Kansas
State Senators:
Jerry Moran (R)
Term Start: January 3, 2011
Full Name: Gerald Wesley Moran
Date of Birth: May 29, 1954
Birthplace: Great Bend, Kansas, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Jerry Moran was born in Great Bend, Kansas, and raised in the nearby town of Plainville. He attended Plainville High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Kansas in 1976. He received a Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas School of Law in 1981. During his time in college, Moran was an active member of student government and various campus organizations.
Personal Life: Jerry Moran is married to Robba Moran, and they have two daughters. The family resides in Manhattan, Kansas. Moran is known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents through thoughtful and effective legislation.
Early Career: After completing his education, Moran practiced law in his hometown of Plainville and later in Hays, Kansas. He also served as the state special assistant attorney general and deputy county attorney for Rooks County. His legal career provided him with valuable experience in addressing the needs and concerns of rural communities.
Political Career:
- Kansas State Senate: Moran’s political career began in the Kansas State Senate, where he served from 1989 to 1997. During his tenure, he held the position of Majority Leader from 1995 to 1997. Moran focused on issues such as healthcare, education, and economic development, earning a reputation for his pragmatic approach to legislation.
- U.S. House of Representatives: In 1996, Moran was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Kansas’s 1st congressional district, commonly known as the “Big First” due to its large geographic area. He served seven terms from 1997 to 2011. In the House, Moran was known for his advocacy on behalf of rural and agricultural communities, as well as his work on veterans’ issues and healthcare.
- U.S. Senate: Elected In 2010, Moran ran for the U.S. Senate and won, succeeding Senator Sam Brownback. He was re-elected in 2016 and 2022. As a senator, Moran has focused on a wide range of issues, including veterans’ affairs, healthcare, agriculture, and economic policy. He is known for his bipartisan approach and his efforts to support rural America
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Appropriations
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (Ranking)
- Select Committee on Intelligence
Legislative Achievements:
- Veterans’ Affairs: Strong advocate for veterans, focusing on healthcare, benefits, and support services. Instrumental in passing the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act.
- Economic Development: Supports policies to promote economic growth, including tax cuts and regulatory reform. Advocates for rural development and agricultural support.
- Healthcare: Supports efforts to reduce healthcare costs and improve access, particularly in rural areas. Advocates for mental health services and has worked to address the opioid crisis.
- Education and Research: Promotes education and research initiatives, including STEM education and funding for scientific research.
Senator Moran is a committed advocate for veterans, economic development, and rural healthcare. His legislative work focuses on promoting growth, reducing healthcare costs, and supporting veterans. With a background in law and banking, Moran brings a diverse skill set to his role in the U.S. Senate, where he serves on multiple influential committees. His dedication to his constituents and efforts to address critical issues have earned him recognition and respect in his state and beyond.
Committees
Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.
Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.
Veterans’ Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.
Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between national security needs and the protection of civil liberties by ensuring that intelligence operations are conducted lawfully and effectively.
Voting patterns
Senator Moran has established a voting record that reflects his conservative values and priorities.
Key Voting Patterns:
Economic Policies:
- Moran consistently supports reducing government spending and opposing measures that he perceives as contributing to reckless fiscal policies. He often votes for tax cuts and deregulation to foster a pro-growth environment. Moran’s stance on economic issues is reflected in his work on the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he advocates for stricter funding standards and broad fiscal reform.
Healthcare:
- Moran opposes expansive healthcare reforms like the Affordable Care Act but supports measures aimed at reducing healthcare costs and increasing access, particularly for veterans. His role on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee underscores his commitment to improving veterans’ healthcare services.
Environment:
- Moran has a low lifetime environmental score from the League of Conservation Voters, indicating a voting record that often prioritizes economic concerns over environmental protections. He has voted against regulations that he believes could burden businesses, such as measures to limit carbon emissions and protect water resources.
Social Issues:
- Moran generally votes against progressive social policies. He supports traditional definitions of marriage, opposes abortion rights, and has a mixed record on criminal justice reform. His votes often align with conservative positions on social issues.
Defense and National Security:
- Moran is a strong advocate for national defense, often voting in favor of increased defense spending. He supports robust national security measures and has been involved in legislation aimed at strengthening the military and supporting defense communities.
Recent Votes:
- Some of Moran’s recent votes include support for the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act and various appropriations bills. He has also voted for measures related to reforming intelligence practices and addressing emergency supplemental appropriations
Senator Moran’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles. He advocates for fiscal responsibility, a strong national defense, and support for agriculture. While he opposes extensive environmental regulations and supports market-based healthcare reforms, he backs renewable energy initiatives relevant to his state. His stance on social issues further underscores his conservative values.
Full Name: Rodger Wayne Marshall
Date of Birth: August 9, 1960
Birthplace: El Dorado, Kansas, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Roger Marshall was born and raised in El Dorado, Kansas. He graduated from El Dorado High School and went on to attend Butler Community College. He then transferred to Kansas State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry in 1982. Marshall pursued a medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, graduating with his M.D. in 1987. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Personal Life: Roger Marshall is married to Laina Marshall, and they have four children. The family resides in Great Bend, Kansas. Marshall is known for his active engagement in community service and his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents through pragmatic and effective legislation.
Early Career: After completing his residency, Marshall returned to Kansas and began practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist. He served as Chairman of the Board of Great Bend Regional Hospital and was involved in several community health initiatives. Over his medical career, Marshall delivered more than 5,000 babies and was known for his dedication to patient care and community service.
Rodger Marshall (R)
Term Start: January 3, 2021
Political Career:
- U.S. House of Representatives: Roger Marshall entered politics in 2016 when he ran for and won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Kansas’s 1st congressional district, also known as the “Big First.” He served two terms from 2017 to 2021. In the House, Marshall focused on agricultural policy, healthcare reform, and veterans’ issues. He was a member of the House Agriculture Committee and played a significant role in shaping the 2018 Farm Bill.
- U.S. Senate: In 2020, Marshall ran for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Pat Roberts. He won the election and was sworn in as a U.S. Senator from Kansas on January 3, 2021. As a senator, Marshall has continued to focus on issues such as healthcare, agriculture, national security, and economic policy.
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, Pensions
- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
- Committee on the Budget
Legislative Achievements:
- Healthcare: Advocates for market-based healthcare reforms and has worked on legislation to improve rural healthcare access. He supports repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and replacing it with alternatives that increase competition and reduce costs.
- Agriculture: Supports policies that benefit Kansas farmers and the agricultural sector, including farm bills and initiatives that promote biofuel production.
- Defense and National Security: Supports a strong national defense and has backed measures to increase military funding and enhance national security.
- Pro-Life Advocacy: Strong advocate for pro-life policies, supporting legislation that restricts abortion and protects the rights of the unborn.
- Second Amendment Rights: Supports gun rights and opposes most forms of gun control legislation.
Marshall is known for his conservative stance on various issues. His medical background and experience in the U.S. House of Representatives contribute to his legislative priorities and actions in the Senate. He has advocated for reducing government regulation, supporting the agricultural sector, and reforming the healthcare system to increase access and reduce costs. He has also been a strong supporter of veterans’ issues, working to improve healthcare and benefits for those who have served in the military.
Committees
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee deals with agricultural economics, research, production, and forestry.
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP): Committee addresses issues related to health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee plays a critical role in shaping policies related to national security, ensuring effective and efficient government operations, and maintaining oversight of federal agencies and programs.
Budget: Committee plays a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy, ensuring that government spending and revenue collection are managed responsibly and align with economic priorities.
Voting patterns
Senator Marshall has a voting record that reflects his conservative stances on various key issues. Here are some highlights of his recent voting patterns:
Key Voting Patterns:
Healthcare and COVID-19 Response:
- Marshall voted to end the national emergency declared due to COVID-19, supporting H.J.Res. 7, which passed and ended the national coronavirus state of emergency that began in March 2020.
Economic and Fiscal Policies:
- He supported several measures aimed at reducing government regulation and spending. For instance, he voted in favor of H.J.Res. 30, which sought to nullify a Department of Labor rule allowing retirement plans to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions.
Environmental Issues:
- Marshall has consistently voted against measures that increase environmental regulations. He supported S.4072, a bill that aimed to prohibit the use of funds to implement certain EPA rules, reflecting his stance on limiting federal environmental regulations.
National Security and Immigration:
- He has been a strong advocate for tightening border security. He voted in favor of transferring funds from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to the Southern Border Wall Construction Fund to maintain physical barriers along the southern border.
Firearms and Second Amendment:
- Marshall voted in support of H.J.Res. 44, which aimed to disapprove an ATF rule on stabilizing braces for firearms, underscoring his support for gun rights and opposition to increased firearm regulations.
Veterans and Military Affairs:
- He has shown strong support for veterans and military personnel through his votes and legislative efforts, often focusing on improving healthcare and benefits for veterans.
Senator Roger Marshall’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, including fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and agricultural support. While he opposes extensive environmental regulations and the ACA, he backs renewable energy initiatives relevant to his state. His conservative stance extends to social issues, where he advocates for pro-life policies and gun rights.