Honoring Third District Legacies
While Nebraska’s Third has existed since our state was first divided into congressional districts following the 1880 census, it first began to resemble its current shape after the 1960 census, when Nebraska moved from four districts to three for the first time. A total of 21 Nebraskans have represented the Third District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1883, and Senator Ricketts and I had the privilege of recognizing two of them by enacting legislation, with the support of the entire Nebraska delegation, naming public buildings in their honor last year: Virginia Smith of Chappell and Bill Barrett of Lexington. This week, I participated in ceremonies to dedicate these two buildings.
Congresswoman Virginia Smith spent her life applying an exemplary work ethic to advancing the interests of our great state. In Congress, she served Nebraskans for 16 years, from 1975 until 1991, with brilliance and integrity.
A member of the Greatest Generation, her determination to defy expectations was forged in the hardships of farming during the Great Depression. This training ground of self-reliance made her resilient and gave her a view which never failed to see the limitless potential of each individual. She understood the value of pressing through when the going gets tough. As the top Republican on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, she fiercely defended the interests of agriculture producers and championed the development of Third District resources throughout the turbulent economic conditions of the 1970s and the Farm Crisis of the 1980s.
Prior to her service, Virginia was shown as a talented orator, presenting speeches in all 50 states and 25 countries. She understood the power of freedom and opportunity to spur great achievement—in contrast to heavy-handed overreach from the federal government. In her own words, "The people who settled America didn't come here to find a ready-made security. They came here seeking opportunity and freedom." It is fitting the federal building in North Platte, serving the district she championed, now bears her name.
As a military veteran, businessman, and legislator, Congressman Bill Barrett left his mark by thoughtfully promoting the interests of others. From his speakership in the State Legislature to the years he spent in Congress, he was known for being true to his word and bringing people together to get things done. Known for his ability to cultivate consensus and connect with anyone, Bill was the president of his freshman congressional class, a group which also included future Speaker of the House John Boehner.
Bill’s legacy is put best in his own words: “Service to others is the best work of life.” Today, the Third District leads the nation in agriculture production, owing no small thanks to his work advocating for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers as a senior member of the Agriculture Committee.
Elsie Barrett, Bill’s wife, improved the lives of countless children through charitable work. Her passion for volunteerism blessed many, as she served on the Nebraska Foster Care Review Board and other organizations. Bill and Elsie were an extraordinary team, and when Bill was named Chairman of the 1997 National Prayer Breakfast, they worked together to host a successful event. I am pleased the Post Office in Lexington, where they gave so much to their community and our state, is now dedicated to Bill and Elsie Barrett.
The legacies of these great Nebraskans and the impact they made advocating for the Third District is appropriately reflected in the naming of these buildings. It was my honor to champion these bills, and I hope residents of these communities will be inspired to service when they are reminded of those who came before them.