Columns
Nearly a quarter century has passed since the attacks of September 11th, 2001. That day’s tragic events, the heroic acts of so many Americans, and the extraordinary shows of patriotism and national unity which followed are forever etched in our national memory. We will always remember the courage and sacrifice of those who passed and those whose lives were forever changed 24 years ago.
Agriculture producers have faced serious economic challenges in recent years. Despite rising productivity, farmers face high input costs and falling commodity prices, straining their margins. As many Nebraskans know well, a record crop alone doesn’t right the market, and producers are in a challenging position.
In recent weeks, I’ve been grateful to be able to speak with many Nebraskans across the Third District’s 80 counties. While I make the most of the time I have in Nebraska throughout the year, the month of August provides a unique opening in the congressional calendar to connect with the people of our state.
The inalienable rights asserted by our Founders—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—cannot exist without proper respect for the rule of law. This starts at our borders and then flows through every branch of federal, state, and local government throughout our country. Faced with unprecedented challenges in maintaining the rule of law, Congress and the Trump administration have taken bold actions which are yielding remarkable results.
The transition from summer to fall is a busy time in the Cornhusker State. As farmers prepare for harvest and the new football and volleyball seasons arrive, parents and students are gearing up to go back to school and teachers are working hard for the start of a new semester. Young people across the Third District anticipate new opportunities as they take new steps in their educational journey.
On August 8, 2005, President George Bush signed the Energy Policy Act into law. Among other measures, this bill established the Renewable Fuels Standard, which for the last two decades has supported a growing American energy sector by providing more affordable fuel options in addition to complementary markets for agricultural commodities.
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.
Drafting a historic piece of legislation like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, House Republicans spent months, and even years, identifying critical needs and developing the best product possible for hardworking American families. While the package is referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill to emphasize the broad spectrum of policy achievements, including immigration, national security, and agriculture, a major driver of the bill is tax policy crafted by the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve.
Access to healthcare is a major challenge for patients and providers alike in rural communities across America, including in small cities and villages across Nebraska’s Third District. Families face long driving distances when they need care most, and a lack of patient density impedes the finances of providers striving to serve expansive areas. Doing all we can to promote economic growth, attract and support healthcare professionals to live and work in our state, and encourage healthy lifestyles are essential components of advancing solutions for Nebraskans.
This week, during a roundtable hosted by Western Sugar Cooperative, I met with representatives across several agricultural sectors from the Third District. I am grateful each time I’m able to connect with and thank the dedicated producers at the origination of the supply chains stocking our grocery stores, pantries, restaurants, fuel pumps, and more. Gathering their insights on the challenges they face and the importance of ensuring our tax code and Farm Bill programs work for them is essential for my work in Congress to support economic growth in our state.