Sunflower State News

Last weekend, Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann died in the line of duty while protecting his community. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced a Senate resolution with Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to honor Heimann’s service and spoke on the Senate floor in tribute. Moran attended Heimann’s funeral alongside members of the Hays community and the officer’s family.

“Sgt. Heimann embodied the very best of Hays, a tight-knit place where people look out for their neighbors, care for those in need and protect the vulnerable. In Hays and across Kansas, we will not forget the sacrifice Sgt. Heimann made, and we will honor his service. Robba and I are praying for his wife, Beth, his children, Victoria and Patrick, and the entire law enforcement and Hays community during this difficult time,” Moran said.

Senator Moran also addressed efforts to avoid a government shutdown after the Senate did not pass a short-term funding package intended to allow more time for appropriations negotiations. He criticized Senate Democrats for failing to pass the continuing resolution, stating it hindered Congress from fulfilling its duties.

“The Senate Appropriations Committee has passed 11 of the 12 appropriations bills and, for the first time since 2018, three of the 12 appropriations bills were passed in the Senate before the August state work period. I am committed to working toward ending this shutdown and finishing the appropriations process the American people have tasked us to do,” he said.

Moran discussed recent U.S. Department of Agriculture actions regarding global food programs during appearances on RFD-TV and AgriTalk. The USDA released funds for the Dole-McGovern Food Program, which supports Kansas farmers and addresses global food security. Additionally, USDA plans to purchase $480 million in agricultural commodities from Kansas farmers for this program—a move welcomed by producers facing economic challenges.

He also led Kansas congressional delegation members—including Sen. Marshall and Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Ron Estes (KS-04)—in requesting President Trump declare a major disaster for Kansas following events between July 17–22, 2025. Governor Laura Kelly formally submitted this request on September 17.

Moran met with members of the American Optometric Association to discuss access to vision services in Kansas. During this meeting, he received an award related to bipartisan legislation he introduced—the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act—which aims to improve recognition for Department of Veterans Affairs optometrists and ensure veterans’ timely access to eye care.

Throughout the week, Moran visited several communities across Kansas including Wichita County High School—where he learned about academic programs—and Black & Veatch’s new headquarters in Overland Park where he discussed permitting reform aimed at supporting energy development.

In Healy, Moran visited local businesses such as First State Bank and Sharp Brothers Seed; in Hays he stopped by various local establishments after attending Sgt. Heimann’s funeral service.

Moran noted that Jewish communities recently observed Yom Kippur.

Applications are now open for spring 2026 internships in Moran’s Washington D.C. and Kansas offices as well as for high school students interested in serving as Senate Pages next year; both application deadlines are October 19.