Dear Friend,

I’m pleased to say that Congress passed my bill to make it easier for veterans to earn a good living by getting their commercial driver licenses (CDL), and the president signed it into law.

Also in September, I worked to advance nearly half a billion dollars for broadband development in Nebraska—every Nebraskan needs reliable internet access for school, healthcare, business, and beyond.

Read more about my work for you below.

Veterans

Our veterans deserve every opportunity to participate in the American dream they’ve fought to protect. But regulations are preventing some veterans from using their GI Bill benefits to make that dream a reality.

My Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act will make it easier for veterans to get their CDL licenses. And I’m pleased to tell you that bill just passed both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Biden!

Communities

Following my 100+ stops across the state in August, I also spoke about my trip on the Senate floor—you can watch ithere.

Disaster Declaration

This past summer, storms hit Nebraska hard, inflicting over $34.6 million in damage to our state. Last month, I joined my colleagues in requesting the president to issue a major disaster declaration.

Broadband Access

Finally, it can be difficult for rural counties to stay connected, but providing all Nebraskans with internet access is essential. I worked with both the state of Nebraska and the administration to help push for nearly half a billion in broadband funding for Nebraskans without internet service. And I’m pleased that last month, Nebraska’s proposal for this funding was finally accepted. I will keep working hard to ensure Nebraska receives this funding.

Protecting America’s Sovereignty

The American people never agreed to be governed by an intergovernmental body headquartered an ocean away. We must protect America’s sovereignty against overreach by large, multinational groups like the World Health Organization.

This is why I made it a priority to push the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act, and I am proud to say the bill passed the House last month. I will continue to advocate for this bill in the Senate.

Protecting American Farmland

Allowing our adversaries to have any form of control over our food supply is a dangerous game, and one we should never play. Last month, the House passed legislation I co-sponsored to protect American agriculture from Chinese ownership. Hostile countries should not be allowed to take farmland from our producers, especially land close to our military bases.

Protecting America’s Military Academies

Finally, our military academies are some of the best public education opportunities in the country— and they’re essential to our national security. Last month, in my weekly column, I focused on the high standards required by these military academies. I highlighted my role as a member of the United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors, and what I will do to protect the proud tradition of excellence at the Naval Academy.

Leftwing Rhetoric

I joined “Mornings with Maria” to discuss Vice President Harris’ unclear policies on fracking, and the alarming rhetoric that instigates violent attacks like the assassination attempts on President Trump.

IVF

This past month, I voted no to the Democrats’ show vote on IVF. I unequivocally support IVF, but bill was politics disguised as legislating--a dishonest attempt to paint Republicans as anti-IVF ahead of the November elections.

Immigration

At the end of August, the Biden-Harris administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) restarted a messy immigration program it had paused a month earlier due to fraud concerns. I reaffirmed my opposition to this program in an article on the dangers of allowing unvetted illegal immigrants into our country. We must protect our own citizens first.

America’s Producers

USDA has no problem searching high and low to justify $3.1 billion in climate funding, but when it comes to funding critically important reports for producers, the agency somehow runs out of resources. I called out the USDA for choosing politics over our producers in an Op-ed published in Agri-Pulse.

With Eco-Terrorism on the Rise, Senate Republicans Propose Stiffer Penalties for Pipeline Sabotage Donald Trump endorses Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer in bid for third term

House passes bill to ease Veterans' path to trucking jobs Electric vehicles raise concerns about whether safety infrastructure can handle their weight in a crash

North Korea's nuclear capabilities advancing rapidly: US General Hammering the 'first nail,' lawmakers kick off inauguration construction

Fischer Bill Expanding Vets' Access to CDL Schools Heads to President Fischer Announces Advancement of Nearly Half Billion in NE Broadband Funding

Fischer Statement on Continuing Resolution Vote House Passes Fischer-Backed Legislation to Protect American Agriculture

House Passes Fischer-Backed Bill Protecting American Sovereignty Against World Health Organization Fischer Supports IVF, Not Democratic Show Votes

  

	I stopped by the Associated Wholesale Grocers to learn more about their efforts to support the essential small grocers across Nebraska. I appreciate your dedication to feeding rural communities!
I was grateful to be invited to the ribbon cutting of the new Blair Hollow Road South Bypass. I am proud to see the city of Blair's BUILD grant be put to good use.
	I talked with CHS, a global agribusiness cooperative, about the importance of the Farm Bill and the ag economy.
I enjoyed stopping by the Fountain Point Surgery Center to tour their facility and witness firsthand their efforts to care for Norfolk and surrounding communities.
	Thank you to the members of Growth Energy for awarding me the 2024 Fueling Growth Award. I am so honored!
It was a great honor to participate in the First Nail Ceremony as a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. It was a memory of a lifetime!
	I enjoyed bringing the Hastings College Scott Scholars along for a Senate floor tour. I am proud of all they have achieved and look forward to following their future successes.
I met with the Hitchcock County Board of Commissioners to discuss our recent legislation transferring control of the Swanson and Red Willow reservoirs to local counties.
	I toured Millard Public Schools last month. I was excited to hear updates from Superintendent Schwartz and the Executive Cabinet about their schools’ top-tier curriculums.
I enjoyed meeting with the National Farmers Union to discuss advancing a strong Farm Bill.
	I had a productive meeting last month with the Nebraska Credit Union League. I look forward to another visit soon.
While in Nebraska, I toured the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce and learned about the investments they are making in their community.

	I always enjoy meeting with Russ Gronewold, CEO of Bryan Health, to discuss the health care field and issues facing our Nebraska hospitals.
I was honored to be asked by my friend President Jeffrey Gold to speak on behalf of Nebraska’s federal delegation during last month’s investiture ceremony. I look forward to seeing how the University of Nebraska system continues to excel with him at the helm.
	I enjoyed celebrating the opening of the new Sarpy County Veterans Affairs clinic in Papillion. I admire their dedication to our veterans.
On average, freight fraud costs small mom-and-pop broker and trucking companies over $400K in losses annually. I met with the Transportation Intermediaries Association to discuss how we can best stop these scams.
	It was great to hear from Sentinel Fertigation and learn more about their company. I am always eager to hear from our Nebraska business owners.
I met with representatives from the Muscular Dystrophy Association to discuss supporting families with neuromuscular diseases. I was moved by their personal stories, and I appreciate all they do for families who need treatment.
	One of the highlights of my week is the Nebraska Breakfast. Every Wednesday when both the Senate and House are in session, we host Nebraskans for a conversation about our work in Congress. I am always eager to hear from those visiting.
I was honored to accept a Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business. It is great to see our Nebraska businesses thrive!
	I met with the Nebraska Pork Producers to discuss the importance of international markets and the Farm Bill. I will advocate for producers’ needs here in Washington.
I always appreciate the Nebraska Farm Bureau Leadership Academy for stopping by to talk about the Farm Bill and taxes. Keeping “farm” in the Farm Bill remains a top priority!
	I was honored to be invited to assemble care packages that will be sent to troops and their families stationed around the world. Thank you to USO for putting together this event.
Last month I met with Jeff Baker from Veterans of Foreign Wars to learn about their legislative priorities. I’m proud to cosponsor the GUARD VA Benefit Act, which protects veterans from being taken advantage of when applying for benefits. Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. Deb Fischer U.S. Senator for Nebraska