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. While there, I made it a point to thank President Trump for his swift response to recent harsh weather and flooding throughout Nebraska by approving an expedited federal disaster declaration.
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.
We celebrate National Ag Week to recognize the tireless efforts of our farmers and ranchers to feed the American people and a sizeable portion of the rest of the world. It has always been a point of pride for me to represent Nebraska's Third District, which is the highest producing ag district in the country.
This week, House Democrats proposed two bills under the guise of curtailing gun violence. In reality the bills amount to a fundamental erosion of our Second Amendment rights, which should never be allowed. In Nebraska, the need for firearms is the same today as it was when the Second Amendment was enacted - before we were even a territory of the United States.