Nearly 100 people gathered for a question and answer session in Salina with Senator Jerry Moran Thursday afternoon.

The event began with Moran explaining why he was back home, even though Congress is currently is session. He was back to attend a memorial service at Fort Riley for five soldiers who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan back on December 17th. He read the names of the soldiers, and asked for prayers for their families. The Fort Riley soldiers who died were Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy L. Billings, of Heavener, Okla.; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua B. Silverman, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Sgt. Peter C. Bohler, of Willow Spring, N.C.; Sgt. 1st Class Omar W. Forde, of Marietta, Ga.; and Spc. Terry K.D. Gordon, of Shubuta, Miss.

Moran began by giving a brief update on what’s currently happening in Washington. Moran said that right now it is a divided congress. It is difficult to get legislation considered, and even more difficult to get it approved.

Moran then took questions. Questions ranged from topics that included everything from gun rights to Kansas agriculture.

Moran was passionate at times. He spoke about about citizen rights that he sees eroding. And he said that he worries this generation is not doing what “is best for our children and grand children.” “We are failing to do for our children what our parent’s generation did for us” he said.

The Salina town hall meeting was a part of Moran’s “Kansas Listening Tour”.