Columns

Over the past few weeks, I have hosted several public forums and held mobile office hours across the Third District. I appreciate all Nebraskans who came to these meetings to voice their opinions, ask questions, or learn more about an issue – and I can assure you I will be taking your ideas back to Washington, D.C.

During the month of August, I have traveled around the Third District and talked with Nebraskans at mobile offices and community meetings. In addition to frustration over the growth of government, the most common concerns have involved the Obama administration’s deal with Iran – and for good reason.

In my role on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, I continue to support policies which expand export opportunities for Nebraskans. Next month, I am hosting an event called Growing Nebraska Though Trade to facilitate an in-depth discussion on the impacts of trade agreements and ongoing work to open markets worldwide to rural America.

At my mobile offices and meetings throughout the Third District, I have the opportunity to hear directly from Nebraskans about the regulatory burdens impacting their lives and livelihoods. To fight government overreach, I launched my Regulation Rewind initiative in 2014 and have continued these efforts this year.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued yet another set of sweeping regulations, which the agency is calling the “Clean Power Plan.” Released by the Obama administration on Monday, this red tape will likely force hundreds of coal-fired power plants to shut their doors, killing jobs and increasing the cost of energy across the state of Nebraska.

One of the greatest challenges we face in our country, especially in rural areas, is access to quality health care. Unfortunately, the President’s health care law and the continuous flow of red tape from federal agencies continue to threaten the ability of Americans to receive the care they need.

We live in an era when our enemies are often difficult to identify and track, but some nations and their leaders have made well-known their desire to defeat America. Despite the growing global dangers to our country, President Obama has chosen to negotiate with nations which have openly threatened America and our allies.

The legislation passed by the House this week will allow us to continue our work on tax reform while seeking a multi-year highway funding plan. I am pleased the House took action to prevent the lapse of ongoing infrastructure projects and hope the Senate will join us in advancing this short-term bill to pave the way for a long-term highway funding solution.