Keeping Nebraskans Connected

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.  

For generations, AM radio has been a trusted source of local news, market updates, weather reports, and emergency alerts. While it is a simple technology, its importance has not diminished.  

For a farmer or rancher, an AM broadcast can provide the market information needed to make an informed decision about the future of their operations. For a family, it can provide the latest information about an approaching storm. Especially when severe weather strikes and cell networks or other communications systems are unavailable, AM radio is often a critical lifeline. 

This is why I cosponsored the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which passed the House this week. This common-sense legislation will help ensure that automakers do not phase out AM radio from new vehicles, protecting access to this essential source of information for Nebraskans and millions of Americans.

In a district as large and rural as Nebraska’s Third, we cannot take reliable communication for granted. Every Nebraskan—regardless of their ZIP code—deserves access to the information they need to stay informed, connected, and safe. 

I will continue working in Washington to make sure rural Nebraska’s priorities are not overlooked and that the tools our communities depend on remain available for generations to come.

At the end of the day, keeping Nebraskans connected is about more than technology. It is about making sure our farmers, ranchers, families, and communities have what they need to navigate the challenges of everyday life and make the most of the opportunities ahead.  

Moving forward, I will keep fighting in Washington to protect the tools Nebraskans rely on every day and advance common-sense solutions that strengthen our rural communities. While we may cherish the peace and open spaces of rural Nebraska, we should never have to sacrifice our ability to stay connected in today’s modern world.