Columns
There is something special about walking through the gates of Memorial Stadium on a crisp fall afternoon, surrounded by thousands of fans chanting “Go Big Red” as the excitement builds before kickoff. Or walking into the Bob Devaney Sports Center, where the air is electric with anticipation of the Huskers taking the court.
In Nebraska, we know family is defined by more than the name we share, but by the commitment we make to one another. Across our state, individuals and families step forward every day to open their hearts and homes to children in need, providing the stability, support, and sense of belonging every child deserves.
For nearly 50 years, the Hyde Amendment has reflected a principle that resonates deeply with the values we hold in Nebraska: protecting vulnerable life while respecting the convictions of taxpayers.
We value family, we lend a hand to those in need, and we believe every person—regardless of their age or circumstance—has value. These are not just ideas we talk about; they are values we see lived out in communities across our state every day.
There is something special about the place we are blessed to call home. Whether it is having the ability to see for miles across the Sandhills, hearing gravel beneath your feet on an evening walk, or looking up to see a sky filled with stars every night. There is a beauty and peace in the wide-open spaces of the Good Life.
And just as there is a stark contrast between our corn fields and the concrete jungle that is urban America, the tools and resources we use to stay connected vary greatly as well.
Twenty-five years ago, our nation was attacked, and the world as we knew it changed forever. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives during the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil. Now, twenty-five years later, we honor their memory and ensure they are never forgotten.
Every year, thousands of Nebraskans from across our state make their way to Grand Island for the Nebraska State Fair. We may all come for different reasons, but for a few days each year, Nebraskans from all walks of life come together to celebrate the people, traditions, and industries that make our state exceptional.
Some of the most important conversations I had growing up happened around the kitchen table with my grandfather. From a young age, he challenged me to pay attention to the world around me and form my own opinions. We talked about what was happening in our community, the policies being debated, and the leaders making the decisions that affected our lives.
There is nothing I enjoy more than returning home to Nebraska, traveling across the Third District and meeting with constituents in their communities. While my work in Washington is important, nothing can replace hearing directly from Nebraskans and seeing firsthand the opportunities and challenges they face.
Competition challenges us to be better. It fuels innovation, encourages new ideas, pushes us to new heights, and creates opportunities for people and communities to thrive. In today’s fast-moving economy, where nearly anything can be accessed in a matter of minutes, competition is stronger than ever.
If we are not growing, chances are we are falling behind. Right now in Congress, I am focused on how we can spur competition, strengthen local economies, and ensure that the Good Life continues to grow and thrive for generations to come.
In Nebraska, August marks the close of summer and the beginning of a busy new season. It means the return of Husker football and volleyball games, final preparations ahead of harvest, and the rush of back-to-school shopping.
Across our state, parents are helping their sons and daughters move into college dorms, sending them off on a new adventure, or getting younger students ready for their first day back in the classroom.