Sen. Moran to Chair Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science

WASHINGTON, April 10 -- The office of Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) was today selected to serve as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. This selection adds to Sen. Moran's commitment to economic competitiveness and job growth in Kansas as the senator also serves as the chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security.

"I take seriously my role of being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and this chairmanship provides an opportunity to prioritize funding for key investments in our nation's infrastructure, public safety, aerospace initiatives, the National Science Foundation, NASA and a number of additional programs important to Kansans," said Sen. Moran. "I look forward to conducting oversight over programs that impact our economic development efforts nationwide and advocating for policies that strengthen Kansas' economy by providing a level playing field in the global market for Kansas agriculture producers."

"I will continue to serve as a member of the Subcommittee for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies and am proud of the work the committee has achieved for our servicemembers and our veterans in the 115th Congress," continued Sen. Moran. "Providing for members of our armed forces and making certain our veterans have access to the quality, timely care they have earned have long been top priorities for me. I will continue my work to invest in the quality of life for our military families, advocate for improvements at the VA and address Department of Defense investments in infrastructure in order to keep Kansans and Americans safe."

"Senator Moran has always been a strong advocate for America's aerospace and defense industry," said Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Eric Fanning. "His leadership as Co-Chair of the Senate Aerospace Caucus has focused on prioritizing innovation and growth, and I'm confident he'll continue that mission as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies."

"Senator Moran has been a consistent champion of entrepreneurship and innovation--we know that small and startup businesses will be well-represented as he assumes this new role," said President and CEO of the Enterprise Center in Johnson County George Hansen. "The Senator's advocacy for the expansion of programs that serve growing businesses and create jobs in Kansas, like the EDA's Regional Innovation Strategies Program, has proven invaluable. We look forward to continuing our efforts to advance American entrepreneurship together."

"We are pleased with the announcement that Sen. Moran will chair the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee," said Kansas Farm Bureau President Rich Felts. "We value his strong voice for agriculture regarding the importance of trade to Kansas farmers and ranchers and know he will continue to fight for rural Kansas."* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In his previous role as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Sen. Moran prioritized investments in programs and policies vital to the United States Armed Forces and veterans across the nation and specifically in Kansas, including $17.5 million for a Combat Arms Facility on McConnell AFB and $19 million for Enlisted Barracks on Ft. Leavenworth. Other priorities focused on the livelihood and well-being of our military members, their families and our nation's veterans include:

* Improving access to care, opioid addiction treatments, veterans' caregiver services and homeless veterans' assistance;

* Expansion of the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention pilot program and additional funds for the Veterans Crisis Line;

* Vital construction projects under the European Reassurance Initiative to thwart Russian aggression;

* Hiring critical healthcare positions, such as Chiropractors and Marriage and Family Therapists; and

* Additional resources for states operating veterans homes.

Sen. Moran will continue to serve as a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; for Defense; for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies; for Financial Services and General Government; and for Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies.