U.S. Senator Jerry Moran emphasized the importance of prioritizing Kansas manufacturers and local businesses as Congress formulates new tax credit policies and supply chain regulations.
"Supporting Kansas, its people and its economy, has always been my priority," said Moran. "As we consider the future of federal tax credits, I will continue to make certain that Kansas manufacturers and local businesses are at the forefront of all decision. While we welcome investment into our state, it is critical that we find ways to support the local Kansas businesses that grow our economy and provide jobs to those who call our state home."
According to Representative Carol Miller, the End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act aims to tighten the definition of "foreign entity of concern" to prevent Chinese companies from accessing federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credits. The measure is a response to concerns that Chinese firms could benefit from U.S. incentives and has been described by Kansas officials as essential for protecting local EV investments, including Panasonic's De Soto plant. Kansas leaders support restrictions on Chinese-origin materials to keep local plants eligible and ensure taxpayer dollars benefit U.S. workers and suppliers. "Chinese companies can no longer benefit from electric vehicle tax credits meant for U.S. manufacturers," Miller said.
Clean Economy Tracker reported that Kansas has emerged as a leader in EV battery manufacturing in the United States, with the Panasonic facility in De Soto expected to create up to 4,000 direct jobs and contribute an estimated $2.5 billion annually to the state's economy. Local officials, supported by Moran, cite these figures as evidence that limiting Chinese content in supply chains protects Kansas's large-scale domestic investment. According to a Kansas fact sheet, the state attracted over $427 million in EV manufacturing investments and anticipates continued growth tied to local battery and component production.
According to Kiowa County Press, Orange EV, a manufacturer of electric yard trucks and chargers based in the Kansas City area, warned that phasing out EV tax credits by September 2025 could weaken domestic competitiveness against Chinese firms benefiting from state subsidies abroad. These Kansas-based producers rely heavily on tax incentives to maintain pricing parity, highlighting how new federal limits on Chinese-sourced inputs critically influence their ability to compete. As Kurt Neutgens of Orange EV said, "If we don't support clean energy… we are really handing dominance to China." This underscores the stakes for Kansas manufacturers in ongoing debates over supply-chain restrictions.
Senator Moran was first elected to the Senate in 2010 after serving in the U.S. House and the Kansas State Senate. He serves on several committees including Appropriations, Veterans’ Affairs (as Chairman), Commerce, Agriculture, Indian Affairs, and Intelligence Committees, and co-founded caucuses on aviation fuel, pharmacy, mobility, and hunger. Moran remains active in Kansas community organizations and resides in the state according to his official U.S. Senate biography.
