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Rural Development

December 5, 2025
Columns

Spanning our state - Missouri River to panhandle - Nebraska’s Third District has been blessed with a breadth of natural resources. Although much of our state is naturally arid, generations of hard work, determination, and feats of engineering have maximized our resources to provide for local needs, feed the world, and minimize flooding risks.

Issues:AgricultureEconomyEnergyRural DevelopmentSmall Business
November 17, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced their proposed rule to define waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule will provide needed clarity and reduce permitting barriers while ensuring EPA fulfills its mandate to protect navigable American waters.

August 29, 2025
Columns

In recent weeks, I’ve been grateful to be able to speak with many Nebraskans across the Third District’s 80 counties. While I make the most of the time I have in Nebraska throughout the year, the month of August provides a unique opening in the congressional calendar to connect with the people of our state.

Issues:AgricultureEconomyEnergyRural DevelopmentSmall BusinessWays & Means
August 8, 2025
Columns

On August 8, 2005, President George Bush signed the Energy Policy Act into law. Among other measures, this bill established the Renewable Fuels Standard, which for the last two decades has supported a growing American energy sector by providing more affordable fuel options in addition to complementary markets for agricultural commodities.

Issues:AgricultureEnergyJobsRural Development
August 1, 2025
Columns

While Nebraska’s Third has existed since our state was first divided into congressional districts following the 1880 census, it first began to resemble its current shape after the 1960 census, when Nebraska moved from four districts to three for the first time. A total of 21 Nebraskans have represented the Third District in the U.S.

Issues:Rural Development
July 25, 2025

Washington, DC — Today Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), along with Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Vince Fong (R-CA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) announced the formation of the Modern Agriculture Caucus and released the following statements.

July 18, 2025
Columns

Access to healthcare is a major challenge for patients and providers alike in rural communities across America, including in small cities and villages across Nebraska’s Third District. Families face long driving distances when they need care most, and a lack of patient density impedes the finances of providers striving to serve expansive areas. Doing all we can to promote economic growth, attract and support healthcare professionals to live and work in our state, and encourage healthy lifestyles are essential components of advancing solutions for Nebraskans.

Issues:EconomyHealth CareRural DevelopmentWays & Means
July 3, 2025
Columns

During Independence Day weekend, the blessings of freedom and the memories of the American patriots who laid the foundation for our republic with the Declaration of Independence give us cause to celebrate! The United States has abundant natural resources, the world’s leading economy, and limitless opportunity, but our people are our greatest gift. 

Issues:AgricultureEnergyRural Development
July 3, 2025

Washington, DC — Today Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) issued the following statement after the House passed the Senate amendment to H.R. 1, sending the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to President Trump's desk for signing into law.

June 20, 2025
Columns

As American families make travel plans and assess energy costs for their farms and businesses during the summer, it is as important as ever to champion domestic production of affordable fuels. While gasoline prices in Nebraska are down 5.6 percent from this time a year ago, and diesel prices are down 5.8 percent, tensions around the world put supply chains and energy security at risk.

Issues:AgricultureEconomyEnergyRural DevelopmentTransportation