Columns
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.
In contrast to the previous four years, trade has been at the forefront since January, and the pace has not slowed as we reach year-end. In recent weeks the administration has begun the mandatory six-year review of the U.S-Canada-Mexico Agreement, announced trade deals and frameworks with several Latin American and Asian partners, updated the Agreement on Trade and Agricultural Products with Israel, and inked a major agreement with People’s Republic of China which eases tensions and resumes Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans.
Spanning our state - Missouri River to panhandle - Nebraska’s Third District has been blessed with a breadth of natural resources. Although much of our state is naturally arid, generations of hard work, determination, and feats of engineering have maximized our resources to provide for local needs, feed the world, and minimize flooding risks.
As we look ahead to America 250 next year – a milestone which invites reflection on our nation’s remarkable journey – I am reminded of the timeless wisdom of those who guided us through earlier tests of unity and purpose. While presidents dating back to George Washington in 1789 have recognized days of thanksgiving, President Lincoln was the first to proclaim the last Thursday in November as a national holiday. The tradition was continued by Lincoln’s successors, including Ulysses S.
While we have successfully enacted major legislation this year to protect our borders, cut taxes for families, and restore faith in government this year, opportunities abound for further progress to improve the lives of Nebraska families. Nowhere is that more clear than in the House Ways and Means Committee, where I serve. We continue to make progress across the issue areas within the committee’s jurisdiction, with key developments involving trade, health, and tax.
This week, as we do every November 11, America paused to remember the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line to defend liberty and opportunity for their neighbors at home and friends of freedom around the world. The following day, the House of Representatives approved the Senate-passed agreement which will reopen the federal government through the end of January. The bill, which I supported, also completes our work funding several agencies for the full fiscal year, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S.
On October 15, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Medicare open enrollment window began. This important annual opportunity allows seniors to select their Medicare coverage, including Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, for 2026.