Sunflower State News

This week, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden in Manhattan, Kansas. The visit highlighted the research taking place at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) and Kansas State University’s Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI). Senator Moran stated, "I am committed to getting NBAF fully operational and making certain BRI is equipped to conduct research and training that is closely aligned with the needs and priorities of NBAF." He also thanked Deputy Secretary Vaden for visiting and prioritizing food supply safety.

Kansas State University was recently recognized as one of the top five agriculture colleges in the country, which supports its efforts to train future scientists and veterinarians for facilities like NBAF. Senator Moran acknowledged K-State President Linton and local leaders for their participation during these discussions.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment launched a new portal for applications to the Rural Health Transformation Program, part of an initiative established through federal reconciliation legislation. The program will help distribute approximately $1 billion over five years to support rural healthcare providers across Kansas.

Senator Moran visited several hospitals in Kansas this week, including Anderson County Hospital in Garnett and AmberMed in Hoxie, meeting with staff to discuss challenges faced by rural healthcare providers. He emphasized the importance of Critical Access Hospitals in maintaining access to care for Kansans living outside urban areas.

On Monday, Senator Moran attended an event at American Legion Post 400 in Topeka with newly elected National Commander Dan Wiley. Wiley is traveling nationwide promoting initiatives such as veteran suicide prevention through the “Be The One” campaign and advocating for legislative measures like the Major Richard Star Act, which aims to restore full retirement benefits for combat-injured veterans.

In Wichita, Senator Moran participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the police department’s Real Time Information Center. This facility is designed to enhance emergency response capabilities by providing officers with real-time data from cameras and other systems before arriving on scene. According to Senator Moran, "This ribbon cutting represents an investment in the safety and security of Kansans."

Senator Moran also spoke at McPherson College during a dedication ceremony for the Bob Wise Campus Commons, recognizing Bob Wise’s contributions to student success at the college.

The annual U.S. Service Academy Day was held at Wichita State University where students interviewed with members of Senator Moran's Service Academy Selection Board as part of their application process to attend national service academies such as West Point or Annapolis.

Recently introduced legislation includes a bill co-sponsored with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) aimed at easing commercial driver’s license renewals online for seasonal agricultural drivers, modernizing requirements so farmers can transport crops more efficiently during harvest season.

Senator Moran joined Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) introducing legislation intended to address counterfeit fentanyl-laced pill production by requiring serial numbers on pill presses used illegally by cartels.

A bipartisan bill called Expanding American Entrepreneurship Act was reintroduced alongside Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.). The act seeks to increase investor limits on angel funds supporting start-up companies—aiming to expand opportunities for early-stage business funding across communities.

During his visits around Kansas this week, Senator Moran met with students at Yates Center Senior High School and Marais Des Cygnes Valley High School; visited Morland community locations; attended Oberlin Rotary Club; toured GAF’s construction site in Newton—a project expected to create 130 jobs—and honored fallen Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann following his death while on duty.

He recognized Gold Star Families Remembrance Week as a time “to honor surviving spouses and family members of our nation’s servicemembers,” emphasizing gratitude toward families who have lost loved ones serving their country.

Senator Moran announced that applications are now open for spring 2026 internships within his offices as well as spots in the Senate Page Program—opportunities aimed at students interested in public service or learning about Congress firsthand.