Columns

Our agriculture producers fuel our economy and feed the world, and it is our job to make sure markets are open to them. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade policy, I will keep emphasizing the importance of asserting U.S. leadership in the global marketplace.

For many Nebraskans, summer means a long-awaited vacation. If you will be leaving the country, your passport should be your first priority.

We face major challenges in our country today which have led to growing divisions. However, we must be mindful of all our nation has endured since its founding on July 4, 1776, and strive for unity.

When U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer appeared before the Ways and Means Committee on May 22 to discuss President Trump’s trade agenda, I had the opportunity to ask him about a number of agriculture trade priorities.

Following the early morning shooting at the June 14 congressional baseball practice, many on Capitol Hill and around the country spent the day in shock over what had transpired.

As happens too often when the federal government gets involved, a seemingly well-intentioned bill hastily signed into law in 2010 wreaked havoc on economic opportunity in America. You may be surprised to learn this is not a column about Obamacare. Instead, I am talking about a piece of legislation which has become known as “Obamacare for banks.”

When I travel the Third District, one of the most common questions I receive from Nebraskans is whether I have hope for Republicans and Democrats to come together and get things done. I do have examples of bipartisanship to cite, as it occurs more often in Congress than people think, but the overall tone in our country must change to allow for meaningful work to take place.

My hope is everyone will have taken time on Memorial Day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can live freely in America – and not lose sight of our gratitude to these brave men and women throughout the year.