Hosting NASA Administrator in Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchinson On Friday, I hosted NASA Administrator Bill Nelson at the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson to meet with local leaders and tour the incredible science museum. As we honor the history of our space program at the Cosmosphere, we are also approaching the dawn of a new era in space. In a few days, Artemis I will launch from the Kennedy Space Center, the most powerful rocket to ever leave Earth. The next step will be putting astronauts back on the Moon and then further into space. The Cosmosphere plays an important role in helping inspire and educate the next generation of scientists, engineers and astronauts. As the lead Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over NASA, I have made it a priority to bring NASA leaders and aerospace companies to the Cosmosphere so they can witness firsthand the great work being done to engage with students across the country. Thank you to the Cosmosphere for being an asset to our state and the nation in these efforts. Special thanks to Jim Remar, President and CEO at the Cosmosphere, and Mimi Meredith, Senior Vice President of Communication and Chief Development Officer at the Cosmosphere, for the tour today and for the work they do to further inspire and educate young Kansans. McCurry Brothers Angus Farm near Sedgwick As part of our NASA visits on Friday, I hosted NASA Administrator Nelson and Dr. Karen St. Germain, Division Director of NASA’s Earth Science Division, at the McCurry Brothers Angus Farm near Sedgwick. We discussed the droughts across Kansas and how they impact our farming community. We also discussed the use of NASA satellites to better understand weather patterns, plant crops and utilize fields and land for our farmers and ranchers. Thank you to Greg McCurry, Jesse McCurry, Pam McCurry, Matt Splitter and Vin Kissek for hosting us during this visit and for showing Administrator Nelson and Director St. Germain the importance of Kansas agriculture. To read more about NASA’s visit, click here. D-J Engineering in Augusta On Friday, we also visited D-J Engineering in Augusta. This south central Kansas company produces parts, composites and other manufacturing services to support our nation’s aerospace and defense industries. D-J Engineering also manufactures parts for the Space Launch System (SLS), the launch vehicle used for NASA’s Artemis mission which will take us back to the Moon and beyond. The Artemis I mission is set to launch later this month. Thank you to all at D-J Engineering for hosting us and for the work they do on a daily basis to advance our state’s role in space. Special thanks to Rezaul Chowdhury, Owner and CEO of D-J Engineering, and Ryan Hernandez, Vice President of Engineering and Tech Services, for their commitment to this mission for Kansas and our nation. To read more about the visit, click here.

Announcing Caldwell as a "Smart Rural Community" I joined members from KanOkla Networks, a telecommunications provider located in Caldwell, and the Sumner County Hospital District 1 in Caldwell this week for an announcement recognizing Caldwell as a Smart Rural Community and highlighting the partnership between these two organizations aimed at improving access to broadband for rural America. It was great to hear from local leaders about the power of rural broadband and what this milestone means for the community and rural health care providers. In rural communities, the distance between a patient and a provider presents a barrier to care that is difficult to overcome. Over the past three years, telehealth has filled this gap, and we must make the COVID-19 telehealth emergency flexibilities permanent. Telehealth not only improves income for hospitals, but it improves the health of patients. In order for rural Kansas to have access to quality care, we need effective, efficient and reliable broadband. With the broadband partnership between KanOkla Network and the Caldwell Hospital, Sumner County will be providing their residents reliable access to quality care. This milestone for the Caldwell community is a step forward in making certain rural America is equipped with the same resources and access as other parts of the country. Thank you to KanOkla CEO Jill Kuehny and Sumner County Hospital District 1 CEO Brooke Bollman for joining together to make this announcement possible. Visiting Caldwell High School In addition, I visited Caldwell High School, where I heard from school leadership and students about the opportunities this school provides, especially with a focus on technical vocations. The students at Caldwell High School went back to school for the fall semester on August 16th, and it is great to see how much they are already learning and the excitement they have for future growth and opportunities. Thank you to Superintendent Alan Jamison, as well as Principal Stacy Boone, Dani Schmidt of Student Services, and to students Simon Stewart, Anniston Lee, Addley Mayo and Allorah Carothers for sharing your insight and perspectives during my visit. I also want to thank Caldwell Mayor Jamie York and State Representative Bill Rhiley for accompanying us on this tour. Attending Governor's Summit on Agricultural Growth On Wednesday, I joined state and local leaders for the Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth in Manhattan. I spoke with many attendees about Kansas’ agricultural efforts and the work being done to make certain that our state remains a leader in the ag industry. Farmers and ranchers put food on our tables, clothes on our backs and the roofs over our heads. Our wellbeing and health depend on a strong agricultural sector, and our Kansas producers are the backbone of this field. When agriculture is successful, Kansas is successful. Thank you to those who attended this event and joined in conversations about the issues facing our agricultural community. We must make certain our farmers and ranchers here in Kansas have the opportunity to prosper. Cowtown Days Parade in Ellsworth On Saturday, I joined area residents for the Ellsworth Cowtown Days Parade. This annual tradition celebrates the community’s rich cattle town history, as Ellsworth was a national cattle market leader from 1871-1875. It was nice to see so many old friends and new faces. Congratulations to former and current employees of the Ellsworth Reporter and Ellsworth County Independent Reporter who served as parade grand marshals. Special thanks to Cowtown Days Chair Tami McGreevy for arranging my participation and John Thaemert for driving me. Celebrating Hutchinson's 150th Anniversary It was great to be in Hutchinson on Thursday evening for the 150th Anniversary Celebration. It was nice to see so many friends out celebrating this great community. During the block party it was especially great to stop by the Toy Depot and catch up with Mark and Geneva. Small businesses like the Toy Depot keep main streets unique and alive. Thank you, Mark, for all you do for the Hutch community!

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