Newsletter

Sep 30 2015

September Newsletter

Dear Friend,

This month, I was humbled and honored to join the American people in welcoming Pope Francis to our country. The touching events of his visit were truly remarkable.

I was also pleased to have Dr. Maryanne Stevens, president of the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, as my guest for the pope’s historic address. Nearly 100 Nebraskans received tickets through my office to view a telecast of the pope’s address on the West Lawn of the Capitol. There, they received a blessing and prayer as Pope Francis addressed the crowd from the speaker’s balcony. Many of them traveled well over 1,000 miles to Washington for this special moment. I am so glad they were able to share this profound experience.

The message Pope Francis delivered was moving, and I believe it connects with all Americans. As I reflect on the compassion and prosperity that fills our nation, I am reminded how blessed we are to live in, as Pope Francis so aptly pointed out, “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Please scroll down for more updates on my work in the Senate this month.

A Failed Strategy

Four or five American-trained rebels. That’s all we have to show for our campaign to degrade and destroy ISIL in Syria.

This stunning revelation came in response to a question I asked at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing this month. Instead of reassuring senators that America’s mission was on the right path, the testimony provided by General Lloyd Austin III., the commander of U.S. Central Command, further evidenced that our approach is failing.

Click here to watch my new video on this failed strategy.  Also, my full op-ed discussing this in the Omaha World-Herald can be found here.


Click on the video above to view the exchange.

Fighting for You on the Issues that Matter

Nominating Bob Rossiter to Nebraska’s Federal Court

This month, I was honored to welcome Omaha’s Bob Rossiter to the Senate. As you may know, Senator Johanns and I launched a statewide search for the position after learning of a vacancy on Nebraska’s Federal District Court last year. Approximately 20 individuals applied for this position, and we had each person fill out the Judiciary Committee’s lengthy questionnaire. After careful review, Senator Johanns and I interviewed six finalists. Then, after weeks of thorough consideration, we presented Mr. Rossiter to President Obama as our choice for this judgeship. I was pleased the open process we led resulted in the nomination of such a fine Nebraskan.

At Mr. Rossiter’s nomination hearing this month, I delivered testimony in support of his nomination. We have found a truly remarkable and qualified person to fill this vacancy to Nebraska’s Federal District Court. I am hopeful my colleagues will support Mr. Rossiter’s nomination quickly so that he can put his outstanding intellect, skill, and judgement to work for the American people. Click here for more information on Mr. Rossiter.

Modernizing Outdated Regulations

To remain competitive in the era of ever-changing technology, we must be able to streamline and modernize redundant regulations. For that reason, I’m pleased to report that bipartisan legislation I introduced earlier this year, known as the E-Warranty Act, was signed into law this month. The E-Warranty Act modernizes warranty requirements and allows manufacturers to save paper and printing costs by posting their warranties online. It is a bipartisan success because it brings common-sense solutions to outdated rules. The world is changing. Our technology is getting smaller, faster, and more efficient. Our laws must follow suit.

Fischer in the News

Fischer holds hearing on EPA ozone proposal
Lincoln Journal Star
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer invited manufacturing and public power representatives, a public health expert and the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce to weigh in on the potential impact of the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to lower ozone levels.

Confirmation hearing is brief for Omahan nominated for U.S. district judge post
Omaha World-Herald
Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., introduced Rossiter at Wednesday’s hearing, touting his qualifications and describing the process for selecting him…“With a small bench and a full docket, it is important that this federal district court is operating at its full capacity,” she said.

Fischer Hosts Guest for Pope Address
KNOP News
Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer invited Dr. Maryanne Stevens of the College of St. Mary in Omaha to the historic visit from the Pope. Dr. Stevens said in a statement she expected the address to be inspiring and thought provoking.

College of St. Mary president inspired, energized after seeing pope in Washington
Omaha World-Herald
Senator Deb Fischer from Valentine, who is not Catholic, gave her single guest ticket to Stevens, president of the College of St. Mary in Omaha. The two were among hundreds in the chamber who got to personally witness the pope’s historic address to Congress…“In the spirit of Pope Francis, Dr. Stevens is passionate about educating others to serve those in need,” Fischer said in a statement.

Fischer targets Bellevue issues 
Bellevue Leader
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., met with Mayor Rita Sanders and other city officials to discuss the need to repair the levees protecting Offutt Air Force Base, to battle unfunded mandates handed down by the federal government, require collection of sales tax on Internet transactions, and to speed up federal support for the widening of 36th Street.

Fischer calls plan to fight ISIS in Syria a failure
Lincoln Journal Star
Sen. Deb Fischer said Thursday that the Obama administration's policy to combat ISIS in Syria is "obviously a failed plan."

Senators want details of Syria train-and-equip review
The Hill 
Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) sent a letter to Carter on Friday amid reports that the administration is reviewing the program. 

Photos of the Month


I enjoyed meeting Cody Carpenter from Omaha. Cody is this year’s National Child Awareness Month ambassador. 

Congratulations to Lexington High’s Kyle Hoehner on being named Nebraska’s Principal of the Year. 

It was an honor to have Dr. Stevens, president of the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, as my guest for Pope Francis’ historic address to Congress. 

This month, I enjoyed giving Flat Stanley a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Thanks to the students at Wilson Focus School for sending him to the Senate.

Recently, I met with members of the Nebraska State Education Association. We discussed important issues regarding education in Nebraska. 

Sincerely,

Deb Fischer
United States Senator for Nebraska

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