Dear Friends,

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, I want to express my gratitude for the people of Nebraska. In 2019, Nebraskans have faced many significant challenges – from record-setting floods to the collapse of a major irrigation tunnel, which cut off water to thousands of acres of land in the Panhandle.

But through all the disasters and tragedies that hit us this year, Nebraskans responded with kindness, bravery, and generosity. Adversity doesn't break us. Instead, it reveals our character, grit, and determination.

This Thanksgiving, I am filled with pride when I reflect on how our state persevered and overcame these tough times. We showed the rest of the country the character and kind hearts of Nebraskans. 

I wish you all a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Watch my Thanksgiving Day message here, and continue reading for more recent updates from my office. 

The SCOPE Act

As keyless ignition vehicles quickly grow in popularity, many people inadvertently leave their vehicles running. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. That is why I joined Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut and Senator Ed Markey from Massachusetts to introduce the Stop CO Poisoning Exposures (SCOPE) Act, which will cause these vehicles to automatically shut off after a set time.

This bipartisan legislation is the result of my work with Sharon Shore from Omaha who tragically lost her parents due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a keyless ignition vehicle. The SCOPE Act will help end these deaths and keep families safe.

Angels in Adoption 

It was very moving to meet with Jake and Lauren Bush, who visited Washington, D.C. to be recognized as Nebraska's 2019 Angels in Adoption Honorees for their outstanding work raising two foster children, brothers Sterling and Payton. 

The Bush family first agreed to foster Sterling, who had bounced between different homes and was being considered for placement in a group home. They bonded with Sterling over cooking together and playing board games. Soon after adopting Sterling, Jake and Lauren discovered that his younger brother, Payton, was also continuously being moved and was set to be placed in a home hours away. They knew that these brothers deserved to live together, and soon adopted Payton as well.

I was glad to nominate the Bush family for this award so they could receive this special recognition. View more photos from their visit here.

New Infrastructure Grants for Nebraska

This month, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) announced three different grants that will benefit Nebraska. Omaha's 120th Street Project received a $16.9 million BUILD Grant to widen the street to a four-lane divided street. This will provide more capacity for the increasing amount of traffic in this area. 

The DoT also announced $6.5 million for the Ainsworth Airport to rehabilitate its runway and taxiway. With this infrastructure update, Nebraska families and businesses who rely on our state's regional airports will remain safe and connected with the rest of the county. 

Lastly, Omaha's public transit received a crucial $4.7 million transit grant that will help add buses to the city's public bus system. More buses will help commuters, families, and businesses in the Omaha metro-area.

These grants represent important investments in Nebraska – because our state is worth it.

Photo of the Month

It was so great to meet with the representatives of The Home Agency (and fellow Husker fans!) who came to Washington, D.C. for the Nebraska vs. Maryland football game. We had a good discussion on the importance of crop insurance and passing USMCA. #GBR

I had the honor of speaking at Judge Brian Buescher's investiture ceremony as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Nebraska. I am proud to have recommended him for this judgeship, and I know he will honor our state by using the law as his compass on the bench.

I want to thank the La Vista Foundation for inviting me to speak at their Salute to Veterans event over Veterans Day weekend. It's always a pleasure to visit with our state's veterans. We are all indebted to these Nebraska heroes for the courage and patriotism they displayed in defending our freedom. 

-Senator Deb Fischer