Columns

There is no doubt Nebraska is an agricultural powerhouse. In 2019, despite our small size in population, Nebraska was the sixth largest agriculture exporter in the nation. Our state's agriculture has a real impact on our nation and beyond. It should come as no surprise the Chief Agriculture Negotiator at the Office of the U.S.

In rural America we understand the importance of postal mail to connecting our republic. Sites across Nebraska's Third District on the Pony Express Historic Trail commemorate the value of this service back to our earliest days as a territory and state.

Nebraskans always look at the positive side of life. Our communities grow when individuals step up: helping their neighbors, being involved, and creating opportunities for themselves and others.

This year has been uniquely challenging for rural America and for farmers and ranchers. In the face of new stress and uncertainty, agriculture has continued to feed the world. The men and women in our agriculture sector put in countless hours to provide for the rest of us.

Many of the steps we have taken to physically and economically combat COVID-19 have received widespread coverage, such as social distancing, wearing of masks, and quarantining. The most critical measure, however, has largely been going on behind the scenes and deserves our attention.

While the Third District of Nebraska is still feeling the impact of last year's historic floods, we are fortunately seeing recovery efforts along the Missouri River on all levels – local, state, and federal. On the federal level, the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (H.R. 7575), commonly known as WRDA, passed the House this week.

Because of social distancing measures we have undertaken, the world may seem like it is at a standstill. However, the forces aligned against America never rest. Thankfully neither does our military.

In times of uncertainty Americans have pulled together and forged a path forward. Now, during a worldwide health crisis, is our chance to refocus on solving our urgent health care challenges by unleashing American innovation.