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Nebraskans take great pride in service to our nation. Our state is home to more than 150,000 veterans, and we recognize and respect their contributions to our nation’s security and freedom. Every Veterans Day we honor those who have served our nation in uniform, but this year I would like to make two requests.

When Congress returns to Washington after the election, we have a long list of items to address before the end of the year. One of the biggest priorities, especially for Nebraska producers, will be passing a responsible Farm Bill to prevent a lapse in policy. Congress also must act to prevent the largest tax hike in American history before the current rates expire on January 1, 2013.

The unofficial motto of the United States Postal Service (USPS), “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” is derived from a quote by Herodotus, an ancient Greek historian. However, of all the impediments to mail delivery envisioned, Herodotus never could have imagined the enormous financial obstacles facing the Postal Service today.

The national economy is bleak. Four years after a deep recession, unemployment remains stubbornly high at 7.8 percent, and economic growth has slowed to 1.3 percent. Families and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet. As wages and benefits have been cut, prices of electricity, gas, food, and health care continue to rise. Clearly, we are not headed in the right direction.

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. However, it is strongly recommended all Medicare enrollees review their options to ensure the plan they are in remains the best plan to meet their needs.

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.