Dear Friends,

As the Fourth of July approaches, Americans all over our great country will celebrate our nation’s independence. This time of year, I like to think about what makes the United States an exceptional nation. One of the examples that comes to mind is the North Platte Canteen, where citizens of North Platte took it upon themselves to feed our soldiers during World War II. 

This year, on June 18th and 19th, the spirit of the North Platte Canteen carried on. More than 700 service men and women stopped in North Platte on a quick layover on their way to deployment. I’m so proud of the Nebraskans who revived a wonderful tradition to give back to those who protect our way of life. The North Platte Canteen is such a moving example of supporting those who sacrifice for us and is proudly woven into the fabric of Nebraska’s history. 

Happy Independence Day!

Please continue reading for more updates from the Senate. 

Delivering Results for Nebraska Producers

Here is my floor speech on the 2018 Farm Bill

This month, I’ve been working with my colleagues on the Farm Bill, which just passed the Senate. This vital legislation continues a strong farm safety net that includes crop insurance, expands broadband access in rural America, and recognizes the importance of our trade promotion programs. I was proud to represent Nebraska producers as we crafted this bill that will give farmers and ranchers the tools and certainty needed to provide food, fuel and fiber to the world.

Proving for the Common Defense

Watch my floor speech on the Fiscal Year 2019 NDAA. 

The Senate recently came together to pass the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. This legislation expands our country’s defense capabilities across every domain, including improving our nuclear deterrent, missile defense, and space operations. Importantly, the legislation makes significant investments in aircraft headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base and upgrades to facilities at USSTRATCOM. I was pleased to see this bill pass the Senate in order to provide for our national defense and ensure American forces are never outmatched on the battlefield.

Back to the White House for Trade Talks

I once again had the opportunity to meet with President Trump in person at the White House for a discussion focused on trade. The president shared an update on the status of negotiations, and outlined his priorities and strategy moving forward. I was encouraged by our productive conversation and I appreciate the president’s openness about these critical issues for Nebraska.

Alzheimer’s Hearing at Aging Committee

Watch my questions at the hearing on Alzheimer’s.

June was Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and I recently participated in a Special Committee on Aging hearing focused on preventing this horrible disease. My own family has been affected by Alzheimer’s, and it was very moving to hear personal stories from caregivers and experts. By working together and passing legislation, like the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act and the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act, which I’m cosponsoring, we can improve early detection, expand research, and provide quality care for Alzheimer’s patients. 

Read more on the Bold Act and the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act here. 

Photos of the Month 

Fred and I enjoyed visiting with the Schroeder family of Wisner, NE before their
U.S. Capitol tour. If you are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., contact my
office to request a tour. 

I had a wonderful visit with National Security Education Program Boren Awards
recipients Dana Moze-Kadavy of Firth and Victoria Villota of Lincoln. These bright
UNL students will have the opportunity to study critical languages abroad. 

It was great to meet Hunter from Arapahoe, NE and hear about his passion for good
wildlife management. 

Thanks to the folks at Project Harmony in Omaha for the tour of their facility. I
appreciate all of their work to help our children and keep them safe. 

I loved posing for a selfie on National Selfie Day with a great group of FFA students
from Centura, NE. 

Last year, this amazing group of Nebraska teachers received a $1.5 million
grant for Professional Development for Arts Educators from the Department
of Education. I was very happy to meet their group and congratulate them
during their visit to the Senate. 

I always enjoy sitting down with Father Boes and representatives of Boys Town to
learn more about their LIFT Together initiative. I am so proud that Nebraska is
home to this wonderful, inspiring organization.

Congratulations to the JROTC students from Omaha Central High School for making
it to the National JROTC Academic Bowl. They were 1 of 32 schools from around
the country represented this year’s competition.