June Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Across the state, Nebraskans are preparing for Independence Day – proudly wearing the red, white, and blue as we celebrate our nation. Whether it’s at a parade, backyard barbeque, or a fireworks show, I encourage all Nebraskans to take a moment to think about what was sacrificed to make our nation the greatest on Earth.

As you celebrate the Fourth of July, remember all those who put their lives on the line each and every day so that we can enjoy this holiday every year. I also hope you will remember the role that you play in making our nation a wonderful place.

Please read on for the latest news and updates from my office this month.

Nebraska Breakfast Highlight

This month, I had the chance to highlight a beloved tradition – the Nebraska Breakfast. Dating back to the 1940s, the Nebraska Breakfast is the longest-standing congressional meeting on Capitol Hill. The first Nebraska breakfast was hosted by former Senator Hugh Butler in 1943.

Each Wednesday, when both the House and Senate are in session, Nebraskans visiting Capitol Hill are treated to a morning discussion with their congressmen and senators. Click here to watch my new video on this great tradition. If you are planning a visit to Washington, D.C., I hope you will consider attending the Nebraska Breakfast. You can sign up for the Nebraska Breakfast here.

Fighting for You on the Issues That Matter

Providing for the Common Defense

Earlier this month, the Senate passed one of the most important pieces of annual legislation of the year. Each year, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sets the policies and priorities for our military. This year, we have targeted areas that need additional support while making changes to outdated and inefficient programs. The Fiscal Year 2016 NDAA contains a number of amendments and provisions that I offered, including authorization to fully fund STRATCOM’s operations. Click here to read more.

Nomination of Bob Rossiter to Federal Bench in Nebraska

Earlier this month, I had the great pleasure of calling Bob Rossiter Jr. of Omaha to inform him that President Obama submitted his nomination to serve on the federal court. Following last year’s announcement that Judge Joseph Bataillon planned to retire from regular active service, then-Senator Johanns and I began a statewide search. We accepted applications for more than four months before announcing our selection of Mr. Rossiter to fill the vacancy.Throughout his long legal career, Bob has demonstrated the highest integrity, legal skill, professionalism, and dedication to the rule of law. I look forward to working with him throughout the confirmation process.

Continuing the Fight Against WOTUS

This month, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee completed its markup of the Federal Water Quality Protection Act. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation, which would halt the administration’s WOTUS rule. The bill would direct the Obama administration to issue a revised proposal that would set clear limits on federal regulation of water, require consultation with states and impacted stakeholders, and ensure that a thorough economic analysis is conducted. This is an important step in stopping this rule and halting the damage it would inflict on Nebraska’s families and our economy.

Nebraska Delegation Calls for Disaster Relief

In the wake of May’s severe storms across Nebraska, I led the Nebraska congressional delegation in a letter to President Obama urging his prompt approval of Governor Ricketts’ request for a federal disaster declaration. Our letter highlighted the damage caused by the severe storms, which the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency has estimated will cost nearly $13.8 million. I’m pleased to report that President Obama made the disaster declaration this month, allowing emergency funds to begin providing relief.

In Case You Missed It … Fischer in the News

Sen. Deb Fischer 'Deeply Concerned' About Foreign Threats to US Interests
ABC News Radio
In the wake of a string of international threats to U.S. interests, Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., discussed the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act in this week's Republican address.

Sen. Deb Fischer, back from Eastern Europe trip, sees growing fears about Putin aggression
Omaha World-Herald
Eastern European countries are increasingly worried that Russian President Vladimir Putin could have his military on the move. At least that’s what Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., heard when she visited the region last week.

The insecurity administration
Editorial – Lincoln Journal Star
Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska was one of five senators who wrote President Barack Obama on Jan. 26, urging him to “prioritize the formal nomination of a qualified, experienced and dedicated individual” as TSA administrator.

Senator Fischer Works To Fine-Tune Equal Pay (VIDEO)
WOWT NBC
Now, Senator Fischer is working on adding additional congressional co-sponsors to the bill, the Workplace Advancement Act, to fine tune an equal pay law that's been on the books for decades. A handful of democrats are already in her corner.

A Senate Lunch Tradition Draws on the Flavors of Home
The New York Times
Some hosts highlight a particular city, as did Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, who recently brought in a taste of Omaha, including a Thunderbird Salad with Thunderbird Dressing, Reuben sandwiches and eCreamery butter brickle ice cream.

Omaha lawyer nominated for federal judgeship
The Grand Island Independent
Rossiter's nomination was announced by the White House on Thursday. Rossiter's name was sent to the president about 10 months by U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer and then-U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns, who has since been replaced by U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse.

Fischer’s Northport Irrigation Bill Advances to Next Stage
KRVN Radio
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing Thursday afternoon to examine several Bureau of Reclamation bills, including one offered by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) regarding the Northport Irrigation District.

A Technology Call to Arms Ahead of Election 2016
The Wall Street Journal
“Most Americans can’t even think of, what’s the Republican view of technology and the Democratic view? Because there’s really none,” Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said at a conference in Washington earlier this month. Seated alongside fellow Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Napster co-founder Sean Parker at the Techonomy Policy conference, the trio discussed the need to marry technology and policy together.

Conservatives frustrated by GOP’s drop in working women’s votes
The Washington Post
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) wants to reward companies with a 25-cent tax credit for every dollar spent on its employees’ family or medical leave.

Why we need sanctions against Russia
Video – FOX Business Network
Sen. Mike Rounds, (R-S.D.), and Sen. Deb Fischer, (R-Neb.), discuss the importance of sanctions on Russia and U.S.’s strategy for ISIS.

Sen. Fischer Believes Coal Ash Rule Will Affect Nebraskans
Big Apple Radio (Nebraska City)
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer spoke out on the issues that she feels needs to be addressed with the EPA’s final coal ash rule at a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Fischer joins effort to protect Panhandle electric power
Rural Radio Network
Nebraska U.S. Senator Deb Fischer has joined her colleagues from Colorado and Wyoming in urging the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to protect a coal mine that is vital in providing electric energy to the panhandle.

Photos of the Month

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of welcoming 4-H students from Garfield, Loup, Wheeler, Brown, Keya Paha, and Rock counties to Washington.

It was an honor to meet Lieutenant General Timothy Kadavy. Lieutenant General Kadavy, a Nebraska native, was recently named the director of the Army National Guard.

I was humbled and honored to attend celebrations in Pilger, marking one year since twin tornadoes devastated their community. As part of the celebrations, we broke ground for Pilger’s new Midwest Bank facility. The resilience of this community is truly inspiring.