Columns
Every ten years, our government is required by our Constitution to conduct a census of our population. This year, from March 12-20, the United States Census Bureau will send out census forms and instruction to every household in the United States. Although the form may be an inconvenience, it is of the utmost importance to our political process.
This week the Ways and Means Committee held our annual hearing with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. He discussed the administration's current work on health care, the administration's efforts for combating coronavirus, and answered questions we had on both subjects.
When I visit schools throughout Nebraska's Third District, I am always impressed with the passion our students have for learning and their interest in world events. This sense of curiosity mixed with a willingness to learn is a recipe for future success. Spurring this drive to succeed and getting the next generation ready to lead is a particular interest of mine.
Since its ratification more than 230 years ago, our Constitution has served as the basis of our system of government, framing the rule of law Americans live by today. The separation of powers among the three branches of our government – legislative, judicial, and executive – are specifically and carefully designed to provide checks and balances on government power.
The State of the Union is a time-honored tradition, envisioned by our Founders in the Constitution, which provides an opportunity to review the past year and hear the President's ideas to make America even better in the next one.
When we enacted tax reform in 2017, through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we had two goals – simplify compliance and reduce the tax burden on as many Americans as possible. Despite – or I would argue because of – these rate reductions, a strong economy means U.S. federal tax revenue continues to come in at record levels. The federal government does not have a revenue problem.
On the 10th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, in 1983, President Ronald Reagan reflected on the ruling and the effect it had on our country.
This week a number of my colleagues, Senator Fischer and I, had the honor of attending President Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signing a phase one trade agreement between our nations.
This January marks the 75th anniversary of the Auschwitz liberation during the closing months of World War II in Europe. In the wake of World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust, the modern state of Israel was born. Since then, the mottos of "never again" and "never forget" have signified we know the dangers of anti-Semitism and we must always fight against it.
As we begin a new year, I find it useful reflect on past successes while building plans for the future. In 2019, we faced many challenges, but we also found several solutions to which will benefit Nebraska families, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses.