Sunflower State News

Sen. Jerry Moran participated in the groundbreaking of a new 85,000 square-foot facility for the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) at WSU Tech on Friday. The new building aims to train pilots and aviation technicians and is expected to contribute to workforce development in Kansas’ aerospace sector.

“This new facility will help young Kansans pursue careers in the aerospace industry and supply the Air Capital of the World with the next generation of talented, skilled workers. I am grateful for the leadership and vision of WSU Tech President Sheree Utash and her dedication to WSU students. Thank you to the partnerships with Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Congressman Ron Estes, WSU President Rick Muma and Commissioner Ryan Baty. I also want to thank Textron Aviation CEO Ron Draper for his continued investment in the community, including this new facility,” said Moran.

During his visit, Moran also met Colonel Joseph D. Wall, who recently became Commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.

Earlier in the week, Moran visited Boeing’s Seattle Delivery Center where he discussed commercial airplane programs with company executives Mike Fleming and Bill McSherry. Spirit AeroSystems manufactures much of Boeing’s 737 aircraft components in Wichita before they are shipped to Washington state for assembly. Moran noted Wichita’s importance as an aerospace manufacturing hub: “As Boeing’s reintegration of Spirit proceeds, I have emphasized the critical importance of Wichita’s unparalleled aerospace engineering and manufacturing workforce and supply chain to Boeing’s long-term success and to the success of the aerospace industry. I hosted Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg in Wichita in August last year, on his third day in this role, to showcase the exemplary capabilities of Spirit and of the broader aerospace supply chain and workforce in Wichita.”

Moran also received a briefing from David Reames, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) at DEA Seattle Field Division. They discussed enforcement efforts along both southern and northern U.S. borders. Recent seizures include a fentanyl production lab discovered just across Canada’s border that had capacity for large-scale distribution. “With the administration’s stronger enforcement at the southern border, law enforcement anticipates an increase in smuggling being shifted to the northern border... I will continue to work as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies to make certain our law enforcement agencies have resources needed,” stated Moran.

On Monday, Moran met Dr. Marshall Stewart at Kansas State University (KSU), where he was updated on campus construction projects like the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation as well as K-State initiatives supporting research facilities such as NBAF through educational partnerships.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced action against ticket scalpers violating laws set by Moran's Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act—legislation designed to prevent automated bots from buying up event tickets online before consumers can purchase them directly.

“The defendants in FTC’s complaint used unlawful tactics... They must be held accountable for violating law,” said Moran.

Moran continued visits across Kansas hospitals including Patterson Health Center in Anthony—where he discussed federal support for rural healthcare—and St. Luke's Hospital & Living Center in Marion regarding ongoing care delivery challenges faced by rural providers.

He also remembered Keith Houghton—a Kansas native who contributed decades to aviation—and marked National Aviation Day by highlighting Kansas' longstanding role supplying general aviation aircraft nationally.

Applications are now open for students seeking nominations from Sen. Moran's office for U.S Service Academies’ Class of 2030; requirements are available on his official website with application deadlines set for September 8, 2025.

Recent visitors recognized by his office included several individuals from Topeka and Atchison touring Capitol Hill or participating through Disability Writes programming.