Columns

Promoting economic development in our local communities is a crucial part of tackling the $19 trillion national debt.

We are blessed with unparalleled religious freedom in the United States, but we must stay vigilant to protect it. Unfortunately, President Obama’s health care law continues to violate many Americans’ deeply-held beliefs regarding the right to life of the unborn.

Nebraskans recently wrapped up the tax preparation process, and we all know filing is no easy task. According to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, Americans spend more than six billion hours complying with the 10,000-page tax code, costing our economy $234 billion annually.

Producers throughout the Third District stress to me how crucial trade is to their economic success. Not only do trade agreements and memberships in international trade organizations open new markets for Nebraska products, but they can also level the playing field for producers, manufacturers, and consumers by ensuring everyone abides by the same set of rules.

The future of our country depends on the development of young leaders. Whether young Nebraskans are interested in military, government, or community service, I am eager to help them get involved and reach their goals.

The Obama administration just finalized its fiduciary rule, an overbearing regulation which would hinder access to financial advice for nearly seven million Americans and create new hardships for small business owners. Unfortunately, the fiduciary rule is only the tip of the regulatory iceberg.

American leadership is deeply needed to quell the chaos in our world today. We cannot afford continued weakness.

The budget and appropriations processes are fundamental responsibilities of Congress, and I am ready to continue our work to cut spending and put our country on a more sustainable course.