Blast off: Artemis II Launch

Blast off: Artemis II Launch Apr 06 2026 Blast off: Artemis II Successful Launch On Wednesday, our nation watched as three American astronauts and one Canadian astronaut embarked on the Artemis II mission to orbit the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years and go deeper into space than ever before. I have the responsibility of leading funding decisions for NASA, and last year Congress made a $10 billion investment in NASA in the Reconciliation Bill to bolster the Artemis program and return to the Moon. The successful launch of Artemis II would not be possible without the Kansas suppliers who contributed to the success of this mission. Congratulations to DJ Engineering in Augusta, MPM Inc. in Wichita, Perfekta Inc. in Wichita, Wesco Aircraft Hardware Corp in Wichita, Galaxy Technologies in Winfield and Vector Tooling Technologies in Winfield on their contributions to the construction of the Space Launch system and the Orion spacecraft. We are one step closer to returning American astronauts to the Moon’s surface and beating China back to the Moon because of Kansas’ contributions to our aerospace industry. I will continue to monitor the duration of the Artemis II mission and wish the astronauts a safe journey and return to Earth. Sen. Moran with NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover & Reid Wiseman, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, after their selection for the Artemis II mission in 2023. Happy Easter Rejoice, Rejoice, O Christian, lift your voice and sing eternal Hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all who seek him, the help of all who find; none other is so loving, so good and kind. Robba and I wish everyone a joyful Easter Sunday celebrating the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. Hosting RTX CEO Chris Calio in Wichita I hosted RTX Corporation CEO Chris Calio in Wichita – the Air Capital of the World – to showcase Kansas’ aerospace capabilities firsthand. RTX is an aerospace and defense manufacturer, one of the largest in the world, that is composed of Raytheon Technologies, United Technologies and Rockwell Collins. We toured Cox Machine Inc. and VECCO, where we met with employees to learn more about their cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities and visited with local leaders in the Wichita community. The employees at Cox Machine, VECCO and thousands more across Kansas support major aerospace companies like RTX both in commercial aviation and defense. Thank you to Chris for taking the time learn more about Kansas’ aerospace sector and our workforce's contributions on the global stage. Special thank you to Greater Wichita Partnership (GWP) President Jeff Fluhr, GWP Chief Economic Development Officer Andrew Nave, Cox Machine President Jason Cox, Cox Machine COO Doug Hays, Cox CFO Morgan Wiebe, VECCO General Manager Jerrid Moore, VECCO Director of Engineering and Quality Matt Bush, VECCO Vice President of Sales and Business Development Martin Urias, VECCO Program Manager Kari Harlow and all the employees and members of the Wichita community who hosted us. Securing America's Energy Dominance Kansas has a long history as a leader in both agriculture and aviation with our farmers being the top producers of sorghum, wheat and cattle and our manufacturers producing 35% of all general aviation aircraft in the U.S. We are uniquely suited with the agricultural capacity and industrial infrastructure needed to strengthen American energy dominance, all that is missing is policy support to drive this forward. That is why I introduced the Securing America’s Fuels Act , legislation that would reinstate the bonus credit to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit for an emerging fuel called Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By strengthening SAF production, it would provide for the opening of new commodity markets, bolster our aviation industry and generate tens of thousands of new jobs for Kansas and states across the country. As a founding member of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus, I am committed to making certain our farmers, manufacturers and rural communities have all they need to help power America’s skies. You can read more from my opinion piece in Ag Week here . Update on U.S. Military Operation in Iran With the war in Iran in its sixth week, President Trump addressed the nation on the war’s progress and asserted the campaign would last another two to three weeks. The President warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to ship traffic or face devastating consequences. The potential for escalation, including the introduction of ground troops, increases the danger to our military men and women and our regional partners and the global economy. We saw this danger in the courageous rescue of two Air Force crew shot down over Iran. As the representatives of the American people, Congress needs answers on the objectives of this military campaign and what has transpired since this conflict began. Administration officials should testify before Congress and explain to the American people the threat posed by Iran and how achieving stated objectives, such as degrading Iran’s missile production, will be measured and accomplished. This is essential to sustain support for the war and make certain the fighting ends with a durable peace that leaves our country safer. Watch my conversation with WIBW Channel 13 News here . Visits Across Kansans KSU College of Veterinary Medicine On Friday I was in Manhattan at Kansas State University (KSU) to announce federal funding for the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I helped secure $4.9 milion for K-State for the acquisition and installation of equipment and technologies to better equip their teaching laboratories and classrooms. This investment will support CVM’s mission of educating and preparing the next generation of veterinarian professionals and animal health leaders. Thank you to KSU President Richard Linton and CVM Interim Dean Beth Davis for allowing me to join them in celebrating this federal award. Read more about the announcement in The Manhattan Mercury here . Trego County It was great to visit the Trego County Sheriff’s Office in WaKeeney to announce federal resources that I helped secure for the office as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. These resources will help the office upgrade the radio and communications technology that they rely on to do their jobs and keep Kansans safe. Special thank you to Sheriff Edward Pritchard, Jerry Jervah Jr. and Brandon Payne with the Trego County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas State Representative Jim Minnix, Trego County Attorney Abraham Pfannenstiel, WaKeeney City Council Member Dave Anderson, Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital CEO Jeremy Rabe, Trego Community Schools Superintendent Matt Smith, Nex-Tech Community Engagement Specialist Friday Otuya and everyone who joined us for the event. You can read more about the announcement in the Hays Post here . Fort Riley On Tuesday, I met with Fort Riley Commanding General Major General Monté Rone for an update on efforts to support and equip the servicemembers at Fort Riley as they prepare for upcoming deployments. We also discussed infrastructure needs of their facilities to make certain the men and women at Fort Riley receive the highest quality of preparedness. I appreciated the discussion with MG Rone on how the installation plays a vital role both in the local community and with our international partners. As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I will continue to work to make certain the soldiers at Fort Riley have the tools needed to fulfill their missions of serving and protecting our country. I also met Command Sergeant Major Terry Richardson from the 1st Infantry Division, who was recently awarded the Medal of Honor by the President for extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War. On Sept. 14, 1968, he went above and beyond the call of duty, saving his platoon that was surrounded by a North Vietnamese Army battalion. He braved heavy enemy fire to rescue three of his squad members and withstood a heavy storm of bullets while directing tactical strikes toward the enemy forces. Despite being severely wounded by a sniper bullet to the leg, he continued to fight for more than seven hours until the North Vietnamese troops finally fell back. Ultimately, his actions saved 85 lives that day. He put others before himself, showing tremendous courage and risking his very life to rescue his fellow servicemembers. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you, CSM Richardson, for your profound courage and sacrifice. Chanute High School On Wednesday, I joined the Chanute community for the opening of the new Cooper Animal Science Learning Center at Chanute High School (CHS). I also appreciated spending time with Kansas FFA members to hear firsthand the passion they have for agriculture and the rural communities they call home. This new center will help cultivate the next generation of farmers and producers, providing them with hands-on education and training them for successful careers. During the event, Chanute FFA Chapter President Wyatt Stephenson shared his experiences in the CHS agriculture program and highlighted how the center will expand learning opportunities for him and his peers. Thank you to the Chanute Public Schools and the community for their ongoing investment in the education and success of Kansas students. Thank you as well to Superintendent Matt Koester, the learning center campaign co-chair Ron Flowers, USD 413 Board Member Heather Gernsey, CHS Principal Zack Murry, CHS FFA Advisors and Ag Instructors Caitlyn LaHaye and Zach Callghan, CHS FFA Chapter President Wyatt Stephenson, Congressman Derek Schmidt, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam, Kansas State Representative Ken Collins, Chanute Mayor Jacob LaRue and all the members and leaders of the community who joined us for the event. I especially enjoyed speaking with the Chanute FFA students, including Daniel Stanley, Tyler Kepley, Wyatt Stephenson, Autumn Waggoner, Brady Lilly, Mylee Miller and Bailey Schulz. Parsons - Great Plains Industrial Park This week, I visited Day and Zimmermann Kansas LLC at the Great Plains Industrial Park in Parsons for a tour of their new M795 Artillery munitions production line. During my tour, I met with John McGuiness, a retired Brigadier General and President of Munitions and Government, and Plant Manager Tony Nye to learn more about the facility, the only active M795 production line in the U.S. Thank you to Day and Zimmermann for their continued investment in Kansas. Special thanks to City Manager Jeff Cantrell, Economic Development Director Jim Zaleski and Chamber Director Liz Cochran for joining us on the tour. Erie High School On Wednesday, I visited Erie High School to speak with students and faculty members about the opportunities the school provides to bolster student success after graduation. Thank you to Erie High School Principal Amber Toth for welcoming me and to all the students who took time to visit with me and show me around. Ness City High School On Monday, I visited Ness City High School for a tour of the campus. During the tour, I talked with seniors during their American Government class to learn more about their studies and answer their thoughtful questions about my work as a U.S. Senator for Kansas. Thank you to Principal Tom Flax and all the students and teachers for their time and conversation. Ness County Commissioner's Meeting Following my tour of Ness City High School, I traveled to the Ness City Courthouse to attend a meeting of the Ness County Commission. I appreciated hearing from individuals about their concerns and needs, the economic developments underway in Ness County and how I can best be of service to them in Washington, D.C. Thank you to Commissioners Travis Petersville, Mark Davis and Dave Albers; Sheriff Brandon Mitchell; Emergency Manager Travis Rothe; Health Department Administrator Dennille Schweitzer; EMS Director Kathy Clouston; and County Clerk Lori Hertel for the productive meeting. Happy Passover Wishing a happy Passover to our Jewish neighbors in Kansas and around the world who are celebrating this week. Chag Pesach Sameach! Recognizing Gold Star Spouse Day This Sunday, April 5th, was Gold Star Spouses Day, a day to recognize and honor the surviving loved ones of military service members who have lost their lives as a result of their service to our country. This is an important day to reflect on the sacrifices made for our nation and to remember those who continue to carry their loved ones’ legacy forward each day. As Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am committed to doing all I can to support the survivor community. That is why I have introduced the Love Lives On Act, legislation that would allow surviving spouses to keep their benefits from the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs in the event they remarry before the age of 55. Remarriage in no way negates the immense loss these men and women have experienced. Surviving spouses should not have to choose between continuing to use the benefits they need to support themselves and their families and moving forward in their lives with a new partner by their side. The Loves Lives On Act would make sure they never have to again. Read more about Gold Star Spouses and the Love Lives On Act . Kansans in the Office Capitol Tour Ethan Loyd of Bel Aire Katy Loyd of Bel Aire Rick Kilian of Russell Robin Kilian of Russell Cole Neidenthal of Russell Shara Neidenthal of Russell Beckim Neidenthal of Russell Elam Neidenthal of Russell Riggins Neidenthal of Russell Nicolas Neidenthal of Russell Shanda Mooney of Russell Kane Buehler of Russell Darreld Ledbetter of Tecumseh Gina Ledbetter of Tecumseh Stanford Shutt of Topeka Diann Spayd-Shull of Topeka Robert Campbell of Overland Park Lori Campbell of Overland Park Austin DeForest of Overland Park Ashley DeForest of Overland Park Robert Barnett of Lenexa Phyllis Barnett of Lenexa Brandon Weth of Hays Amanda Werth of Hays Sadie Werth of Hays Connor Werth of Hays Drake Robinson of Spring Hill Jordan Robinson of Spring Hill Bradley Buscher of Spring Hill Gwen Buscher of Spring Hill Mattie Wiesing of Kansas City Daniel Albright III of Kansas City Nathan Peck of Olathe Lannette Durfey of Wichita Hailey Durfey of Kansas City Scott Kimble of Osage City Gary Gillespie of Olsburg Kelly Gillespie of Olsburg Travis Gillespie of Hutchinson Kristin Gillespie of Hutchinson Garbriella Gillespie of Hutchinson Avery Gillespie of Hutchinson Katelyn Gillespie of Hutchinson Maggie McKinney of Overland Park Harry McKinney of Overland Park Kansas Water Office Matt Unruh of Topeka American Association of Colleges of Nursing Jean Giddens of Kansas City Josiah Rexwinkle of Pittsburg Julia Kerr of Pittsburg Ranee Seastrom of Topeka Geri Tyrell of Wichita Jessica Bonarant of Kansas City Crystal Stevens of Eudora Amy Hite of Pittsburg Ashtan Clarkson of Wichita PBSA Katie Hartley of Lenexa