Newsletter

Core infrastructure is an important responsibility of the federal government. It was a priority for me in the Nebraska Legislature, and now it's a priority for me on the Senate Commerce Committee. Americans know what infrastructure is. It is roads, bridges, ports, airports, pipelines, waterways, and broadband.

Unfortunately, less than six percent of President Biden's $2.7 trillion proposal would go to roads and bridges, barely four percent to broadband, and less than two percent to airports. Most of the money would be spent on a political wish list. For example, his proposal spends more on electric cars than it does on roads and bridges. And worst of all, the president wants to fund his initiatives through higher taxes on hardworking Nebraskans.

Infrastructure has always been a bipartisan issue, and it can be again. This is why Senate Republicans have introduced a real infrastructure proposal to address our nation's needs.

Watch my floor speech on infrastructure here.

My Legislation Advances Out of the Commerce Committee 

I am pleased two of my bipartisan bills have advanced out of the Senate Commerce Committee. One of these measures would protect domestic abuse survivors, and the other would support maternal telehealth solutions.

The Safe Connections Act would help survivors of domestic violence cut ties from their abusers by allowing them to separate from group wireless service plans. This would protect them from being monitored, stalked, or controlled.

The Data Mapping to Save Moms' Lives Act would utilize data mapping to show where high rates of poor maternal health outcomes overlap with a lack of broadband services. This bill would help identify where we must improve access to telehealth services for new mothers.

I will continue building support among my colleagues to further advance these bills.

The HAULS Act is Gaining Momentum

The HAULS Act, which I reintroduced in March, is also gaining momentum in both chambers of Congress. Sixteen of my Senate colleagues have cosponsored the bill, and Representatives John Rose of Tennessee and Darren Soto of Florida have introduced a House companion bill. By working together, we can move this important bill through Congress to ensure our livestock haulers, who play an important role in transporting food and fuel across America, can do their critical jobs safely and efficiently.

The Importance of Our Nuclear Arsenal

Modernizing America's nuclear arsenal is key to our national defense, which is why the issue has been among my top priorities. The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing with Admiral Charles Richard, the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, to discuss the increasing threats nations like Russia and China pose.

I also recently spoke with the Heritage Foundation on the future of nuclear modernization. Watch here.

Recently in Grand Island, I toured the Central Nebraska Regional Airport and its firefighting facility. The firehouse was built by a local construction company. This was a great investment in their community, and a perfect example of core infrastructure. 

A top priority of mine is to make sure Nebraska continues to improve broadband across our state, particularly in rural communities. I had the chance to speak in person with Dr. Angela Hollman who works at the University of Nebraska-Kearney to analyze and map connection speeds to help continue growing rural connectivity.

A trip across Nebraska wouldn’t be complete without a stop by Carhenge!

The University of Nebraska-Kearney has equipment to train students looking for careers as commercial pilots and in the aviation industry. It was an absolute blast flying to Hawaii in their aviation simulator!

While on the road, I toured the Greenhouse in the Snow in Alliance. A big thank you to Russ Finch and his team for showing me around! His hard work and entrepreneurial spirit make clear why his business is booming.

Thanks for reading, and please do not hesitate to reach out to any of my offices if my staff or I can be of assistance.

- Senator Deb Fischer

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