March 31, 2024

March Legislative Recap


Dear Friend,

In March, I fought for fair treatment of Nebraska’s railroaders, pushed back against President Biden’s EV mandates, protected our military capabilities, and opposed Chinese ownership of the TikTok app.

President Biden announced his 2025 budget last month, which called for an unrealistic Federal Paid Family Leave Program. As the administration works with Congress on this issue, we should consider my bipartisan Paid Family Medical Leave tax credit, the only PFML policy with a track record of passage in Congress.

I also introduced a bill to simplify security certifications for truckers and professional transportation workers, streamlining government processes while ensuring safety.

Read more about my work for you below.

Last month, the Senate Budget Committee held a meeting to consider my bipartisan Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act. The bill will end cuts to railroad workers’ unemployment and sickness benefits.

During the meeting, I testified in favor of my bill and spoke about the importance of ensuring that railroad employees receive the benefits they deserve.

The Budget Committee rarely considers any legislation other than the budget, so I appreciated this unique and important opportunity to advocate for railroaders. The committee unanimously approved the REEF Act, and the bill is now ready for a full Senate vote.

President Biden continues to impose electric vehicle (EV) mandates on the American people. These mandates are designed to appease climate activists, but they harm car manufacturers and drivers. The EPA’s recent tailpipe emissions rule is another example of the administration trying to force EVs on automakers, despite the fact that consumers aren’t buying them. In a recent Fox News op-ed, I exposed the dirty truth behind this supposedly “clean” technology.

During a speech on the Senate floor last month, I debunked the EV myths pushed by this administration and exposed the environmental problems, safety risks, and human rights concerns these cars are hiding. EV manufacturing produces carbon emissions and the EV supply chain fuels the Chinese Communist Party.

I also questioned National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing about the dangers EVs can pose to first responders and the driving public. Chair Homendy highlighted several investigations where volatile EV batteries put first responders in hazardous situations.

I will continue to oppose President Biden’s harmful EV mandates. Instead of forcing these vehicles on the American public, we should let drivers decide for themselves which cars they want to buy.

America’s national security is my top priority, and we must respond to threats from our adversaries, particularly China. Last month, I joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business to discuss House-passed legislation on TikTok. The bill would force the Chinese company that owns TikTok to sell it to a company without Chinese ties — or else ban the app from operating in the United States.

During the interview, I discussed the dangers of allowing our adversaries to access millions of Americans’ personal data through online platforms like TikTok. I remain very concerned that the Chinese Communist Party can use this app to manipulate an entire generation of young Americans — including how they act, what they think, and even how they vote.

It’s not just the CCP’s surveillance tactics we should watch out for. China is expanding and modernizing its military forces at a breakneck pace. At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing last month, I emphasized the need to safeguard our military’s use of wireless frequencies so we can defend against China’s aggression in the most effective ways possible.

President Biden’s 2025 budget calls for a Federal Paid Family Leave Program. While I appreciate this gesture to working families, I’m concerned that’s all it may be. An economically irresponsible one-size-fits-all entitlement program is not the answer.

As the administration works with Congress on this issue, we should consider my bipartisan Paid Family Medical Leave tax credit, the only PFML policy with a track record of passage in Congress. I’ll keep pressing to find solutions that make it possible for more employers to offer paid leave for working Americans.

Last month, I also introduced legislation to standardize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance Process, which is used by transportation workers nationwide. Truckers and other transportation professionals often need a collection of different security certifications to do their jobs. They’re forced to apply for each of them individually, which can be expensive and time-consuming. My bill will remedy these complications by streamlining the TSA’s certification process, easing burdens without sacrificing security.

IN THE NEWS

A decision on tailpipe emissions to be announced today

Fischer Pulls Back Curtain on EV Climate Crusade

Fischer Fox News Op-ed: The dirty truth about Biden’s electric future

Funding for state projects secured in federal bill

We have a public safety issue here on many different fronts: Sen. Deb Fischer

Nebraska representatives rail against new EPA vehicle emissions regulations, predict ‘car graveyards’

 

 FEATURED LINKS

Fischer Pulls Back Curtain on EV Climate Crusade

Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Streamline TSA Certifications

VIDEO: Fischer Presses CENTCOM Leader on Over-the-Horizon Capabilities, U.S. Military Strategy in Middle East

Fischer: Competition with China Requires Protecting Military Use of Spectrum Airwaves

Fischer Testifies in Support of Her Bill Ending Cuts to Railroad Benefits, Applauds Unanimous Committee Passage

Fischer: President Biden Should Consider Realistic Path for Paid Family Leave

I met with Nebraskan Veterans of Foreign Wars members to discuss how we can support our nation’s heroes.

Thank you for your service and commitment to our country!

Nebraska has an abundance of natural resources because of
locally-driven conservation practices.

I appreciate the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts’ continued efforts to ensure future generations of Nebraskans can enjoy all our state has to offer!

Nebraskans rely on broadband to stay connected to the world around them.

Great to meet with US Telecom and discuss ideas to expand rural broadband access.

I met with Nebraskan members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to discuss issues facing women’s health care.

Thank you for your continued efforts to provide Nebraskans with quality care. 

Enjoyed visiting with members of the Nebraska Farm Bureau to discuss what they want to see in the upcoming Farm Bill.

Met with members of the Nebraska Cooperative Council to discuss their tax priorities and the Farm Bill.

Thanks for making the trip to Washington!

Great to meet with members of the Nebraska Credit Union League to discuss their legislative priorities.

Thank you for stopping by my office!

Local broadcasters entertain, inform, and provide their communities with crucial services.

Great meeting with the Nebraska Broadcasters Association about ways we can continue to support broadcasters in our state.

Great to meet with Nebraskans from the Close Up Student Foundation during their trip to Washington.

Nebraska’s future is bright with future civic leaders like them at its helm.

Recently met with members of the Food Bank of Lincoln to talk about their Farm Bill priorities.

Thank you for coming to Washington!

Agriculture is Nebraska’s number one economic industry.

I met with Governor Pillen to discuss how we can continue to support Nebraska’s producers.

Met with Nebraskan members of the International Association of Fire Fighters and discussed how we can support Nebraska’s firefighters.

Thank you for the work you do to keep our communities safe!

We must support our veterans and their families.

Thank you, Disabled American Veterans Department of Nebraska, for coming to Washington to discuss how we can continue standing with our veterans!

Spoke with members of AIPAC last month to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and America’s support for Israel.

In the Senate, I will continue to condemn Hamas’s terrorism.

Honored to speak at the grand opening of Green Plains’ new facility in York last month.

I’m proud that Nebraska continues to be a proving ground for biofuel research, innovation, and production. 

Great to meet with Nebraskan members of the National League of Cities to speak about ways to improve the quality of life for all Nebraskans.

Thanks for coming up to Washington!

Thank you for participating in the democratic process.

Deb Fischer
U.S. Senator for Nebraska
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