Op-Eds

Today marks 100 days since the beginning of the 114th Congress. Two years ago, I commented in this paper about my first 100 days as your U.S. senator. Now, as your senior U.S. senator, I wanted to take the time to share with you my work on your behalf.

For the first time in many years, the Senate is passing legislation and sending it to the president’s desk. This includes important veterans suicide prevention legislation, a terrorism risk insurance bill and legislation to build the Keystone XL pipeline. Importantly, we have also restored the Senate to a more productive place where amendments can be offered and receive votes. In fact, 94 votes on amendments have been taken so far this year, compared with only 15 in all of last year. The legislative process in the Senate is now working.

I have been working to put a national focus on the issues that are essential to Nebraskans and their families. This year, I was selected to chair two important subcommittees and join the Senate Republican leadership team, giving Nebraska a seat at the table where the agenda is set.

I strongly believe that Congress’ first duty is national defense. As chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, I have the opportunity to closely work with our military leaders on policy related to counterterrorism, cybersecurity and special operations. I recently discussed our national security challenges in my Sorenson Lecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Nebraskans understand that we live in a dangerous world, and I am proud of my subcommittee’s work to ensure we have modern tools to fight evolving threats.

As chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security, I have the opportunity to address a number of significant infrastructure challenges -- another core duty of a limited federal government. Over the past three months, I have already held four commerce subcommittee hearings, including one with transportation stakeholders that featured testimony from three Nebraska companies: Werner Enterprises, Union Pacific Railroad and Cabela’s.

I have also been focused on fighting an alarming new regulation that has the potential to cripple our economy here in Nebraska. Within a few short months, the EPA will publish a final decision on the proposed “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule. This proposal would expand federal jurisdiction over states’ water resources and usher in a dramatic break from the way water is currently regulated.

To highlight how this rule would affect our state, I convened a field hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in Lincoln. The bipartisan panel of witnesses and stakeholders provided valuable insight into the far-reaching impact of excessive regulations. One witness testified that 25 percent of the costs incurred when building a home are the result of red tape. This new EPA rule would only drive up costs, putting the American dream of owning a home further out of reach for more American families.

I am also pleased to report that the Senate has passed some of my legislative proposals with strong support from both parties. One celebrates the past while two others prepare our country for a productive and innovative future.

As a proud Nebraskan, I was happy to offer a bill passed unanimously by the Senate to celebrate Boys Town by authorizing the U.S. Treasury to mint coins commemorating its exceptional work over the past 100 years.

As for the future, I have teamed up with Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, and Brian Schatz of Hawaii to pass a Senate resolution on The Internet of Things. These “things” encompass anything that can be connected to the Internet -- from Apple watches and Fitbits to innovations we can only dream about. Our bipartisan resolution commits our nation to a strategy for The Internet of Things that will promote more consumer opportunity and economic growth.

Just three weeks ago, as part of the fiscal 2016 budget, the Republican-led U.S. Senate passed five amendments I offered, one of which strengthens our laws regarding equal pay. This idea garnered bipartisan backing, showing that with good, reasonable proposals, important legislation can be passed even in a challenging political climate.

These successes are merely the beginning of a long fight for Nebraskans and a more secure and prosperous tomorrow. I welcome your help and guidance so that together we can continue to find meaningful solutions to strengthen our families and our communities.

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer is serving her first term and is Nebraska's senior senator. She is a member of the Armed Services Committee; the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee; the Environment and Public Works Committee; and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.

View origianal article here.

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