NW Kansas News

Senator Jerry Moran attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new 85,000 square-foot facility at WSU Tech’s National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT). Moran, who also participated in the original NCAT groundbreaking in 2010, noted the center’s growth over the past 15 years and its importance as a training site for pilots and aviation technicians.

“This new facility will help young Kansans pursue careers in the aerospace industry and supply the Air Capital of the World with the next generation of talented, skilled workers. I am grateful for the leadership and vision of WSU Tech President Sheree Utash and her dedication to WSU students. Thank you to the partnerships with Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Congressman Ron Estes, WSU President Rick Muma and Commissioner Ryan Baty. I also want to thank Textron Aviation CEO Ron Draper for his continued investment in the community, including this new facility,” Moran said.

During his visit, Moran met Colonel Joseph D. Wall, newly appointed Commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base. “I am grateful for his service and leadership at McConnell,” he stated.

Moran also traveled to Seattle to meet Boeing executives Mike Fleming and Bill McSherry at Boeing’s Delivery Center. The discussions focused on Boeing’s commercial airplane programs, particularly the 737 model assembled using fuselages produced by Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita before being shipped to Washington for final assembly. Moran highlighted Wichita’s key role in aerospace engineering and manufacturing as Boeing moves forward with reintegrating Spirit AeroSystems into its operations.

“As Boeing’s reintegration of Spirit proceeds, I have emphasized the critical importance of Wichita’s unparalleled aerospace engineering and manufacturing workforce and supply chain to Boeing’s long-term success and to the success of the aerospace industry. I hosted Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg in Wichita in August last year, on his third day in this role, to showcase the exemplary capabilities of Spirit and of the broader aerospace supply chain and workforce in Wichita,” he said. He thanked Mr. Fleming and Mr. McSherry for their time.

Moran received a briefing from David Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. Reames discussed enforcement efforts along both U.S. borders and recent challenges related to smuggling activities shifting north due to stricter southern border controls. This includes an April 2025 seizure of a fentanyl lab just over Canada’s border capable of producing large amounts of fentanyl.

“With the administration’s stronger enforcement at the southern border, law enforcement anticipates an increase in smuggling being shifted to the northern border. This is evident from the April 2025 seizure of a fentanyl production lab just over the border in British Columbia with the potential to produce enough fentanyl to supply every person in British Columbia. I will continue to work as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies to make certain our law enforcement agencies have resources needed to keep our nation safe and secure,” Moran said.

At Kansas State University (KSU), Moran met Dr. Marshall Stewart about campus construction projects such as new facilities for grain innovation and events space replacing Weber Arena. They also discussed K-State initiatives like Next-Gen K-State aimed at modernizing extension services across Kansas, as well as support roles related to research partnerships with NBAF.

“I appreciated hearing about progress of President Richard Linton’s Next-Gen K-State initiative... We also discussed K-State’s role in supporting mission of National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) through partnerships...and educating graduates... I look forward to continuing support mission of Dr. Stewart and President Linton,” he said.

Moran commented on recent Federal Trade Commission action against ticket scalpers violating laws under his Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act signed into law in 2016—meant to curb bot purchases that inflate prices or block access for regular consumers: “The defendants...used unlawful tactics...and rob everyday individuals... They must be held accountable for violating law.”

He continued visits across Kansas hospitals including Patterson Health Center in Anthony—where he spoke about federal support for rural healthcare—and St. Luke's Hospital & Living Center in Marion discussing local healthcare needs with staff leaders.

Reflecting on National Aviation Day earlier this week, Moran acknowledged Kansas’ historic contribution—providing most general aviation aircraft manufactured nationwide—and thanked those working across state aviation industries: “Since Wright Brothers' first flight...Kansas has supplied 75% of all general aviation aircraft... Thank you for helping America maintain our leadership in aviation!”

Senator Moran announced applications are now open for students interested in attending United States Service Academies beginning fall 2025; application materials are due September 8 via his Olathe office website.

He concluded by honoring Keith Houghton—a Tipton native who served nearly four decades as an aviator after graduating from Kansas State University—as well as listing recent visitors welcomed at his Capitol office.