As the Senate continues to debate how to proceed on infrastructure, I continue to support real, core infrastructure that will strengthen our communities and businesses.

I want to see significant investments in roads, bridges, railroads, and broadband. 

This is a perfect opportunity to update our transportation networks and bridge the digital divide for generations to come, but only if we get it right. I am committed to delivering on infrastructure, but it needs to be done with healthy debate in a bipartisan manner. Read more about what I want to see in this agreement in my weekly column.

Continuing reading for more updates from my office.

For the past 60 years, the Senate Armed Services Committee has come together to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes defense spending and sets the policy and priorities for our military.

This year's bipartisan agreement includes key provisions to give a pay raise to our troops, modernize our nuclear deterrent, and support Nebraska military assets. 

Learn more about what is in the Senate's bill here.

I was disappointed when a recent federal circuit court ruling stopped the sale of year-round E-15. This was a blow to rural America and our ethanol producers, and it is why I reintroduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. My bipartisan bill would eliminate confusion at the pump by ensuring consumers have access to higher ethanol blends and allow for E-15 to be sold year-round. Ethanol creates significant economic opportunities for hardworking Americans living in rural areas and provides the country with a low-carbon solution.

Under the Trump administration, we had secured year-round sales of E-15. I am growing increasingly concerned that the Biden administration does not fully understand how much ethanol benefits this country. That is why I joined a group of bipartisan senators to send a letterrequesting a meeting with President Biden and members of his cabinet to discuss the importance of certainty for farmers and ethanol producers to rural America. 

Officer Charles Jackson French is a national hero who rescued 15 of his shipmates after swimming for hours through shark-infested waters in the South Pacific during World War II. French was awarded a letter of commendation—but he never received proper recognition for his heroism.

To fix this, I have introduced legislation in the Senate to designate the United States Post Service facility at 6223 Maple Street in Omaha, Nebraska, as the "Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office."

I am proud to work on this effort with Rep. Don Bacon and the rest of Nebraska's congressional delegation. Renaming this Omaha post office is a long overdue step in honoring Petty Officer French's incredible legacy of service and sacrifice.

Read more about Petty Officer French here.

I want to recognize my wonderful interns, Weston, Jackson, and Sidney. They worked hard this summer supporting my staff and serving the great people of Nebraska. Please find more information here on internships my offices offer in Nebraska and Washington, D.C.

After a year of not meeting in person due to COVID-19, it’s been great to be on the road again. A few weeks ago, I was able to stop by the FBI field office in Omaha to meet with agents and see the new equipment and programs they have to keep our country safe.

I hosted a roundtable with representatives of different credit unions from across Nebraska. Credit unions have been working hard to support their communities during this pandemic—especially with regard to securing critical loans.

It was a pleasure to walk around Omaha Track to see the work and services they provide for the railroad industry. They are essential to keeping our railroad system running safely and efficiently.