Senator Moran has a long history of opposing reckless spending in Washington, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee has pushed for spending cuts, tougher funding standards and broad reform. Senator Moran serves as lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, which allows him to lead the funding decisions that impact men and women working at agencies like the Department of Justice, the FBI, NASA, the United States Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce, to name a few. This broad committee jurisdiction allows Senator Moran to advocate for priorities important to Kansans in many different contexts.
Regardless of our job or where we live, agriculture matters to Kansans and Americans. Agriculture puts food on our tables, clothes on our backs, and the roofs over our heads. Our wellbeing and health depend on a strong agricultural sector. One in five Americans work in jobs related to agriculture and food production. If we want strong schools, growing businesses and vibrant communities, we must make certain farmers and ranchers in our state have the opportunity to prosper. When agriculture is successful, Kansas is successful.
As a senator from a farm state, I often find myself educating my colleagues and other officials in Washington, D.C., about the critical importance of strong agriculture policy — not just domestically, but around the globe. I am committed to seeking opportunities and fair treatment for our farmers. With a Congress that is more and more removed from rural America and the complexities of a global agricultural economy, this is often not an easy task. To keep the family farm alive, however, it is worth every bit of effort. The family farm contributes enormously to the strength and stability of our rural economy. From coast to coast, consumers enjoy a safe and affordable food and fiber supply due to the efficiency and performance of America’s family farmers.
In addition to being the economic backbone of so many of the towns and rural communities in our state, agriculture is also our link to the past — to times when family was the axis around which all things revolved. In today’s fast-paced world, there are few industries where sons and daughters can work side-by-side with moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas.
Today, uncertain economic conditions and the competitive global marketplace are creating financial hardships for many families, farmers and businesses in our state and across the country. Ensuring the future of our state’s agriculture industry is one of my top priorities in the Senate. As a U.S. Senator I will work to create better awareness and understanding in Washington of the financial challenges farmers experience on a daily basis. I will continue my past efforts to improve crop insurance, promote additional demand for our commodities through trade, support livestock producers, and look for ways we can address high energy costs.
In Kansas, we take great pride in being at the crossroads of aviation. Nearly a century ago, innovators converged on Wichita with dreams of building airplanes for a budding industry. Pioneers like Kansas son Clyde Cessna helped establish what would soon become the birthplace of many renowned aviation and aerospace companies.
Today, general aviation is the largest industry in Kansas, generating nearly $3 billion in annual exports and producing 35 percent of all general aviation aircraft in America. Kansas aviation workers have supplied 75 percent of all general aviation aircraft since the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk.
For many communities in Kansas, general aviation is the only reliable access to the rest of the country. Unfortunately, in Washington, it is a constant battle to correct the ongoing misconceptions about general aviation. Responsible for emergency medical flights, search and rescue operations, disaster relief, firefighting, forestry, wildlife management and countless other endeavors, general aviation is something from which every American benefits in one way or another. Throughout my time in Congress I have worked to educate my colleagues about the importance of general aviation – particularly in rural regions of the country.
Additionally, Kansas companies export $2.3 billion in aerospace products annually, totaling nearly 20 percent of the state’s total exports. Our state would not be a strong aviation hub if it wasn’t for our highly skilled workforce, a significant component of Wichita’s title as “Air Capital of the World,” with 450 aerospace suppliers based in Wichita alone.
As the lead Republican of the Senate Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over NASA, and a seat on both the Commerce Committee and the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, I have the unique opportunity to advocate for and advance our leadership in space through the distinct and multifaceted lens it deserves.
I will continue to do all I can in Congress to improve aviation safety, remove unnecessary regulatory burdens and build awareness for all the good general aviation and aerospace work Kansas does for our economy and society.
The American economy is facing very difficult times and we need sensible economic policies to get the country moving in the right direction. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on American families and businesses. To help mitigate the pandemic’s impact on our economy, I voted in favor of the bipartisan COVID-19 relief packages, signed by President Trump, which directly assisted Kansan families and businesses. While these packages included many provisions I would not support under ordinary circumstances, during the pandemic hospitals needed supplies, small businesses needed loans, farmers and ranchers needed certainty and people, through no fault of their own, needed relief. While this spending to counter a severe crisis was necessary, I am opposed to Washington's longstanding overreliance on spending.
I have heard from many Kansans who are upset with massive government spending and tax increases at a time when families are forced to tighten their belts and make tough choices. Kansans are tired of footing the bill for greater expansion of government and are rightly frustrated at deficit spending that significantly increases our country's already crippling debt.
Keeping future generations in mind, I have voted against reckless tax-and-spend sprees which will raise taxes and harm American economic competitiveness. Congress is spending at an alarming rate and must realize that spending trillions of dollars, dollars that we simply do not have, undermines economic recovery today and Americans who will have to pay our debts in the future. I am committed to opposing reckless spending and working to address our country's economic problems in a fiscally responsible way that helps Kansas families and businesses.
Education is essential to expanding opportunities and improving the quality of life for Americans, beginning with learning that takes place at an early age. The competitiveness of our state and our nation is directly dependent on the quality of education our students receive, from pre-K to high school to college and beyond. I am committed to making certain every Kansas student has access to a quality education that sets them up for success in life.
In order to achieve the best possible educational outcomes, we must work to increase the number of qualified teachers and maintain flexibility for state and local education agencies to tailor education programs to fit the unique needs of students. Additionally, higher education — including career and technical education — is essential for students to reach their full potential in their careers and lives. Kansans deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams through additional education, which often makes higher education a family’s most important investment.
Strong schools are the foundation of strong communities. To achieve success, schools need students with a desire to learn, dedicated teachers, passionate administrators and supportive parents and community members who reinforce the concepts and expectations taught in the classroom. Since parents and teachers know the educational needs of their children and students best, Congress should allow local school districts to determine how to best use federal educational resources.
Accountability is important to ensuring strong schools, but federal initiatives need to contain a degree of flexibility that allows states to operate for the good of their students within the standards of federal law. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which updated the primary source of federal aid to K-12 education when passed in 2001, does not afford sufficient flexibility to Kansas schools. Education is a process that involves more than just preparing for and taking tests. As Kansas ranchers say, “If you want fat cattle, you need to feed them, not just weigh them.” We must prepare students for the challenges of life, not just standardized tests.
As Congress continues to consider the reauthorization of various federal education statutes, I will work to see that reform focuses on removing unnecessary burdens and improving workability for Kansas students, parents and educators while striving for excellence in order to prepare students to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Kansans are rightfully mindful of how the availability of energy and energy prices affect both the local and national economic landscape.
High energy prices can pose significant challenges for Kansas households. The burden of higher gas prices is particularly troubling in rural Kansas where traveling long distances for work and school is a necessity. Higher energy prices increase the operating costs for many of our most vital Kansas industries, including manufacturing, agriculture and transportation. Whether you're heating your home in the winter months, irrigating crops, or producing, transporting or using fertilizer, higher energy prices pose real economic harm to Kansans.
For the United States to remain competitive in the global market, we must adopt a comprehensive energy policy that bolsters American energy independence and supports innovation here at home. It is far past time for Congress to make a strong commitment to develop a long-term, all-of-the-above domestic energy policy. While responsible exploration and recovery of our country’s vast natural resources continues and provides our country with many economic benefits, it is important that we continue to advance technologies to help reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil.
No single form of energy can provide the answer that will allow production of sufficient amounts of domestic energy. To solve our nation's energy problem, we must develop traditional, domestic sources of oil, natural gas and coal; encourage development of renewable energy sources like biofuels and wind, solar, geothermal and hydropower; expand the use of nuclear energy; and promote conservation.
We must also develop a long-term approach to expanding renewable energy. Our current system relies on a piecemeal set of tax incentives that often expire on a yearly basis, while businesses, including the energy generation industry, depend on long-term investment models. Congress needs to develop an integrated approach that will promote regulatory certainty and allow sustained investment in all forms of renewable energy.
Energy exploration must also be accompanied by energy conservation. Today’s new cars and trucks are the most fuel efficient in history, and new construction of energy efficient buildings is on the rise. Congress must continue to seek opportunities to advance policies that are practical and cost-effective methods for Kansans to reduce energy use.
The story of America is really a story of entrepreneurs – individuals who take a leap of faith to pursue their dreams. Entrepreneurs built the foundation of the American economy from its earliest days by pushing forward innovative solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges, and their innovations continue to improve our lives and result in the creation of countless new jobs for Americans.
Small businesses make the American dream a reality by creating employment opportunities for 47 percent of the United States’ workforce and generating two-thirds of new jobs. Research shows that job creation in start-ups and new businesses remains stable even in an unprecedented economic environment. At a time when economic difficulties and debt held by the public are high, we must do more to support the innovation, determination and tenacity of entrepreneurs.
I have a record for supporting legislation to jump-start our economy through the creation and growth of new businesses. This includes the Startup Act, which improves the chance entrepreneurs can be successful by addressing four key factors: talent, taxes, regulation and innovation. Additionally, as Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, I support the ongoing and critical mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which provides grant opportunities that support local jobs and boost economic growth in Kansas.
Congress should continue to empower entrepreneurs to unleash innovative ideas and create jobs for Americans. Removing federal barriers for entrepreneurs can foster an environment where innovation can flourish, consumers are empowered and more Americans can achieve meaningful employment.
During my time in Congress, I have worked to support Kansas communities and families, as well as protect the values that we hold dear.
Every child deserves the opportunity to be part of a permanent and loving family. As a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I am committed to promoting awareness of adoption and the children awaiting families, celebrating children and families involved in adoption and encouraging Americans to secure safety, permanency and well-being for all children. Many families in Kansas and across our nation have made a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of children through adoption. Their compassion and commitment has given these children both a family and a bright future. When dedicated individuals make a major difference in a child’s life through adoption, families are strengthened and communities are enriched.
Parents should have the authority to decide what is best for their children. I believe that the primary safeguard for the well-being and protection of children is their family. The right of parents to raise their children in accordance with their own principles must be protected.
Making certain Kansans have access to affordable, quality health care has been one of my priorities during my time in Congress. To achieve this goal, policies must be implemented that reduce health care costs. These policies should increase competition and choice for patients, thereby expanding access to doctors, nurses and other health providers.
Access to hospitals and quality health care services is a deciding factor in whether Kansans can remain in the communities they call home and whether their children can return to raise families of their own. To ensure Kansas towns survive and flourish, the unique health care needs of rural Americans must be addressed. I have had the privilege of visiting each of the 123 community hospitals in Kansas to learn firsthand the role each facility plays in ensuring care for the residents of its communities. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Health Subcommittee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, it is useful for me to visit these hospitals and other health facilities to learn more about how providers utilize resources to care for patients, many of whom are spread across large areas of our state.
As founder of the first-ever Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus, I also support local pharmacists who play a vital role in our health care delivery system. In many Kansas communities, the local pharmacist is a patient’s most direct link to health care. I will continue working to preserve the special way of life we enjoy in Kansas by protecting access to quality health care in our rural communities.
In order to improve patient care, diagnosis and treatment, it is essential that we remain committed to advancing medical research. This research is essential to saving and improving lives, growing our economy and maintaining America’s role as a global leader in medical innovation. Our nation has long recognized the importance of advancing medical research, and given the vast amount of progress made over the last century — as well as the great potential current research holds — it is important that we continue our commitment to advancing cures and treatments for disease.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in our health care infrastructure while also reiterating the effective access to care that telehealth provides to patients, especially those in rural communities. In the aftermath of COVID-19, our health care system should bolster telehealth as a reliable option to serve patients and expand health care options and availability for rural Kansas.
I am a member of the following health care caucuses:
Living in the breadbasket of our nation, it can be difficult to comprehend the prevalence of hunger around the world. Yet global hunger is real, and it threatens the future of millions of people every day. As I travel through Kansas witnessing farmers harvesting thousands of acres of crops and seeing grain bins filled to the brim, my commitment to making certain our homegrown food reaches a hungry world is strengthened.
In 2017, the World Food Program USA honored me with the McGovern-Dole Leadership Award for my bipartisan leadership in advancing U.S. efforts to address global hunger. Kansans in particular have a long history of leading this initiative. Senator Bob Dole from Kansas worked to expand our nation’s efforts to provide food to the most vulnerable populations around the world, including young school girls through the Dole-McGovern Food for Education Program. I’m honored to have received this award that was rightly named after him. I will continue this tradition and example set by Senator Dole as we lead the ongoing fight against hunger.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I work to prioritize funding for our international food aid programs, as well as agriculture research and development initiatives, to help reduce hunger and promote stability in the world. Each year, Congress must decide how to allocate limited funds among many important policies across government. I advocate for international food aid programs to be at the top of the priority list because these programs help save lives around the world, contribute to global stability and provide increased markets for American farmers. In my effort to represent the compassionate spirit of Kansans, I co-chair the Senate Hunger Caucus and work to raise awareness about issues surrounding hunger.
I sat down with World Food Program USA to discuss my commitment to ending global hunger and why feeding the world is in America’s best interest. You can view the full interview here.
WFP USA: Why do you personally care about global food security?
JM: The call to feed the world has been answered by so many Kansans before me. Each of us is taught at a young age that it is our duty to help those in need. Kansans take that moral responsibility to heart. As individuals, we help our neighbors. Through churches and local organizations, we feed our communities. And as a country, America leads the world in providing food for millions of people in need of assistance around the globe.
WFP USA: Imagine you’re hosting a town hall meeting in Kansas and you’re met with skepticism about global engagement generally or food aid in particular.?Why should Kansans and the rest of America care about global food security?
JM: American farmers are linked to global markets and, by extension, to the wellbeing of people everywhere. Today, 821 million people around the world suffer from chronic hunger. About 113 million are facing immediate, life-threatening hunger. America’s international food assistance programs build stronger markets and more stable societies. They also provide a reliable market for American farmers right now when they need it most.
Food security also contributes to our national security.?When governments cannot feed their own people, chaos and violence often follow. Food assistance provided by the United States leads to greater stability in regions of the world important to America’s strategic interests.?When parents have access to food, they can provide a better future for their children. And when hunger no longer impedes a child’s ability to learn, they can remain and thrive in school, leading them down a path to greater opportunities.
While our country’s collective moral convictions make fighting hunger the right thing to do, the benefits we receive as a nation from reducing global food insecurity also make it the smart thing to do.
WFP USA: America has always been a leader in the fight against global hunger. Looking back at our history of hunger relief, what are key U.S. policies and programs that have made a big difference in reducing hunger abroad??
JM: Kansans in particular have a long history of leading the fight to end global hunger. Most notably, Senator Bob Dole from Kansas worked to expand our nation’s efforts to provide food to the most vulnerable populations around the world, including young school girls, through the?Dole-McGovern Food for Education Program. It is an honor to continue this tradition and example set by Senator Dole as we continue the fight against hunger.
And, of course,?Food for Peace?has also been instrumental in fighting global hunger.
WFP USA: Let’s look specifically at the Food for Peace Program. This year marks its?65th?anniversary. What role has this program played in addressing global hunger??
JM: Since?Food for Peace?was signed into law 65 years ago by President Eisenhower, a native Kansan, it has reached over 4 billion people in the world.?Food for Peace?is the cornerstone of U.S. international food aid programs. It provides U.S.-grown food to hungry people in some of the most dangerous and hardest to reach areas in the world, including in conflict zones. From the aftermath of the Korean War to conflicts in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia today,?Food for Peace continues to provide hope for people who have nowhere else to turn. With several areas of the world facing famine or near-famine conditions today,?Food for Peace?has never been more important to addressing global hunger.
WFP USA: How are you currently working to fight global hunger? Are there any pieces of related legislation that you’re passionate about passing to advance this cause??
JM: As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I work to prioritize funding for our international food aid programs, including?Food for Peace?and?Dole-McGovern. Each year, Congress must decide how to allocate limited funds among many important policies across government. I fight for international food aid programs to be at the top of the priority list because these programs help save lives around the world, contribute to global stability and provide important markets for American farmers.
WFP USA: Sen. Moran, you serve a large agriculture producing state. How do you see food assistance programs creating and expanding markets for U.S.?agriculture products??
JM: Kansas is a top wheat, sorghum and beef producing state. We also grow corn, soybeans and cotton, and are one of the fastest growing dairy production states in the nation. Kansans’ ability to earn a living in rural areas is by exporting the food and fiber we grow to consumers around the world. Through international food aid programs, we are helping to connect the bounty of food that farmers and ranchers produce in Kansas with people facing starvation around the world.
Good harvests, coupled with a lack of markets, have made large stockpiles of grain a familiar site across the state in recent years. I pulled over to the side of the road to take a photo in Kensington, Kansas of a huge pile of sorghum on the ground because all of the grain elevators were full. I’ve shown that photo to President Trump, Secretary Perdue and others to illustrate the importance of export markets for Kansas farmers and ranchers. The photo has also raised the question – how do we do better at getting the large amounts of food we grow in Kansas to people who are facing hunger and starvation?
WFP USA: What is your hope for the future?of America’s role in global food security???What do you think we need to do as Americans to ensure that everyone across the world has the food they need to not only survive, but also reach their full potential??
JM: In my lifetime I believe we can end hunger, malnutrition and achieve food security across the world. We can accomplish this if America continues to lead the world in combatting hunger. This is an issue in which the morally correct thing to do is also what’s in the best interest of our country. By continuing to invest in?Food for Peace,?Dole-McGovern?and other international food-aid programs, we will save lives around the world and reduce conflict by promoting greater social and economic stability.
Recently, the World Food Program USA honored me with the McGovern-Dole Leadership Award for my bipartisan leadership in advancing U.S. efforts to address global hunger. Senator Dole has long represented the compassionate spirit of Kansans and the farmers who feed the world, and I’m honored to have received this award that was rightly named after him
I also see how Kansans react to this problem with compassion and a genuine desire to see people prosper in our own communities. In my effort to represent this spirit of Kansans, I co-chair the Senate Hunger Caucus and am working to raise awareness about issues surrounding hunger. To help rural Kansans living in food deserts gain access to nutritious food, I introduced bipartisan legislation that incentivizes food providers to establish themselves in communities where people lack access to healthy, affordable food. The Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act encourages the construction and establishment of grocery stores, food banks and farmers markets in areas that lack these services. This bill would incentivize food providers to expand access to healthy foods in these underserved communities and reduce the number of food deserts nationwide.
I remain committed to the goal of ending hunger in Kansas and around the world.
The United States immigration system has long been broken and is in desperate need of sensible solutions that both secure our borders and provide individuals an opportunity to build a better life in America. Securing our borders is the first step in creating smart and achievable immigration reform. Without secure borders, any other efforts to reform our immigration systems will be in vain. In addition to protecting the border, we must also provide legal pathways that are fair and efficient so those who wish to come to the United States have a legal avenue to do so in a timely and appropriate manner. Without these goals working in tandem, America will continue to face the challenges and strain our immigration system has experienced for far too long.
I have visited the southern border to witness the humanitarian and security crisis firsthand. What I saw was alarming: border patrol agents working round the clock to stop the flow of drugs and illegal activity while also caring for and processing the thousands of people who have already crossed the border. Our border patrol agents are the first line of defense on our border, and federal law enforcement agencies work closely with them to detect drug shipments, intercept human traffickers and combat violent cartels and foreign threats. As border agents are consumed with families and children crossing the Rio Grande, that collaboration is undermined, making it easier for drugs and people to be trafficked into the U.S.
Additionally, Congress should pursue policies that help the United States compete and win the global battle for talent. Attracting and retaining highly-skilled, entrepreneurial individuals – especially those who we educate at American universities – will boost American innovation, propel economic growth and create jobs for Americans.
I am, and always have been, pro-life. Life is precious and deserves our respect and protection. During my time in Congress, I have used my voice and vote to further the cause of life and defend unborn children.
Science demonstrates that each human life begins at conception, and I believe that the right to life guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution is vested in each human being. This right is sacred and fundamental to all other rights, and it must be defended. I support legislation protecting life at its earliest stages and in all conditions. In Kansas, I wrote leaders of the State Legislature encouraging passage of the Value Them Both amendment to allow Kansas voters to affirm there is no constitutional right to an abortion in the State Constitution. In Washington, I support restricting abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, when science shows an unborn child can feel pain, and I back efforts to prohibit abortion of children in the womb diagnosed with Down syndrome. Furthermore, taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund the end of innocent human life through elective abortion, and I have always voted to prevent the use of public money for this practice.
Americans should not be forced to violate their religious beliefs or face penalties if they refuse to participate in providing abortion services. I am a sponsor of legislation that would preserve the rights of employers, doctors, nurses and other health care stakeholders to provide health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions. I also support a bill which requires any abortion services or surcharges offered through the Affordable Care Act be disclosed so that consumers may make informed choices that conform to their moral beliefs.
I oppose the destruction of human embryos for stem cell research, but I am a strong advocate of stem cell research that does not destroy human life. This research, using “adult” stem cells such as umbilical cord blood and bone marrow, is ethical and has already produced significant medical breakthroughs for patients. An ethical society protects its most defenseless members, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.
It is more important than ever to ensure Kansans, veterans and the entire country have access to quality mental health and suicide prevention services. Improvements to these services will benefit Kansans struggling with mental illness in communities across our state and will go far in ending the stigma surrounding preventative mental health care. Timely access to diagnosis, treatment options, or immediate care can be the difference between life and death as well as potentially prevent a host of connected health and safety issues. In order to improve the efficiency and accessibility of mental health services, state and local governments need flexibility to tailor and implement mental health care to the unique needs of their respective patient populations, and to make sure these essential services reach the individuals who need them most. Through improved awareness, increased screenings and access to treatment, mental health problems can be addressed sooner and more effectively.
I will continue to support funding for critical mental health services through my position on the Senate Appropriations Committee in conjunction with my work on legislation to improve mental health and suicide prevention services from my seats on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee and Senate Commerce Committee, including implementation of my bipartisan bill that designates 9-8-8 as the suicide prevention hotline. Now, more than ever, Kansans and the entire country will benefit from greater access to critical suicide prevention and mental health services and the 9-8-8 hotline provides an easy-to-remember and easy-to-access service for people to dial when they need a helping hand.
As the lead Republican on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I also authored the Commander John Scott Hannon Mental Health Care Improvement Act to improve mental health care for veterans seeking care through the VA. This bill, which was signed into law by President Trump in 2020, is bolstering the VA’s mental health workforce, increasing access to care for rural veterans and supporting alternative and local treatment options for veterans seeking mental health care. Many of our veterans are suffering from daunting mental health challenges but previously lacked access to modern, effective, and compassionate mental health care and suicide prevention services. The Commander Hannon Act is reforming how the VA provides mental health services and is increasing collaboration with local community organizations that serve veterans. Veteran suicide rates remain too high, but this bill takes necessary steps to expand care options to those struggling with their mental health. I will not stop advocating for VA mental health care reform until the risk of veteran suicides is extinguished.
More than two centuries ago, our founding fathers wisely amended the United States Constitution by adopting the Bill of Rights to protect citizens from a tyrannical government. Since then, our democracy has stood strong and Americans have benefitted from the liberties the Bill of Rights guarantees them– including the fundamental right to keep and bear arms. Throughout my time in Congress, I have stood with Kansans in my efforts to protect these valuable freedoms.
As Democrats continue to wage war on law abiding citizens and the Constitutional rights protected by the Second Amendment, I remain committed in my defense of these fundamental rights.
I remain an ardent supporter of legislation that protect or expands the right of American citizen to keep and bear arms. The first is the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act which would allow individuals who are qualified to carry a concealed firearm in their home state the ability to legally carry in any state in which concealed carry is allowed. The right to self-defense for law-abiding citizens should not end at their home state border. I also support the Hearing Protection Act, legislation that would overhaul the burdensome process for purchasing firearm accessories, like suppressors, and eliminate the costly tax that unfairly punishes gun owners. Furthermore, I have introduced legislation to prohibit taxpayer money from being used by the Department of Homeland Security to purchase ammunition without presenting the necessary justification to Congress.
Another significant threat to Second Amendment freedoms is the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, signed by former Secretary of State John Kerry on September 25, 2013. The intent of the treaty is to establish “common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms,” but it fails to exempt civilian firearms from its scope or even recognize the individual right of self-defense. As such, I introduced S. Con. Res. 7 in March 2013, legislation signed by 35 of my Senate colleagues, to make clear any Arms Trade Treaty that infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of Americans is dead on arrival in the U.S. Senate. When the Obama Administration ignored our concerns, 50 U.S. Senators joined my letter to express our regret and opposition to ratification. My work to protect Americans from this unjust treaty is ongoing and, since then, I have worked to ensure American tax dollars are not used to support this treaty by introducing amendments to both the budget reconciliation and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) bill that are considered by Congress each year that prohibit funding from the United State.
While much needs to be done to prevent violent crime in our nation, more restrictions on responsible, law-abiding firearm owners are not the answer. We must redouble our efforts to enforce all existing gun laws, which are extremely effective in protecting our communities, and use our legal power to prosecute criminals who misuse firearms to the fullest extent of the law. I will continue to support Second Amendment freedoms and oppose any legislation before Congress that violates the Second Amendment.
More than two centuries ago, our founding fathers wisely amended the United States Constitution to guarantee a Bill of Rights for its citizens. Since then, our democracy has stood strong as Americans have enjoyed liberties unparalleled in the world – including the fundamental right to keep and bear arms. Throughout my time in Congress, I have stood with Kansans in my efforts to protect these valuable freedoms.
One significant threat to our Second Amendment freedoms is the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, signed by Secretary of State John Kerry on September 25, 2013. The intent of the treaty is to establish “common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms,” but it fails to exempt civilian firearms from its scope or even recognize the individual right of self-defense. As such, I introduced S. Con. Res. 7 in March 2013, legislation signed by 35 of my Senate colleagues, to make clear any Arms Trade Treaty that infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of Americans is dead on arrival in the U.S. Senate. When the Obama Administration ignored our concerns and signed the treaty in last year, 50 U.S. Senators joined my letter to express our regret and opposition to ratification. For now, our overwhelming bipartisan opposition has deterred the Administration from formally seeking Senate ratification.
During my time in the Senate, I have also introduced legislation to prohibit taxpayer money from being used by the Department of Homeland Security to purchase ammunition without presenting the necessary justification to Congress. Additionally, I have fervently supported legislation to support concealed carry reciprocity – allowing law-abiding citizens to exercise their fundamental right to self-defense while traveling or temporarily living away from home. On March 28, 2013, I signed a letter authored by Senators Rand Paul, Ted Cruz and Mike Lee stating our intent to oppose any legislation that would infringe upon the constitutional right of Americans to bear arms.
While much needs to be done to prevent violent crime in our nation, more restrictions on responsible, law-abiding firearm owners are not the answer. We must redouble our efforts to enforce all existing gun laws, which are extremely effective in protecting law-abiding citizens from each other, and use our legal power to prosecute criminals who misuse firearms to the fullest extent of the law. I will continue to support Second Amendment freedoms and oppose any legislation before Congress that violates our gun rights.
Located in America’s heartland, Kansas plays an integral role in the transportation network that connects farmers and factories with communities around the globe. Kansas ranks third in the nation with more than 140,000 miles of highway, so maintaining strong transportation infrastructure is vital to the economic development of our great state.
Kansas is also one of the leading rail and distribution centers in the country and plays an integral role in connecting farmers and factories with communities around the globe. There are more than 2,000 miles of short-line railroad in Kansas alone. Because constant maintenance is needed to keep our railroads in great condition, I established the Section 45G tax credit in Congress, which has since become permanent. This invaluable credit ensures short line railroads and the communities who depend on them can stay up to date on critical maintenance and track improvements.
Unfortunately, the funding needed to improve and maintain our nation’s surface transportation is running out. Congress must come together in a bipartisan way to develop a long term, sustainable funding mechanism to meet our infrastructure demands and allow Kansans to continue the transport of our manufactured goods and agriculture commodities in a timely and cost-effective manner. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to find the resources necessary to meet the needs of Kansas’ transportation system.
As Chairman and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection with jurisdiction over the health and safety of amateur athletes, Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) opened an investigation into USA Gymnastics (USAG), the US Olympic Committee (USOC) and Michigan State University (MSU) on January 25, 2018. The investigation is centered around the USOC’s systemic failures to protect athletes from sexual abuse and the reported filing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to silence a victim of abuse in relation to the Larry Nassar abuse case.
Introducing the Empowering Olympic and Amateur Athletes Act of 2019
Click here for full Empowering Olympic and Amateur Athletes Act of 2019 bill text, here to read the senators’ full investigative report, findings and recommendations; here for a one-page summary of the bill; and here for a section-by-section summary of the bill.
On July 30, 2019, Sens. Moran and Blumenthal introduced sweeping bipartisan legislation to reform the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee in response to findings of systemic abuse within the U.S. Olympic movement. Upon introduction, the senators released the following joint statement:
“We are introducing the Empowering Olympic and Amateur Athletes Act today to empower and protect Olympic and amateur athletes through three key reforms. First and foremost, our legislation will implement requirements to promote a culture where athletes and their best interests are put first. Second, it will ensure greater transparency and accountability throughout the amateur sports movement, and, third, it will fortify the independence and capabilities of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the body responsible for investigating allegations of sexual abuse against athletes and coaches.”
“We have been incredibly moved by the courage of the survivors of abuse who have shared their stories with us and the world,” the senators continued. “Neither this legislation nor the ongoing, necessary cultural shift within the Olympic movement could have happened without their guidance and leadership. We draw motivation from their unwavering commitment to work with us to prevent the abuse of any young athlete in the future and we thank them for putting their trust in us. We will get this bill across the finish line – for them, and for all future athletes, so that they may be able to participate in the sport they love without fear of abuse.”
Hearing #4: Protecting U.S. Amateur Athletes: Examining Abuse Prevention Efforts Across the Olympic Movement
On October 3, 2018, Chairman Moran and Ranking Member Blumenthal chaired the fourth hearing in their ongoing investigation, entitled "Protecting U.S. Amateur Athletes: Examining Abuse Prevention Efforts Across the Olympic Movement" to examine the processes used by the United States Olympic Committee and the National Governing Bodies for individual Olympic sports to protect our Olympic athletes from abuse. Witnesses included USA Weightlifting CEO Phil Andrews, U.S. Figure Skating President Anne Cammett, USA Swimming President and CEO Tim Hinchey III, USA Bobsled and Skeleton CEO Darrin Steele. USA Taekwondo Executive Director Steve McNally provided written testimony and written responses to questions.
Hearing #3: Strengthening and Empowering U.S. Amateur Athletes: Moving Forward with Solutions
On July 24, 2018, Chairman Moran and Ranking Member Blumenthal chaired a hearing entitled "Strengthening and Empowering U.S. Amateur Athletes: Moving Forward with Solutions" to focus on changes made by the United States Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University to protect Olympic and amateur athletes from abuse. It will examine recent reforms to provide safe environments for athletes and how these reforms are being implemented. Witnesses included Michigan State University Interim President John Engler, U.S. Olympic Committee Acting CEO Susanne Lyons, USA Gymnastics President and CEO Kerry Perry and Athletes' Advisory Council Chairman Han Xiao.
Hearing #2: Preventing Abuse in Olympic and Amateur Athletics: Ensuring a Safe and Secure Environment for Our Athletes
On June 5, 2018, Chairman Moran and Ranking Member Blumenthal chaired a hearing entitled “Preventing Abuse in Olympic and Amateur Athletics: Ensuring a Safe and Secure Environment for Our Athletes,” to focus on how past processes to protect our Olympic athletes from abuse have failed to keep athlete safe and to explore current efforts to provide a safe environment for amateur athletes. Witnesses included former USA Gymnastics Women’s Program Director Rhonda Faehn, former Michigan State University President Dr. Lou Anna Simon and former USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny, who exercised his Fifth Amendment rights and was subsequently dismissed from the hearing. Written testimonies were submitted by former United States Olympic Committee President Scott Blackmun and Karolyi Ranch’s Martha Karolyi.
Hearing #1: Olympic Abuse: The Role of National Governing Bodies in Protecting Our Athletes
On April 18, 2018, Chairman Moran and Ranking Member Blumenthal convened a hearing entitled, “Olympic Abuse: The Role of National Governing Bodies in Protecting Our Athletes” to provide a forum for survivors of abuse to discuss specific concerns and challenges in preventing abuse within their respective sports. Gymnast and Olympic Gold Medalist Jordyn Wieber, Gymnast and Olympic Bronze Medalist Jamie Dantzscher, Speedskater and Olympic hopeful Bridie Farrell and Figureskater Craig Maurizi testified.
Following the hearing, the senators released the following statement: “We are grateful to these athletes today who shared their experiences with our committee. There are systemic failings that need to be addressed, not just with admonitions but with meaningful reforms. This committee is committed to making change and determining which flaws exist in the system so that these athletes’ experiences are not replicated in anyone else’s life. We will continue to work with these athletes as our investigation progresses to make certain their testimonies are used to protect the next generation looking to achieve success representing our nation.”
In light of these serious allegations, and pursuant to the Committee’s oversight responsibilities, Sens. Moran and Blumenthal posed the following questions to USOC and requested thorough responses on February 9, 2018.
Alarming reports on February 2, 2018 revealed that two USOC executives were alerted of possible sexual misconduct by Nassar a full year before he was suspended from treating athletes – during which time he continued his abuse. USOC’s failures to protect these athletes led the senators to promptly broaden their investigation to include the remaining 53 National Governing Bodies (NGB).
On February 2, 2018 the senators broadened their investigation and questioned the remaining National Governing Bodies and USOC-affiliated amateur organizations, requesting information regarding whether all abuse reports receive fair, timely and thorough review by all appropriate parties, including by law enforcement.
On February 8, 2018, a former USA Swimming Olympian said she was sexually abused by a former USA Swimming coach. Prior to this disturbing report, the senators had probed USA Swimming on its reporting practices, and USA Swimming had confirmed receipt of the senators’ request. The senators requested a thorough response to their inquiry on or before Friday, February 16, 2018.
Sens. Moran and Blumenthal posed the following questions to National Governing Bodies and USOC-affiliated amateur organizations and requested thorough responses from each of these entities on or before Friday, February 16, 2018.
There is no group of Americans I hold in higher regard than veterans, our nation’s heroes. During my time in Congress – as a member of both the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees – I have made improving the quality of life for the nearly 200,000 veterans living in Kansas a top priority. Especially at a time when thousands of troops are returning from battle and the needs of aging veterans are increasing, I am committed to keeping our promise to those who have served our country.
Veterans face a unique set of challenges as they transition from a military career to civilian life. The first of these challenges often occurs when they leave the service and enter the civilian workforce. It is critical to focus on veteran job creation and employment, which is why I sponsor legislation like the Hire More Heroes Act, the Hire Student Veterans Act, and the Veterans’ Economic Recovery Act. These bills offer practical solutions to veteran unemployment like incentivizing the hiring of veterans and offering veterans educational or vocational training opportunities.
Our nation’s veterans also deserve strong health care and benefits in return for protecting our country. For years, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has struggled to provide quality health care for millions of veterans, particularly those who live in rural communities. In fact, 41 percent of all veterans enrolled in the VA Health Care System reside in rural areas. That number will continue to rise with 44 percent of all U.S. Armed Forces recruits residing in rural areas across the country. To meet this growing need, I have championed common sense solutions to increase access to health care for rural veterans as well as crafted legislation and advocated to make certain Critical Access Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, Sole Community Hospitals, and other rural hospitals can provide quality, community-oriented, primary and preventative care for veterans. I have also led measures to create additional Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), enhance transportation services to and from VA facilities, increase travel reimbursement, improve Home-Health programs and telemedicine.
I believe Kansas VA medical centers and CBOCs are filled with good, hard-working professionals who want to care for veterans by providing quality health care. But challenges remain, and the revelations of failures within the VA system in 2014 demonstrated what can happen when bureaucracy gets in the way of an organization’s mission. The scandals at VA facilities across the country, including manipulation of veteran waitlists and appointments, represented how internal VA dysfunction impacts access to and quality of health care. As a result of these harmful revelations, I sponsored The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act, which became law in August 2014. This vital legislation addressed the dysfunctional VA system and increased veterans’ access to health care by offering them the choice to receive care from local providers. It also held VA employees who directly delayed veteran care through secret wait lists accountable. In 2019, I sponsored the MISSION Act, which replaced the Choice Act by broadening community care criteria, making those options more accessible and flexible for veterans. I will continue to monitor the implementation of this law and the VA’s related programs to make certain Kansas veterans are able to access the health care they deserve.
Another of my objectives for our VA health care system is to provide exceptional mental health care for veterans. The VA estimates that an average of eighteen veterans die each day by suicide, and most of them never received any care from the VA. In 2020, I sponsored the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, named for a Navy SEAL who we tragically lost to suicide. This law makes many improvements to our current treatment systems and provides the VA an opportunity to participate in critical mental health research. It increases access to mental health care for rural veterans, places a Suicide Prevention Coordinator in every VA hospital, and establishes a grant program to foster partnerships between VAs and resources in their local communities. I will continue to make certain that every veteran has a place to go where they can find hope and heal from the invisible wounds of war.
Our nation’s veterans should be treated like heroes, deserving of care from a grateful nation – not made to feel like a burden. I will not rest until all veterans have a Department of Veterans Affairs worthy of their service and sacrifice.
Kansas law enforcement officers work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Law enforcement officers put on their uniform every day and answer the call to not only protect the people they know, but perhaps even more amazing, protect people they have never met. I am truly thankful for our law enforcement officers, especially in Kansas, that answer that call.