Columns

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. However, the agreement passed by Congress only addressed the issues of taxes, which is neither good policy nor a balanced approach.

I have the honor of representing Nebraska’s Third District, which is one of the largest and most rural districts in the country. I love rural America, but oftentimes Congress and bureaucratic agencies in Washington make decisions without fully considering how laws, rules and regulations will affect rural populations differently from other Americans.

All eyes are now focused on negotiations to resolve the fiscal cliff, which if left unaddressed will result in arbitrary spending cuts and tax rate increases for all earners at the beginning of next year. Arbitrary cuts combined with new increases in tax rates would undermine economic growth and likely send our economy back into recession.

As Congress turns its focus to resolving the fiscal cliff - the end-of-the-year deadline after which deep cuts in spending and increases in tax rates for all earners take effect - there is much disagreement on how to bring down the deficit in a responsible way without harming our economy. The question of tax rates remains one of the largest sticking points to the debate. Should tax rates increase for one group more than another group? Do we need to increase federal revenue? Should some businesses be hit harder than others?

As Nebraskans celebrate Thanksgiving and the holiday season begins, we have much for which to be thankful. Joining with family and friends, let us focus on the many blessings we enjoy as Americans, and give thanks to all of those who have made those blessings possible.

We certainly face many challenges today including a soaring national debt, high unemployment, and new conflicts abroad which test America’s leadership. However, I am certain we will overcome these challenges and remain the world’s greatest source of freedom and prosperity.

Reducing the barriers to international trade has been one of the major accomplishments of the 112^th Congress. While many are rightfully frustrated by the lack of bipartisanship, expanding access to trade remains an all-too-rare bright spot for cooperation.