Columns

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. Fortunately, within the past week, we received great news on two massive trade wins for the United States, and Nebraska in particular.

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. In addition, to provide certainty for taxpayers – families, farmers, ranchers, and businesses small and large – we need to address the future of a number of expired and expiring tax provisions, fix certain technical issues with the tax code, and complete our work on some new proposals to help Americans save for retirement.

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. The longtime strength of our economy is dependent on many factors, including a strong belief in the rule of law and property rights, a commitment to hard work and ingenuity, and consistent access to numerous sources of energy needed to grow, manufacture, and transport products across our state, nation, and the world.

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.

This year I had the opportunity to attend two Veterans Day celebrations; one at Gering Junior High School, and at our local American Legion Post #36. I appreciated visiting with young people who will someday determine our future and with the heroes who have made their mark in support of our country.

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. I was very impressed by the diligence of our Border Patrol and the work they do to protect our national security. However, the trip also highlighted the serious challenges we face.

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.

Before President Trump stepped foot in the Oval Office, five Democratic Senators had already introduced a bill threatening impeachment if he did not divert his assets and use a blind trust – which he had already promised and did so when assuming office.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50 percent of Americans took at least one prescription drug in the last month. When used correctly and safely, prescription drugs help millions of people by curing, treating, or preventing diseases. Our pharmaceutical system is designed to reward innovators by allowing them to bring new products to market at a price which allows them to recoup their investment, with generic or biosimilar versions later entering the marketplace to drive down prices through competition.