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Yesterday our nation awoke to devastating news. Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of the innocent victims killed in the Las Vegas massacre and we pray for the hundreds more who were injured during this horrible tragedy. I echo President Trump's comments: this was "an act of pure evil." Investigators are hard at work searching for the facts, but right now our sincerest condolences go out to all those affected and their families. We are also grateful for our first responders whose heroic actions prevented further loss of life.
Please read on for your monthly U.S. Senate update.
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Strengthening Our National Defense
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In September, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill will help ensure our military has the resources it needs to take on the missions of today and challenges of tomorrow. Congress has passed this legislation every year for 55 years. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, I was proud to work on several important provisions in this legislation. This bill is a strong, bipartisan product that will increase military readiness, strengthen missile defense, and address cybersecurity. |
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The Future of STRATCOM
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| In celebration of the incredible men and women of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), I recently attended the 15th annual STRATCOM Birthday Ball. Before the event, I had the chance to meet with Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson. It was an honor to welcome the Secretary to Nebraska and join her for a discussion on several topics, including the state of our Air Force and its challenges. We also discussed Nebraska's role, as well as the progress of the new STRATCOM headquarters and the importance of replacing Offutt's runway. I appreciate Secretary Wilson's continued support for both of these important undertakings and I look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure our Air Force remains strong. |
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Improving End-of-Life Care for Our Patients
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| I signed on as a cosponsor of the bipartisan Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA). This legislation seeks to expand and improve care for patients in hospice and those being treated for serious illness. Watching a loved one struggle with a serious disease like Alzheimer's or face the final stages of life is devastating and stressful. Through increased education, training, and incentives for the physicians providing this type of care, Americans can receive better care during these very difficult circumstances. |
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Expanding Trade Opportunities
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In September, I met with South Korea's Trade Minister, Kim Hyun-chong, to discuss the strong strategic alliance between our two countries. Our main focus was the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA). I have been a staunch advocate for this agreement because of the great economic benefits it provides to Nebraska's families.
South Korea is Nebraska's sixth largest agriculture trade partner and a major market for Nebraska pork, corn, ethanol, beef, and wheat. The total Nebraska trade market in South Korea is worth $400 million. Earlier this month, I penned a letter to President Donald Trump urging him not to terminate KORUS FTA. I will continue to work with Minister Kim, my colleagues in Congress, and the administration to promote trade opportunities for Nebraska producers. |
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Streamlining Regulations to Get Projects Moving
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As chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, I welcomed the recent announcement that the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is taking a crucial first step to streamline the environmental review and permitting process for infrastructure projects. Nebraskans have made it clear that they want an environmental review process that helps move infrastructure projects forward at a faster rate. This was a major topic of discussion when I hosted U.S. Transportation Secretaries Elaine Chao and Anthony Foxx in our state.
In the U.S. Senate and in the Nebraska Unicameral, I have advocated for a more reasonable and efficient environmental review process. In February, I introduced the Build USA Infrastructure Act, an initiative to fund critical transportation infrastructure projects. It's good to see the Trump administration also take action to get these important projects going. |
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Photos of the Month
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I introduced the Fast family from Omaha to my favorite Senate dog, Fred Fischer, before their Capitol tour.
Fantastic meeting with Nebraska Pork Producers in September. We are excited about the recent trade deal with Argentina expanding market access opportunities for their products.
Thank you to Elwood, Nebraska, native Gary Bodenheimer and other participants in Kidney Community Advocacy Day for stopping by my Senate office to talk with me.
Joined Shannon Bream live on Fox News to discuss national security, NDAA, and my work on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Congratulations to Milford Jr/Sr High School principal, Brandon Mowinkel, on receiving Nebraska's Principal of the Year award! #ProudNebraskan
Finally, here's a friendly reminder about the constituent services that are available through my office. If you are having trouble navigating the federal bureaucracy, would like to set up a tour for an upcoming trip to Washington D.C., or visit with my staff at our local office hours, click here for more information on constituent services.
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