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Every year, to ensure continued competition on premiums and benefits among insurers, seniors have the opportunity to switch their current Medicare Part D prescription plan. This time is called “open enrollment.” It is important to note Medicare beneficiaries satisfied with their current coverage do not have to take any action during the open enrollment period.
During a recent visit to Wilber-Clatonia High School, I was approached by a number of students and staff regarding new school menu requirements. The new rules, while well-intentioned, are leaving many students hungry and squeezing already limited school budgets.
Affordable energy is a necessary ingredient for long-term economic growth. Lower utility rates reduce overhead costs, leaving businesses more money to grow, add more employees, and reduce consumer prices. The less money families spend on their monthly power bill, the more money they have to save or spend as they wish – all of which contributes to economic growth.
For more than a year I have worked with agriculture groups, producers across Nebraska and my colleagues in Congress to pass a responsible long-term Farm Bill. Like many others, I am frustrated and disappointed by the failure to come to an agreement, and I believe both parties bear some responsibility for not getting a bill passed.
The successful 1996 welfare reform law passed by a Republican Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton is a model of bipartisan cooperation and a rare example of divided government achieving a major accomplishment.
The House of Representatives returns from the August District Work Period this week with several items left to accomplish during the short amount of time before the November elections.
Every August, Congress adjourns for five weeks to give lawmakers a chance to spend an extended period of time in their districts.
Congress has debated a new five-year Farm Bill for much of the last year, but despite some progress, we have yet to reach a final agreement. When Congress returns to Washington next month, I will continue working with my House colleagues from both parties to pass a responsible, long-term bill.
As I have been traveling through Nebraska’s Third District during the August work period, I am reminded about the fiscal situation facing our country. I hear from Nebraskans concerned about the future of Medicare and whether it will continue to be effective in the future.
The controversial Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate requiring employers to cover the full cost of contraceptives, sterilizations, and abortion-inducing drugs took effect on August 1, 2012.