Newsletter

Dear Friend,

This month, President Trump joined Senate Republicans at our weekly lunch and policy discussion. I sat at the president's table and had the opportunity to speak with him regarding a number of issues important to Nebraskans. One major topic of discussion was tax reform.

For the past eight years, the American economy has been sluggish. Nearly half of all Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Too many families have struggled to find the means to fix things around the house, send their kids to college, or save for an emergency.

Recently, the Senate passed a budget that puts Congress on a path to deliver relief for middle class families through tax reform. The legislative process for tax reform is still just beginning, but my goal is to provide relief for everyday Nebraskans so they can keep more of their hard-earned pay in their own pockets.

Continue reading for more updates on my work in the Senate.

A Nebraskan to the USDA

Last Thursday, the Senate unanimously confirmed Nebraska Director of Agriculture Gregory Ibach to serve as Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Greg's deep knowledge, vast experience, and strong passion for agriculture will serve America's farmers and ranchers well. Working together, we can provide more certainty for the producers in this country who feed a hungry world. I know Greg will make Nebraskans proud!

Championing Renewable Fuels

I recently joined several of my Senate colleagues for a productive meeting with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt focused on the importance of biofuels as part of a strong and reliable domestic energy portfolio. Throughout my many discussions with the administration, I've advocated for the hardworking Nebraskans who have invested in biofuels to strengthen our country's energy diversity and expand fuel choices at the pump.

Following our meeting, the Administrator sent a letter stating that he is committed to following the law and standing up for rural America as he implements the Renewable Fuel Standard. I'm pleased Administrator Pruitt responded to our concerns, and I look forward to working with him on these important issues.

Water Infrastructure for our Communities

This month, the Water Infrastructure Flexibility Act, bipartisan legislation that I introduced with several of my colleagues, passed the Senate.

Many state and local governments face difficulties meeting Clean Water Act requirements for storm water and wastewater updates. Nebraskans who live in the Omaha metro area know the burdens of complying with expensive, unfunded EPA mandates that result in higher utility bills. Our common-sense legislation would provide local communities with greater flexibility when complying with Clean Water Act requirements, giving them more autonomy as they prioritize and plan for wastewater and storm water investments.

Working Effectively for Nebraska

The legislative process is often slow and tedious, but through patience, tenacity, and hard work, it's possible to move important policy changes across the finish line. Recently, I was named the 13th most effective Senator for the 114th Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL).

I've been fortunate to achieve legislative successes in a variety of areas, including enacting policies to update Nebraska's infrastructure, reduce burdensome federal regulations affecting agriculture, and provide Silicon Prairie innovators with additional tools to prosper. Still, we all know there's more work to accomplish for our families. I will continue to work with the people of our state to provide the meaningful results Nebraskans deserve.

Photos of the Month

I was honored to join Representative Adrian Smith in welcoming the Dawson County Hero Flight veterans to the U.S. Capitol.

Enjoyed a fantastic tour of the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier where I was able to chat with several of the dedicated and impressive members of the U.S. Navy.

Took a moment to speak to some members of the press after a productive meeting with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Throwback to the 1980's - the last time we updated our nation's tax code. Congress now has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide relief for Nebraska middle-class families living paycheck to paycheck.

During October, I had the opportunity to meet with France's Defense Minister Florence Parly to discuss the strong defense relationship between our two countries.

Fred Fischer helped Nebraskans celebrate National Pumpkin Day! #HappyHalloween #SenatePup

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