Kansas Common Sense - Visiting Central Kansas Hospitals
Statement
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Cyber Attack at United States Office of Personnel Management Affects Millions
It was troubling to hear the news Thursday of a massive cyber attack breaching the personal information of 4 million current and former federal employees stored at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Even more troubling is the fact that this is the second OPM breach in less than a year. These cyber criminals, which some have suggested are state-sponsored, gained access to 4 million federal government employee records including Social Security numbers, job assignments, performance ratings and training information. Last year in an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, I asked a number of questions to OPM Director Archuleta about how to attract and retain cyber talent within the federal workforce to protect against breaches like this. As Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee for Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security, I will pursue answers to how this breach occurred, how long the hackers were in the system, and what steps the federal government should be taking to protect other agencies and sensitive information.
Senate Votes on Legislation to Extend Government's Surveillance Authorities
This week, the Senate passed the USA FREEDOM Act -- legislation altering and extending the government's surveillance authorities. I voted against the bill as I am concerned by the government's domestic data collection practices and the intrusion of the privacy of American citizens. The U.S. intelligence community should be equipped with the tools necessary to reduce national security risks, but the USA FREEDOM Act fails to provide the reform necessary to safeguard individual rights. At the same time, it does not adequately improve the security of Americans.
Effective intelligence gathering does not have to come at the expense of civil liberties. Limited debate in the Senate failed to yield appropriately meaningful reforms. By waiting until the last few days before expiration to address the legislation, Americans were shortchanged in finding a responsible solution. I will continue to push for intelligence policies that protect both national security and the privacy of American citizens.
Frustrating Update from Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center
My request for an update about the delay in reopening Colmery-O'Neil's emergency department this week resulted in frustrating news from VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson -- certain emergency department service areas aren't yet fully capable of meeting the needs of the veterans. Colmery-O'Neil has a plan in place to address these areas and will seek approval to reopen in the coming weeks. While my first priority is the safety and quality of care for veterans, I will continue to work with Congresswoman Jenkins to press the VA until this issue is resolved.
Additionally, this week at a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Hearing I questioned the Veterans Health Administration Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health Clinical Operations Thomas Lynch about the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center's Emergency Department. Click here to read more about this issue.
Sensible Environment Protections Act
I joined a bipartisan group of senators this week in introducing legislation to eliminate a duplicative EPA regulation that results in added cost and bureaucratic red tape for Kansas farmers, ranchers, state and local governments, and other pesticide applicators. The Sensible Environmental Protection Act (SEPA) clarifies Congressional intent concerning the safe use of pesticides around bodies of water under jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act (CWA).
For decades, the EPA has rigorously regulated pesticide applications under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) with the aim to protect human health and the environment. FIFRA requires pesticides to be extensively tested and registered with the EPA. Pesticide users must then strictly comply with agency approved labels when applying the registered pesticide. However, despite this clear regulatory framework in place, a 2009 court decision forced EPA to require additional permits for pesticide use under the CWA. SEPA would eliminate this unnecessary and redundant permitting requirement for pesticides that hinders stakeholders without any environmental benefit. Click here to learn more.
Drawing Attention to Issues at FIFA
Last week, nine FIFA officials and five corporate executives were formally charged by U.S. prosecutors for racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering -- charges that suggest FIFA officials may have been bribed to select certain locations as host countries for the World Cup soccer tournament. This week, the newly re-elected President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, who has presided over international soccer's governing body for 17 years, announced his immediate resignation amidst allegations he is also connected to the high-profile corruption scandal.
As FIFA prepares to elect a new president, I believe now is an opportunity to examine some of the tragic human rights abuses occurring in one of those host countries, Qatar. In 2022, Qatar is scheduled to host the FIFA World Cup. The country, which has a population of less than 300,000 citizens, plans to import as many as 500,000 migrant workers to construct the World Cup stadiums. Last year ESPN aired a riveting documentary, which highlighted the unsanitary living conditions, troubling working conditions and extreme heat that has cost nearly 700 lives in recent years. Should the pace of death continue, as many as 6,000 workers are expected to lose their life before the first World Cup 2022 game begins. As Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security, our jurisdiction includes sports. I intend to hold a hearing to examine these abuses in Qatar, and determine how the United States can play a productive role in encouraging the new president of FIFA to improve worker conditions and restore integrity to the organization. Click here to learn more.
Visiting Central Kansas Hospitals
On Friday afternoon, I had the opportunity to visit health care providers and hospital administrators at two Kansas community hospitals to learn more about their efforts to provide quality care to patients.
First, I visited Stafford County Hospital (SCH), a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital (CAH) serving the community since 1961. SCH provides a wide range of services, including imaging and laboratory services, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and wound care.
Following my time in Stafford, I visited Ellinwood District Hospital (EDH). EDH is also a 25-bed CAH providing care since 1952. EDH also operates a rural health clinic specializing in family medicine, which has seen patients for more than 20 years. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Health Subcommittee, which has funding jurisdiction over most agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that impact hospitals and providers, meeting with Kansas hospital administrators, physicians, nurses, and other staff gives me important insight on the challenges they face caring for patients.
My discussions with SCH and EDH administrators and staff spanned various topics including concerns with proposed changes in Medicare reimbursements and the consequences to CAHs, and the challenges of providing quality patient care under regulations that do not account for the realities of delivering care in a rural setting. It is important that the federal government allow rural providers the flexibility necessary to adequately care for their patients, many of whom are older and live across wide areas. Thank you to SCH CEO Todd Taylor and EDH CEO Kile Magner for hosting my visits to their hospitals.
Working to Prevent Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in Kansas
This week I met with two groups that are working to end domestic violence and child abuse: the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence and the Children's Advocacy Centers of Kansas.
On Wednesday, I met with Joyce Grover to discuss the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV). KSCDV is a nonprofit network that works to prevent and eliminate sexual and domestic violence across our state. The ongoing efforts of KCSDV are critical to the individuals and families it serves, as well as the various organizations it coordinates with. I appreciated the chance to visit with such a respected leader on this important issue.
The Children's Advocacy Centers of Kansas visited with my staff about their work to prevent abuse and keep children safe. In 2014, the Child Advocacy Centers of Kansas served over 4,000 children. Among other things, the CACs' work assists law enforcement and the judicial system efficiently process child abuse cases while prioritizing the child's health and safety.
Continuing Kansas Listening Tour Stops
I continued my Kansas Listening Tour stops with visits to Ellis and Barton Counties on Saturday. For a list of my upcoming Kansas Listening Tour stops, visit my website.
Ellis County
More than 50 Hays-area residents joined me for a Kansas Listening Tour stop in Ellis County. We discussed a number of issues including health care for rural veterans, the Fair Tax, national security, and the importance of improving our country for future generations. Thanks to Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tammy Wellbrock and the City of Hays Welcome Center for hosting my visit.
Barton County
Thanks to the Barton County area residents who attended my Kansas Listening Tour stop in Hoisington. The conversation focused on a number of issues of importance to our state and nation including veterans' health care, Critical Access Hospitals, frustration with the Affordable Care Act and the Farmer Veteran Coalition. Thanks also to Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kristi Lovett and the Hoisington Recreation Commission for hosting.
FHSU's Annual President's Dinner
On Friday, Robba and I attended the Fort Hays State University annual President's Dinner, which is held every year to thank those who have contributed to the University's success. It was great to spend the evening with many FHSU alumni and supporters as we celebrated the university's outstanding achievements. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with Dr. Mirta Martin on her first year as FHSU's President and the great things happening at FHSU.
Honoring Captain Christopher Norgren
On Friday, flags across Kansas were flown at half-staff to honor fallen Marine and Wichita native Chris Norgren. Chris was killed on May 12 aboard a Marine helicopter that crashed while delivering disaster aid to earthquake victims in Nepal. His bravery serves as an inspiration to us all, and I attended his funeral to pay respects on behalf of all Kansans and Americans.
Visiting with Kansas Students in Washington
Over the past couple weeks, it's been a real pleasure to visit with students from across the state visiting our nation's capital including Blue Valley Northwest's "We the People" group, Nemaha Central Middle School and students from McPherson, Geneseo, Windom, Little River, Claflin, Bushton and Holyrood. I shared with them how my interest in politics began when I came to Washington as an intern during college, and I appreciated their questions on current issues facing our state and nation.
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