Columns

This week, President Obama delivered the annual State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The speech is a great tradition and it is an important opportunity for the President to share his vision with Congress and the American people.

The massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut has caused grief and reflection across the nation. I join all Nebraskans and Americans in mourning the victims and in prayer for their families and friends. Such an act of horror naturally invites debate over what can and should be done to protect children and prevent senseless acts of violence in the future.

This week, an important agreement was announced which will ease some restrictions on beef imports from the U.S. to Japan, the largest beef market in Asia. Japan will now permit the import of U.S. beef and beef products from cattle less than 30 months of age, an increase from the previous limit of 20 months.

One of the most basic functions of government is to pass a budget – to decide how to use tax dollars based on the needs of the nation. The House of Representatives has passed a budget every year since Republicans won a majority, but the House cannot act alone. The Senate, which has not passed a budget in nearly four years, must also act to address our long-term deficit and debt.

The Supreme Court issued its controversial Roe v. Wade decision, which forced states to legalize abortion on January 22, 1973. Rather than ending the debate, the pro-life movement has continued and made some progress over the last 40 years.

The beginning of a new Congress is typically a time of great excitement and an opportunity for lawmakers to refocus their priorities as we look ahead to the next two years. I remain optimistic about what can be accomplished in the 113^th Congress, which began on January 3^rd, however much of our business from the previous Congress remains unfinished.

The House, Senate and President all recently agreed to last-minute legislation to stop automatic tax increases and delay arbitrary defense spending cuts known collectively as the “fiscal cliff.” The President had consistently said the fiscal cliff must be resolved through a “balanced approach” to deficit reduction including new tax revenues as well as spending cuts.