January Newsletter - United States Senator Deb Fischer

This week, the president delivered his State of the Union address. He called for 2014 to be a “year of action.” I agree. However, I was disappointed that instead of laying out a plan to reach common ground, the president outlined a “go it alone” strategy of executive orders if Congress doesn’t rubber stamp his agenda. I believe a “year of action” is best achieved through a cooperative, transparent legislative process. This allows the American people to have a voice through their elected representatives.

Get my full reaction to the president’s State of the Union address in the video below, or by reading my weekly column online HERE.

IN OTHER NEWS ….

No More Business As Usual
Congress recently passed a trillion dollar spending bill to fund the government through the fiscal year, which I opposed, because it failed to cut significant wasteful spending. Nebraskans are tired of delays and promises of cuts down the road, and so am I. I was also deeply concerned about cuts to previously promised benefits for many military retirees … http://1.usa.gov/1aMGorW

Keeping Faith with Our Nation’s Heroes
In a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, I urged top defense officials to work with Congress on any changes to military compensation. A collaborative process is necessary to ensure we keep our promises and budget responsibly for the future … http://1.usa.gov/1elpTlH

Stopping EPA’s “War on Coal”
I joined a resolutution of disapproval – the first step toward overturning a federal regulation – to stop EPA from implementing its sweeping new rules on future coal-fired power plants. This administration’s anti-coal agenda will cost Nebraskans valuable jobs, increase electricity prices, and jeopardize our access to affordable, reliable energy … http://1.usa.gov/KnFmpv

Protecting Private Information
Recent high profile data breaches compromising the personal and financial information of millions of Americans warrant Congressional attention and action. I’ve written my colleagues on the Senate Commerce Committee urging them to schedule hearings to explore these breaches and potential problems with the data security system. I also delivered a speech on the Senate floor to highlight this matter … http://bit.ly/1hXpwha

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT … IN THE NEWS

I joined KETV NewsWatch 7’s “The Chronicle” to discuss my first year in office and the year ahead …http://bit.ly/MmJ83R

McCook Daily Gazette editorializes my efforts to bolster broadband … http://bit.ly/1cCLrtC

KOTA Territory News reports on my work with Senator Johanns to help improve Scottsbluff airport flight cancellations … http://bit.ly/1ddDczX

Beatrice Daily Sun featured my recent column “Getting Americans Back to Work” … http://bit.ly/1dSrJ8W

PHOTOS OF THE MONTH

Enjoyed speaking to the wonderful group of students and teachers at Wakefield Community School during the Senate’s January state work period. Wakefield was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2013.

I also toured Oakland Mercy Hospital and learned more about the quality health care and services they provide to the community.