Kansas Common Sense - Democratic Senators Block Critical Vote on Nuclear Agreement

Statement

Hello,
Welcome to "Kansas Common Sense." Thank you for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them. This week we remembered the lives lost and the individuals who courageously responded to help on September 11. We are grateful to those who were inspired to step forward to defend the values of our nation. Yet, 14 years later, the threat of terrorism remains. As these challenges continue, we reaffirm our commitment to our veterans and to those who continue to serve defending the United States of America.

Democratic Senators Block Critical Vote on Nuclear Agreement
On Thursday, the Senate held a procedural vote to move ahead to final action on a resolution that would disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. In this case, a 60 vote majority was necessary. Fifty-eight Republicans and Democrats voted in favor of proceeding and 42 Democrats voted against. In other words, the 42 Iran deal supporters voted to oppose holding a final vote on the resolution. This stalling by Democratic senators is a tactic to prevent Congress from weighing in on the Iran nuclear deal before the statutory review period is to expire on September 17.

This stall-tactic strategy acknowledges the broad opposition to the Iran deal by the American people, yet seeks to silence it. Just two votes shy of the 60 votes needed, the Senate will vote again this week. I will continue to pressure my colleagues to allow the Senate to hold a final vote which will make loud and clear the voice of a bipartisan Senate majority opposing this nuclear agreement.

Meeting with Kansas Senior Corps Members
I was happy to meet with leaders of Senior Corps programs across our state to visit about the importance of these programs and community service in general. Senior Corps initiatives include the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Foster Grandparent Program. RSVP volunteers conduct safety patrols, renovate homes, tutor and mentor youth, respond to natural disasters, and provide other services across the state. The Foster Grandparents Program provides ways for volunteers age 55 and older to stay active by serving children and youth in their communities. These volunteers give their time and talents as role models, mentors, and friends to children in need. These initiatives connect dedicated and caring citizens to those in need, and I especially enjoyed meeting Waterville, Kansas' foster grandparent on Wednesday -- Linda Downs. At least 30 hours each week, Grandma Linda serves students at the local preschool, as well as after-school and summer elementary programs. Thanks to the Waterville community for giving Linda the opportunity to visit her representatives in Washington, and to Melody Gault, Joni Spellmier, Lori Bishop, Kathy Shepherd, Rachel McKee, Judy Simon, Justin and Johnna Partridge, Jolene Niernberger, and Sueson Harrington for your insight and commitment to supporting Kansans.
Sen. Moran entered a statement in the congressional record this week commending Foster Grandparents on the program's 50th anniversary this year. Sen. Moran is particularly proud to honor the more than 500 seniors in Kansas who contribute their time and talents serving children in his state. Click here to view this statement.

Visiting Associated Wholesale Grocers
Before flying back to Washington, D.C., this week I toured the Associated Wholesale Grocers' (AWG) Headquarters and Distribution Center facility in Kansas City, Kansas. Built in 1972, AWG employs more than 1,000 people at the KCK location alone and boast a distribution network of more than 3,400 retail outlets across 30 states. Our discussion covered federal policies, like the Affordable Care Act, and various FDA and EPA regulations that affect small businesses and rural America. Thanks again to CEO Jerry Garland and the rest of the AWG team for hosting my tour, and to Jon Stephens of the Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce for joining the visit.

Phillipsburg Community Visit
I spent Patriot Day in Phillipsburg visiting with folks at a number of area businesses. I stopped at the Veterans' Memorial in front of the courthouse to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices that are made by American servicemen and women -- both past and present. I also thought of the more than 33,000 valiant responders, volunteers, police officers, fire fighters, and other civilians who selflessly took action on September 11 -- fourteen years ago this week. The American Spirit lives on across the country including in communities like Phillipsburg.

Old Settlers Parade in Olathe
Robba and I took part in Old Settlers Parade in Olathe on Saturday. The event is one of Johnson County's best late summer traditions -- celebrating its 117th anniversary this year. Thanks to everyone who introduced themselves and took time to visit one-on-one along the parade route. I also appreciated the opportunity to catch up with Olathe Mayor Mike Copeland. Thanks to George Rifford for driving us in his 1931 Model A Roadster Convertible.

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah
I send warm wishes to all who are in the midst of observing the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah, which marks the new year of the Hebrew calendar and the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days. To all of the families in Kansas and around the world who are gathered to celebrate, I wish health, happiness and clarity of mind in the coming new year.

Pope Francis to Visit Washington, D.C.
Next week, Pope Francis will arrive in Washington, D.C., to begin a five-day visit to the United States. On Thursday, September 24, Pope Francis will address a joint session of Congress during my time in the Senate. After he concludes his speech, he is expected to make an appearance on the west balcony of the Capitol, where thousands will gather to watch the speech on large televisions set up around the area. If Kansans would like to be among those watching from the west lawn, my office has a limited number of tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can contact my office for tickets by calling my office.

Now Accepting Spring 2016 Internship Applications
I am now accepting applications for paid congressional internships in my Washington, D.C., and Kansas offices for spring 2016. An internship in my office -- either legislative or communications -- provides a unique opportunity to work closely with Senate staff on behalf of the state of Kansas. Legislative interns will gain a better understanding of the legislative process in the U.S. Congress, and develop knowledge and professional skills valuable to future career pursuits. Communications internships offer an intern the chance to learn about how political communications and the legislative process intersect, and gain practical knowledge about the inner workings of a fast-paced press office.

The application deadline for spring 2016 is October 30, 2015. Applications may be obtained and completed under the "Services" section of my website at www.moran.senate.gov. Applicants should submit a completed application form, resume, academic transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a cover letter explaining their interest in public service and addressing a policy issue of personal importance and a suggested recommendation to resolve that issue. Please submit required materials to: internships@moran.senate.gov.

Kansans in the Office
Barry Johnson of Junction City
Mark Holden of Wichita
AIPAC
Steve Graham of Leawood
Debbie Graham of Leawood
Brenda Rosenthal of Overland Park
Bunnie Riegel of Leawood
Michael Katzman of Overland Park
Aviation Safety Specialists
Sophie White of Kansas City
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Sunee Mickle of Topeka
Kansas Senior Corps
Melody Gault of Augusta
Joni Spellmier of Marysville
Lori Bishop of Manhattan
Kathy Shepherd of Independence
Rachel McKee of El Dorado
Judy Simon of Howard
Justin Partridge of El Dorado
Johnna Partridge of El Dorado
Shannon Moses of Independence
Jeff Schroeder of Topeka
Jolene Niernberger of Hays
Sueson Harrington of Manhattan
Land O' Lakes
Lyman Adams of Hillsboro
National ACT for America
Peggy Mast of Emporia
Lisa Ritchie of Wichita
National Limousine Association
Diane Forgy of Leawood
Conference on AIDS
Renee Duxler of Wichita
American Society of Nephrology
Nicole Harr of Overland Park
National Bison Association
Dick Gehring of Moundridge
Keith Yearout of Lake City
National Auctioneers Association
Braden McCurdy of Wichita
Hannes Combest of Lawrence
Curtis Kitchen of Shawnee
Venia Garrison of Shawnee
Heartland Homecare Services
Beth Simpson of Lawrence
E.J. Johnson of Wichita
Honored to Serve You in Washington
It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance.

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