Summer in the Senate

Dear Friend,

This month, the Senate continued to pass important legislation for the people of Nebraska and families across America. We confirmed a new federal judge for Nebraska, and the president signed into law important pipeline safety legislation that I championed in the Senate. We also passed legislation to ensure our military has the resources they need to defend our nation.

With school out for the summer, I was glad to welcome many young Nebraskans to our nation's capital. One visitor in particular stole the show at a recent Nebraska Breakfast in the Senate. Emery Rosenboom of Lincoln was in town to advocate for legislation I have cosponsored called the ACE Kids Act. You can read more about her visit below.

Another special highlight was visiting with more than 500 Nebraska Vietnam veterans who travelled to Washington earlier this month to participate in an honor flight on the National Mall. It was my privilege to thank them for their brave service to our country. This weekend, as you celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, I hope you reflect on how lucky we are to live in the greatest country on earth.

Happy Fourth of July! Read on for more updates from the Senate and some of my favorite photos of the month.

A New Judge for Nebraska

This month, the Senate unanimously confirmed Bob Rossiter of Omaha as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska. I was so pleased to work on Bob's nomination and confirmation. He is a good man who will serve Nebraska with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to the rule of law. Read more about his confirmation in a recent Omaha World-Herald editorial by clicking here.

Great News for Offutt

The U.S. Air Force has announced a final plan to upgrade the runway at Offutt Air Force Base. The upgrade will take roughly nine months, extending the life of the runway by about 20 years. According to the Air Force plan, design work is scheduled to begin this fall and construction is expected to begin in 2018 at a cost of approximately $55 million. I was proud to work with Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh to advance the runway's replacement. This decision will provide much-needed certainty to Offutt and allow the base to continue its critical role in defending our nation for decades to come.

Bipartisan Pipeline Safety Bill Signed Into Law

Also this month, the Senate unanimously passed my pipeline safety legislation, and the president signed it into law. I introduced the initial version of this bipartisan bill last year with Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.). This new law is a major achievement. It will create a safer pipeline transportation network across our country through stronger congressional oversight and increased collaboration between stakeholders. The law will also provide greater resources for state and local pipeline safety officials, offering better tools to address incidents like the Omaha Old Market explosion which occurred this past January.

The Future of Transportation

Earlier this week, I chaired a hearing of the Surface Transportation subcommittee on the "Internet of Things" and how this new technology can bring American transportation into the 21st century. Since entering the Senate, I have worked with my colleagues to advance policies related to the Internet of Things. This rapidly growing technology consists of interconnected items like fitness tracking devices and refrigerators that tell you when to pick up more items at the store. It's just beginning to take flight, but it has the potential to play an important role in a number of areas, including transportation. From alleviating road congestion and reducing shipping delays to monitoring rail and pipeline safety, there are endless opportunities to utilize this new technology.Click here to read more about the hearing.

Upgrading Facilities for Our Veterans

Across the country, many VA facilities are aging and in need of updating. The Omaha VA is just one example. I recently testified at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs regarding my legislation to accelerate these upgrades in Nebraska and across the country. The bill would create a pathway for local communities to manage the planning, design, and construction of new VA facilities. It would also allow the VA to accept donations of money and buildings for the purpose of facility construction. Watch my full testimony byclicking here.

Photos of the Month

I was honored to welcome more than 500 Vietnam veterans from Nebraska to our nation's capital earlier this month. We are all grateful for their service and sacrifice.

Lots of love from Emery Rosenboom of Lincoln, who visited the Senate this month. Emery is a frequent patient at Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha. I've cosponsored the ACE Kids Act, which would cut red tape and other roadblocks to care for children with medical complexities like Emery's.