Columns

It is now nearly one month since the House passed its clean continuing resolution to keep open the federal government. On September 19, House Republicans did our job. We passed legislation which would have prevented—and still could immediately end—the shutdown. This funding bill has received bipartisan support in the Senate.

Events in recent weeks have highlighted the importance of safety, security, and the vital role of law enforcement in our communities. Violence has no place in American life, yet we have seen troubling attacks and disruptions within our country as well as international unrest which puts Americans abroad and our allies at risk.

Each day hardworking parents, farmers, ranchers, linesmen, teachers, and laborers across the country get out of bed and do what it takes to provide for their families and pay their bills. This week, as Americans continued to go to work, unfortunately ideological, partisan demands from Senate Democrats again obstructed commonsense legislation to keep the federal government open.

It is a profound privilege to represent the people of the Third District. I never take for granted the opportunity to take your ideas to Washington and work together to create solutions. It can be easy to merely talk about the many challenges we face, but taking the time to formulate and focus on solutions is what yields results, though it requires more effort.

Federal spending and our growing national debt are serious challenges which must be addressed for the long-term fiscal health of our nation. By enacting our tax cut and family security package (H.R. 1) in July, Republicans took significant strides to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Nearly a quarter century has passed since the attacks of September 11th, 2001. That day’s tragic events, the heroic acts of so many Americans, and the extraordinary shows of patriotism and national unity which followed are forever etched in our national memory. We will always remember the courage and sacrifice of those who passed and those whose lives were forever changed 24 years ago.

Agriculture producers have faced serious economic challenges in recent years. Despite rising productivity, farmers face high input costs and falling commodity prices, straining their margins. As many Nebraskans know well, a record crop alone doesn’t right the market, and producers are in a challenging position.

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.