WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – has called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to pursue an exemption from the federal hiring freeze to hire necessary staff at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan. Sen. Moran recently hosted USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden in Manhattan to highlight the critical research occurring at NBAF and Kansas State University’s Biosecurity Research Institute.
“On a recent tour of the facility, USDA staff highlighted the efforts being made to finish critical repairs and bring NBAF to its full operational capacity,” wrote Sen. Moran. “A lack of staff in both science and operational roles will hinder NBAF's function and mission, threatening national food and agriculture security.”
“The work of your staff has already shortened the timeline for NBAF to come fully online, and I commend you on making food security a priority for USDA,” concluded Sen. Moran. “Prompt action on this matter ensures this timeline stays on track."