Columns
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. It has a spending 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. President Reagan lamented, "our nationwide policy of abortion-on-demand through all nine months of pregnancy was neither voted for by our people nor enacted by our legislators." Overnight this decision led to federal abortion policies on par with countries whose human rights records are among the worst in the world and has been one of the most contentious issues in America ever since.
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. While we know there is much more work to be done, we should celebrate what the President and his economic team accomplished in addressing longtime Chinese practices while opening new economic opportunities for Nebraska's farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers.
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. However, recently we have seen a frightening trend of threats to Israel and rising anti-Semitism.
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.
After difficult years like 2019, I find it even more important to remember the true meaning of Christmas. It is about gathering with our loved ones to celebrate the love God gave in gifting to the world his only son.
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan spoke about the "most wonderful time of year" and the beauty of treating all our neighbors with love and kindness. This Christmas let us find it in our hearts to walk with each other in the light of Christ and appreciate God's gift.
Merry Christmas, and I wish all Nebraskans a safe and happy holiday season.
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:
"After much hard work and negotiations by the administration, I am incredibly pleased were able to come together to enact this trade agreement which will greatly benefit Nebraska's, and America's, producers, consumers, and businesses small and large.
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.