Sen. Jerry Moran, US Senator for Kansas | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Sen. Jerry Moran, US Senator for Kansas | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran engaged with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins during a Senate Appropriation Subcommittee on Agriculture hearing to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the USDA.
Senator Moran, who has introduced legislation to transfer the Food for Peace program to the USDA, sought clarification from Secretary Rollins regarding the department's readiness to assume this responsibility. "It was my understanding that both OMB and the Department of Agriculture responded to the idea favorably," he stated. He expressed interest in understanding what actions should be taken by him and his colleagues to aid in providing American commodities globally.
The senator also addressed staffing issues within USDA county offices in Kansas, emphasizing their importance in rural areas. "We do not have sufficient personnel in rural county offices in Kansas," he noted, urging Secretary Rollins to ensure adequate staffing where farmers interact directly with USDA employees.
Additionally, Senator Moran brought attention to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) located in Manhattan, Kansas. Opened in 2015, NBAF plays a vital role in safeguarding American agriculture and public health against animal diseases. Secretary Rollins concurred with its significance and committed to advancing its operations effectively.
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