Columns

The greatness of the United States stems not just from the political and religious freedom protected by our Constitution, but also the economic freedom it protects, ensuring individuals have the greatest possible opportunity to benefit from their hard work, ingenuity, and perseverance. Our state was built by homesteaders who were given the opportunity to build farms, businesses, and communities, earning the land they worked on through sweat equity. The hardworking people of Nebraska, and the communities where they work together, are what makes our state so great.

In the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, Operation Warp Speed was created as a partnership between public and private entities, leveraging federal support to speed up vaccine development. This was a major success for the Trump Administration who spearheaded the operation. Without these efforts and their leadership, the development, approval by the Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective, and distribution of multiple COVID-19 vaccines in record time would not have been possible.

There are no shortage of challenges facing Americans right now with our country reaching the highest level of inflation in three decades, a lack of workers to fill job openings nationwide, record illegal entry and smuggling at our southern border, and a supply chain unable to keep up with the demands of manufacturers and consumers. Despite facing these crises every day, we still have much to be thankful for as Americans.

Each year on November 11th, our nation comes together to celebrate the men and women who defend our freedoms. The 11th of November was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I which occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. In 1954, Congress expanded this day to recognize not only those who fought during World War I, but to commemorate all United States veterans.

This fall, the United States Supreme Court has been receiving quite a bit of attention. With ongoing litigation ranging from the Texas law limiting when abortions may be performed, to vaccine mandates, to second amendment rights, a spotlight is currently focused on the court. With so many high-profile cases and the public discussion around them, this recent attention has launched another critical debate into the limelight - court packing.

For months President Biden and Congressional Democrats have single-mindedly focused on pushing their tax and spending agenda across the finish line. While my Republican colleagues and I have made progress in keeping some truly terrible ideas, like repealing stepped-up basis, out of the package so far, our work against these proposals continues.

It's alarming to see half-built, new farm equipment sitting idle, car dealerships vacant, and store shelves empty, but this is the harsh reality behind President Biden's current supply chain crisis. Across the country we are seeing bottlenecks and cargo backups at ports and terminals, as well as an abundance of workforce shortages causing massive delays throughout our supply chain. It is critical we take action now to address the stalemates preventing American products from both being produced and reaching consumers before matters worsen.

Each year, open enrollment for Medicare begins on October 15th and runs through December 7th. This process occurs annually to safeguard continued competition on premiums and benefits among insurers; using the marketplace to drive down costs and improve consumer access. Open enrollment provides seniors with the opportunity to switch their current Medicare Part D prescription plan to take advantage of lower rates and plan options that better meet their needs resulting from competition and price negotiation by participating insurers.