Columns
Over the past week, smoke has filled the skies across central and western Nebraska as wildfires have torn through more than 826,000 acres—destroying homes, infrastructure, and forcing families to evacuate with little notice.
This is the worst wildfire crisis Nebraska has ever experienced and for many families the hardship is far from over.
I recently had the opportunity to visit affected areas and meet with local officials, first responders, and Nebraskans who have been directly impacted. What I saw was sobering.
From a young age, I have been fortunate enough to have a community of people who encouraged me to take risks, explore new ideas, and pursue every opportunity available. Their support helped shape my path and opened doors I never could have imagined.
On March 1st, Nebraskans celebrated 159 years of statehood. It was a moment to reflect on the people and values that built our state and the pioneer spirit that continues to define us today.
On any given evening, if you flip on the national news, you’d think the country is unraveling at the seams. Headlines scream crisis, chaos, and collapse, as if America is teetering on the brink.
From sunrise to sunset, Nebraska’s ag producers work to feed and fuel our world. With one in four jobs being directly related to agriculture, it is no surprise the industry is the economic engine of our state. Nowhere is this more evident than in Nebraska’s Third District, the nation’s top ag-producing district, a leader in cow-calf, corn, and ethanol production.
Drive across Nebraska on a clear evening and you’ll see why we call it “The Good Life.” Small towns where neighbors still wave. Safe communities where kids ride their bikes home at dusk. Main streets where people know your name and your word still means something.
That kind of life doesn’t happen by accident. It exists because we respect the rule of law. We believe in fairness, and we take responsibility for our communities and for each other.
Those same Nebraska values should guide our elections.
For many Nebraskans, parenthood brings both immense joy and real challenges every day. As a father of two, I can say without hesitation that there is no greater calling in life than being a parent. While fatherhood has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, it is unrealistic to say it is not challenging.
Life is a gift worthy of protection, care, and support at every stage. On January 31st, I, along with hundreds of other Nebraskans, will gather at our state capitol to affirm the dignity of every human life while acknowledging the responsibility we share to support every mother and family.
Nebraska’s farmers have been clear from the very beginning: they need reliable markets to sell their products. Every day, agricultural producers face countless factors outside of their control, whether that be commodity prices, input costs, or weather.
Throughout my tenure as Chair of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, one thing has always been evident: trade works best when it is built on relationships, trust, and time.
Agreements are not simply ink on paper, but signals to workers, farmers, and businesses about how the United States is committed to showing up, year after year, as a reliable partner. This principle has guided America’s engagement with Sub-Saharan Africa for more than two decades since the African Growth and Opportunity Act, better known as AGOA was created.