Weekly Column

Our livestock haulers play a unique role in our economy and the trucking industry. Unlike other haulers, they are responsible for transporting live, perishable products to their destination in a safe and timely manner.

Here in Nebraska, we are no strangers to bravery and sacrifice. We see it all the time, from our first responders, medical providers, and law enforcement. We also see it in the Nebraskans who serve in our military. Nebraska is home to a special mission, one carried out by the Air Force’s 55th Wing headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base.

America’s history is full of strong women who left their mark and still inspire us today. This week, I’d like to tell you two stories you may have not have heard before about remarkable women who blazed trails in technology and changed the world forever.

For the past two years, I have been working closely with the administration to make sound investments across Nebraska in both rural and urban areas. Together we have secured federal grants for several communities in our state from a variety of federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Transportation. These grant awards are highly competitive, and they reflect the excellent qualities of each community.

Investing in transportation infrastructure isn’t just drawing a few more lines to a map. It means making decisions that will help parents get their children to school using safe and reliable roads. It means ensuring our commercial truck drivers can move products made in Nebraska to the rest of the country and all over the world.

Two hundred and forty-two years ago, our Founding Fathers pledged that here in America, men and women are born with God-given rights. The people would decide the power of the government, not the other way around. Our Declaration of Independence chartered our nation as a beacon of freedom in an uncertain world.

In 1941, 10 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, a train whistled through the heart of Nebraska. Word spread that a train stopping in North Platte carried the 134th Nebraska National Guard Unit. Upon hearing the news, a group of more than 300 people baked cookies and cakes to bring to the soldiers as they made their brief, 10 minute stop.

Agriculture is the backbone of Nebraska’s economy and it’s part of who we are. In fact, one of every four jobs in Nebraska is directly tied to agriculture. That’s why I’m thankful to represent Nebraskans on the Senate Agriculture Committee as we craft an important piece of legislation, the 2018 farm bill.

On June 14, Americans will celebrate the birth of our stars and stripes. Our American flag is a symbol of our nation’s unity, pride, and freedom. As we honor this history on Flag Day, we remember the hardships endured by men and women who have fought to protect our flag’s meaning.

I cherish the opportunity to visit local communities around our state and listen to Nebraskans. Being able to identify the needs of families and communities is an essential part of my job as your Senator.