Columns

Reporters often ask me which concerns I hear most frequently from the people of the Third District. My answer is almost always the same – Nebraskans are tired of overreach by the federal government.

Millions of Americans depend on Social Security as part of their retirement savings, and they are also depending on us to strengthen the program. We must act now, not later, to put Social Security on a sustainable path.

Through the Medicare Part D program, seniors can purchase private prescription drug plans at affordable prices. The annual open enrollment period encourages competition among Part D insurers, helping to keep costs lower and giving beneficiaries more choices.

It is harvest, and Nebraska farmers are logging long hours. As I travel the Third District and meet with producers, I often hear concerns about low commodity prices and what this means for their livelihoods.

Nebraskans are facing more bad news as Obamacare continues to unravel. On September 23, Blue Cross Blue Shield announced its departure from Nebraska’s exchange due to losses totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

At a recent event I attended in the Third District, Arlene, a woman 106 years young, also participated. As the festivities began, and the opening words of the national anthem were sung, I saw something which will stay with me for quite some time.

We cannot afford to disengage from the global economy and adopt protectionist policies while countries are opening their markets to others around the world. Through careful enforcement of our trade laws, we can level the playing field for U.S. producers while creating more opportunity for Nebraska agriculture.

Many Americans were forced to purchase insurance through the co-ops after losing their original plans due to Obamacare’s implementation, only to lose their insurance again due to co-op failures. These consumers have two options: quickly find other coverage and start over on their deductibles, or go without insurance and face a possible Obamacare tax penalty.