Budget

The annual State of the Union Address is a great tradition and an excellent opportunity for the President to lay out his agenda to the Congress and more importantly to the American people.

As 2014 winds to a close it is a good time to review and reflect on what we have accomplished this year, and what remains to be done.

The House of Representatives has passed hundreds of bills to reduce the role of government in our lives and economy, encourage economic growth, and put America on a more prosperous path since Republicans were elected to a majority of seats in 2010.

The request I hear most often from Third District constituents is to be left alone by the federal government. We understand there is a place for the federal government, but lately its priorities do not match the needs or wants of the American people.

Many Nebraskans depend on the Social Security and Medicare benefits they have earned by paying into these programs throughout their careers.

Last week, the House of Representatives passed a budget plan which honestly accounts for the federal government’s spending, proposes solutions to balance the budget in 10 years, and grow our economy.

Many Nebraskans depend on Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans to meet their health care needs and the cost of prescription drugs. These plans are also examples of how fiscally responsible market-based reforms can reduce health care costs and should serve as a model for reforming other government programs.