Columns

The Fourth of July brings to mind fireworks, cookouts, parades, and spending time with friends and family in the heart of summer. While these are great annual traditions, it also is an opportunity to remember the significance of this date as we celebrate the freedoms we have as Americans.

Affordable energy is an essential ingredient for economic growth. The more businesses and families have to pay for electricity and fuel, the less they will be able to grow their businesses, hire employees, purchase goods, pay their bills, or save.

Enactment of a long-term Farm Bill is among my highest priorities. The certainty provided by a five-year bill is critical for Nebraska producers and our agriculture-based economy.

The time and money spent keeping up with federal rules is a major burden on our economy. American families and small businesses struggle to comply with the growing number of federal regulations even when they do not realize it.

Without action, millions of recent college graduates and other borrowers could see the interest rates on their student loans double on July 1 of this year.

Americans of all political persuasions are rightfully outraged by recent revelations of political targeting by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Adding to the concern, the IRS will be the chief enforcer of the many new health care mandates set to be implemented during the next year.

Memorial Day is a time set aside every year to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation. We also thank all of our veterans who have defended our freedoms. While we can never adequately express our gratitude for the sacrifices of America’s veterans, I am working with my colleagues to ensure our heroes have access to the care and resources they deserve.

It has been a busy week in Washington. Congress is investigating several situations including the targeting of certain political organizations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and reports the Secretary of Health and Human Services may have improperly solicited outside funds to help implement the health care law. Many important questions remain, underscoring the need for Congress to continue its oversight of the executive branch.