Like many Nebraskans, I have been closely following developments regarding mismanagement at the Veterans Health Administration. Each day seems to bring more disturbing news about veterans dying while waiting for care on hidden VA “wait lists.” While I appreciate Secretary Shinseki’s previous military service, I do not believe he has demonstrated the leadership necessary to address this systemic failure at the agency, and I have called on him to resign.

Another step we can take to begin to restore faith with our veterans is to ban bonuses in the Veterans Health Administration, the agency responsible for managing all VA medical centers. Along with Senator Richard Burr, I introduced legislation to ban bonuses at the VHA through 2015. Funding should be focused on fixing the problem, not rewarding employees entrenched in a struggling bureaucracy.

Read more in my recent column Here.

IN OTHER NEWS ...

Continuing to Fight Against EPA's War on Coal
I led a bipartisan group of senators to request more time for electricity providers and consumers to weigh in on EPA’s proposed regulations. These new rules could increase electricity costs for American families, jeopardize energy-related jobs, and effectively shut down many existing coal-fired power plants…http://1.usa.gov/1jvZhwR

Protecting Nebraska's Drinking Water
Congress recently passed water infrastructure legislation, which will go a long way in moving important projects forward to protect valuable water resources and metropolitan drinking supplies in Nebraska. I’m pleased the final product passed by Congress includes measures I fought for to prioritize the Western Sarpy-Clear Creek flood control project and prevent unnecessary regulatory overreach impacting Nebraska farmers and ranchers…http://1.usa.gov/1kO9iKk

Less Bureaucracy, More Flexibility for Road Projects
The Environment and Public Works Committee on which I serve approved a six-year highway bill. The legislation includes key provisions I offered that will provide more flexibility for states to expedite road projects. The result will be lower costs, less red tape, and more common sense…http://1.usa.gov/1n14gZZ

Working to Address Challenges Facing Native American Children
Children in Native American communities are disproportionately impacted by poverty, child abuse, crime, substance abuse, suicide, and lack of economic opportunity. To address these horrific challenges, I am cosponsoring the bipartisan Native Children Act to strengthen programs and support for these at-risk children…http://1.usa.gov/1oNYjBC

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ... IN THE NEWS

KTIC Radio features my call for VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to resign after the recent scandal at the agency...http://bit.ly/1kO9IR1

I joined Bloomberg TV to discuss how EPA's climate regulations will raise electricity costs and hurt our economy, all for questionable environmental gains...http://bit.ly/SUsw6Z

The Grand Island Independent reports on the positive impact the water resources bill passed by Congress will have in Nebraska. I am proud to have worked closely on this legislation...http://bit.ly/TX3dSI

The Lexington Clipper Herald highlights the bipartisan bill I cosponsored to help Native American children facing unique challenges and an unfair lack of opportunity...http://bit.ly/1o01bd6

PHOTOS OF THE MONTH...

Enjoyed recognizing Nebraska's small businesses that create jobs and drive economic growth in our communities during Small Business Week.

I also visited Louie M's Burger Lust in South Omaha ahead of Small Business Week and learned more about how the company went from a small catering service to a successful restaurant.

Thank you to the many organizations and medical associations that took time to visit my office and share the challenges they are facing in Nebraska and across the country.