Columns
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.
Now that the August district work period is officially underway, I am excited to spend the coming weeks on the road, listening to Nebraskans across the Third District and seeing firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing our communities.
I hit the ground running this week with a swing through the Panhandle, hearing directly from constituents about the issues that matter most to them and discussing how we can keep working together to make the Good Life an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
As Congress begins its August work period, I’m looking forward to being back home meeting with Nebraskans across the Third District. As I prepare for my travels, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my work for you over the past several months.
On July 4, 2026, we celebrated 250 years of the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known—the United States of America. From the thirteen original colonies to the fifty states, one federal district, and several territories we know today, our nation's history is nothing if not storied.