On Thursday, I chaired the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation hearing to examine the facts outlined in the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary report on the tragic midair collision near DCA on January 29th. I questioned NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau, and Director of Army Aviation Brigadier General Matthew Braman on the events that led to this event and their roles in making certain a tragedy like this never occurs again.

Based on the facts that have emerged over the course of the investigation, the 67 lives that were lost on January 29th were taken prematurely in an accident that by all indications should have been avoidable. While the NTSB’s preliminary report is a critical early step toward delivering answers, many questions remain unanswered. During the hearing, I asked Acting Administrator Rocheleau why the alarming data about near midair collisions near DCA was not acted upon before the collision and what the FAA is doing to evaluate and mitigate similar risks at DCA and around the country. I also questioned the witnesses about the use of ground- and air-based safety technologies, and their roles in preventing midair accidents, current operations at DCA and where the investigation goes from here.

It is imperative that investigators, regulators and Congress provide answers on how this accident occurred to make certain that every American stepping onto a commercial aircraft is safe and feels safe.

You can watch my opening remarks at the hearing here.

Addressing Global Threats to U.S. National Security
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held its annual open hearing on the worldwide threats to national and global security. With committee briefings usually held in classified settings behind closed doors, this hearing enables Americans to hear our top intelligence officials discuss the strength and capabilities of our adversaries, including China, Russia and Iran. I asked the intelligence officials in the room about the projected course of Russia’s war in Ukraine, asking about the strength of Ukrainian and Russian forces and how the war might be different by the end of this year. As peace talks commence, I was told Ukraine’s military is not assessed to be on the verge of collapse, which is important in providing time to reach an agreement that protects Ukraine’s interests.

Meeting with President Trump’s Nominees
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya
On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as the 18th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and is the nation’s medical research agency. Before the vote on Tuesday, I visited with Dr. Bhattacharya to hear more about his plans for NIH. Dr. Bhattacharya plans to focus on addressing chronic disease and finding breakthrough treatments for cancer and diabetes. I look forward to working with Director Bhattacharya to make certain the United States remains the leader in cutting-edge scientific and medical research.

Brian Nesvik
I had the opportunity to meet with Brian Nesvik, the nominee for Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). I stressed to him the importance of FWS continuing to have a collaborative relationship with local farmers and ranchers and the Kansas Department of Agriculture to find solutions to the water rights issues with the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. We also spoke about the work being done by Kansas producers to preserve the lesser prairie-chicken to make certain it does not need to be listed as an endangered species. I look forward to him moving through the nomination and confirmation process.

Arielle Roth
The Senate Committee on Commerce convened a hearing to consider the nomination of Arielle Roth to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. Before her hearing, I met with Ms. Roth to discuss her leadership role at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the federal agency tasked with carrying out important telecommunications priorities like the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

I look forward to further committee action on Ms. Roth’s nomination and the considering of her nomination on the Senate floor.

Visiting Cox Enterprises Headquarters
On my way to D.C., I visited the headquarters of Cox Enterprises in Atlanta and met with the company’s executive leadership and leadership of one of the company’s subsidiaries, Cox Communications, which provides telecommunications services throughout the state of Kansas. We discussed access to spectrum, broadband development and how Congress can support providers in delivering telecommunications services to parts of the country with limited access to broadband. As Congress conducts oversight of broadband deployment programs, hearing from Cox and its subsidiaries is critically important to making certain those funds are being spent responsibly and effectively.

Thank you to Cox Enterprises CEO and Chairman of the Board Alex Tayor, President and CFO, Dallas Clement, and EVP and General Counsel Jennifer Hightower. Likewise, thank you to Cox Communications President Mark Greatrex, Chief Residential Officer Coleen Langner and Chief Network and Field Operations Officer Len Barlik.

Touring Lockheed Martin Production Facility
While in Georgia, I toured Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta. This production facility is one of the oldest facilities utilized during World War II and was one of the primary sites for the B-29 bomber, similar to Wichita. Currently, the facility supports programs beneficial to the U.S. Air Force such as the C-130J Super Hercules, C-5 Galaxy modernization and F-35 center wing production.

Our industrial base is vital for making certain that our servicemembers are equipped with the most advanced and modern capabilities to address the current threats of today. I want to thank the Lockheed team for hosting me. I look forward to working with Lockheed Martin in supporting companies that address the needs of the services and the production lines that make certain our men and women in uniform are provided the most up to date and lethal equipment that strengthens our nation’s security.

Introducing Legislation to Improve Veteran Suicide Prevention
This week, I introduced the Helping Optimize Prevention and Engagement (HOPE) for Heroes Act of 2025 to expand and reauthorize a grant program that improves the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outreach efforts to prevent and eliminate veteran suicide. This legislation will specifically increase grant funding that was included in the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act for resources related to veteran suicide prevention, improving continuity of care by requiring VA to coordinate between grantees and their local VA and require the VA to conduct training to help grantees efficiently utilize suicide screening tools.

Meeting veterans where they are, whether in the community or at VA, allows more veterans to access resources to help them through a mental health crisis. This legislation expands the VA’s ability to better collaborate with community organizations and providers to make certain more veterans are able to receive treatment and mental health services and, ultimately, help prevent veteran suicide.

Receiving Updates on U.S. Army Aircraft Development
On Wednesday, I met with Scott Donnelly, the CEO of Textron, and Lisa Atherton, the President and CEO of Bell Textron. Bell Textron is currently developing the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), which will eventually replace the aging Blackhawk fleet. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I have been supportive of the FLRAA program through each appropriations cycle. The FLRAA aircraft will provide the Army with the speed and range to increase the warfighter’s capabilities to fight and win when it is necessary. Kansas has led efforts to improve the equipment and capabilities for our men and women in uniform and combat rising threats to our nation and our allies’ security.

Meeting with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg
I met with Kelly Ortberg, CEO of Boeing, last week to discuss Boeing’s efforts to improve its quality control and safety culture. We also discussed Boeing’s acquisition of Wichita-based Spirit AeroSystems and the federal government’s ongoing oversight of Boeing. I appreciated the opportunity to host Mr. Ortberg at Spirit’s facilities in Wichita last year, at the beginning of his tenure as CEO in August. It is still incumbent upon Boeing to regain the trust of America’s aviation regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration, Congress, the people of Wichita and the American flying public.

On Wednesday, April 2nd, Mr. Ortberg will appear before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation where he will answer questions about Boeing’s progress on safety and quality control since the midair blowout of a door panel plug on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. As chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation and a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to upholding Congress’ oversight role and supporting continued U.S. preeminence in aerospace manufacturing. Thank you to Mr. Ortberg and his colleagues for their time, and I look forward to continuing a productive dialogue, as Boeing undertakes critical work to restore its reputation and regain America’s trust.

Modernizing America’s Air Traffic Control Infrastructure
On Wednesday, I joined Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on issuing a solicitation for legislative proposals to modernize America’s air traffic control (ATC) systems and improve the National Airspace System (NAS). The solicitation was sent to our colleagues in the Senate and to industry stakeholders, including in Kansas, and it requests feedback to improve ATC infrastructure, technology and workforce and to modernize the NAS.

Aviation safety is among the federal government’s most critical responsibilities, but it requires the input of experts across the aviation sector. Recent aviation tragedies are a stark reminder of the pressing needs in our ATC systems for updated facilities, equipment and NAS design. We look forward to hearing from stakeholders and working with Secretary Duffy to advance aviation safety in America.

Speaking at the TAPS Honor Guard Gala
I was asked to give the keynote address at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Honor Guard Gala in Washington, D.C. TAPS has been the main advocate for surviving families and has played an important role in passing landmark legislation to improve care, benefits and services for servicemembers, veterans and survivors across the country. TAPS has also been a significant advocate for my bill, the Love Lives On Act, which would make certain that surviving spouses can remarry before the age of 55 without the risk of losing their Department of Defense and VA benefits.

I was introduced by Christina Wilson, who is a surviving daughter of U.S. Navy Captain, David Wilson. I have met with Christina and her family before when they came to Capitol Hill to discuss legislation and the needs of surviving families across the nation. It takes great strength to turn the most painful, difficult circumstances into an opportunity to better the lives of others. I thank all of the staff, mentors and survivors from TAPS who come to Capitol Hill to advocate for needed change. 

Confirming the Deputy Secretary of VA
On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Paul Lawrence as the new Deputy Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Lawrence is an Army veteran who previously served as the VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits from 2018 to 2021. He led the Veterans Benefits Administration during a critical time where VA benefits programs underwent significant reform as a result of legislation like the Forever G.I. Bill, the Appeals Modernization Act, and the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. Through his service and previous experience at VA, he has demonstrated that he is prepared to help Secretary Collins lead the Department of Veterans Affairs and support the needs of our nation’s veterans and their families.

Connecting with Foreign Ministers of Europe
On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues in a discussion with the Foreign Ministers of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. During our meeting, I underscored America’s commitment to retaining a robust alliance that defends against hostile governments. The Baltic states serve as essential partners to Ukraine, and I was glad to hear that all three countries have committed to increasing their defense spending to be better partners to NATO member states.

Meeting with Kansans
Kansas Livestock Association
On Wednesday, I met with Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) leaders representing cattle producers across the state. We spoke about the importance of bio-security and animal health, passing a new Farm Bill and ensuring farms and ranches can be passed on to the next generation without facing a heavy tax and regulatory burden. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I look forward to working with KLA to drive these issues forward.

City of Gardner
This week, I met with Gardner Mayor Todd Winters and City Administrator Jim Pruetting. We discussed the exciting commercial and residential growth in the city as a result of the ongoing decisions of businesses and families to relocate and grow in Kansas. In response to this growth, the mayor updated me on ongoing work to update the city’s wastewater system and other public services.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City
I appreciated meeting with representatives from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City to receive updates on the priorities of Kansas City’s Hispanic community. During our meeting, we discussed access to capital for economic development, the chamber’s priorities in upcoming budget reconciliation legislation, the status of the CHIPS program and immigration issues.

Thank you to Carlos Gomez, Amanda Villareal, Tammy Martin, and Louise Martinez for their time and insights and for the opportunity to discuss these important issues.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society
This week, I met with members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Mid America Chapter, a group who assists individuals affected by multiple sclerosis in Kansas. The Mid America Chapter fundraises, advocates and supports research for treatments and cures. Federal multiple sclerosis research has helped lead to more than 25 treatments for Multiple Sclerosis. In my work on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I work to support funding for critical research for diseases like multiple sclerosis through the Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health.

Kansas Association of Conservation Districts
On Wednesday, I met with representatives of the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts. We talked about their work with USDA to assist landowners and farmers in adopting conservation practices. We also spoke about the important programs found in the Farm Bill in need of reauthorization. I am grateful for the work they do to help keep Kansas farms and ranches healthy and operating.

Visits Across Kansas
Rock Creek High School
On Friday, I traveled to St. George to tour Rock Creek High School. I met with faculty and students about the programs Rock Creek offers to prepare students for the future. Thank you to the students, faculty and staff of Rock Creek for taking the time to show me around. 

Kansas Bureau of Investigations Headquarters
Later on Friday, I toured the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s (KBI) headquarters in Topeka with KBI Director Tony Mattivi. The men and women of the KBI work hard every day in collaboration with local law enforcement to keep our communities safe, and I am grateful for their efforts. I will continue to work with Director Mattivi and the KBI to make certain that law enforcement in Kansas has the adequate resources needed to safeguard our state. Thank you Director Mattivi for having me out to visit the headquarters, and for your continued service to Kansas.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka
While in Topeka, I visited the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka to meet with their CEO, Jeff Kuzbel. We spoke about continued efforts to promote homeownership and make certain Kansans maintain the ability to access needed capital throughout that process. I want to thank Jeff for taking the time to meet with me.

Grandview Plaza Fire Department
Saturday morning, I traveled to Grandview for a pancake breakfast at the Paint Barn in support of the local Grandview Plaza Fire Department. I had the opportunity to speak with residents and fire department workers on the needs of the department and the community. Thank you to all who hosted this event, and thank you to the men and women of Grandview Plaza Fire Department for your continued commitment to protecting your Kansas community.

Remembering Bob Davis
Last week, Kansas lost an exemplary sports broadcasting legend in Bob Davis. Bob started his career at KAYS radio station in Hays covering Fort Hays State athletics before moving on to become the play-by-play broadcaster for KU basketball and football and later the Kansas City Royals. Bob’s legacy will forever remind us of the many great moments in sports across our state and beyond. From his call in the 1988 National Championship game: “The dream is real! The dream is real! Kansas has won the NCAA title!” to Mario’s miracle shot in the 2008 National Championship game, so many of us associate Bob with those cherished moments in sports that we shared with our family and friends. His voice is one we will forever miss in the broadcasting booth. My thoughts are with the Davis family during this time of grief.

Now Accepting 2025 Service Academy Applications
Applications are now open for students to apply to a United States Service Academy for the Class of 2030. One of my favorite duties as a U.S. Senator is appointing Kansans to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

For the list of requirements and to apply, you can visit my website here. All application materials are due to my Olathe office by Friday, October 4, 2025. After applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of interviews with my Service Academy Selection Board.

Kansans in the Office  

Capitol Tours
Hunter Albrecht of Downs

Charlie Bontrager of Seneca

Jim Bontrager of Seneca

Kim Bontrager of Seneca

Riley Bontrager of Seneca

Wyatt Brummer of Cawker City

Jace Cunningham of Glen Elder

Krina Doane of Downs

Gage Gradig of Downs

Addison Green of Russell

Jackson Hardy of Downs

Jeremy Long of Portis

Kaden McCoy of Portis

Gavin Naaz of Downs

Korbin Naasz of Downs

Reece Remus of Downs

Maleah Roenne of Cawker City

Cambi Schoen of Downs

Issac Schoen of Downs

Aubrey Schreiner of Downs

Gabe Smith of Downs

Lakota Snyder of Cawker City

Erin Sturd of Overland Park

Amy Voorhees of Rantoul

James Voorhees of Rantoul

Bill Walsh of Cawker City

Cassi Walsh of Cawker City

Leslie Wollnik of Leawood

Danielle Wootton of Olathe

Paul Wootton of Olathe

Riley Wyman of Cawker City

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Matthew Lowe of Pittsburg

Apartment Association of Kansas City

Jason Grill of Kansas City

Dennis Watts of Kansas City

American Coalition for Ethanol

Aaron Frits of Lawrence

American Osteopathic Association

Laurea Huelson of Olathe

Shamirah Johnson of Shawnee

Kaitlyn Onumgley of Wichita

Council of Chief State School Officers

Jake Steel of Topeka

Dean Zajic of Topeka

Engage Together

Lucy Bloom of Olathe

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City

Alex Garcia, Kansas City

Mara Garcia of Shawnee

Carlos Gomez of Overland Park

Israel Mendez of Overland Park

Helen Ortiz Turley of Lee Summit

Alex Santoro of Lee Summit

Amanda Villareal of Overland Park

Kansas Association of Conservation Districts

Jerry Clasen of Nickerson

Dan Meyerhoff of Hays

Stephanie Royer of Lacrosse

Kansas Rural Letters Carriers Association

Adam Peters of McPherson

Mike Phills of Mound City

Kansas Tenth District Court

Josiah Wonnell of Olathe

Rob Wonnell of Olathe

Missouri and Associated Rivers Coalition

Melinda Harger of Lawrence

Melissa Sieben of Lawrence

Sarah White of Kansas City

National Air Traffic Controllers Association

James Health of Olathe

Patrick James of Lenexa

Michael Klein of Olathe

Aaron Monria of Lenexa

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Meg Godderz of Overland Park

Jeffrey Peier of Wichita

Water Systems Council

Patrick Sloss of Lenexa