Weekly Column

For much of our nation’s history, community banks and credit unions, which are typically locally owned and operated, have helped rural America grow. Unlike the national conglomerates, these smaller institutions usually focus on the needs of the families and small businesses. Those living in our communities determine the decisions to lend.

In 1962, senators worked in bipartisan fashion to adopt Senate Resolution 324, which expressed a willingness to participate in a nationwide high school competition that gives students instruction about how the U.S. Senate, and the federal government in general, operates. This resolution gave birth to the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). Two high school juniors or seniors from every state are selected every year to serve as delegates to Washington Week, which generally takes place in early March.

Infrastructure is a core responsibility of government. In the Nebraska Legislature, I served as the Chair of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee for six years. During that time, I was proud to pass the Build Nebraska Act, which continues to support infrastructure construction and development across our state.

Recently the Senate had a state work period, which meant I could travel across Nebraska and visit with fellow citizens to listen to what’s on their minds. These conversations are what I take back to Washington, and they help me bring our state’s common sense to Congress.

Raising livestock has always been a part of life in Nebraska. Our ranchers have made beef Nebraska’s largest industry. In 2017, we exported $1.26 billion worth of beef, making Nebraska the largest beef exporting state in the country for two years in a row. We have topped a billion dollars in beef exports for four years running.

The members of the American military have been putting their lives at risk to defend our country since our founding. As they protect our way of life, they deserve to have what they need to get the job done. When they come home and enter retirement as veterans, they should be treated with respect and service by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I want to highlight the ways that Congress has worked in a bipartisan fashion to reform the VA and give our veterans the benefits they deserve.

As the only triply landlocked state in the country, you may not think of Nebraska when you think about the world’s oceans. Although we are proud of our state’s heartland heritage, we should be equally proud of the ships that have carried the name “USS Omaha” to the far corners of the globe.

Every year the president addresses a joint session of Congress to discuss the state of our Union, and every year members of Congress are allowed to bring one guest. These guests come from a variety of places—some are congressional spouses, others are friends, and some are invited because they symbolize the best of our country. This year, I had the honor of inviting someone who represents everything that is great about the state of Nebraska, coach John Cook from the National Champion University of Nebraska volleyball team.

Since the passage of tax reform, every day we seem to see a new story touting the success of this legislation and our economy. Falling unemployment, continued economic growth, and a booming stock market have made many of us feel increasingly positive about our finances and the economy overall. According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, “With a massive tax cut this year, accompanied by significant regulatory relief, we expect very strong growth, millions of more jobs, and higher pay for Americans.”

On October 16, 2017, Senator Sasse and Congressman Smith joined me in requesting continued EAS support for Scottsbluff and Kearney airports from the DOT. Our action paid off. On December 29, 2017, the DOT announced it would continue its EAS support for those two facilities. This decision is a victory for these communities. It is a victory for our state. Because of it the people and goods in these rural areas can continue to get where they need to go.