September Legislative Recap

Dear Friend,

I’m extremely disappointed that the federal government has been shutdown since October 1st. Nebraskans deserve to have a functioning government, not political theater.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve voted multiple times to reopen the government. Democrats, unfortunately, have followed the lead of Senator Chuck Schumer and have voted against putting the American people first.

Republicans’ bill to reopen the government is simple. It is a clean funding bill – which means no new policy changes – that will keep the government operational and working for Americans while we work on our full year, appropriations funding bills.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m deeply committed to a transparent funding process; one where senators debate, amend, and vote on each bill individually. All we’re asking is to continue this funding process. I remain hopeful that my Democratic colleagues will join Republicans in doing the right thing by voting to reopen the government.

If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact one of my offices. My staff is available to continue assisting with casework; however, we can expect a delay in responses from federal agencies throughout the duration of a shutdown as many federal employees are furloughed during a funding lapse.

For common Q&As about federal resources and services during the government shutdown, please click here to be redirected to my website.

Until the government shutdown is resolved, please know I’m continuing to work on your behalf. Below is a recap over the last month serving you in Nebraska and Washington.

Advocating for a Major Disaster Declaration for Nebraska Communities

As always, advocating for Nebraska is my top priority. Alongside Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Reps. Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03), I sent a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Jim Pillen’s request for a major disaster declaration for areas impacted by severe storms occurring from Aug. 8 to 10. Click here to read more.

Lincoln Airport Receives $41 Million Grant

I’m pleased that, after much steady advocacy, the Lincoln Airport will receive the funds necessary to complete the refurbishment of one of its runways. This specific runway plays a crucial role in the operations of our Nebraska National Guard and other national security missions. This has been many years in the making, and I look forward to seeing this project’s final completion. Click here to read more.

Affordable, quality child care is a necessity – not a luxury. Unfortunately, that is not the reality, especially in rural areas. That’s why I introduced the bipartisan Child Care Modernization Act, which will reauthorize and improve the Child Care and Development Block Grant to provide significant, positive change in child care access and quality.

The bill will:

Strengthen child care services
Ensure parental choice
Increase child care supply
Improve state child care plans
Assist in-home and rural child care providers
Reduce duplicative regulatory burdens on child care providers

Click here to read more about this bill.

This legislation has garnered strong bipartisan support with endorsements from a wide range of organizations. For 30 years, the CCDBG has provided working families with child care services. That’s why it’s time to reauthorize this important program to extend childcare to more hardworking American families.

Click here to read more from NBC News who first reported on my bill.

Annual Defense Bill Includes Nebraska Priorities

As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m proud that the U.S. Senate passed this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

I successfully fought to secure important provisions in this year’s NDAA that deliver critical investments for Nebraska. Offutt Air Force Base plays a crucial role in defending our nation, which is why I secured wins for U.S. Strategic Command, the 557th Weather Wing, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency—all located at Offutt.

The first duty of Congress is to defend the nation. With the passage of this bill, the Senate is doing its part to equip our troops with the tools and resources they need to carry out their mission. Click here to read key provisions I secured in this year’s NDAA.

Resolving Differences with Words, Not Weapons

Husker Harvest Days: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

An Honor I Hold Dear: Receiving the Golden Plow Award

Next Steps to Close the Digital Divide in Rural Nebraska

Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Working Families’ Access to Child Care

Fischer Applauds $41 Million Grant to Lincoln Airport

Fischer on Senate Floor: We Must Stand With Taiwan Against the Chinese Communist Party’s Aggression

Fischer on Senate Floor: FY26 NDAA is Not Partisan or Political - It is a Necessity

Nebraska Delegation Echoes Governor’s Requests for Major Disaster Declaration Following August Storms

ICYMI: Fischer Joins The Hugh Hewitt Show

		Matt Powell, a Legislative Fellow in my office, was promoted from Commander to Captain in the U.S. Navy. I was honored to administer his oath of office in front of his friends and family. Captain Powell — congratulations on this achievement, and thank you for your service to our people and country.
I met with Singapore’s Minister for Defense, Chan Chun Sing. As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I appreciated our discussion on strengthening the strong security ties between our two nations.
		I met with the National Farmers Union to discuss the importance of passing a Farm Bill and how we can continue to support ag producers throughout Nebraska.
It was a privilege to meet with Major General Pirak to discuss how we can strengthen our support for the brave men and women of the Nebraska National Guard who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
		I was happy to meet with the Nebraska chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America to discuss the importance of Nebraska’s highway system and how we can continue to maintain a strong workforce of trained, experienced construction workers.
Every week, when both the Senate and House are in session, the Nebraska delegation hosts a breakfast for constituents to come and hear directly from their representatives. These breakfasts are one of my favorites traditions and have been going on for more than 80 years.
		I had the privilege of speaking at Growth Energy's Biofuels Summit. Biofuels are not a side note in America’s energy future; they are crucial to affordable, reliable, American-made energy. I strongly believe that to secure energy independence, we must unleash the power of year-round E15, which would be accomplished through my bipartisan bill – the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. I’ll continue working in Congress to get it over the finish line.
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers supports countless jobs and, in turn, working families in Nebraska and across America. I was happy to meet with these Nebraskans to discuss investing in infrastructure and strengthening rural Nebraska.
		Nebraska businesses have been victims of the increased activity of international organized crime syndicates in freight fraud. I met with the Transportation Intermediaries Association to discuss how my legislation, the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act, can better protect our shipping industries and hold people accountable for their actions.
Cedars Youth Services, located in Lincoln, gives children and families in crisis a safe haven, offering them a place to rest and recover. I enjoyed touring their facilities and learning more about their programs and how they support our shared communities.