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On October 1, absent a last-minute change in momentum, the federal government will shut down. No one wins a government shutdown, least of all the American people. The Biden administration has already announced it will, in the event of a shutdown, close agencies Nebraskans rely on such as FSA, Rural Development, and the Agriculture Research Service. Because the Biden administration appears prepared to make any lapse in appropriations as painful as possible, I would prefer to keep the government open while we fight for fiscal sanity.

Many farmers are already busy taking in crops as dry conditions have encouraged an early start to the harvest season. Financially speaking, farming is a high-risk venture. The impact of unpredictable weather patterns underscores the importance of doing everything we can to maximize market access and stability for our agriculture industry. Alongside securing sound crop insurance provisions in ongoing Farm Bill renewal discussions, ensuring American trade policy reflects the best interests of our hard-working producers is critical in our pursuit of economic strength.

Poorly considered policy driven by ideological agendas can have devastating consequences for Americans, bringing the greatest harm to those with the least recourse when good intentions go awry. There’s always room for improvement in federal policy. However, damage is often avoidable if decision-makers simply take the time to consider the impact of their decisions upon Americans and the variety of their needs and lifestyles across our country.

Over the last month, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with constituents in many of the Third District’s 80 counties. It has been a busy time with many hours spent behind the windshield, and I'm encouraged by the Nebraskans doing so much to help our communities thrive. From farmers and ranchers to entrepreneurs and small businesses to educators and families preparing the next generation, Nebraskans are working hard to support their families, serve their neighbors, and make our state a better place.

Labor Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and show appreciation for the contributions of the American workforce. Unfortunately, American workers don’t have much to celebrate this Labor Day. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1.2 million workers have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more. Some 5.2 million workers across the United States are “not in the labor force who currently want a job.” Real wages have decreased 4 percent since President Biden took office, overall prices are up over 16 percent, and interest rates are soaring.

The back-to-school season has arrived, and families across the country are busy with all the anticipation, activities, and new learning opportunities that come with it. However, on a wide range of issues – from the cost of supplies to lagging student proficiencies – many Americans are facing unprecedented hardships resulting from the anti-growth, anti-parent policies of the Biden administration.