Kansas Common Sense - The Senate Passes a Budget

Statement

Hello,

Welcome to "Kansas Common Sense." Thank you for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.

The Senate Passes a Budget

During my first speech as a United States Senator, I noted that one of the greatest concerns facing our nation is our country's out-of-control spending. Now, for the first time since 2009, the Senate has passed a budget and set us on a path toward fiscal responsibility. By focusing on pro-growth policy and responsible regulatory reform, this budget will balance the budget in 10 years and potentially create one million new jobs according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Kansas households and businesses have long understood that they must operate on a budget and they have expected their government to do the same. However, for the past six years Congress failed in one of its most basic responsibilities -- drafting and passing a budget. By returning to regular order and establishing guidelines for future spending, this budget will set the stage for a stronger and more prosperous America. While there is more work to be done and debate to be had, it is encouraging to see the Senate working again.

Senate Passage of Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

On Thursday, the Senate passed the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act by a vote of 98 to 1. As the United States government seeks to limit the risk of a nuclear Iran, the safety and security of America and our allies are at risk. Given the gravity of this global threat, it has been troubling to see President Obama seek to act unilaterally and evade Congressional oversight.

While I believe the Senate should have done more to strengthen the bill and demand accountability from Iran, this legislation provides the only opportunity for Americans to review the nuclear agreement and have their voices heard. Congress must impose oversight and prevent the president from committing the United States to a potentially dangerous nuclear deal.

Hearing on Rural Health Care

On Thursday, I participated in a Senate Appropriations Health Subcommittee Hearing on rural health issues. I am a member of this subcommittee, which has funding jurisdiction over most agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that impact hospitals and others providers. Much of the hearing focused on the burdens Washington policies place on health care providers as they work to care for patients in Kansas and other parts of rural America. I was honored to invite a Kansas hospital administrator -- George Stover, CEO at Hospital District #1 of Rice County in Lyons -- to testify as a witness at this hearing. Rice County Hospital, which originally opened in 1959, is a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital (CAH) that employs around 150 individuals and serves the North Central Kansas community that has a population of nearly 3,800. CAHs are small, rural hospitals classified particularly classified under Medicare to receive an enhanced reimbursement for providing care in rural areas. Eighty-four of Kansas' 127 community hospitals are CAHs.

During this hearing, I asked questions about a range of health care issues impacting Kansas and other rural states, including:

What the federal government is doing to prevent rural hospital closures, determine the reasons for such closures, and evaluate the impact hospital closures have on access to health care in their communities.
Concerns that the federal government does not sufficiently reimburse CAHs for significant expenses required to care for rural populations.
Burdensome paperwork requirements for Medicare home health services that are causing confusion among physicians, home health agencies, and beneficiaries
Thank you to Mr. Stover for testifying at this hearing on behalf of Kansas patients and health care providers. His insight was very much appreciated. Click here to watch my discussions at this hearing.

Meeting with New Postmaster General

This week, I joined a group of senators representing rural states to host a discussion with the new Postal Service Postmaster General Megan Brennan. I shared with the Postmaster General many of the stories I've heard from Kansans in letters, phone calls and town hall meetings about slow or unreliable postal service. To be heard on these issues of critical importance to our communities, it's necessary for Republicans and Democrats with aligned rural interests to work together and ultimately bring about the best possible policies for our respective states. I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues to improve the service and financial health at the USPS. Click here to read a Washington Post story about the conversation.

Celebrating GM's 500 Millionth Vehicle Globally at KCK Assembly Plant

Before flying back to Washington on Monday, I gave remarks at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, to celebrate the completion of GM's 500 millionth vehicle globally. I enjoyed visiting with GM CEO Mary Barra, as well as the factory workers, company managers, and loyal customers at the event. The Fairfax plant has produced more than 12 million vehicles since production began in 1945, and today reportedly produces one vehicle every 58 seconds. GM recently completed $600 million in improvements to the assembly plant, which employs 3,500 hourly and salaried employees. I was pleased to hear the company plans to invest another $174 million in the near future. Thanks to UAW Local 31 President Vicki Hale for representing automobile workers and for her organization's commitment to improve the lives of working men and women.

Crop Insurance Professional Association (CIPA) Annual Meeting

This week, I spoke at the Crop Insurance Professional Association (CIPA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City. CIPA is committed to maintaining and strengthening the safety net for American farmers and ranchers through a strong Federal Crop Insurance Program. There were more than 100 crop insurance agents and company representatives from across Kansas and the country.

Without crop insurance, not only would farmers be at the mercy of the weather each year to keep their livelihood, but some wouldn't even be able to get an operating loan from their local bank. As farmers faced tough decisions this spring on what Farm Bill commodity program to choose, I know many of them look to agents for trusted wisdom and counsel. I will continue to be engaged and on the forefront of farm policy and crop insurance discussions as the Chairman of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. I appreciate the service agents do for farmers and ranchers in Kansas and enjoyed the opportunity to visit with their group.

Kansas Listening Tour in Butler County

I continued my listening tour on Saturday with a stop at the Andover City Library. Thanks to the more than 75 Kansans who made time to attend. Topics discussed ranged from trade and education to the budget and national debt. Special thanks to City Administrator Mark Netter for arranging the meeting. Thanks also to Butler Community College President Kim Krull, City Council President Kris Estes, City Council members Sheri Geisler and Caroline Hale, and State Senator Ty Masterson for joining me.

D-J Engineering

I toured D-J Engineering in Augusta on Saturday, and saw first-hand how they support the aerospace industry with highly technical engineering and manufacturing services. Here, I'm pictured with D-J Engineering Owner Rezaul Chowdhury, Butler County Sheriff Kelly Herzet, and D-J Engineering employees James Rowley and Bill Rohner. Thanks also to State Representatives Kristey Williams, Bud Estes and Travis Couture-Lovelady for joining the visit.

Internships

Thank you to our spring 2015 interns: Victoria Lee and Paige Hungate of Wichita and Brian Ard of El Dorado. Their efforts this spring benefited many Kansans across our state, particularly those who visited and received a Capitol Tour through our office. These individuals were a great asset during their time here, and I have no doubt each one of them has a bright future ahead. I was also happy to meet a number of students from the University of Kansas who are interning at various organizations in Washington, D.C. this spring. It was nice to discuss the direction of our country and how to address the important issues we currently face. It is inspiring to see young students so enthusiastic about improving our state and country. The deadline for fall internship applications is quickly approaching, and anyone interested should submit their application before Friday, June 26. Application forms can be obtained and completed under the "Services" section of Sen. Moran's website at www.moran.senate.gov. Applicants should submit a completed application form, resume, academic transcript, two letters of recommendation and a cover letter explaining the applicant's interest in public service and goals of serving as an intern.

Kansas State University's 2nd Annual "Rhapsody!" Concert

Over the weekend, Robba and I attended K-State's 2nd Annual "Rhapsody!" Concert at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts' Helzberg Hall. The event featured the Kansas State University Grand Chorus with professional orchestra, KSU Concert Choir, KSU In*A*Chord* and special guest alumna Jan Kraybill, Conservator of the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant organ. Proceeds benefit scholarships and performance opportunities for Kansas State University students. It was good to catch up with K-State President Kirk Schulz and his wife Noel at the event.

Teacher Appreciation Week -- Honoring Elouise Miller

During Teacher Appreciation Week, special thanks to all the teachers who care deeply about their students and challenge them to reach their goals. Just last week, Elouise Miller, a teacher who taught in the USD 489 school district for 60 years, passed away. Elouise was well-respected by administrators, fellow teachers, parents and students. She was considered a mentor not only as an educator, but also for her lifestyle and care and concern for kids and people in general. Click here to learn more about her story.

Giving Remarks at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

This week, I gave remarks to more than 1,000 members of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Despite the challenges posed by an ever-growing number of burdensome federal regulations, the NRECA works to support the interests of electric cooperatives and the consumers they serve.

Source