Columns

In the Bill of Rights, our constitutional right to bear arms is listed second, after our First Amendment rights to free speech, assembly, and religion. I like to think this ranking is intentional. Firearms are used for protection, self-defense, crime deterrence, hunting, and in many cases, are a way of life.

As Nebraskans recover from the historic storms, I have worked with my colleagues and the Administration to ensure our state has the proper federal resources available so hard-working, dedicated Nebraskans can fully recover and rebuild what was lost in these tragic events. Our entire Nebraska congressional delegation is united in this effort.

Prescription drugs are vitally important to all Americans – every one of us included. Advances in science and technology have opened the doors to treat or cure thousands of diseases which not too long ago would have been considered a death sentence.

This week I was at the White House for a meeting with President Trump, members of his cabinet, and a group of my House colleagues about USMCA, the trade agreement recently negotiated with Canada and Mexico to build on NAFTA's success.

It was another busy week in the House Ways and Means Committee with important hearings on tax policy and the state of our economy. We heard from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in his annual testimony before the committee that the American economy is strong and our efforts at reforming the tax code have been very successful.