Dear Friend,

The past couple of months in Washington have been chaotic, and the longest government shutdown in history put hardworking families in a pinch. I was thankful that Democrats finally came to the table and voted to reopen the government – even if it was on the 16th vote.  Yet, throughout the shutdown, my offices remained open, and I continued to work on your behalf.

Before we recap what I’ve been working on, I want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May this holiday season bring you peace, joy, and happiness.

Now, here's what I’ve been up to in Nebraska and Washington:



Attending the White House ag roundtable, USDA farm aid announcement

I was honored to be one of three Senators invited to President Trump’s White House agriculture roundtable, during which he announced a farm assistance package. This is welcome news as we work to get the farm economy back on track. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Rollins for stepping up to ensure that America’s ag producers have the support they need to feed and fuel our world. I look forward to continuing to partner with the administration to expand trade opportunities that will create strong markets for Nebraska’s ag producers.

I also joined RFD-TV to discuss the farm assistance package. Click here to watch my interview.

Pressing the trade ambassador on holding China accountable with their soybean purchases

It's no secret the farm economy is in a tough place, and I’m grateful to the administration for providing assistance with farm aid; however, Nebraska farmers want markets to sell their products. That’s why I was pleased to hear that the administration negotiated a deal with China to purchase our soybeans. I want to make sure China fully follows through on those purchase commitments.

I pressed the U.S. Trade Representative before the Senate Appropriations Committee on how he’s monitoring China’s purchases and the timeline for their 12 million metric ton purchases. Click here to watch our exchange.



Introducing a bill to end the financial burdens of wildfires started by the federal government

If a prescribed burn, started by the federal government, escapes containment, Nebraskans shouldn’t be left to foot the bill for recovery. That’s why I introduced the bipartisan Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act, which will ensure Nebraskans aren't forced to shoulder the burden if prescribed burns are mismanaged by the federal government and destructive to private property. Click here to read more.

Supporting Nebraska’s law enforcement

Every day, our law enforcement officers step into danger to keep Nebraskans safe. Anyone who targets law enforcement should be brought to swift justice. That’s why I joined my Republican colleagues in introducing the Back the Blue Act, which holds criminals accountable and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate attacks on our brave men and women in blue. Click here to read more.

Advocating for Essential Air Service to serve rural Nebraska



Nebraska is home to seven communities that are served by the Essential Air Service (EAS). These rural communities rely heavily on a central air service program to provide connectivity and access to critical services. In addition to providing these services, EAS also helps these communities attract businesses and visitors, driving our local economies.

For these reasons, during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, I questioned two U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) nominees about their commitment to protecting rural air service. I urged them to ensure that rural areas are not disadvantaged by future EAS reductions and encouraged them to reconsider Alliance Municipal Airport’s EAS order with the DOT in a timely fashion. Click here to watch.

Celebrating the USDA’s placement of Natural Resource Conservation Service Regional Hub in Lincoln

Good news: the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Central Regional Hub will be located in Lincoln! I was proud to push for this placement and look forward to working with the administration to ensure our ag producers and landowners have the tools they need to drive real results for rural Nebraska and America. Click here to read more.



Strengthening U.S. Telecommunications against foreign adversaries

Good news: The Senate passed my FACT Act, marking a crucial step in the mission to secure America’s tech and telecommunication markets from foreign adversaries. We cannot allow adversarial regimes like communist China and Russia to undermine our people and country, which is why I introduced and shepherded this bill through the Senate. I look forward to getting this bill to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Click here to read more.

Speaking at the Reagan National Defense Forum



I recently traveled to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for the annual Reagan National Defense Forum – one of the most important gatherings of national security leaders each year. The event brings together Members of Congress, military commanders, defense experts, and technology innovators.

While these conversations may take place more than 1,000 miles from Nebraska, the issues we discuss directly affect families here at home. Our state has a proud tradition of military service, and Offutt Air Force Base remains home to U.S. Strategic Command. When we talk about defending the homeland, Nebraskans are on the front lines of that mission.

At the forum, I spoke on a panel focused on one of the most urgent challenges we face: strengthening America’s space and missile defense systems. China and Russia are developing weapons capable of reaching the United States, and their arsenals grow more advanced each year. The days when the homeland was safely out of reach are long behind us. Click here to view the full panel discussion and my remarks.



I also joined Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream for a bipartisan discussion with U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. Click here to watch the full interview.

WASHINGTON TIMES: Modernize the U.S. nuclear deterrent SCOTTSBLUFF STAR-HERALD: Western Nebraska’s role in upholding our national security

LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR: Finding Bipartisan Child Care Solutions for Nebraska Families WALL STREET JOURNAL: Pacific Allies Need U.S. Support

Fischer Urges Trump Admin. to Prioritize America’s Ranchers Fischer Votes to Keep Government Open

Fischer on Senate Floor: Ag Producers Urgently Need Lasting, Long-term Solutions Fischer Blasts Tyson Foods’ Decision to Close Beef Processing Plant in Lexington

Fischer Votes For Funding Package to Reopen Government Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Back the Blue Act

		I was honored to attend the groundbreaking of the Boys Town Research Hospital expansion.
I had a great meeting with Sarpy County representatives and Papio NRD to discuss vital road, sewer, and flood mitigation infrastructure projects.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. Deb Fischer   U.S. Senator for Nebraska