Dear Friend,

Last week, the Senate passed a pro-growth tax cut and tax reform bill. This bill is six years in the making and is the product of more than 70 committee hearings, five bipartisan working groups, a vigorous markup in the Senate Finance Committee, and an open amendment process on the Senate floor. It will help provide relief for middle-class families, reduce burdens on small businesses, and make America more competitive globally.

Included in the Senate tax reform bill is a historic provision I've been working on for four years, which would encourage small businesses to offer workers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave in exchange for a tax credit as big as 25 percent of the employee's salary. As the first-ever U.S. national paid family leave policy, it would provide 21st-century families with more flexibility as they juggle responsibilities at home and work.

My paid family leave plan also balances the needs of workers with the real-world challenges small businesses face today. After all, small businesses are owned by families, too. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with several small-business owners and employees in downtown Norfolk. I saw first-hand how hard these entrepreneurs work to provide quality goods and services to their communities.

Our families and small businesses are the building blocks of Nebraska. I'm proud to have supported a tax reform bill that helps them both. I'm hopeful we will soon be able to send this legislation to the president's desk.

Please continue reading for more updates from the U.S. Senate.

Spending Thanksgiving with Our Troops

This Thanksgiving, I was honored to spend time with members of Nebraska's National Guard stationed at Guantanamo Bay. These service members are moms and dads, sisters and brothers, who are far away from their loved ones and the comfort of home. I'm thankful for the time I spent with these brave men and women, and I join all Nebraskans in thanking them for their sacrifice and service to keep our nation safe.

Providing for Our Military

The Senate recently passed the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I had the great privilege of working on this legislation every step of the way: in the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, in the full Senate Armed Services Committee, on the Senate floor, and as a conferee.

The NDAA is a critical step toward rebuilding our military, something our commanders agreed is sorely needed, and it gives our troops the biggest pay raise in eight years. It also includes important provisions to strengthen missile defense and modernize our nuclear forces, key priorities that ensure we stay ahead of the threats our nation faces.

Supporting Gold Star Families

Our Gold Star Families want one thing: for their loved ones to be remembered. That's why I recently introduced the Gold Star Family Support and Installation Access Act of 2017. Through this important legislation, Congress can ensure these families have access to services and benefits as they grieve and honor America's fallen heroes. I applaud my friend Representative Don Bacon for his leadership on this issue in the House.

Photos of the Month

I welcomed members of the Nebraska National Guard to the U.S. Capitol and thanking them for their service.

My staff and I partnered with the Salvation Army in Lincoln to help distribute Thanksgiving meals. I'm truly inspired by such generous and caring Nebraskans.

Speaking in Beatrice at the Homestead National Monument of America celebrating "America's most famous tractor." Thanks to Superintendent Mark Engler, Dr. C.T. Frerichs & Diane Vicars for their efforts to preserve our past for future generations.

It was a pleasure being able to spend time and serve Thanksgiving lunch to members of the Nebraska National Guard stationed at Guantanamo Bay.

I enjoyed stopping by downtown Norfolk in November and visiting several small businesses, including Tienda Leon, Norfolk Natural Market, Midwest Music, and Roxi's Bridal.

Union Pacific's Veterans Celebration at the Durham Museum in Omaha was a wonderful way to honor those who have served our country.