Columns

When talking to residents in the Third District, issues of access are often discussed: access to health care, veteran services, and, certainly, transportation. One important initiative which facilitates transportation access is the Essential Air Service (EAS). This program provides airline service to smaller, rural areas and ensures access to the national transportation system. Most importantly, EAS provides businesses throughout Nebraska access to dependable air service, a necessary component of economic opportunity and rural job creation.

This past week President Obama delivered his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. Traditionally this speech has been a chance for the President to outline his agenda for the coming year. After more than three years of economic hardship, this was the time to chart a new path forward to put our nation back on a sounder fiscal and economic footing.

Thomas Jefferson once opined, “History convinces me that most bad government has grown out of too much government.” Never has this sentiment proven to be more true than today. Certainly, I could point to numerous examples of the ill effects of bureaucratic largesse. One such example gaining attention in Congress is a provision of President Obama’s unpopular health care law called the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports, or CLASS Act.

Our military is the finest fighting force for freedom and security the world has ever known and every last one of them is a volunteer. When the call to arms was sounded, it was they who stepped forward and said, “Send me.” Nebraska is home to more than 150,000 veterans. These heroes have put everything at risk to defend our freedoms. Our troops risk life and limb and spend great lengths of time away from their families so the rest of us do not have to. In return for their service and sacrifice, we made a promise to take care of them and their families when they come home.

As we close the book on 2011, there is no question political brinksmanship prevented opportunities for America to move forward. There were, however, consequential, bipartisan accomplishments which will benefit the country. One area where Republicans and Democrats, Congress and the White House were all able to come together was advancing an aggressive trade agenda.

With the holidays upon us, the season brings with it an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on the past year. Looking back over the course of the last twelve months, the pursuit of change has shaped events both here at home and across the globe. For the first time, the debate in Washington has shifted from “how much do we spend” to “how much do we cut.” We have ended our combat mission in Iraq and we have watched important world events unfold such as the Arab Spring. All of these changes have significance for our country as we head into the new year.

As families and loved ones gather across the Third District over the coming days to celebrate Christmas, I want to extend my season’s greetings to you and your family. During this time of year, our thoughts and prayers go out to the men and women, and certainly their families, who sacrifice so much to defend our freedoms.