Columns

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation to enact the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) today:

Trade is critical to rural states such as Nebraska. Producers, manufacturers, and consumers all benefit from sound trade policies which expand access to international markets. One of the primary reasons I joined the Ways and Means Committee, is to seize opportunities to reduce tariffs, remove artificial barriers, and ensure all Nebraskans can benefit from fair, open markets.

There is much work to be done in Washington. A massive trade deal is pending with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), prescription drug prices and health care costs continue to rise, and our southern border needs additional resources.

While Nebraskans have faced many challenges this year, particularly in our agriculture industry, the United States economy remains strong overall. Unemployment is at a 50-year low, wages are rising, and the GDP has been even higher than projected.

Because we are so busy in our daily lives, Thanksgiving provides an important opportunity every November to gather with family and friends and show gratitude for all God has provided us. After a year full of challenges, it is important to take a step back and reflect.

Every November 11^th we celebrate the men and women who defend our freedom – past and present. While November 11 was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, we now commemorate all United States veterans on this day.

The crisis on our southern border is at the front of many Americans minds. Too often we hear of dangerous cartels, and violence spilling into the United States. Because I wanted to see the urgency of this situation myself, last week I traveled with House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Mike Rogers and three other colleagues to McAllen, Texas, on the United States-Mexico border.

One of our most serious and solemn duties as citizens of the United States is electing a President. Overturning an election by removing a duly elected President from office should be equally solemn and serious. Yet, we have seen repeated attempts to impeach President Trump thrown around since before he even took office.