Columns

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. It is of the utmost importance these producers have the tools and resources to continue their efforts, especially in these challenging times. In order to hear from producers and exchange ideas, I am happy to host the 2020 Agriculture Summit.

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. Developing a vaccine for COVID-19 is the only way to defeat the virus, potentially helping billions of people worldwide.

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. WRDA is the legislation Congress and the President periodically enact to authorize federal water management projects across the nation.

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 order to ensure America's Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force are able to meet their missions, every year, Congress enacts legislation to authorize our military funding and establish priorities for the Department of Defense. This year – pandemic or not – was no different. On July 21, the House of Representatives passed the 60th annual National Defense Authorization Act (H.R.

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.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend President Trump's Independence celebration at Mount Rushmore. During this speech, the President stated, "Our Founders launched not only a revolution in government, but a revolution in the pursuit of justice, equality, liberty, and prosperity. No nation has done more to advance the human condition than the United States of America. And no people have done more to promote human progress than the citizens of our great nation." I appreciate President Trump's strong remarks.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) – also known as Obamacare – is ten years old. However, with ten years of hindsight, it is clear the ACA has been anything but affordable for Nebraska families. In the Third District, insurance on the ACA exchange often costs upwards of $30,000 for a family when you include annual premiums and deductible. Despite the ACA raising health insurance rates instead of lowering them, this week Speaker Pelosi brought a new ACA expansion bill (H.R. 1425) before the House of Representatives.

The COVID-19 pandemic cast the United States into uncharted territory. Americans were asked to take unprecedented steps in order to slow down the spread of the virus. I have supported bipartisan efforts Congress and President Trump have enacted to fight this virus and provide economic relief. However, I continue to have serious concerns about the costs associated with these bills. We have long had a spending problem, and we must refocus on addressing troubling spending patterns even while fighting COVID-19.