Columns

After years of work, frustration, and setbacks, a long-term Farm Bill has been passed by both the House and Senate, and signed into law by the President.

Rural Nebraska truly is the heartland of America. I grew up here, and would never live anywhere else. While there are many advantages and benefits to living in rural areas, there are also challenges.

I am particularly concerned by the President’s plans to make 2014 a “year of action” by circumventing Congress “whenever and wherever” he chooses.

After years of negotiations, the United States signed and approved trade agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea in 2011, and all three agreements went into effect in 2012.

Tired of massive budget deficits, record debt, the expanding role of the federal government, and regulatory overreach, the American people elected a Republican majority in the House of Representatives in 2010.

When it comes to transportation, consumers demand and deserve choice, which means we should continue to advance an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy development and use.

During the holiday season we gather with family and friends to celebrate our many blessings, remember the past, and look forward to the future.

There is a significant shortage of physicians, particularly primary care physicians, in rural areas which hurts communities in places like Nebraska’s Third District. There are three or fewer primary care physicians in 45 of the 75 counties in our district.