Dear Friend,

In April, our state was hit by massive storms that left destruction and devastation in their wake. But Nebraskans won’t be knocked down.

We have a great spirit, and we help each other in times of need. As our communities recover, I will continue to work with the entire Congressional delegation and our governor to ensure that impacted communities get the resources they need.

Here in Washington, I’m fighting for you every day, whether that’s standing against the disgraceful impeachment process we saw last month, advocating for rural America against this administration’s attempts to leave us behind, or pushing back against Biden’s radical EV agenda.

Read more about my work for you below.

In April, a damaging tornadic system slammed our state. But when tragedy strikes, Nebraskans persevere.

Nebraskans support each other, and neighbors are already helping neighbors as communities begin to pick up the pieces. The entire federal congressional delegation has been in touch with the governor’s office and will work in a comprehensive way to ensure that affected communities get the resources they need.

Last week, I led our delegation in a letter to President Biden echoing Governor Jim Pillen's request for disaster assistance. I’m glad that the President issued a Major Disaster Declaration for Nebraska on Friday.

For years, I’ve said that the situation unfolding at our southern border is a national security and humanitarian crisis. Our open border is letting terrorists and Chinese nationals into this country illegally, and it’s allowing deadly fentanyl to flood our communities. It’s past time to hold this administration accountable, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Unfortunately, my Democrat colleagues chose to abandon their Constitutional duty last month. They silenced the voices of millions by refusing to hold a trial and denying Senators the right to fully consider the impeachment charges against Secretary Mayorkas for his role in overseeing the border catastrophe.

Time and again, the Biden administration has abandoned rural America, leaving working families and small businesses in the dust.

Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a nursing home staffing rule that will hurt facilities across rural Nebraska. While this rule may be well-intentioned, it will have a devastating effect on rural America and could force many facilities to close. Last year, I filed legislation to prevent this rule from being finalized, and I’ll continue working with my colleagues to fight this misguided regulation.

Unlike President Biden, I’m committed to supporting rural America and to supporting families across our state. In April, I joined Senator Angus King (I-Maine) in sending a letter to the Biden administration urging the Department of Labor to raise awareness of my proven, bipartisan Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) tax credit.

In 2017, Senator King and I championed what is now the country’s only nationwide PFML policy. Unfortunately, not enough businesses are aware of this important credit and making use of it. In our letter, we asked the administration to carry out a coordinated awareness campaign to increase employee access to paid leave.

The government closest to the people serves people the best. But too many in Washington don’t get back to “real America” and see what The Good Life looks like here in Nebraska. Instead, these bureaucrats tend to make decisions only by listening to each other. That’s not right.

That’s why I invited Commissioner Brendan Carr from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to visit Nebraska last month for a third time. The FCC makes key decisions about investments in broadband and telephone services for schools, hospitals, businesses, and households. Here in Nebraska, Commissioner Carr heard firsthand about what’s working — and more importantly, what isn’t.

I’m committed to expanding broadband access from the last mile to the last acre. At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing last month, I questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack about the department’s efforts to promote broadband access in rural and unserved areas.

In our state, rural areas often rely on airports to maintain access to crucial world markets and economic opportunities. The Essential Air Service (EAS) program links rural communities with essential economic opportunities. Last month, I sent a letter urging the Commerce Committee to continue supporting the EAS program in legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration.

Three and a half years in, the Biden administration is still neglecting the priorities of real Americans in favor of a far-left agenda. At an Appropriations Committee hearing last month, I questioned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland about budget cuts the administration wants to make to programs that help state and local law enforcement. I shared my concerns about shrinking programs that provide secure information-sharing tools to enhance officer safety and that defray the rising costs of incarcerating criminal illegal immigrants.

Meanwhile, the administration is pushing electric vehicle mandates on the American people. When National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy came before the Commerce Committee last month, I asked her about an NTSB study on the safety risks high-voltage EV batteries pose to first responders. Chair Homendy said it was “unacceptable” that the administration has yet to identify ways to mitigate these risks.

The United States must take action today to meet the threats of tomorrow. Our current nuclear strategy is based on flawed, outdated assumptions from 2010 that will not be enough to deter peer nuclear adversaries like China and Russia in the future.

That’s why I introduced the bipartisan Restoring American Deterrence Act with Senator King and Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). Our landmark legislation will strengthen America’s strategic posture and lay a solid foundation for the Departments of Defense and Energy to maintain a safe, reliable, and credible deterrent for decades to come.

Last month, the U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Susan Bazis to the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. That vote was a victory for Nebraska, and it was a long time coming. Ever since Judge John Gerrard announced he would retire in February 2023, I’ve been working to find an exemplary candidate to replace him. Judge Bazis is exactly that.

The Senate did the right thing by confirming Judge Bazis, and I have no doubt she will serve our state well on the federal bench.

IN THE NEWS

Sen Fischer raises concern over Chinese cyberattacks on U.S. critical infrastructure

Nuclear Security revives Stratcom collaboration

Nebraska Health Care Association responds to new federal nursing home mandates

Senator Fischer warns Biden's nursing home rule may close rural Nebraska facilities

Antisemitic 'attacks' on college campuses are 'outrageous': Sen. Deb Fischer

Senators push to update nuclear military might in defense bill

FEATURED LINKS

Fischer, Colleagues Urge Biden to Prioritize E15 Fuel, Leverage American Agriculture

ICYMI: Fischer Joins Fox Business to Discuss Rising Antisemitism on College Campuses, and the Devastating Impact of Tornadoes in Nebraska

Fischer, King Urge Administration to Raise Awareness of Proven Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit

Fischer Blasts Nursing Home Staffing Rule: “Will Devastate Nursing Homes Across This Country”

Fischer: Biden’s Rushed EV Agenda Puts First Responders’ Safety At Risk

Fischer: California’s Radical Environmental Agenda Puts Military Readiness at Risk

	Met with Nebraska members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology last month. Grateful for the work ophthalmologists do to provide Nebraskans with quality eye care!
Great to meet with the National Shooting Sports Foundation about ensuring Constitutional protections for responsible gun owners. Thank you for your efforts to facilitate lawful export licensing.
	Good discussion with the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association about how we can support rail infrastructure in Nebraska and across the country.
Proud of the work the University of Nebraska-Kearney is doing to prepare the next generation of Nebraska’s rural health care workforce. Enjoyed hearing about the health care worker pipeline UNK is building with the University of Nebraska Medical Center through their Health Science Explorer program.
	Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects more than six million Americans every year. I’m grateful for the work the Alzheimer’s Association is doing to support research for a cure.
Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Total Manufacturing Company is a one-stop, concept-to-completion metal manufacturing service. Thank you for showing me around your facilities!
	From their pastures to our plates, Nebraska’s ranchers work tirelessly to deliver safe, nutritious, and delicious products. I met with Nebraska Cattlemen to discuss ways to support them in the Farm Bill.
When trouble strikes, people need a roof over their heads and help getting back on their feet. I met with Nebraska members of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials to discuss giving a hand-up, not a handout, to those who need it.
	Nebraska’s producers feed our country and the world, and the upcoming Farm Bill should reflect that. I met with Nebraska’s Pork Producers to discuss ways to keep “farm” in the Farm Bill.
Across Nebraska, dentists provide quality care for individuals and their families. I enjoyed meeting with representatives from the American Dental Association and the Student Dental Association last month in Washington.
	It was great to meet with the Santee Sioux Nation during their trip to Washington!
I cosponsored the Main Street Tax Certainty Act to help small businesses, like our independent insurance agents, continue to provide crucial services in their communities. It was great to visit with the Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska!
	Enjoyed meeting with Nebraska’s Executive Airborne Solutions. Thank you for your efforts to protect our country against threats from foreign adversaries.
Nebraska’s economy relies on our trade partnerships — we exported $8.89 billion in goods internationally last year. I met with members of the USA Maritime Industry to talk about its role in worldwide trade.
	Bidenomics is burning a hole in Americans’ pockets. I met with Nebraska’s Lumberman Association to learn how the organization responds to this administration’s harmful regulations.