Columns

National Agriculture Week provides a great opportunity to recognize the strength and resiliency of Nebraska's agriculture producers. The Third District is the nation's leading congressional district in both total number of farms and market value of products sold. Nebraskans' dedication and ingenuity are second to none; however, all Americans are currently facing historic inflation.

As war rages on the doorsteps of our NATO allies, the United States is weighing the best path forward to provide additional support to Ukraine and hold Vladimir Putin accountable. The destruction and bloodshed in Ukraine are tragic, and I was moved by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's joint address to Congress earlier this week.

As Western nations continue to respond to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, there's no question increasing trade partnerships with countries who share our values would benefit the United States and the world.

This week President Biden delivered his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.

This week Russia escalated their ongoing attacks on Ukraine with an invasion. I support Ukraine as they defend their sovereignty against Vladimir Putin's evil and reprehensible invasion, and I stand with Ukrainians in solidarity.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the average U.S. firm spends the equivalent of 21 percent of its payroll every year just to comply with government regulations. For context, the average manufacturing worker in the United States makes nearly $65,000 per year according to the U.S.

Last week, for the first time in history, our national debt exceeded $30 trillion. For far too long members of both parties have put off the tough decisions needed to get our country's fiscal house in order, passing the buck to future generations. Unfortunately, my Democrat colleagues would still rather raise taxes and continue their reckless spending sprees than curb their spending addiction.

This week I participated in a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the mental health crisis in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five American adults live with some form of mental illness.