Weekly Column

Each year, January 22 marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 decision in the case of Roe v. Wade. Over four decades later, thousands of Americans gather annually in Washington, D.C., to join the March for Life. This peaceful rally in our nation’s capital draws attention to pro-life, pro-women policies. It also reinforces the fact that all life, at every stage, is sacred.

Recently, President Obama made his first official visit to Nebraska as president. At the Baxter Arena at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the president highlighted our state’s healthy economy, saying Nebraska’s current unemployment rate is below 3 percent.

Many of the issues troubling our nation and the world over the past year will continue. The threat of ISIL remains persistent and dangerous. Additionally, countless American families face economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, the federal government continues to expand and impede progress on too many fronts.

For many Americans, it is easy to get lost in the reams of red tape while maneuvering through the federal bureaucracy. My office remains ready and willing to assist you. Whether it’s acquiring answers from the VA, receiving a straight answer on Social Security benefits, or obtaining passports, my team has a proven record of helping Nebraskans overcome these and other roadblocks.

As 2015 comes to a close, I am pleased the Senate made important progress for Nebraskans this past year. I am also optimistic for what the future holds. In the first session of the 114th Congress, we ushered in a new majority that is more efficient, more productive, and more accountable to the American people.

In Nebraska, community banks are feeling the effects of the agency’s misguided rules. Under current law, the CFPB provides exemptions to certain lending restrictions for areas deemed rural. Through these exemptions, community banks are able to increase access to credit for rural areas and their dependent industries, such as agriculture. But first, a county must receive the rural designation. Due to flaws in the current CFPB review process, many rural areas are not being labeled correctly and, as a result, they are missing opportunities for economic growth.

Our state and local officials work hard to improve existing roads and plan for the future. But these projects are costly and don’t happen overnight. It takes an immense amount of planning and resources to execute major projects. Most of all, they require regulatory certainty and funding from the federal government to do so.

As I travel throughout Nebraska, I often hear from employers in search of skilled workers to fill important jobs. Meanwhile, job seekers lack the proper training to meet this demand. It’s a common struggle for millions of businesses across the country. Different situations bring unique challenges, and it’s time to think outside the box. With the right policies and a little creativity, we can bridge this gap and ensure more workers are hired for more positions.

It’s hard to believe that another year has almost come and gone. Nebraskans, and all Americans, have a lot on their minds as we head into the holiday season. From juggling family obligations to busy jobs and hectic schedules, it can be challenging to take time, reflect, and give thanks.

Recently the world witnessed unimaginable terror and the threat Islamic terrorism poses to free and open societies. As the events in Paris have united the world in grief, so too must the world unite with resolve. Those responsible for planning and coordinating this horrific assault on innocent civilians must be held to account. The messages of hate and radicalism that underpin these attacks demand a global response and the strengthening of our national defenses.