Last week, I had the chance to meet with Nebraska business leaders, students, and service-members in eastern Nebraska. I also spoke with ranchers at the Cattlemen’s Classic in Kearney, where we discussed a number of agriculture issues impacting their operations. A high point of the trip was my visit to UNL’s campus. I was fortunate to speak to a political science class about the privilege to work in public service and represent Nebraska in the United States Senate. Our young people give me so much hope for our future, and it’s clear to me that Nebraska will continue to be blessed with strong leaders.
 

Another highlight was my day with the 55th Wing and STRATCOM. I always enjoy returning to Bellevue to meet with their commanders and their fine service-members. We discussed the progress that has been made on a number of ongoing projects, including construction at the base, which are important to our country and our national security.
 

At the 55th Wing, we viewed the E-4 and RC-135 airplanes and learned more about their unique capabilities. I was also able to participate in a flight and witness a midair refueling – a remarkable experience that enhanced my appreciation for our military’s advancements. During conversations with servicemen and women about their mission, I was encouraged to observe their positive, committed, and determined outlook. The 55th Wing has a strong tradition of exceptional skill and service on behalf of our country. Visiting with these brave and capable individuals reminded me again of how blessed Nebraska is to serve as home for this military installation.
 

I was grateful for the chance to speak candidly with a group of 55th Wing personnel during lunch. They explained more about their work and shared their insights regarding the future of our military. Many of them expressed concerns about their future benefits and the quality of our fighting force during this era of extreme budgetary pressure. 
 

After spending the morning with the 55th Wing, I joined Admiral Haney at STRATCOM for a tour of its new facility construction. I was impressed with the significant progress at the construction site, and I enjoyed learning more about security plans to fortify it. This year’s budget request will include the final allotment of construction funding for the facility, but future budgets will provide funds for the building’s systems and equipment. This will continue to be an issue that the Armed Services Committee reviews for some time, and I look forward to working to ensure progress continues.
 

Nebraskans appreciate the importance of STRATCOM’s mission, but Admiral Haney has a tough road ahead. Many of the tools they rely on are aging and in need of replacement. This is across the board, from the weapons themselves, to the planes, submarines, and missiles that carry them. Even the communication system, which the president would use to order a nuclear strike, requires an update. 
 

These costly, but necessary, bills are coming just as the Pentagon is facing deep budget reductions. I discussed these defense budget challenges at a recent Armed Services hearing with Robert Work, the president’s nominee to be Deputy Secretary of Defense. I was encouraged to hear him say that the modernization of our nuclear forces remains a top priority. 
 

Admiral Haney also appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, where he had the opportunity to stress the importance of the new facility to STRATCOM’s mission and maintaining our nuclear capabilities and deterrence. 
 

The Armed Services Committee will review the Pentagon’s proposal and the president’s budget request in the coming months as we begin work on the national defense bill. I remain committed to ensuring our nation maintains the necessary resources to provide our men and women in uniform with the training and tools they need to fulfill their missions safely and successfully – it’s our moral obligation.
 

Thank you for taking part in our democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.