This month, I unveiled my Strong Families, Strong Communities agenda to economically empower the middle class. My plan includes commonsense proposals to promote more opportunities for middle class families in the workplace, healthcare, and education.

One of the bipartisan bills I recently introduced with Senator Angus King (I-Maine) seeks to provide flexibility for working families. It’s not just children who require personal care and attention; it’s also elderly parents. My Strong Families Act creates an incentive structure that encourages employers to allow working families, including lower wage, hourly workers, to take paid time off to meet family obligations or cope with medical emergencies. Senator King and I joined the television program "Morning Joe" to discuss how our proposal is a balanced approach that respects both unique family needs and employers' costs of doing business. You can watch our interview by clicking HERE, or the image below.

IN OTHER NEWS ....

Reforming the VA
I'm pleased both the House and Senate approved an agreement to address the crisis at the VA. I voted in favor of the legislation, which is an important step toward keeping our promises to veterans, who have already given so much for our country. It includes reforms to expand veterans' access to care, improves the VA's ability to provide effective medical treatment, and boosts transparency and accountability among VA employees....http://1.usa.gov/1ka5DsE

Saluting the Fallen
We recently learned that a native Nebraskan, Staff Sgt. Benjamin G. Prange of Hickman, was one of two U.S. Army soldiers killed in combat following a recent IED attack in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies are with the family and loved ones of Staff Sgt. Prange. His ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country is a solemn reminder to us all of the high price of freedom. I join all Nebraskans in honoring the memory of this brave American. We are forever indebted to Staff Sgt. Prange for his selfless service.

Working Across the Aisle to Reduce Regulatory Burdens
This month I introduced bipartisan legislation with Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) to modernize federal regulations for electronic devices. Our E-LABEL Act would give manufacturers of groundbreaking technologies like phones, computers, and other electronics the option to meet the FCC's physical label requirement digitally. This legislation would lower costs for producers, benefit consumers, and promote innovation...http://1.usa.gov/1tzA7aA

I also introduced the RELIEVE Act with Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) to remove regulatory burdens for community banks and credit unions. Many hardworking Americans rely on these smaller financial institutions as sources of capital or credit to provide for their families or get a small business off the ground. This bill will improve access to these critical financial resources, which help middle class families and fuel economic growth...http://1.usa.gov/1lgTw8o

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...IN THE NEWS

Senator King and I penned an op-ed published on CNN.com explaining how our Strong Families Act is a commonsense solution to increase workplace flexibility...http://cnn.it/1rqGs55

I also wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal with Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) to clear up distortions of the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby decision and lay out the facts of the ruling's true impact on women...http://on.wsj.com/1oabtK2

Grand Island Independent highlights my effort with Senator Johanns to honor Nebraska's veterans by preserving their stories for future generations...http://bit.ly/1nOYw8V

The Hill reports on the E-LABEL Act I introduced to update regulations for digital devices...http://bit.ly/1lgTSvQ

PHOTOS OF THE MONTH...

The Nebraska congressional delegation got together for a photo with our D.C. summer interns. Very grateful for all of their hard work this summer in our Washington offices.

I enjoyed attending an IBM briefing to discuss the role of technology to end cancer and my legislation, the PROTECT Act, which promotes innovation in health technology.

Great to visit with these Nebraskans visiting Washington with the Future Business Leaders of America -- Phi Beta Lambda, FFA, American Legion Boys Nation, and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation.