Dear Friends,

Over the past several months, our news cycle has been centered on deep division in Congress. Yet beyond the headlines, there is bipartisan work getting done. I recently helped kick-off a Bipartisan Rural Working Group with my Midwest Senate colleagues, Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.). This working group was put together to help address the challenges facing rural America by connecting rural leaders and stakeholders in Washington. 

We have to remind everyone that the Heartland is not flyover country. It's full of families, communities, innovators, and businesses leaders who work to feed and fuel the world every single day. Through this bipartisan group, we can help show Washington that our states are always worth the focus and investment.  

Continue reading for more updates from my office. 

Since 2019 spring's flooding, Nebraska has made progress recovering, but some districts in our state are still waiting for permanent repairs to their levee projects. I recently joined Congressman Fortenberry to introduce bicameral legislation that will help speed up disaster recovery and infrastructure repairs by creating opportunities for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to cooperate with local sponsors. This bill would make rehabilitation more efficient and save communities time and money on their road to recovery. 

Our veterans should be able to easily access the benefits they have earned fighting for our freedom. This is why I joined Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Gary Peters (D-MI), to introduce the Veterans Assistance Helpline Act, which will create a simple, easy-to-remember helpline for veterans to obtain information about their benefits and services at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

It was a pleasure to hear testimony from U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) Commander Admiral Charles Richard at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing regarding nuclear modernization. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces that overseas STRATCOM at Offutt Air Force Base, I have worked with President Trump to increase spending on the modernization of our nuclear enterprise in the president's Fiscal Year 2021 budget plan. As the great power competition continues to escalate, it is important for us to have a modern and effective nuclear deterrent for our national security. I am glad Admiral Richard sees the importance of these robust investments.

Photos of the Month

On Valentine’s Day, I joined other women senators to send valentines to our military members who are at Walter Reed Medical Center thanking them for their service. Of course, I sent special greetings from the Heart City and my hometown—Valentine, Nebraska.

It was special to meet with the men and women of Nebraska LEAD Group 39. As an alum of this program, I know they work hard to keep Nebraska agriculture thriving and help develop the next generation of ag leaders. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Haley Waggoner, who played tennis in the Special Olympics. She told me how this competition taught her to overcome her shyness and is helping her excel at her job in Lincoln. 

It was great to have two Nebraska students visit DC while representing the ONE Campaign. I appreciate their passion and willingness to advocate for health for people around the globe. 

We have kicked off the 77^th Nebraska Breakfast. This long-standing tradition allows Nebraskans visiting Washington D.C. to meet with the entire congressional delegation. It's held on Wednesday mornings when both the Senate and the House of Representatives are in session. For upcoming dates click here. 

It was so nice to spend time with Kelly Randels Coleman and her family from Omaha. They spoke on behalf of Kelly's son, Cody, and those living with Fragile X Syndrome.

Senator Deb Fischer