Newsletter

Friends,

In September, the Senate passed – with my support – a bill to fund the government through December. The bill also included $500 million to arm and train moderate Syrian forces to combat the growing terrorist group, ISIL. ISIL has attracted a number of Western and U.S. recruits and poses a very real threat to America and our allies. We cannot afford to stand idly by as ISIL gains territory, bolsters its military, and increases its influence in the region. The world needs American leadership.

Unfortunately, the November elections have distracted too many in Congress from doing the job we were sent here to do.

I strongly object to Congress heading home to campaign rather than staying to debate the president’s full strategy to combat and ultimately eliminate this threat. I believe Americans deserve an open and honest discussion about the full scope of our mission, and the president should seek congressional authorization for a sustained air campaign.

Click HERE or on the image below to view a discussion I had with General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel at an Armed Services Hearing about our strategy to combat ISIL.

IN OTHER NEWS...

Pushing Back on EPA
I worked with Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) to lead a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate in calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow for additional time for Nebraskans and all Americans to have a say on new energy regulations. I believe all stakeholders should have more time to review this proposed carbon emissions regulation, which could dramatically impact electricity utilities in Nebraska and drive up costs for families. I’m happy to report that the EPA agreed to extend its comment and review period to December 1, 2014. You can post a comment HERE. Click HERE for more information.

Keeping FCC Accountable
Last week, I worked with a number of Western state Senators to urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to follow through with plans to investigate telephone connection problems in rural areas. Nebraskans depend on consistent, reliable telephone service to not only stay connected with friends and family, but also to conduct business and ensure public safety.  The FCC unanimously adopted a rule to address telephone connection issues in 2013, but it has not yet taken the necessary steps to allow the process to continue. I intend to continue to hold the FCC accountable on this important matter.

Expanding my Outreach
In an effort to continue to improve access and convenience for Nebraskans, I’ve expanded my permanent office presence in the state with staff in Kearney and Norfolk. This is in addition to my offices in Omaha, Lincoln and Scottsbluff. Members of my staff and I will continue to be out and about in different communities as well. Click HERE for a list of upcoming local office ours. I encourage Nebraskans to reach out with any problems they may be having with the federal government, or to share their concerns. I’m here to serve you.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...IN THE NEWS

Omaha World Herald: Sen. Fischer helps lead charge on power plant regulation extension

Nebraska Radio NetworkSen. Fischer: Congressional OK needed to escalate attacks on ISIL

10/11 Now: Senate Approves Obama Plan to Train Syrian Rebels

CNS News: Sen. Fischer: 'We Are Not Being Honest With the American People'

Beatrice Daily Sun: Fischer: Time to listen

PHOTOS OF THE MONTH...

 

Student Angela Wenzl and her teacher from Johnson, NE made a stop on a recent trip to DC. Angela was the Nebraska representative for the Civics Renewal Network’s Constitution Day Program, a two-day event celebrating Constitution Day.

I was awarded with the 2014 Fueling Growth Award Winner by Growth Energy for my advocacy for ethanol fueling.

One of my former interns, Alexander Mallory, visited Washington as the Nebraska Youth Ambassador for National Child Awareness Month. Alexander is a passionate leader and a dedicated public servant. He started a project for suicide prevention on Nebraskan Indian reservations.

Members of the Nebraska National Guard  stopped by my office. They were recently recognized by the Pentagon for being one of the top logistics units in the country. 

I met with a group of Nebraskan Korean War Veterans from Buffalo County visiting the Korean War Memorial as a part of the Hero Flight Program.

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