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Trade is critical to rural states such as Nebraska. Producers, manufacturers, and consumers all benefit from sound trade policies which expand access to international markets. One of the primary reasons I joined the Ways and Means Committee, is to seize opportunities to reduce tariffs, remove artificial barriers, and ensure all Nebraskans can benefit from fair, open markets. Fortunately, within the past week, we received great news on two massive trade wins for the United States, and Nebraska in particular.

There is much work to be done in Washington. A massive trade deal is pending with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), prescription drug prices and health care costs continue to rise, and our southern border needs additional resources. In addition, to provide certainty for taxpayers – families, farmers, ranchers, and businesses small and large – we need to address the future of a number of expired and expiring tax provisions, fix certain technical issues with the tax code, and complete our work on some new proposals to help Americans save for retirement.

While Nebraskans have faced many challenges this year, particularly in our agriculture industry, the United States economy remains strong overall. Unemployment is at a 50-year low, wages are rising, and the GDP has been even higher than projected. The longtime strength of our economy is dependent on many factors, including a strong belief in the rule of law and property rights, a commitment to hard work and ingenuity, and consistent access to numerous sources of energy needed to grow, manufacture, and transport products across our state, nation, and the world.

Because we are so busy in our daily lives, Thanksgiving provides an important opportunity every November to gather with family and friends and show gratitude for all God has provided us. After a year full of challenges, it is important to take a step back and reflect.