Columns

The selfless men and women who put their lives on the line for us and our country deserve our deepest gratitude. However you choose to celebrate Memorial Day this year, I ask you to join me in setting aside time to honor our military heroes who have sacrificed so we may live each day in freedom.

Inspired by the American Dream, entrepreneurship drives our country’s economic success. During National Small Business Week (May 4-8), we recognize the many contributions small businesses make to our communities and local economy.

With this year’s early start to the appropriations process, we have more time to make productive funding decisions in the best interest of our country. It is time for Congress to use the legislative process the way it was intended to cut waste and bring accountability back to Washington’s budget.

Our negotiating partners make their best offers to lower trade barriers and set high standards if they know Congress will not re-write an agreement later. For America to get the best possible deal in trade negotiations, passing the Trade Priorities and Accountability Act, also known as TPA, is the necessary first step.

Many Americans dread April 15th due to the complexity of our tax code. Unfortunately, taxpayers are not only burdened by the high costs of compliance but are also greatly concerned with the lack of accountability displayed by the very agency charged with collecting taxes.

One of my great privileges as a Member of Congress is the opportunity to nominate a select group of young Nebraskans to attend the U.S. Service Academies.

Nebraskans are already wary of the red tape flowing from Washington. As the list of federal regulations under the Obama administration continues to grow, many people are concerned about the impacts these bureaucratic obstacles are having on their lives and livelihoods.

This week, the House of Representatives passed a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. With our national debt now exceeding $18 trillion, we must put a plan in place to cut waste and balance the books.