Agriculture
Investing in the growth of a child as a parent, teacher, or mentor, and then seeing the child flourish to their fullest potential is both rewarding and inspiring. In schools and homes across the Third District, Nebraskans work tirelessly to create opportunities for students to learn and thrive. As a lawmaker, my mission is to support this work by maximizing the opportunities available to each and every student.
Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement on the ongoing extreme weather conditions across Nebraska:
In life and legislative work, a new year brings new opportunities and new undertakings. As we enter 2024 and the second session of the 118th United States Congress, there is much work to do, and I’m optimistic we can achieve results for the American people. Commonsense policies promoting economic growth and productivity in our communities can benefit our country as a whole. With no shortage of obstacles to overcome to curb wasteful spending, deliver tax relief, and manage federal programs, it is time to get to work for the American people.
This week, House Republicans took action to push back on proposals by President Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) effectively forcing consumers to drive only electric vehicles (EVs) by 2032. The EPA’s out-of-touch policies are unworkable for the Third District because of our winter weather and expansive driving distances. Furthermore, China, which holds 78 percent of the world’s EV battery cell manufacturing capacity, recently implemented export controls on raw EV battery materials.
As households across our nation gather to celebrate our many blessings and feast on the fruits of our hardworking farmers and ranchers, I am struck by the debt of thanks we owe as Americans. From the remarkable series of events that brought Massachusetts natives and Mayflower passengers to the same table more than four centuries ago, to the sovereign grace which has unified generations of Americans to face and overcome each of their harrowing challenges, Thanksgiving is about coming together.
This week I supported a one-year extension of current Farm Bill programs. While a conventional 5-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill is preferable, many of these critical programs lapsed September 30th. The current lapse shouldn’t affect 2023 crops, but a one-year extension was necessary to prevent reverting back to pre-1930s farm policy as we begin 2024.
With the election of Speaker Mike Johnson, the House is back to work. We certainly have our work cut out for us as we fulfill our responsibilities to the American people. Speaker Johnson hit the ground running to responsibly fund our priorities, including our support for Israel.
Many farmers are already busy taking in crops as dry conditions have encouraged an early start to the harvest season. Financially speaking, farming is a high-risk venture. The impact of unpredictable weather patterns underscores the importance of doing everything we can to maximize market access and stability for our agriculture industry. Alongside securing sound crop insurance provisions in ongoing Farm Bill renewal discussions, ensuring American trade policy reflects the best interests of our hard-working producers is critical in our pursuit of economic strength.
Over the last month, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with constituents in many of the Third District’s 80 counties. It has been a busy time with many hours spent behind the windshield, and I'm encouraged by the Nebraskans doing so much to help our communities thrive. From farmers and ranchers to entrepreneurs and small businesses to educators and families preparing the next generation, Nebraskans are working hard to support their families, serve their neighbors, and make our state a better place.