Topeka – A rare joint session of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate met today to hear about our state’s efforts to bring the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) to Kansas. 

“I invited Kansas U.S. Senator Pat Roberts to address a joint session of the Kansas House and Senate because he has been our strong voice in Washington on why Kansas is the right place for the proposed facility,” Speaker Melvin Neufeld said.  “Competition across the country for this facility is intense.  I want Kansas lawmakers to understand why it is important we back his and the efforts of the Kansas NBAF Task Force recently named by Governor Sebelius – and what we need to do as state lawmakers to put Kansas in the lead.”

The NBAF would replace the aging Plum Island facility, the federal government’s most secure location for animal disease research. Sites in Leavenworth and Manhattan are among 18 sites in 12 states which have advanced to the next phase of the competitive process.

“Our state has established itself as a world-leader in animal and plant bio-sciences,” Neufeld said.  “As Senator Roberts said, this is a “once in a generation” opportunity for our state and its future.  I am confident the Kansas Legislature will do its part to make Kansas the leader in the country for the NBAF.”

Others in attendance included representatives from the cities of Leavenworth and Manhattan, Riley and Leavenworth Counties, Kansas State University, and the Kansas Bioscience Authority.

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Previous joint sessions (not including State of the State, State of the Judiciary or re-enactments):

January, 1982 - Colonel Joe Engle, command pilot of the space shuttle Columbia;

January, 1983 - U.S. Senator Bob Dole;

January, 1984 - U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum;

January, 1986 - U.S. Representative Bob Whittaker;

February, 1990 - U.S. Representative Jan Meyers.