Jerry Moran: Kansas Common Sense
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Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Celebrating New De Soto Panasonic Battery Manufacturing Plant
On Monday, I participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Panasonic battery manufacturing plant in De Soto. In July 2022, Panasonic announced the construction of the $4 billion, 4.7 million-square-foot facility – the largest private investment in the history of our state. This investment demonstrates Kansas’ leadership in a new era of advanced manufacturing, and the facility will offer rewarding careers to young Kansans and attract top talent from around the country and the world. With this investment, we are making certain that our state continues to be a place for the next generation of Kansans to stay and build a future. I look forward to seeing the advancements this facility makes as it continues to grow, and I stand ready to make certain that Kansas remains a destination for innovation and manufacturing.
Hearing from Kansas Commodity Groups
This week, I spoke with members of the Kansas Soybean Association, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum. We discussed the Reconciliation bill recently signed into law, which made critical investments in farm country by improving the farm safety net, making certain that crop insurance remains affordable and doubling the investment in our trade promotion programs. The bill also makes permanent the 199A tax credit utilized by farm cooperatives and provides permanent relief from the Death Tax.
We also spoke about ways to improve markets for agricultural producers such as expanding biofuels production, global market access and trade deals. I have worked with my colleagues on legislation to allow the year-round sale of E15 ethanol and worked with the administration to identify unfair trade barriers and expand our list of trading partners. Kansas is the 7th-largest agriculture producing state in the country, and I appreciate the work of our state commodity groups to maintain that leadership.
Congratulating Ryan Kriegshauser on his Nomination to be U.S. Attorney for Kansas
Congratulations to Olathe-native Ryan Kriegshauser on his nomination to be the United States Attorney for the District of Kansas. Ryan has an extensive record of service to his country, a deep understanding of the justice system and a principled commitment to upholding the rule of law. He previously served as an intern in my Washington, D.C., office, and I know him to be someone who embodies the values and character of what it means to be a Kansan, raising his family in the state and investing in the community. I look forward to supporting Ryan’s nomination and am grateful for his willingness to serve Kansas and his commitment to law enforcement and justice.
Passing the VA Home Loan Reform Act
This week, the Senate passed H.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, which authorizes a Partial Claim Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help eligible borrowers, who are behind on their mortgage payments, avoid foreclosure on their homes. The mortgage industry estimates a Partial Claim Program at VA could help more than 20,000 current borrowers retain their homes.
Additionally, this legislation increases the authorization of funding for Comprehensive Service Programs for Homeless Veterans, which will allow the veteran homelessness provisions from my legislation, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, to be fully implemented. The legislation is now heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and I released a joint statement with House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs chairman Representative Mike Bost (R-Ill.) and ranking member Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif.) about the passage of this important bill to assist veteran homeowners. You can read our joint statement here.
Advancing the Commerce, Justice and Science FY26 Appropriations Bill
This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY2026 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act. As the chairman of the CJS Appropriations subcommittee, I worked to strengthen programs that are important to Kansas, including support for local law enforcement to combat violent crime and disrupt fentanyl trafficking, investments to bolster economic growth and resources to provide critical 24/7 weather coverage – while also taking steps to make targeted reductions in spending. I appreciate the support from my colleagues on the committee to fund critical programs that strengthen our nation’s federal law enforcement, invest in NASA’s Artemis program, support scientific research and improve our economic competitiveness.
Meeting Nominee for Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs
This week, I met with William Kirkland, a member of the Navajo Nation, who is the President’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior. During our meeting, we discussed his plans to support Tribal communities and legislation I introduced to reform Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence. I look forward to hearing his testimony before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
Meeting with National Association of Community Health Centers
On Wednesday, I visited with the President of the National Association of Community Health Centers, Dr. Kyu Rhee. He provided me with updates on the work and needs of the more than 160 community health centers in Kansas. Community health centers provide great value to communities in Kansas through the services they provide. I will continue to work to make certain community health centers receive the federal resources they need through my role on the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Joining RFD-TV to Discuss Farm Bill Modernizations
On Friday morning, I joined RFD-TV to discuss the Farm Bill modernizations that were included in the reconciliation bill and how it is benefitting agricultural producers in Kansas and across the country. We also talked about the work that still needs to be done in a future Farm Bill to finish updating the programs important to Kansas producers.
You can listen to my full interview here.
Talking Farm Bill Priorities with Kansas Wheat
This week, I joined Kansas Wheat’s “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast to discuss how the reconciliation bill modernizes Farm Bill programs including updated reference prices, increased disaster relief and drought assistance and expanded access to affordable, responsive crop insurance. Thank you to Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin and podcast host Aaron Harries for having me on the show to discuss the benefits for Kansas wheat farmers in the reconciliation bill.
You can listen to the full podcast episode here.
Visiting with Kansans
Kansas FFA Officers
I met with the Kansas FFA Association State Officers, a group of six young leaders who represent nearly 14,000 members across the state. We discussed my work in D.C. and the issues affecting Kansas agriculture and rural communities. The officers shared the impacts that FFA and agricultural education have had on them and how they can exercise leadership in their communities. The National FFA Association helps shape the next generation of leaders through the development of critical skills, and I will continue working to help our Kansas communities thrive for this and the next generation.
Capitol Tour Group
I appreciated chatting with a group of Kansans visiting Washington, D.C., before their tour of the U.S. Capitol. Thank you to Dr. Janet Stramel, Dean Stramel, Paul Adams, Earl Legleiter, Matthew Clay, Gabrielle Hammer, Ryan Lawson, Maxwell Peine, Margarita Harper, Dustin Rajewski, Jaylei Sloan, Edwin Olmstead, Haylee Hafenstein, Connor Richards and Lili & Dani Shubert visiting from Fort Hays State University and Richard and Cynthia Lang of Overland Park for visiting with me.
If you are planning a visit to Washington, D.C., and would like a tour of the Capitol, please visit my website here for more information.
Visits Across Kansas
Osborne County Memorial Hospital
On Friday, I toured the Osborne County Memorial Hospital in Osborne. During my visit, I learned more about how the hospital is continuing to provide affordable, quality health care services to the community. Thank you to Osborne County Memorial Hospital Administrator Doris Brown and Human Resources and Marketing Director Amy Doane for hosting me for this tour.
Lincoln County Hospital
Later on Friday, I also visited Lincoln County Hospital for a tour of its facilities. During my visit, I met with CEO/CFO Tawnya Seitz to discuss how the hospital is working to provide increased services and care to the community and the issues affecting health care in Lincoln. Thank you to Tawnya and everyone who shared their insights with me during the tour.
Tipton Community
Later Friday afternoon, I traveled to Tipton to visit with members of the community. While there, I stopped by City Hall, the local post office and the Heritage Museum. I also visited Guaranty Bank, Tipton Grocery and Ringneck Ranch. Thank you to the Tipton community and everyone who took time out of their day to visit with me.
Celebrating National Corn Month
During the month of July, the U.S. celebrates National Corn Month. Kansas corn growers on average plant 5.8 million acres per year, and rank 6th in the U.S. for corn production. Thank you, Kansas corn growers, for working tirelessly to feed and fuel the nation.
Now Accepting 2025 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2030. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, October 4, 2025. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.
Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
My email address is only equipped to send messages. I encourage you to send me a message through my website: www.moran.senate.gov. To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click here.
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