WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today on the government spending legislation passed by Congress:

“Many important policy wins for Nebraska, which I’ve worked hard on, were included in this spending package. 

“Increasing resources to rebuild our military and giving our troops the training they need to protect our nation, both of which this bill does, are objectives I have long advocated for as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. 

“Important agriculture-related measures like permanently eliminating animal waste emissions reporting requirements under CERCLA for producers, a longer exemption from the electronic logging device mandate for livestock haulers, and fixing a tax provision that created winners and losers in the grain market are all part of this bill. I was also happy to see that my bipartisan proposal to expand wireless coverage in rural areas included.

“Two other provisions in the package I cosponsored as stand alone bills will keep firearms away from dangerous people and improve school safety. Additionally, this bill contains a bipartisan proposal I co-led to protect consumers, and especially seniors, from fraudulent ‘spoofing’ scams. 

“While I strongly support all of these specific measures, I came to Washington to fight for Nebraska priorities and make hard decisions. This omnibus bill fails to make any tough choices and tries to be everything to everyone. I voted no because that is not a responsible way to fund government.”

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