Columns
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.
From its creation by President James Monroe in 1823 until today, the Monroe Doctrine has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. This policy asserts foreign interference in the Americas will be met with American resolve, shaping generations of diplomatic, military, and security decisions. From Cold War efforts to halt the expansion of communism to modern questions of sovereignty, the doctrine continues to frame America’s interactions with our neighbors, politically, economically, and on practical matters like border security.
Christmas is a time of joy. Joy for the birth of our Savior after the anticipation of the advent season. Joy for the time we spend with family, remembering old memories and creating new ones. Joy for the opportunity to pause and reflect on our blessings, while looking forward to the year ahead.
Federal regulations are a costly, overreaching web which stifles innovation, germinates uncertainty, and often burdens the very people they purport to protect. Regulatory overreach by the Obama and Biden administrations extended well beyond congressional intent – creating the potential to upend industry. I have continually worked to rein in this unchecked rulemaking and restore accountability to federal agencies, and I appreciate the progress we have made since January.