Newsletter

Oct 31 2016

Fall Update

Dear Friend,

It’s fall in Nebraska. This time of year, we hear the steady hum of combines working late into the night. Trucks are hauling crops, reaping the benefits of productive land and hard work. Traveling our state this month, I have seen Nebraska’s farm families busy doing what they do best: feeding the world.

Also this month, I was proud to see a major infrastructure project move forward in our state. In Schuyler last week, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Highway 30 expansion. This expressway will be paid for by the Build Nebraska Act, which I introduced when I served in the Nebraska Unicameral. The Highway 30 project will strengthen connections between communities in our state. It will also make it easier for our farmers and ranchers to bring their world-class products to market.

With Election Day just a week away, I encourage you to head to the polls and cast your vote. It’s monumental election year, and your voice is such an important part of our democratic process.

Have a happy, safe Halloween, and please read on for news and photos from this month!

ObamaCare Has Failed Families

For years now, the American people have suffered greatly from ObamaCare’s consequences. ObamaCare premiums nationwide climbed by an average of 25 percent this year. In Nebraska, the average increase is expected to be more than 45 percent, as reported by the Omaha World-Herald.

To disguise ObamaCare’s failures, the administration is taking personal health care decisions out of the hands of the American people. Recently, it was brought to my attention that Americans have been enrolled in health care plans they did not choose. Due to this stunning maneuver from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Nebraska families could face increased costs if their previous doctor is now out-of-network. For this reason, I sent a letter to HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell expressing my strong concern and demanding a thorough explanation. Click here to read the letter.

Holding the CFPB Accountable

This month, the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is overbearing and unconstitutional. For years, the CFPB has threatened private businesses while enacting harmful and ill-advised regulations with little transparency or accountability. I have heard from community banks and credit unions in Nebraska that are feeling the effects of the agency’s misguided rules. They worry the compliance costs associated with the agency’s rulemaking could eventually put them out of business.

The court’s ruling only reinforces the need for my legislation, the Consumer Financial Protection Board Act, which would transition the agency from a single director to a bipartisan five-member board of directors. This bill would increase transparency and deliver the accountability that the court determined is currently missing at the agency. Read more in my Omaha World-Herald op-ed.

Photos of the Month



In North Omaha this month, I enjoyed visiting North End Teleservices. It was wonderful to see firsthand the positive impact this call center has on the surrounding community. #ProudNebraskan


At the groundbreaking for the Highway 30 expansion. My Build Nebraska Act made this major infrastructure project possible.


Thanks to Executive Director Mike Olson for giving me a tour of the beautiful new terminal at Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island.



At C.H. Robinson in Omaha this month, I was honored to accept the U.S. Chamber Spirit of Enterprise Award. This recognition is the product of working hand-in-hand with businesses across Nebraska and listening to the needs of their workers and families across our state.


Trick-or-treat! Wishing you and your family a happy and safe Halloween.

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