, law, and community advocacy, marked three years since Kansans overwhelmingly rejected the restrictive abortion amendment. 
“Reproductive health care is essential health care — and it must remain a decision between a person and their doctor, free from political interference,” said Davids. “Even after the clear message Kansans sent three years ago, we continue to see dangerous efforts at the state and federal levels to restrict access to care, including recent federal policies that cut Medicaid and block funding to providers like Planned Parenthood. I remain steadfast in fighting these attacks by supporting legislation that restores access and protects the health and dignity of every Kansan.”
"The August 2 vote showed what’s possible when Kansans lead with compassion, but three years later, access to care is still inaccessible to some and under threat for all," said Emily Wales, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood Great Plains. "We’re proud to stand with Rep. Sharice Davids and all those working to turn that historic vote into meaningful progress not just in law, but in people’s lives."
Davids recently voted against President Trump’s extreme budget, which includes severe Medicaid cuts and a provision prohibiting Medicaid payments to providers offering abortion services, disproportionately impacting Planned Parenthood. In response, she helped introduce the Restoring Essential Healthcare Act, which would repeal this harmful provision.
Despite the clear will of Kansans expressed three years ago, Republican lawmakers in the Kansas Legislature have continued to push extreme measures aimed at restricting abortion access. While several of these laws have been struck down by the Kansas Supreme Court for violating constitutional rights, the persistent threats and political attacks create an environment of fear and uncertainty for reproductive health care providers and patients alike. Davids condemns these relentless assaults and stands firmly with Kansans in defending their fundamental rights.
Additionally, Davids reintroduced the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act, which aims to secure mandatory federal investment for the Title X Family Planning Program — a vital resource for low-income individuals seeking reproductive health services, including STI testing and birth control. Davids continues to support critical bills such as the EACH Act, which seeks to repeal the Hyde Amendment, and the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would establish a federal right to abortion.

Davids Hosts Roundtable with Kansas Leaders to Shape Next Major Transportation Bill

MISSION, KS — Representative Sharice Davids brought together local leaders and transportation organizations for a roundtable discussion on the upcoming 2026 surface transportation reauthorization bill. The event is part of Davids’ ongoing efforts to ensure that Kansans have a strong voice in shaping national infrastructure policy.
“When we invest in infrastructure, we’re investing in our communities — safer roads, better transit, and more good-paying jobs,” said Davids. “The bipartisan infrastructure law, which included the last surface transportation reauthorization, launched more than 370 projects here in Kansas. I want to make sure the next bill reflects the real needs of our region, and that starts by listening directly to the local leaders I spoke with today.”
Surface transportation reauthorizations are critical pieces of legislation that determine how federal dollars are invested in highways, transit, rail, and safety programs over multiple years. These investments affect the daily lives of Kansans — reducing congestion, improving road safety, and supporting regional economic growth. Long-term planning also gives states and cities the certainty they need to move forward with large-scale, job-creating projects.
“The Chamber applauds Representative Sharice Davids and the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee for advancing the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill,” said Libbey M. Tucker, Senior VP-Economic Development, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. “This legislation delivers critical investments — like continuing support for improvements along U.S. 69, 167th Street reconstruction, College and Metcalf Boulevards, and other infrastructure enhancements — that directly benefit Overland Park’s residents and businesses by improving safety, reducing congestion, and spurring economic growth in our region. By ensuring stable, long term infrastructure funding, this bill helps strengthen the quality of life and competitiveness of our local community.”
“As Congress begins the process of reauthorizing our nation’s highway and surface transportation programs, Kansas Farmers Union (KFU) appreciates the opportunity to share priorities for the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. Family farmers and ranchers depend on our nation’s highways, bridges, railways, and waterways to transport food, animals, and other agricultural products,” said Nick Levendofsky, Kansas Farmers Union Executive Director. “Throughout our history, Farmers Union members have relied on this system to move products to market and to reach export destinations that drive demand for U.S. agricultural products globally. This is why a robust transportation network is essential for rural America’s continued economic prosperity.”
“Surface transportation reauthorization is essential to sustaining infrastructure development in Kansas and nationwide,” said Aaron Frits, Incoming Director, Region 7, American Society of Civil Engineers. “As identified by ASCE, it fuels economic growth, supports businesses, and helps reduce the $3,300 annual cost per U.S. family caused by neglected investment. Reauthorizing this funding stream benefits every citizen and strengthens the economy.”
“Whether it be by road, rail or barge, safe and well-maintained transportation routes are vital for production agriculture to succeed,” said Ronald C. Seeber, President and CEO, Kansas Grain and Feed Association. “The modes enable the movement of farm inputs, grain, biofuels and livestock from the field to the consumer.  In Kansas, the role county, state and interstate roads play are incredibly important to facilitate short haul truck transportation, particularly of perishable products, while short line and Class I rail service play a pivotal role in moving bulk commodities over longer distances.  The 2026 reauthorization of the surface transportation act is essential for Kansas, our nation, and the world.”
“Reauthorization of the federal surface transportation program is critical for corn farmers that rely on safe, efficient highways, railways, and waterways to move their products from field to market,” said Taylor Williamson, Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Kansas Corn. “Whether used domestically or destined for international markets, strong infrastructure is critical to ensure timely delivery, reduced costs, and maintain America's agricultural competitiveness. We appreciate Representative Davids’ efforts to allow agriculture to remain engaged and have a voice in this issue.”
The bipartisan infrastructure law, which included the previous surface transportation reauthorization, has created more than 370 projects statewide. Championed by Davids through her work on the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, the law has funded major efforts like the expansion of U.S. Highway 69, lead pipe replacement in Olathe, safety improvements in KCK, and the purchase of electric buses for KCATA. It’s been recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in a decade, thanks to its blend of new revenues and cost-saving measures.

Davids Statement Following NTSB Hearing on January Midair Collision

Following the conclusion of last week’s National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) three-day investigative hearing into the tragic January midair collision between Flight 5342 from ICT to DCA with a military helicopter, Representative Sharice Davids issued the following statement:

 “I’m grateful to the National Transportation Safety Board for their thorough, transparent, and thoughtful work,” said Davids. “Their diligence and professionalism reflect the seriousness of the midair collision that took 67 lives and the importance of ensuring our skies are safe for everyone — whether in commercial, general, or military aviation. With so many Kansas families connected to the aviation industry — through jobs, training, and innovation — we know firsthand how vital air safety is to our economy and our communities. I look forward to reviewing the findings and recommendations that come from this hearing and will continue working with both parties in Congress to support aviation safety and oversight.”

 Background:

 The public hearing examined airspace classification, pilot training, collision avoidance technology, and safety management systems in the wake of the Jan. 29, 2025, collision between a PSA Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter that claimed 67 lives.
Since the January 29, 2025 collision that claimed 67 lives, Davids has taken several steps to improve aviation safety:

• Met with the victims’ families in Wichita and pledged to be a voice for transparency and reform in the investigation.
• Pressed FAA and NTSB experts in a U.S. Transportation & Infrastructure Committee hearing on air traffic controller shortages and safety protocols.
• Toured the Olathe Air Traffic Control Center to highlight critical staffing needs and renew her call for increased investments in aviation safety infrastructure.
• Responded to initial NTSB recommendations with a commitment to act on any legislative fixes needed to keep passengers and crew safe.

 Davids serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and has long championed bipartisan efforts to strengthen transportation safety standards, including by helping pass into law a bipartisan FAA reauthorization.