Newsletter

Dear Friend,

There's nothing I enjoy more than spending time in Nebraska and visiting with you. This month, I had the pleasure of traveling to many communities across the eastern part of our state. I hosted community coffees with local residents in Grand Island, Blair, South Sioux City, Norfolk, Columbus, Stromsburg, Seward, and Fremont. At each of these events, it was clear that Nebraskans are engaged and informed on the important issues of today. I was pleased to have the opportunity to answer many questions. Your thoughts, concerns, and input continue to guide my work in the U.S. Senate.

As the year goes on, I will host many more community coffees and listening sessions throughout the state. Once these sessions are announced, details will be posted on my website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, as well as your local papers. I also have great staff in Nebraska and Washington, D.C., who stand ready to assist you at any time. As always, I hope you will continue to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

See below for more news from my office.

Video of the Month

 

Check out my recent interview with This Week in Siouxland. I joined host Tim Seaman to discuss my committee work in the Senate, the Supreme Court vacancy, and other 
news of the day.

Placing Sanctions on North Korea

 

For years, North Korea has remained determined to sustain its regime through intimidation and reckless behavior. From cyberattacks to nuclear and ballistic missile tests, the belligerence of dictator Kim Jong-un makes it clear that his rogue nation is a serious threat to the region and U.S. national security. Yet, as these threats have grown and continued, American foreign policy has lacked the firm resolve to curtail North Korea's behavior.

This month, by a unanimous vote, the Senate came together to pass the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act, which targets the regime's financial supporters and the hidden avenues that subsidize its belligerence. If enacted, the bill would increase the enforcement of sanctions. In addition, the bill would codify and expand prohibitions against North Korea. These penalties would be imposed because of the country's cyberattacks and egregious abuse of human rights.

Nebraska Beef Heads to Israel

 

There was good news for the Nebraska beef industry this month. Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the WR Reserve plant in Hastings, Nebraska, will be the first producer to supply Israel with beef imports since 2003. During a trip to the Middle East last fall, I was asked by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro to work with the USDA and find a way to bring Nebraska beef to our friends in Israel. From there, I started a dialogue with the USDA and the Israeli government. Ultimately, we made it happen. This historic agreement with Israel is a testament to our producers' devotion to providing safe, high-quality beef products to dinner tables around the globe.

Protecting the Vulnerable from Fraud and Abuse

 

It's no secret that modern technology makes our lives easier. However, it can also create new challenges. All too often, we hear cases of caller ID "spoofing," which is when someone falsifies who they are through phone calls or texting to gain sensitive financial information. More often than not, those affected by this fraudulent behavior are veterans and senior citizens.

This fraud must be stopped. That is why I was proud to team up with Senator Bill Nelson of Florida to introduce the Spoofing Prevention Act. Specifically, the bill would close existing loopholes in current law that are allowing predators to harass innocent victims. With this bill, we can help protect our citizens from fraud and abuse.

Photos of the Month

 


I loved meeting Skylar Simmonds of Omaha during Special Olympics Hill Day. Skylar competes in Special Olympics Nebraska's track and swimming competitions.


University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds stopped by the Senate this month. GBR!


Laughing with Congressman Adrian Smith and Senator Sasse at the first Nebraska Breakfast of the year. If you're planning a trip to D.C., I hope you'll join us for this decade-old congressional tradition. Click here for more information.  


While on the road in Nebraska this month, I met with the senior class of Arlington High School. I hope this bright group of students will continue to stay engaged, take a stand, and serve 
their communities.


In Nebraska, we love our roads. A special thank you to the representatives from the Nebraska Department of Roads for coming by my Senate office this month to give us an update on
their work.


I loved meeting Caroline Buresh at my community coffee in Blair.
#YoungNebraskans #TheFuture

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