Columns

On July 4, 1851, the 75^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the federal government embarked on a project to add two major wings to the U.S. Capitol Building and enlarge its dome. In the ensuing decade, through Congress’ most contentious years then the first three years of the Civil War, construction carried on. In December 1863, the Statue of Freedom was installed on the now completed dome, signifying confidence the Union would be preserved at a fateful moment in American history.

The annual process to approve federal government spending requires Congress to pass and the president to sign 12 bills into law before the start of each fiscal year. Legislative consideration of these spending bills begins in the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, and, ideally, each bill moves through the legislative process individually until all 12 are enacted prior to September 30, the end of the federal fiscal year.

Last weekend, the 8th Annual All Nebraska Tractor Drive took place in Franklin and Harlan Counties. The event featured roughly 100 antique tractors and raised funds for the Central Nebraska Veterans Home in Kearney. The round trip from Franklin to the Harlan County Dam showcased our state’s tradition of working the land and served as a reminder of how much new equipment and technology has improved production over the decades, increasing efficiency.

On my recent trip to the beaches of Normandy, I witnessed a striking testimony of patriotism when American veterans of the D-Day invasion made the extraordinary effort to stand resolutely for the presentation of the American flag at a ceremony. Each of these men were around 100 years of age, and for many, standing came with extreme difficulty. Time had taken much of the strength from their legs and backs, but it had not taken the love of their country from their hearts.

This week, I traveled to France with a delegation of my congressional colleagues, led by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), to honor the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion on D-Day on the battlefields where 150,000 young men from the United States and our allies commenced the largest invasion by sea in the history of the world. We participated in commemorative events alongside veterans of the Second World War and their family members, current U.S. servicemembers, leaders from Allied nations, and local civilians from Normandy.

In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled President Biden did not have the constitutional authority to mass transfer up to $400 billion in student loan debt from borrowers to American taxpayers. Rather than properly acknowledge the ruling of the court, earlier this year, the president unveiled a new student loan forgiveness plan, again handing the bill to hardworking Americans. Biden’s new plan already faces similar legal challenges on which the Supreme Court will likely again weigh in.

With the summer growing and travel season upon us, the cost of energy is top-of-mind for many. Unfortunately, the Biden administration continues to barrel down a dead end of poorly considered energy policy. Since President Biden took office, the Consumer Price Index shows prices have skyrocketed and stayed high as gasoline prices are up 55.5 percent, airfare is up 38.2 percent, and electricity is up 28.5 percent.

Recent severe weather and wildfire disasters in Nebraska’s Third District have highlighted the critical role the Americans who serve our communities as firefighters, police, emergency medical service workers, and members of the National Guard play in protecting our communities and property and saving lives. As the men and women who dedicate themselves to service in the face of tragedy, crime, and disaster watch over us across the country, our emergency services do not take time off. These Americans deserve to be honored.