Columns

A good education is foundational for a child’s future. By setting the stage for success, quality K-12 education can be a difference maker in strengthening communities and safeguarding the future of our nation. Unfortunately, many parents across America have little say over their children’s education due to socioeconomic status or a lack of options where they live. To make matters worse, challenges stemming from lack of access to quality education have been exacerbated by learning loss from COVID-era school closures.

In August 2022, when President Biden signed into law the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, it included an $80 billion increase in IRS funding. According to a 2021 Treasury Department report, this funding was intended to increase the IRS workforce by 87,000 employees, primarily dedicated to increasing IRS’s capacity to audit taxpayers.

The remarkable character of the people of the Third District was unmistakable as I traveled around Nebraska during August. From a 102-year-old in McCook, to whom I presented a Congressional Gold Medal as one of World War II’s “Rosie the Riveters,” to the sharp and eager high school student members of my Youth Advisory Council, we are blessed with passionate citizens dedicated to service.

According to a recent report by the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, regulations issued by the Biden-Harris Administration have cost the average American household a total of nearly $50,000. From its electric vehicle mandate—expected to increase the price of a new vehicle by more than $6,000—to restrictions on household appliances and energy production, this kind of burden on families is unsustainable.

This summer, I have been grateful for the opportunity to welcome Third District students visiting Washington to the U.S. Capitol Building. Its iconic architecture stands as an enduring reminder of American freedom and opportunity. In light of the blessings secured by our Constitution, fostering appreciation in young people for our unique system of government is essential.

Severe inflation, stock market turbulence, and troubling workforce data have driven recent economic concerns for American families already struggling to make ends meet. Moreover, our national debt has swelled to surpass $35 trillion—$12.74 trillion higher than the total national debt before the pandemic. Over the past year alone, the debt has grown by $6.73 billion per day.

This week, the White House announced a radical set of policy proposals to remake the Supreme Court of the United States. The proposals include reducing the length of time Supreme Court justices serve to 18-year terms and stripping former presidents of their immunity from prosecution for their actions in office. The latter is in plain opposition to a recent Supreme Court decision and would require passage of a constitutional amendment.

As the Israel-Hamas War continues, 111 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas terrorists in the October 7th attacks remain in Gaza. This week, in southern Gaza, Israeli forces recovered five bodies of hostages killed by their Hamas captors. Of the American citizens taken hostage, eight have yet to be recovered, and, tragically, three of these are known to have lost their lives. It remains uncertain how many other hostages are still alive.