Columns
As the third largest economy in the world, Japan is a vital trade partner of the United States, especially agriculture producers in Nebraska’s Third District. According to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, more than half of Nebraska’s pork exports and more than a quarter of our state’s beef exports were purchased by Japan last year, totaling $156 million and $405 million respectively. Japan is Nebraska’s largest export market for pork and eggs, our second largest market for beef, and our third largest market for corn and overall ag exports.
The significance of the agriculture industry to Nebraska’s Third District cannot be overstated. As the nation’s leading congressional district in market value of agriculture products sold, our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state’s economy. Ensuring federal agriculture policy reflects the needs of Nebraska’s outstanding producers places the Farm Bill among my top legislative priorities.
Businesses across our economy – both small businesses supporting communities across Nebraska and manufacturers making and selling products at home and abroad – thrive under a broad-based tax code that rewards hard work and American innovation. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) helped raise wages, drive economic growth, and reduce the tax burden on Americans, while also increasing revenue. In fact, every major federal tax cut since the 1980s has led to increased federal revenue in the ensuing years.
Nebraskans are blessed with the good life because we are blessed with special people. From the impact of those who came before us to the potential of our rising generation, individuals from across the Third District inspire me every day. Reflecting on noteworthy Nebraskans and investing in developing leaders is a significant component of the work my team and I seek to accomplish every day.
We have a debt ceiling for a reason. It is one of the federal government’s best pathways to address our nation’s very serious debt and deficit crisis. Our fiscal predicament demands we enact appropriate reforms to strengthen and grow our economy, cut wasteful spending, and reject massive tax increases.
Washington, D.C. – Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Don Beyer (D-VA) – along with Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) – introduced the Formula 3.0 Act, legislation to permanently waive tariffs and ease trade barriers on infant formula. The members released the following statements:
As many Americans plan Memorial Day weekend gatherings with friends and family, marking the kickoff of the summer travel season, House Republicans have been hard at work this week delivering on our Commitment to America for an economy that’s strong.
Every day, law enforcement officers in communities across our country serve with tireless vigilance, often placing the well-being and safety of their communities above their own. To honor their courage and sacrifice, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which this date falls as National Police Week.
The lack of security at our southern border is deeply troubling, and the crisis continues to worsen. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), March encounters on our southern border rose nearly 25 percent over February. This crisis brings serious risks to our homeland security, grows fentanyl’s scourge on our public health, and has led to a massive humanitarian crisis that has only been made worse by the policies of the Biden administration.
Every day, events around the world, such as the recent outbreak of violence in Sudan, emphasize how fragile peace can be. As an internal power struggle between rival military leaders erupted into lethal clashes, American diplomats have been evacuated and hundreds of thousands of refugees have been displaced. Sadly, this – along with the ongoing war in Ukraine – brings into sharp focus the importance and challenge of achieving security through peaceful means on the international stage.