July Legislative Recap

Dear Friend,

It’s been a busy summer in Washington and in Nebraska. From delivering wins for Offutt Air Force Base and advancing federal funding to support our police officers and firefighters, improve water infrastructure, and boost agriculture research, I’ve been working to make sure Nebraskans’ priorities are front and center in the U.S. Senate.

Below are some highlights over the past month:

As discussed last month, the Senate and House passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, which locked in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, saving the average Nebraska family $2,400 a year. Now that the bill has been signed into law, I’ve written extensively in my weekly columns about how the bill keeps taxes low, helps our farmers and ranchers, and supports our national security. Click on the links below to read my individual columns.

My job as the U.S. Senator for Nebraska is to advocate for policies and priorities that benefit our communities. Part of that job is making sure I return taxpayer dollars back to our state – out of the hands and discretion of D.C. bureaucrats – to improve our infrastructure and support first responders as they work to keep us safe. Read on to learn more about the priorities I’ve advanced for Nebraska over the past month.

Advancing $16M for UNL’s Agricultural Research Service Facility
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Ag Research Service (ARS) facility located at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln (UNL) will be a hub for world class agricultural innovation. I was pleased to advocate for this funding to construct the second phase of the ARS Center, which will help attract students, scientists, and industry leaders who are focused on turning valuable research into tangible products for our farmers and ranchers. Click here to read more.

Advancing $60M+ to Improve Nebraska’s Infrastructure, Firefighting Capabilities
From roads and bridges to railways and airports — our infrastructure keeps Nebraska’s communities connected. It allows our farmers and ranchers to bring their goods to market and enables us to travel to work or school. I was proud to advance critical investments that will improve our state’s infrastructure for Nebraska’s families and make our Good Life even better. Click here to read more.

Advancing $54M for Offutt Air Force Base
As the proud home of the Air Force’s ‘doomsday’ planes — used by the president and top military leaders to command our forces during extreme crisis — Offutt Air Force Base is essential to our nation’s security. I was proud to advocate for critical funding to ensure that Offutt and the brave men and women who serve there are equipped with the resources they need to continue to defend America against the threats we face. Click here to read more.

Advancing $9M for Key Nebraska Safety Upgrades
Nebraska’s police officers and first responders work around the clock to keep our communities safe, which is why it’s so important that we equip them with the tools they need to carry out their duties effectively. I was proud to champion efforts through the Appropriations Committee to bring federal dollars back to Nebraska to support our law enforcement, upgrade our emergency communication systems, and enhance child trafficking prevention efforts. I will always support our men and women in blue. Click here to read more.

Advancing $18M+ for Nebraska Water Infrastructure Projects
Strong, reliable water infrastructure is an essential part of our daily lives. I was proud to advance funding to improve the lives of Nebraskans for years to come. I look forward to supporting the final Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026 on the Senate floor and directing more federal funds back to our state. Click here to read more.

Advancing $5M for Nebraska’s Research Institutions
Nebraska’s research institutions are the backbone of the future bioeconomy, conservation, and biomedical research workforce. I was proud to advance funding to not only fuel groundbreaking research but to strengthen local economies by supporting the contractors and businesses that make this work possible. Click here to read more.

Delivering for Nebraska’s Service Members in Annual Defense Policy Bill
As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I understand the critical role Offutt Air Force Base plays in keeping our nation safe. I fought to secure authorization for investments in U.S. Strategic Command, the 557th Weather Wing, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency — all located at Offutt. The brave men and women who serve at Offutt deserve the resources and tools they need to succeed and keep our people and nation safe. I was proud to champion these efforts in Congress. Click here to read more.

VA Moves Forward on Omaha VA Hospital Project
The Omaha VA hospital will turn 75 years old this year, and it’s clear it must be replaced to meet the standard of care our veterans need and deserve. I was glad to see the Omaha VA hospital project added to the VA’s Five-Year Development Plan, which moves this project forward. Click here to read more.

My She DRIVES Act Featured on CBS News
Women are 73% more likely to suffer serious injuries and 17% more likely to be killed in a car accident than men. I joined my colleague Senator Duckworth on CBS Mornings to discuss our She DRIVES Act, which requires female crash test dummies to be used in vehicle safety tests. This will help ensure that women are just as safe as everyone else on the roads. Click on the image below or here to watch our interview.

EVs Must Pay Their Fair Share
At a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, I pressed key transportation leaders on whether electric vehicles (EVs) should contribute to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF), which supports the construction and maintenance of U.S. roads and bridges. They affirmed that EVs must pay their fair share and contribute to this fund, helping offset the damage they cause to America’s infrastructure. Click here to watch.

This is welcome news because I have a bill that would do just that. My Fair SHARE Act would require EVs to contribute to the HTF, helping to offset the damage they cause to America’s infrastructure. Click here to read more.

Successfully Advocating for the Release of Frozen Education Funds
Recently, I joined my colleagues in requesting that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) release education funding that had been frozen, including those that support 21st Century Community Learning Centers. I was pleased that OMB followed through on our request to release these funds, which provide critical learning opportunities and support for Nebraska’s students and families. Click here to read more.

Independence Day in Nebraska’s 4th of July City

Wins for Nebraska’s Ag Community in the One Big, Beautiful Bill

How the One Big, Beautiful Bill Keeps Nebraska Safe and Secure

How the One Big, Beautiful Bill Delivers Tax Relief to Nebraska Families

Senators Work All Night to Pass Trump’s Bill, Twisting Arms and Nearing a Record

Sens. Fischer, Rounds: Setting the record straight on how we protected defense spectrum in the 5G era

Fischer secures $16M for UNL agricultural research facility, $1.5M for drought center

Can female crash test dummies improve safety? A bipartisan group of senators push for equality in testing

Sen. Deb Fischer and others send letter to federal officials asking to unfreeze education funds

Fischer Advances $54.3 Million for Offutt Air Force Base

		I was honored to speak at the dedication for the Grand Island Veterans Cemetery. This has been a long time coming. Grand Island had the vision, the land, and the community support. They worked to raise funds in true Nebraskan style with grassroots determination — including community events and a hamburger feed.
E15 lowers prices at the gas pump, supports domestic biofuels, and boosts the U.S. ag industry. I met with the Renewable Fuels Association's Board of Directors to discuss how we can better support our biofuels industry and Nebraska’s producers.
		Nebraska FFA prepares its members to be leaders in and strong advocates for our nation’s ag industry. I enjoyed meeting with Nebraska’s state officers while they were in Washington.
I had a great meeting with CropLife America’s Board of Directors to discuss the critical role crop protection products play in preventing pest-borne diseases, protecting public health, and ensuring a safe and abundant food supply for American families.
		I met with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association to discuss issues affecting Nebraska’s agricultural communities and how we can continue to grow demand for our producers.
I had a wonderful evening at the White House with my Senate colleagues to celebrate the One Big Beautiful Bill being signed into law.
		I enjoyed giving young Nebraskans from the American Legion Boys Nation and the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation a tour of the Capitol and answering their thoughtful questions about the legislative process.