Senator Jerry Moran Highlights Memorial Day Events, Kansas Advocacy, and Legislative Progress

by Derek White

In his latest Kansas Common Sense newsletter, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran reflected on Memorial Day commemorations, outlined legislative efforts, and shared updates from his travels across the Sunflower State and Washington, D.C.

Honoring Service and Sacrifice on Memorial Day

Senator Moran joined communities in Grinnell and WaKeeney on Memorial Day to honor America’s fallen servicemembers. Despite recent tornado damage, Grinnell residents rallied to clean up the local cemetery ahead of the ceremony. Moran praised their commitment to honoring veterans and extended special thanks to Bea Albers, County Commissioner Adam Teeter, and the local VFW. He later attended a solemn service at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney, recognizing the sacrifices made by Kansans in uniform.

Supporting Kansas Priorities and Programs

Moran announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted an exemption from the federal hiring freeze, allowing necessary staff to be hired at Council Grove Lake—just in time for the busy summer season. The senator had visited the lake and advocated for its reopening to support tourism and the local economy.

In Kansas City, Moran attended the groundbreaking for the new KU Cancer Center, a project he helped fund through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “Cancer touches all of us,” Moran said, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in world-class research and treatment facilities.

Legislative Action and Oversight

Moran led a hearing on 20 veterans’ bills, eight of which he introduced himself, aiming to improve care and benefits for veterans and their families. He also questioned cabinet officials on pressing issues, including:

• Measles outbreak response in Kansas – urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to ensure the state receives adequate resources.

• Agriculture priorities – highlighting the importance of NBAF in Manhattan and emphasizing the need to continue issuing key reports like the July Cattle Report.

• Defense and National Guard support – discussing KC-46A refueling tankers, STARBASE STEM programs, and a proposed partnership between the Kansas Guard and Greece.

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Additionally, Moran introduced new agricultural legislation, including the Farmer to Farmer Education Act, the FEED Act to modernize animal feed regulations, and the AG RESEARCH Act to address infrastructure backlogs at land-grant universities.

Engagement with Kansans

Moran recapped several meetings with Kansans in Washington and at home. He spoke with representatives from the National Grocers Association, Saint Francis Ministries, and Lockheed Martin Space, among others. He also visited Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Bowersock Mills, Kansas’ only hydroelectric turbine facility.

Finally, the senator encouraged high school students to apply to U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2030, with application materials due by October 4.

Conclusion

From Memorial Day ceremonies to federal hiring solutions and bipartisan legislation, Senator Moran’s recent activities reflect a steady focus on honoring veterans, supporting Kansas communities, and shaping national policy. As always, he invites Kansans to share feedback and reach out to his offices for assistance.