Senator Jerry Moran

Saddened to hear of the passing of Connie Palacioz, Kansas’s own “Rosie the Riveter.” At 17, she went to work at Boeing in Wichita, helping build B-29 Superfortress bombers during WWII. As we mourn, we honor her enduring legacy of service to our nation.

Connie Palacioz: A B-29 DOC and World War II-era Rosie the Riveter Legend B-29 Superfortress and World War II-era “Rosie the Riveter” Connie Palacioz has passed away at the age of 101.

Earlier this week, Miami and Franklin County were hit by tornadoes that caused significant damage to homes and businesses and resulted in some injuries. Today, I met with local leaders and members of the communities that were affected by the damage and received an update on ongoing relief efforts. Despite the devastation and loss, Kansans are coming together to clean up and rebuild.

Thank you to the many volunteers and first responders across our state that are continuing to aid their fellow Kansans during this difficult time. A special thank you to Kansas State Rep. Chip VanHouden and State Sen. Doug Shane Miami County Sheriff Frank Kelly, and Miami County Commissioners George Pretz and Tyler Vaughn for joining me in Hillsdale to meet with those affect by the storms, and to Kansas State Rep. Rebecca Schmoe, County Commissioner Sabrina Meador, City Commissioner Mike Skidmore, City Manager Thatcher Moddie, Mayor Zach Clayton, Ottawa Chief of Police Adam Weingartner, Ottawa Police Department Lt. Brian Luft and his wife, Jessica, and Ottawa Public Schools teacher Jason Circle for joining me in Ottawa to discuss the work ahead for their community. I will continue to work closely with state and local leaders to make certain residents have access to federal resources and support necessary to recover.

GOOD NEWS: The Senate Commerce Committee has passed my legislation, the SAFEGUARDS Act. This legislation makes certain the $5.60 9/11 security fee that passengers pay when they purchase an airline ticket is being invested in improving airport security & efficiency.

This is a major step toward strengthening airport security and better protecting the traveling public. I look forward to the passage of the SAFEGUARDS Act by the full Senate to help improve the safety of U.S. airports.

PASSED: Committee Approves Sen. Moran’s Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Airport Security U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation – applauded today’s committee passage of the Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety (SAFEGUARDS) Act, whic...

Last night, a tornado and severe storms caused significant damage in Miami, Franklin and Linn Counties. My prayers are with those who were injured and impacted by the destruction. I want to extend my gratitude to the emergency responders and first responders who are already working to assist those affected. I am in contact with local leaders to assess the damage and identify immediate needs.

Multiple communities report damage, 3 people injured after tornado-producing storms Multiple communities in Kansas have had damage after reported tornadoes and severe storms.

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Greeley County Assistant Fire Chief Levi Evans of Tribune. Levi was a husband and a father, who dedicated his life to protecting the community he loved. My prayers are with the Evans family, the Greeley County Fire and Rescue Department and the entire Greeley County community during this difficult time.

Kansas volunteer firefighter dies after training exercise Carl “Levi” Evans, a volunteer firefighter with Greeley County Fire & Rescue, died in the line of duty after suffering a medical problem during training.

Great things are happening in Salina! Yesterday, I attended the ribbon cutting of the new SkyWest Airlines Overnight Maintenance Base, which will help keep SkyWest’s fleet running smoothly and provide news jobs in the Salina region. Thank you to Sky West CEO Chip Childs, Salina Airport Authority Executive Director Pieter Miller, Salina Airport Authority Board Chairman Don Boos and Davcon CEO Dave Wakefield for attending the event.

In the afternoon, I participated in the groundbreaking of the Salina Family Healthcare’s new community center, which will expand the high-quality services offered by the center. I appreciate Salina Family’s commitment to providing comprehensive, whole-person care. Thank you to Salina Family Healthcare CEO Dr. Robert Kraft and his team for hosting me.

I also attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new General Atomics Systems Inc. facility in Salina. Kansas is at the forefront of innovative aerospace manufacturing, and the addition of General Atomics to our state will strengthen our leadership in the industry while providing more job opportunities. Thank you to General Atomics President David Alexander, General Atomics Salina Site Manager Craig Bronson and Pure Imagination CEO of Fun Joshua Wexler for joining us.

A special thank you to the local and state leaders who came out to the events and helped create these exciting new opportunities in the Salina community including Salina Mayor Mike Hoppock, Salina Chamber CEO Renee Duxler, Salina City Manager Jacob Wood, Saline County Economic Development Director Mitch Robinson, Saline County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes, Congressman Tracey Mann and Kansas State Senator Scott Hill.

Empirical Foods’ new facility in Garden City has been years in the making and will create more than 250 new jobs in Finney County! The grand opening marks a significant day for Kansas beef production, and this new facility will strengthen the local cattle industry and bolster Kansas as a national leader in beef production.

Thank you to President of Empirical Innovations and Empirical Technology Nick Roth, President of Empirical Foods Craig Letch, Executive Officer of Empirical Foods Jennifer Letch, Beef Products Inc. co-founder Regina Roth, Lieutenant Governor David Toland, Congressman Tracey Mann, Mayor Tom Nguyen, President of Finney County Economic Development Lona DuVall, Finney County Commission Chairwoman Vicki Germann and everyone from the Garden City community for attending.

It was great to be in Hutchinson today to celebrate the renovation of Hutchinson Community College’s Davis Hall. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked to secure $3 million in federal support under Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations for HCC to renovate and expand its nursing program in Davis Hall. While I was on campus, I also met with HCC nursing students and received a tour of the nursing school. These upgrades to Davis Hall will bolster student success and strengthen HCC’s capacity to train students for in-demand careers, particularly in healthcare.

Special thank you to HCC President Dr. Tricia Paramore; Allied Health Department Chairs Alison Casebolt and Katie Wilkerson; President & CEO at Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce Debra Teufel; HCC Board of Trustees members David Marshall, Jan Young, Bob Snyder, Terry Bisbee, Rod Calhoun, Todd Miller and Mo Penny; Kansas State Representative Kyler Sweely and everyone in the Hutchinson community for joining us for this special event.