{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"NE\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3455E9F9-92A5-4587-A341-CFACCDBB7031", "Sasse Statement on Administration's Response to Russian Hacks", "2016-12-29", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "US Senator Ben Sasse, an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and proponent for strong American cybersecurity, issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration's response to Russian hacks.\"Too little, too late: these meager steps will not decisively change Putin's calculation that his aggressions are worth the risk. A year ago, the Administration should have led a comprehensive review of our offensive and defensive cyber doctrines, instead of offering media-driven spin. We cannot afford to be in the same place a year from now -- our adversaries must be deterred by knowing that cyber attacks will be met with swift and decisive responses.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D5C0AF62-2F30-4CCF-BDBD-A6025F69A12E", "Sasse Statement on Trump's Cybersecurity Adviser", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump's naming of Thomas Bossert as his chief adviser on homeland security, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity.\"As hacks from Russia and China make clear, cybersecurity is national security. Washington isn't prepared for these new challenges and we need a complete review of both our offensive and defensive cyber-doctrines. There's tough work ahead and Mr. Bossert has an important role in protecting Americans from new threats.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=76D25130-8911-4F26-B967-C3D595E669B6", "Sasse Statement on US Abstaining from Israel Vote", "2016-12-24", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration's decision to abstain from a UN Security Council vote on Israeli settlements.\u00a0\"This administration is determined to lead from behind until the very end. The decision to oppose our ally Israel is a sad but unsurprising end to eight years of flawed foreign policy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/icymi-ustr-news-obama-administration-takes-action-address-european-union%E2%80%99s-unfair", "ICYMI: USTR NEWS: Obama Administration Takes Action to Address European Unions Unfair Trade Practices against U.S. Beef Industry", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Obama Administration announced today that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is taking action against the European Union\u2019s (EU) unfair trade practices that discriminate against U.S. beef imports.\u00a0 Acting on the request of the U.S. beef industry, USTR has scheduled a public hearing and is seeking public comments in connection with the EU\u2019s ban on most U.S. beef products.\u00a0 The EU\u2019s ban on U.S. beef is not based on sound science and discriminates against American beef farmers, ranchers, and producers.\u00a0 If the trade action resumes, the United States would reinstate industry-supported tariffs on a list of EU products imported into the United States.\u00a0 USTR is particularly interested in comments addressed to the possible effects of reinstatement on U.S. consumers and small- or medium-sized businesses.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\"The WTO determined that the European Union's ban on U.S. beef imports violates its international trade obligations,\" said Ambassador Froman. \"The EU has failed to live up to assurances to address this issue, and it's now time to take action. Today's action holds the EU accountable and is an important step in encouraging the Commission to come back to the table to ensure that American ranchers have access to Europe's market and that European consumers have better access to high-quality U.S. beef.\"  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tIn 1998, the EU lost a case at the WTO for banning American beef. In 2009, the U.S. negotiated an agreement to allow a modest degree of market access for specially-produced beef that meets the EU's standards, but that agreement has not worked as intended. The European Commission had argued that this issue should be resolved through T-TIP. However, given that the EU stated in September that they did not view the completion of T-TIP this year to be possible, it is now time to take action.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe U.S. beef industry exports an average $6 billion per year. These exports produce an estimated $7.6 billion in economic activity and support 50,000 jobs nationwide. The American beef industry is essential to the overall strength of the nation\u2019s economy, and to rural communities seeking ways to access new customers in foreign markets.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\"American ranchers raise some of the best beef on the planet, but restrictive European Union policies continue to deny EU consumers access to U.S. beef at affordable prices. For several years we have been asking the EU to fix an agreement that is clearly broken, despite its original promise to provide a favorable market for U.S. beef,\u201d said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. \u201cThe U.S. beef sector is vital to our economy. U.S. beef and beef product exports average $6 billion per year, producing an estimated $7.6 billion in annual economic activity and supporting nearly 50,000 jobs nationwide. The industry is essential to the overall strength of the nation\u2019s economy, and to rural communities seeking ways to access new customers in foreign markets.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tAn interagency committee of trade experts and economists will participate in the hearing and review public comments on the particular products and EU member States that may be subject to the imposition of additional duties, with the goal of resolving this dispute. Complete information on the submission of comments is set forth in a Federal Register Notice that is published today on the USTR website (www.ustr.gov) and will be available shortly on the Federal eRulemaking Portal (www.regulations.gov).  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\"There is no doubt that American beef products are safe. The 20 year EU ban has been in effect far too long. It is not based on fact and should be lifted,\" said House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson. \"The beef industry is an important contributor to our nation's economy, especially rural economy. This announcement is welcome news for America's beef producers.\"  \n\t\u00a0  \"The EU, our largest trading partner, unfortunately maintains numerous unscientific policies focused on protecting European agriculture producers from competition with American producers rather than promoting food safety,\u201d said Representative Adrian Smith, member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the Modern Agriculture Caucus. \u201cIt also closes off many more markets to U.S. producers in countries around the world which defer to the EU on these regulatory issues. I commend USTR for moving forward on this enforcement action, and I will continue to push the EU to adopt scientific regulations which will enhance trade and food security across the globe.\"\n\tAdditional Background Information\n\tThe beef industry\u2019s request is based on a 1998 WTO ruling in the EU beef dispute that the European ban on the import of meat and meat products from animals treated with certain hormones was not supported by scientific evidence and thus violated WTO obligations.\u00a0 In 1999, the WTO authorized the United States to impose additional tariffs on EU products with a total annual trade value of $116.8 million. Consistent with this authorization, the United States imposed additional duties on products from certain EU member States.\n\tIn 2008, the WTO confirmed that the United States has a continuing right to impose trade measures until the EU beef dispute is resolved. In January 2009, USTR announced a decision to change the products subject to additional duties, consistent with the list of products approved by the WTO in 1999.\u00a0 USTR delayed the decision, however, to permit further negotiations with the EU to resolve the dispute.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tIn May 2009, the United States and the EU signed an MOU under which the EU agreed to create a new duty-free quota for imports of specially-produced beef.\u00a0 Since 2009, in exchange for the elimination of increased U.S. tariffs on EU imports, the MOU has provided an opportunity for U.S. producers to export additional beef to the EU market, as intended by the parties.\u00a0 However, in recent years the U.S. beef industry has been prevented from gaining the intended benefits from the MOU because of increased imports under the duty-free quota from non-U.S. suppliers.\n\tClick here to read more on USTR's website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/members-tri-state-delegation-asks-va-answers-about-reduction-hot-springs-services", "Members of Tri-State Delegation Ask VA for Answers About Reduction of Hot Springs Services Despite Superior Rating", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) joined U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today in writing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to ask about the VA\u2019s preferred alternative to drastically cut services at the Hot Springs VA facility despite it being rated by the VA as one of only 14 \u201cfive star\u201d facilities across the country.\n\t\u201cAs you continue to overhaul the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through the MyVA plan, we believe that it is essential to use VA\u2019s top performing facilities as models for others to follow as opposed to targeting them for closure,\u201d wrote the delegation. \u201cNow more than ever, the VA needs to leverage its top medical centers for best practices and lessons learned to replicate their performance throughout VHA. This is critical as the VA continues to rebuild trust with veterans following the high profile scandals of recent years. As one of only 14 rated five-star facilities, we feel that significantly reducing services at Hot Springs would be a grave mistake and a disservice to the veterans it serves.\u201d\n\tFull text of the letter is below:\n\tDear Secretary McDonald:\nWe write to you regarding the recent press publication of the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) internal quality \u201cstar ranking\u201d metrics for its medical facilities. It is with great pride that we note the Hot Springs campus of the Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS) is one of only 14 \u201cfive-star\u201d facilities out of a total of 146 medical centers. As you are aware, the Hot Springs campus takes great pride in the care and services it provides to veterans, a mission that it has admirably accomplished since the U.S. Civil War. It is therefore no surprise for us to learn that Hot Springs is one of the VA\u2019s top performing facilities.\nThis revelation makes the VA\u2019s proposed BHHCS realignment and corresponding reduction in services at Hot Springs all the more concerning. Since the start of the realignment process over five years ago, we have expressed concern about the VA using this process to accomplish a pre-determined outcome, as opposed to conducting an honest and fair assessment to determine the best way to serve veterans in the Black Hills and surrounding areas. The VA\u2019s release of a preferred alternative that drastically cuts veterans services at Hot Springs at the same time that we learn it is one of the VA\u2019s premier medical facilities casts significant doubt upon the integrity of the entire realignment process.\nWe therefore ask that you provide our offices with specifics as to the role that these previously unreleased quality metrics play in the VA\u2019s realignment decisions. As you continue to overhaul the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through the MyVA plan, we believe that it is essential to use VA\u2019s top performing facilities as models for others to follow as opposed to targeting them for closure. Now more than ever, the VA needs to leverage its top medical centers for best practices and lessons learned to replicate their performance throughout VHA. This is critical as the VA continues to rebuild trust with veterans following the high profile scandals of recent years. As one of only 14 rated five-star facilities, we feel that significantly reducing services at Hot Springs would be a grave mistake and a disservice to the veterans it serves.\nAs you consider the final outcome for the Hot Springs campus and the BHHCS, we hope that you keep these considerations in mind. We look forward to working with you to serve our nation\u2019s veterans and we thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent and important matter.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/RegulationRewindReport", "Smith Issues Regulation Rewind Report", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released his 2016 Regulation Rewind Report, a digital booklet highlighting his efforts to reduce the burden of overregulation on Nebraskans. \u00a0\n\tSince 2014, Smith has led his Regulation Rewind initiative to fight back against government overreach. With the help of Nebraskans sharing their stories about how regulations have impacted them, their families, their businesses, and their communities, Smith has taken action on many legislative solutions to cut through unnecessary and harmful red tape.\n\tClick here to view the full report as a digital booklet.\n\tClick here to view as a PDF.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith-thanks-2016-interns", "Smith Thanks 2016 Interns", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Top: Congressman Smith with interns Colton Schaardt and Isaac Liberman in his Washington, D.C. office. Bottom left to right: Congressman Smith with interns Jayme Krejci and Marilyn Synek in his Grand Island office.\n\n\tCongressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today to recognize the interns who have served the Third District throughout 2016: Jayme Krejci of St. Paul, Isaac Liberman of Kearney, Marilyn Synek of Kearney, and Colton Schaardt of Steinauer. \u00a0\n\tDuring their internships, the students assisted in a variety of tasks in Smith\u2019s Washington, D.C., and Grand Island offices including research, taking calls, guiding Nebraskans on Capitol tours, processing flag requests, assisting with constituent correspondence, and attending meetings and briefings.\n\t\u201cJayme, Isaac, Marilyn, and Colton dedicated significant time this year to serving the people of the Third District, and my staff and I are grateful for their efforts,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThese talented young Nebraskans will have a great impact on our state and country as they continue to grow in their leadership and professional abilities.\u201d\n\tKrejci is a junior at Wayne State College majoring in political science and minoring in public administration, pre-law, and public health. \u00a0\n\tLiberman is a junior at George Washington University in D.C., where he studies business and finance. \u00a0\n\tSynek is in her junior year at the University of Nebraska-Kearney majoring in political science and multimedia.\n\tSchaardt spent two years at Southeast Community College in the agriculture business and management technology program and plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study agriculture economics and public policy.\n\tSmith is currently accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., and district offices. To learn more about the internship program, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/unifying-hope-christmas", "The Unifying Hope of Christmas", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Many Americans have entered this Christmas season weary from a divisive election. Thankfully, the beauty of Christmas comes in its unifying hope for all people. \u00a0\n\tPresident Ronald Reagan recounted this truth in his radio address to the nation on Christmas Eve 1988, and his words are still reassuring today. \u00a0\n\tWe must come together as a country. It is a tall order, and I am hopeful President-elect Donald Trump will focus on its importance as he takes office. In the meantime, we must each take to heart the spirit of Christmas and do all we can to ensure our words and actions reflect what unites us rather than what may divide us.\n\tTo all Nebraskans, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!\n\tPresident Ronald Reagan\n\tRadio Address to the Nation (excerpt)\n\tDecember 24, 1988\n\tMy fellow Americans:\n\tTomorrow is a day for celebration: celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Joy envelops us, as it must have enveloped our ancestors 1,988 years ago when unto us a Child was born. Our joy comes this happy season\u2014featuring Hanukkah as well\u2014not merely from the family dinner at which we come together nor just in the delight that a small child takes in all the sounds and smells and sights and a gift. It\u2019s not simply the crackle of a fire, the tinsel on the tree, and the annual viewing of \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life.\u201d Yes, all these things are joyous, indeed, but this is also a time for prayer, a time for us to count our myriad blessings and reflect upon the joy that is ours every day of every year.\n\tBecause of the common stresses and strains of everyday life, we may be forgiven for forgetting from time to time all that God has given us. One child has a fever; another is grumpy; a third is asking why is the sky blue, and all the while there are bills to pay and a roof that leaks. Sometimes it all seems a little too much, and at these moments we look back with longing to a time when our responsibilities did not seem so large. But this season those responsibilities are revealed for what they truly are: the God-given blessings that give our lives flavor and meaning. And the more responsibilities of this kind we have, the greater are our blessings. For in this way we\u2019re indeed made in the image of our Lord: At our best, our capacity to love seems inexhaustible. We know at this time of year that all we must do is give of ourselves, and in return we shall receive all that we have given and much, much more.\n\tWe know that there are those among us for whom the holidays are painful and lonely. I know you join with me in hoping that this year they will take heart and have faith. For the message of this most joyous holiday is that we are all\u2014no matter what divides us\u2014we are all loved by a force greater than ourselves, a love that surpasseth all understanding, a love that provides all the answers for those who feel lost and alone during these remarkable days. We are not alone; we\u2019re never alone.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-reportthe-electoral-college", "Fort Report:The Electoral College", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Electoral College is not a place to study politics. There are no grades, no classes, and no professors. It is not a mystical place of academic tradition. While we tend to think of the presidential election as a matter of vote totals, by our law it is the men and women of the Electoral College who place the final mark and create the final tally. It is worth tracing the history of this system.\nAlthough we speak of our country as a \u201cdemocracy,\u201d we actually live in a republic. In the Federalist Papers - the documents that publicly argued for the ratification of our Constitution \u2013 the now suddenly popular Alexander Hamilton (writing under the nom de plume Publius) was concerned that big cities and states would dominate the election process. He and other first leaders opposed selecting Presidents and Vice-Presidents by means of \u201cdirect,\u201d or popular, vote because it would give inordinate influence to large-population states like New York at the expense of smaller, but no less important, states like New Hampshire.\nThe electoral system ensures that candidates campaign in many more states than they would in a direct election system. The total number of electors, not the total number of popular votes, defines the outcome. With the complexity of our system, it is understandable that there is confusion on this point. Since we are now in the heart of bowl season (with Nebraska taking on Tennessee in next Friday\u2019s Music City Bowl), prioritizing popular vote totals is like prioritizing yardage as the defining metric in a football game. As we Cornhusker faithful well know, a team can win a football game even if the opponent has five times more passing, rushing and return yards. If the Presidential election were only about getting the most popular votes, a candidate\u2019s strategy would be to run up the popular vote score in large media markets, while punting low-population states like Nebraska.\nAlong with Maine, Nebraska is unique in its method of selecting the President and Vice-President. Our electors are not apportioned in a winner-take-all fashion, but by the Congressional District Method. We award the winner of each of our three congressional districts with one electoral vote. The statewide popular vote winner is awarded the state's remaining two electoral votes.\nOne of the responsibilities I have as a member of Congress is to choose \u201cthe elector,\u201d the person who will cast the vote for President and Vice-President in the Electoral College on behalf of Nebraska\u2019s First Congressional District. For this election, I called upon someone that I have known and respected a long time, who resides in one of our prominent small towns.\nUpon learning of my decision, he essentially responded, \u201cCongressman, you sure you want me to do this? Don\u2019t you want someone more qualified? Who am I?\u201d I replied, \u201cThat\u2019s why you\u2019re qualified. You have done your duty to your community, to your business, to your employees, to your family. You have participated in the governing affairs of the state as a dutiful citizen. You\u2019re exactly qualified.\u201d\nThat spirit of humility, integrity, and service is what defines not only an elector, but also a Nebraskan.\u00a0\nThis coming Monday, my carefully chosen elector for Nebraska\u2019s First District will carry forward the spirit of our system by exercising the duty to vote for Nebraska\u2019s choice for President and Vice-President. This act of humble service, with all its symbolic value, will continue our nation\u2019s most important and enduring civic tradition. For this reason, the Electoral College remains a cornerstone of our uniquely American style of governance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0433AEA4-E20D-4E73-8E59-72C84A28F9EE", "Sasse Reaction to Presidents Press Conference", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cBlaming journalists for coverage and mere scolding of dictators for cyberattacks isn\u2019t a winning strategy.\u201d \r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement regarding President Obama\u2019s comments on cybersecurity in his final 2016 press conference today.\u00a0\u201cBlaming journalists for coverage and mere scolding of dictators for cyberattacks isn\u2019t a winning strategy. Instead of President Obama\u2019s vague \u2018we can do stuff,\u2019 Congress should debate upending Putin\u2019s calculus with a full menu of diplomatic, economic, military, and cyber responses. This isn\u2019t new: China\u2019s OPM hack and Russia\u2019s aggressions make it clear our adversaries think these attacks are low-cost, high-reward gambles.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/icymi-ustr-news-united-states-challenges-chinese-grain-tariff-rate-quotas-rice-wheat", "ICYMI: USTR News: United States Challenges Chinese Grain Tariff Rate Quotas for Rice, Wheat, and Corn", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the Obama Administration launched a new trade enforcement action against the People\u2019s Republic of China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning China\u2019s administration of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for rice, wheat, and corn.\u00a0 The complaint filed by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) charges that China\u2019s administration of its TRQs for these commodities breaches China\u2019s WTO commitments and undermines American farm exports.\u00a0 The United States is launching this trade enforcement challenge to hold China to its trade commitments and help level the playing field for American rice, wheat, and corn farmers.\u00a0 Today\u2019s announcement marks the 15th trade enforcement challenge the Obama Administration has launched against China at the WTO.\n\t\u201cToday\u2019s new challenge \u2013 as well as the steps we are taking to advance our case against China\u2019s excessive government support for rice, wheat, and corn \u2013 demonstrates again the Obama Administration\u2019s strong and continued commitment to enforcing the rules of global trade, and protecting the interests and livelihoods of American farmers,\u201d said United States Trade Representative Michael Froman. \u201cChina\u2019s TRQ policies breach their WTO commitments and limit opportunities for U.S. farmers to export competitively priced, high-quality grains to customers in China. The United States will aggressively pursue this challenge on behalf of American rice, wheat, and corn farmers.\u201d\n\tThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that China\u2019s TRQs for these commodities were worth over $7 billion in 2015. If the TRQs had been fully used, China would have imported as much as $3.5 billion worth of additional crops last year alone.\n\t\u201cReal access under tariff-rate quotas is vital to global trade and to providing our farmers and ranchers the opportunity to export high-quality, American-grown products to the world,\u201d said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. \u201cAlthough China has become a significant market for our grain exports, we could be doing much better than we are today. When China joined the WTO, it committed to implementing an agriculture regime that would facilitate market access consistent with international obligations. However, China has frustrated exporters through generous price support and unjustified market restrictions. Taking action against grain price supports was one piece of the puzzle, and now we must confront China\u2019s improper administration of its TRQs to ensure that our grains have the meaningful market access that China bound itself to as a member of the WTO. Today\u2019s announcement is another step towards advocating for fairness in the global trading system on behalf of American farmers.\u201d\n\tIn a separate matter, USTR also announced today that it has requested that the WTO establish a dispute settlement panel to examine China\u2019s level of domestic support for Chinese producers of rice, wheat, and corn. USTR launched a WTO challenge on this matter in September 2016, noting that China\u2019s market price support for these commodities was estimated to be nearly $100 billion in excess of its WTO commitments. According to USTR\u2019s analysis, China's domestic support measures and non-transparent TRQ regime work together to distort global markets for wheat, rice and corn. Compliance with WTO rules would lead to a reduction in the excessive domestic support provided to China\u2019s grains producers to bring Chinese production in line with market forces, and improvements to China\u2019s TRQ administration would facilitate market access for U.S. and other exporters of these commodities. \u00a0\n\t\"In September, I joined in the bipartisan call for China to be held accountable to their World Trade Organization commitments. Today's enforcement action on China's administration of tariff-rate quotas for wheat, corn, and rice appears to be yet another example of China's refusal to play by the rules,\u201d said Senator Pat Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. \u201cI am committed to working with our producers and alongside USDA and USTR as we continue to fight for U.S. farmers' ability to compete in the global market on a level playing field.\"\n\t\u201cChina continues to ignore the commitments it made in joining the WTO,\u201d said Representative K. Michael Conaway, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. \u201cNot only is China unfairly subsidizing its producers to the detriment of American farmers, they are also refusing to provide the market access they promised.\u00a0 We have been sounding the alarm, and I am pleased to see USTR taking action to hold China accountable.\u201d\n\t\"We need to hold China accountable for unfair trade practices that hurt American farmers,\u201d said Senator Debbie Stabenow, Raking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. \u201cI applaud the USTR for taking steps today to level the playing field so that our businesses can create jobs and compete in the global economy.\" \u00a0\n\t\"China's strategy of gaming the system makes it virtually impossible for Oregon wheat growers and other American farmers to get the market access China promised when it joined the WTO,\u201d said Senator Ron Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. \u201cThat access is essential to the livelihoods of farms and rural communities across the nation. Together with the action the Administration took in September challenging Chinese agriculture subsidies, launching this case demonstrates that the United States will fight for fair trade for farmers and rural communities.\"\n\t\"An equal playing field is vital for America's farmers to compete in a global marketplace,\" said House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson. \"It is imperative that the United States take this action to hold China accountable for failing to meet WTO commitments.\"\n\t\"Today we're again standing up and working to hold China accountable for cheating North Dakota farmers,\" said Senator Heidi Heitkamp, member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. \"When China or any other country cheats on a trade agreement, they make it harder for North Dakota wheat and corn farmers to access markets and get fair value for our state's top-notch crops. This is the second time the U.S. Trade Representative has brought an agricultural compliance case against China this year, and that's good news for North Dakota farmers and rural communities \u2013 especially when commodities prices are already challenging.\"\n\t\u201cI welcome this USTR action against China\u2019s misadministration of tariff-rate quotas for rice, wheat, and corn. It is not the first, nor will it be the last, enforcement action brought against China, which routinely adopts protectionist policies ranging from unscientific regulations on biotech products to excessive market price supports for agriculture commodities,\u201d said Representative Adrian Smith, member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the Modern Agriculture Caucus. \u201cChina represents a large and growing market for American producers, and our involvement in trade negotiations and institutions such as the WTO is what enables us to hold our trading partners accountable. We must continue to remain a vigilant and engaged actor in the international economy to ensure a level playing field for our farmers and ranchers.\u201d\n\tOverall, the Obama Administration has launched 24 trade enforcement challenges at the WTO since 2009 \u2013 more than any other country in the world over that period. USTR has won every trade enforcement challenge decided so far at the WTO, worth billions of dollars in trade opportunities for U.S. exporters.\n\tClick here to read more on USTR's website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/omaha-world-hearld-editorial-bringing-little-omaha-dc-way-va-clinic", "Omaha World Herald: Editorial: Bringing a little Omaha to DC, by way of a VA clinic", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congress has coalesced around Omaha\u2019s sound idea to let local donors help the Veterans Administration serve the medical needs of local veterans better, faster and cheaper than the federal bureaucracy can on its own.\nThe bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford, D-Neb., and Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., would change federal law to allow public-private partnerships with the VA, the kind Omaha used to build CenturyLink Center Omaha. The measure would let the VA to replace Omaha\u2019s aging VA hospital more quickly than by federal funding alone.\nThe local plan is to replace the hospital with a new, $136 million ambulatory clinic. This would serve most Omaha-area veterans\u2019 medical needs more safely and efficiently than the hospital. Private donations would help build the clinic faster than the VA could afford to because of cost overruns with other VA construction projects.\nAshford\u2019s bill passed the House Wednesday. The Senate passed it overnight Friday, surviving an effort by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to hold up consent votes on widely supported bills, including Fischer\u2019s, while he sought an amendment to help coal miners.\n\u201cThis bill is a good bill and it is needed,\u201d Fischer told The World-Herald. \u201cWith it, our nation can better deliver on its promises to our veterans.\u201d\nNebraska 1st District Rep. Jeff Fortenberry called the VA clinic partnership bill \u201ctransformative.\u201d Iowa 3rd District Rep. David Young described it as \u201ca new way of doing things.\u201d Both helped Ashford get it passed.\nAshford\u2019s replacement, Rep.-elect Don Bacon, R-Neb., a retired Air Force brigadier general, has applauded the public-private effort.\nAll of this effort restores a little confidence in Congress\u2019 ability to act in a bipartisan fashion to address important national needs. Gridlock doesn\u2019t have to be a default position.\nAshford, who helped rally local donors to the cause, told The World-Herald that Omahans are ready to act as soon as the law lets them. Secretary Bob McDonald said in an August visit to Omaha that he\u2019d like this clinic to pilot a new way forward.\nClinic supporters are champing at the bit to show that public-private partnerships can get help more quickly to the men and women who served \u2014 and those who keep them healthy.\nClick here to read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C18266BC-243B-43CC-86C7-45834DDE0B72", "Senate Passes Sasse-Schatz Transparency Legislation", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Open, Public, Electronic and Necessary (OPEN) Government Data Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawai\u2018i). The bipartisan bill will require public data to be accessible at\u00a0Data.gov\u00a0so individuals, organizations, and other government offices can utilize it.\u201cI'm proud to work across the aisle with Senator Schatz to bring a 21st century solution to this city's antiquated, 20th century approach to data,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Sasse.\u00a0\u201cBecause transparency keeps Washington accountable to the people, government data should be made public unless an administration makes a compelling reason not to. After passing the Senate with bipartisan support, we have momentum to carry this important work into the new year.\u201d\u00a0\u201cPublic information belongs to the public, and it\u2019s the government\u2019s job to make sure that data is available and easily accessible in today\u2019s ever-changing digital world,\u201d\u00a0said Senator Schatz.\u00a0\u201cI thank Senator Sasse for working with me to get this through the Senate, and I look forward to continuing our work in the next Congress.\u201d\u00a0The OPEN Government Data Act would require, by default, the data included at\u00a0Data.gov\u00a0to be machine-readable format to make it accessible to anyone and easily searchable. It also protects privacy and national security information when making federal government data available to the public while requiring federal agencies use it to improve decision-making.\u201cThe passage of the OPEN Government Data Act marks another milestone in the open data movement,\u201d\u00a0said Hudson Hollister, Executive Director of the Data Coalition.\u00a0\u201cThis bill builds on open data reforms such as the DATA Act. Our Coalition and the emerging open data industry thank Senators Sasse and Schatz for their leadership.\u201dSupporters of the legislation include: the Sunlight Foundation, the Data Coalition, Center for Data Innovation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Taxpayers for Common Sense, and BSA/The Software Alliance.\r\n \r\nProud to work with @SenBrianSchatz to bring a 21st century solution to this city's 20th century approach to data.? https://t.co/EwmxPekwWJ pic.twitter.com/h9i5QCUC8f\r\n\u2014 Senator Ben Sasse (@SenSasse) December 12, 2016", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=408FD867-214C-4062-8473-C062E63EC8C9", "Fischer Applauds Passage of Final Water Infrastructure Bill", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate has passed final legislation that will help ensure safe and reliable water infrastructure for communities in Nebraska and across the country. The bill is known as the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. It includes a bipartisan provision, negotiated by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), which would modify exemptions for costly EPA regulations that could negatively affect agriculture producers with on-farm fuel storage.\u00a0The bill now heads to the president\u2019s desk.\r\nSenator Fischer, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement:\r\n\u201cThe Senate closed an incredibly productive 114th Congress by successfully passing a bipartisan water infrastructure bill. The bill includes language I promoted that would alleviate regulatory burdens for Nebraska producers who have on-farm fuel storage. These important exemptions provide relief for Nebraskans as they continue their tireless efforts to feed a hungry world.\u201d\r\nThe WIIN Act included language Senator Fischer crafted with her colleagues on the EPW committee that provides agriculture producers with a limited exemption from the EPA\u2019s Spill, Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. These EPA regulations, which were originally designed for major oil refineries, would have required farmers and ranchers who have on-farm fuel storage to make costly structural upgrades to their fuel tanks.\r\nThe WIIN Act rolls back these regulations by:\r\n \r\nFully exempting animal feed storage tanks from the SPCC rule, both in terms of aggregate storage and single-tank storage.\r\nProviding greater flexibility by exempting up to 2,500 gallons of capacity on remote or separate parcels of land (as long as these tanks are not larger than 1,000 gallons each).\r\n \r\nOther important provisions for Nebraska in the legislation include:\u00a0\r\n \r\nProviding greater flexibility for local, non-federal stakeholders. For example, Natural Resource Districts will be allowed to receive reimbursement during project construction, instead of waiting until a project is completed.\r\nAuthorizing the EPA to review and approve state permitting programs for coal ash disposal units within 180 days of a state\u2019s submitting a program for approval. This addresses the harmful effects of the EPA\u2019s coal ash rule and will help protect Nebraska utilities from citizen suits.\r\nProviding relief for Nebraska producers in the Northport Irrigation District near Bridgeport, Nebraska. The bill will allow irrigation district land owners to make payments on their portion of construction contract loans to the Bureau of Reclamation. This releases producers from current acre limitations that prevent producers from expanding farms and growing their businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=64D11DAF-5CE5-414D-9DB8-EC270F3E9447", "CHIP IN for Vets Act Passes Congress", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The U.S. Senate has passed legislation championed by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), known as the CHIP IN for Vets Act. The bill would allow local communities across the country to assist with the planning and construction of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facilities. The bill now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\r\n\u00a0Senator Fischer released the following statement after the bill passed the Senate:\r\n\u201cCHIP IN for Vets will help ensure our veterans can access the quality health care they deserve. I collaborated with the Omaha VA, members of the Omaha community, and my House colleague, Brad Ashford, on this important bill. For months, I worked in Washington with VA Secretary Bob McDonald, the committee chairmen, Congressional leadership, and their dedicated staff to advance it. This bill is needed. With it, our nation can better deliver on its promises to our veterans.\u201d\r\nWith VA facilities across the country aging and in need of updating, Senator Fischer drafted the CHIP IN for Vets Act and introduced the Senate version earlier this year. The bill, which has the support of VA Secretary Bob McDonald, would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to let local communities manage construction of VA projects. Specifically, it would set up a pilot program to test this new model of construction with five initial projects. The VA has already identified communities that are ready, willing, and able to partner with them on this initiative. Under this legislation, the city of Omaha and the Omaha VA would be eligible to participate.\u00a0\r\nThe VA has already appropriated millions of dollars to construction projects that remain unfinished or have not yet begun. The CHIP IN for Vets Act would also allow communities to take the lead, contribute the remaining finances, and ensure these projects are completed on-time and on-budget. The VA\u2019s financial obligation would be limited to the previous appropriation and not one dollar more.\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/fighting-fraud", "Fighting Fraud", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The holidays are a time of joy and celebration. Unfortunately, many scammers capitalize on this season to take advantage of unsuspecting victims, especially senior citizens.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tWe can all agree these criminals deserve nothing but coal in their Christmas stockings. Unfortunately, the threats of identity theft and scams continue to rise. To fight fraud, each of us must be vigilant to protect ourselves and our families.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tScammers often target people around the holidays with stories which tug on heartstrings, trying to exploit the season of giving. Requests from people you have never met in person which ask you to wire or send money should always be met with extreme caution. If you are not sure how to handle a request, please contact your local police department. My office will also do our best to assist you or direct you to the right place.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tIf you choose to donate to a charity, it is important to make sure the charity is properly registered and has implemented security measures to safeguard your donation. When donating online, double check the spelling of the web address before entering your financial information.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tMany Nebraskans have contacted my caseworkers after receiving fraudulent calls or emails claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), requesting sensitive information or making threats. National Tax Security Awareness Week is held in December, and the IRS offers resources to help taxpayers avoid falling victim to tax scams.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe IRS specifically states it will never request any financial information or threaten lawsuits or imprisonment over the phone or through email. If you have any questions about the validity of a request, please do not give out any personal information. Instead, contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484 or forward questionable emails to phishing@irs.gov. If it is a legitimate request, your due diligence will be understood and appreciated.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tMy office also regularly hears from Nebraskans who have received mailings from organizations asking for money to ensure their concerns on a piece of legislation or an issue, such as Social Security or Medicare, will be heard by their elected officials. At times, some of these groups have even used my name without my knowledge or permission. You do not need to pay money to make your opinions known to me or your other government representatives \u2013 simply pick up the phone or send me a note through my website at AdrianSmith.house.gov. If you have any questions about a mailing you have received, feel free to contact my office.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tIn Congress, we continue to work on legislation to prevent fraud. For example, the House passed a bill in September to require the Social Security Administration to remove Social Security Numbers (SSNs) from mailings when they are not necessary and to justify when mailings need SSNs. Though the government has a role to play in protecting citizens, personal responsibility is still the best defense against scammers and identity thieves.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tAs you enjoy your holiday gatherings, I encourage you to have open dialogues with your family members to share concerns and ensure everyone takes proper precautions with their sensitive information. By working together, we can protect against fraud and enjoy a safer holiday season.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-media-truama", "Fort Report: Media Trauma", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "An interesting thing happened in the wake of the recent election. A member of the elite press corps admitted to being a member of the elite. It's a stunning and refreshingly honest admission. The national media misread the election. Some are now beginning to recognize that they have been detached from the deep anxiety and vulnerability that many Americans feel. Perhaps this comes from the self-affirming circle of narratives they have created, which can easily pass for truth. Even the recent ongoing self-evaluation still reflects an air of self-righteousness. Just like the distrust directed at politicians, citizens have become deeply suspicious of the motives of journalists.It's worth tracing how we arrived at this moment. Historically, American media played a pivotal role as watchdogs, as disseminators of carefully researched facts, and as creators of the conditions for personal and governmental accountability. Of course, things haven't always been well: the media have served as a tool for propaganda, political ambitions, and moneyed interests. However, when you think of Walter Cronkite or David Brinkley, you do not think of a political agenda, only good journalism. When you see the old newsreels from WWII, the media told the hard story, cutting the rougher details, but with an eye toward lifting the mood of the country. When you see the ugly aspects of racism directed at the early Civil Rights Movement, the media clearly participated as an objective force for social good.The media\u2019s turn towards bitter elitism likely started with Watergate. Before then, the media participated in a society of commonly shared values that Americans everywhere celebrated. Although the Watergate investigation was groundbreaking, the paradigm in the press shifted to one of rank distrust of civic institutions and the persons who lead them. Journalism schools reinforced that worldview. The media began suggesting, presumptively and too frequently, that those institutions and their leadership should be regarded as inherently corrupt. Tradition was scorned, and the \u201cunenlightened\u201d mocked and bullied. Nevertheless, the media still wants to be respected as an elite establishment, a veritable fourth estate, but decades of singularly cynical narratives have eroded that historic ideal.Fast forward to today with the advent of new communication technologies. The dominant mainstream media no longer dominates. New information-sharing techniques have created a completely new dynamic for creative storytelling. Americans can self-select where and how to receive their news. There is a downside to this trend as well: Information overload is distracting to us; story-generators are often unknown; sensationalism rules. Media has splintered into ever-more Balkanized silos of rigidly enforced ideological purism, contributing to social fracture.However, until this competition arrived, there was little mechanism to hold journalists accountable. Just as the elections left the aging Republican and Democrat playbooks in shatters, the aging industrial media complex is in disarray too.On election night, like so many Americans, I was up very late. I chose a particular channel to watch the returns, one with an analyst I respect. As the night wore on, it was clear that they were having real trouble comprehending and communicating the results. They had a preconceived narrative, and they had difficulty abruptly adjusting to a new political reality. The election openly showed that media groupthink is real and voters are just plain tired of it.Of course, there are good journalists; smart and thoughtful people who want to do the right thing. Particularly in Nebraska where local reporting is nested within the community, there tends to be a sense of civic virtue tied to reporting, a sense of community responsibility. That should be the media\u2019s approach everywhere: to support a reporting climate of objectivity and integrity. Indeed, If media trauma is to be resolved, journalists must once again champion honesty and fairness, and, above all else, the ideals of public service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=39A1BAC1-9AAF-4CA7-B987-74C06CFBA6F0", "Sasse Applauds NDAA Passage", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cCongress set aside unnecessary culture wars and focused on equipping our servicemen and women with the tools they need to win the wars we\u2019re in.\u201d \r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who successfully led the effort to stop Congress from needlessly mingling culture wars and national security by requiring women to register for the draft, applauded passage of the final 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m encouraged that Congress set aside unnecessary culture wars and focused on equipping our servicemen and women with the tools they need to win the wars we\u2019re in,\" said Sasse. \u201cThe debate about drafting our mothers, sisters, and daughters was completely unnecessary and antiquated - unnecessary because none of our top military leaders say we need to abandon our all-volunteer force and antiquated because we don\u2019t fight wars of attrition that require the draft. This was a victory for common sense.\u201dIn September, Sasse\u00a0led a group of 17 Senators\u00a0in demanding that negotiators keep this unnecessary culture war out of the defense bill. Text of that letter is available\u00a0here.Today, Congress passed legislation that does not require women to register for the draft and, instead, requires a study on the draft, similar to an amendment Sasse\u00a0offered in June.\r\n \r\nThe \"Draft Our Daughters\" debate was completely unnecessary. #NDAA is a victory for common sense. https://t.co/p3AFDsCaqO pic.twitter.com/qQW42Wi5oe\r\n\u2014 Senator Ben Sasse (@SenSasse) December 8, 2016", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=38AD3667-CFC9-4E84-9244-271432A49696", "Fischer Statement on Nomination of Scott Pruitt to Lead EPA", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0 \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, released the following statement on the nomination of Scott Pruitt to serve as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):\r\n\u201cI am eager to meet with Mr. Pruitt to discuss his plans for rolling back the harmful rules and regulations put forth by the EPA over the past eight years. Undoing this extreme overreach that has hurt Nebraska families and stunted economic growth is long overdue. If confirmed as EPA administrator, Mr. Pruitt will be charged with returning the EPA to its intended mission: implementing the nation\u2019s laws, not creating new ones.\u201d\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=4410FCE1-4911-4927-A51F-D5A62E17FAE8", "Medical Innovation Bill Passes Senate", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. Senate passed the 21st Century Cures Act, bipartisan legislation that will boost medical innovation in order to accelerate research for diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer\u2019s. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) voted for the bill, which was passed overwhelmingly by the House last week and now heads to the president\u2019s desk. Fischer released the following statement after the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 94 to 5:\r\n\u201cI am pleased to see this meaningful medical innovation bill pass the Senate today and head to the president\u2019s desk. Many Nebraskans have shared with me their strong support for Cures and the important steps it takes to enhance research and better treatment for cancer, Alzheimer\u2019s, and drug addiction. Through this bill, we can begin to ease the heartbreak of the families facing these devastating diseases.\u201d\r\nThe following Nebraska organizations also shared their support for The 21st Century Cures Act:\r\nSharon Jensen, Executive Director the Alzheimer\u2019s Association Nebraska Chapter, released the following statement:\r\n\"The passage of the\u00a021st Century Cures Act\u00a0is a tremendous step forward in accelerating research aimed at developing a cure for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias,\u201d said Sharon Jensen, Executive Director the Alzheimer\u2019s Association Nebraska Chapter.\u00a0 \u201cThe Alzheimer's Association stands in solidarity with Senator Fischer and other legislators who envision streamlined treatment options and the integration of the patient's voice and experience in the development of quality medications. Urgent action is needed as this disease grows rapidly, and this act will enable us to respond with greater attention and resources.\"\r\nHank Bounds, President of the University of Nebraska, released the following statement:\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act makes a vital investment in biomedical research that will help maintain the United States\u2019 global competitiveness and advance the life-saving work done by our scientists. In particular, the legislation funds cancer and brain research that is critical to the University of Nebraska\u2019s success. I am grateful to Senator Fischer for her support of this important bill and for University of Nebraska research that will impact lives across our state and beyond.\u201d\r\nJeffrey P. Gold, M.D., Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, released the following statement:\r\n\"The Cures Act includes significant funding opportunities to advance potential cures and treatments for cancer cures, precision medicine and better treatment for neurological diseases. This act represents great teamwork of America's academic center leadership and our federal colleagues who support biomedical research. We are very grateful.\r\n\u201cWith the opening of the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer at UNMC, the passage of the Cures Act will complement the expansion of cancer research in Nebraska. In addition, the Cures Act offers NSRI (the defense university research center at Nebraska) and The National Center for Health Security at UNMC the chance to further its discussions with the HHS Biomedical Research Development Authority to create an international clinical trial network for highly infectious diseases.\u201d\r\nKey provisions of The 21st Century Cures Act include:\r\n \r\nProviding additional funding for innovative cancer research, such as immunotherapy, vaccine development, and genomic analysis of tumor cells and surrounding cells.\u00a0\r\nBoosting initiatives to improve scientists\u2019 understanding of the brain and ultimately find cures for diseases like Alzheimer\u2019s and Parkinson\u2019s.\u00a0\r\nDelivering offset funding to address the nation\u2019s opioid abuse epidemic. It also provides grants to states to support their efforts to fight this crisis.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nCutting red tape at the FDA that is stunting competition in the drug marketplace and driving up drug prices for American families.\r\nAddressing weaknesses in the nation\u2019s mental health system by improving coordination between federal agencies and departments that provide grants and services for individuals with mental illness.\r\n \r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=8DB5D36F-797E-46E7-84CA-3F895D34AFBA", "Fischer Convenes Surface Transportation Security Hearing", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here to view Senator Fischer\u2019s opening statement at today\u2019s hearing.    Click here to view video of the full hearing.\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, today convened a hearing entitled: \u201cAssessing the Security of Our Critical Transportation Infrastructure.\u201d The hearing examined security vulnerabilities in the U.S. transportation system and efforts to address terrorism threats to surface transportation infrastructure.\u00a0\r\nSenator Fischer released the following statement after today\u2019s hearing concluded:\r\n\u201cOver the past year we have seen an increasing threat of terrorism to surface transportation networks both here at home and abroad. From the bomb in New York City\u2019s Chelsea neighborhood to the horrific attacks in Nice, France, and Brussels, Belgium, it\u2019s been confirmed that our infrastructure and mass transit systems are at risk of attack. I appreciated the feedback from federal and local officials and leading experts today about the best ways to strengthen the nation\u2019s transportation security.\u201d\u00a0\r\nThe witnesses at today\u2019s hearing included:   \u00a0   -The Honorable John Roth, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security   -Chief Neil Trugman, Interim Chief of Police, Amtrak\r\n-Mr. Chris Spear, President and CEO, American Trucking Association\r\n-Mr. Tony Straquadine, Manager of Commercial and Government Affairs, Alliance Pipeline; Representative, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America\r\n-Mr. Tom Belfiore, Chief Security Officer, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey\r\nEarlier this year, Senator Fischer joined Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.), Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-Fla), and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) to introduce the Surface Transportation and Maritime Security Act (S. 3379).\r\nThe bill would address security vulnerabilities at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) by requiring the TSA to re-evaluate its mission and determine how it budgets for and assesses risks to surface transportation. It would add as many as 70 new canine teams to make transit hubs safer and reform port security by requiring the TSA to improve the screening process for workers accessing our ports. Finally, the bill authorizes access to computerized vetting tools and programs for passenger railroads, like those for commercial airlines. Click here for the full text of the bill.\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/jewish-news-labour-mp-washington-promoting-peace-initiatives", "Jewish News: Labour MP in Washington promoting peace initiatives", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Labour MP Joan Ryan was in Washington, D.C. this week arguing for American money towards peace-building initiatives in Israel and the Palestinian territories, which aims to spend \u00a3160 million ($200 million) per year.\nRyan, chair of Labour Friends of Israel, met U.S. politicians and advisers to press the case for the International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, which is modelled on the fund created in Northern Ireland to help the transition into power-sharing.\nThe British delegation met Republican Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, who is co-sponsoring a bill to authorise U.S. cash for the fund, which would support \u201cjoint economic and civil society projects\u201d and \u201cpromote coexistence\u201d.\nRyan said the fund was \u201can idea whose time has come,\u201d adding that the International Fund for Ireland \u201cdid so much to underpin the Good Friday Agreement by building strong popular constituencies for peace\u201d.\nShe added: \u201cU.S\u00a0leadership plays an essential role, and I was delighted that, at the outset of our campaign, I was able to visit Washington to help drive home this message.\u201d\nLFI said Britain\u2019s international development spending on coexistence was \u201cpitiful,\u201d so the parliamentary lobby group is campaigning to increase it to \u00a31.35m. This would be part of a wider \u00a340m ($50m) contribution from Europe, with the rest coming from the U.S, the rest of the international community \u2013 including the Arab world \u2013 and private foundations and individuals.\nClick here to read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=1728C6CA-F70E-4915-AD30-0E1B40CD1765", "Fischer Meets with Transportation Secretary Nominee Elaine Chao", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the photo above to view and download photos from today\u2019s meeting.\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0 \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), chairman of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today met with Elaine Chao, President-elect Trump\u2019s nominee for Secretary of Transportation. Senator Fischer released the following statement after the meeting:\r\n\u201cIt was a pleasure to visit with my friend Secretary Chao today. We had an exchange of ideas for addressing our country\u2019s transportation and infrastructure challenges. I look forward to working closely with Secretary Chao during the confirmation process.\u201d\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=A0C75E68-B1EF-4212-8090-20C97BC066C7", "Fischer Meets Commerce Secretary Nominee Wilbur Ross", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the photo above to view and download photos from today\u2019s meeting.\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement today after meeting with Commerce Secretary nominee Wilbur Ross:\r\n\u201cToday, I had the opportunity to meet Wilbur Ross for the first time. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I appreciated our wide-ranging conversation about his priorities and goals for the Department of Commerce.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=D7DCD163-E37A-4E01-A80A-E40BE8CDC63B", "Fischer Honors Sergeant Germaine Debro of Omaha", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, honored the life of Sergeant Germaine Debro of Omaha, Nebraska on the floor of the U.S. Senate.\u00a0\r\nWhile stationed in Iraq in 2006, Sergeant Debro was driving a Humvee providing advanced security for a convoy. He was killed when the vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.\r\nToday\u2019s speech marks Senator Fischer\u2019s eighth tribute this year to Nebraska service members who have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. \u00a0\r\nThe full text of Fischer\u2019s tribute to Sergeant Germaine Debro of Omaha, Nebraska, as prepared for delivery, is below.\u00a0\r\nM. President, I rise today to continue my tribute to this generation of Nebraska heroes.\r\nThey are the men and women who have given their lives defending our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan.\r\nEach one has a different story; each Gold Star Family has the same request:\r\nThat we remember the sacrifice of their loved one.\r\nBy telling the stories of these service members, here on the Senate floor, we can honor that request.\r\nToday, I honor the life and service of Germaine Debro, a man who seemed destined for military service.\r\nGermaine\u2019s father, Alvin Debro, was a career Air Force Technical Sergeant.\u00a0\r\nAt a young age, Germaine even picked up a nick name: \u201cG.I. Joe Maine.\u201d \u00a0\r\nEven then, family and friends saw qualities that would make him a great soldier.\r\nBecause of his military service, Alvin and his wife, Priscilla, and their three boys moved often.\u00a0\r\nGermaine attended Benson High School in Omaha, Nebraska, for a year before his family moved to Arkansas.\r\nThere, Germaine graduated high school in 1991.\r\nLater, he and his family returned to Nebraska.\r\nFor a time, Germaine worked as a manager at a local Burger King.\u00a0\r\nBut, in 1994, \u201cG.I. Joe Maine\u201d followed his calling and enlisted in the Army.\r\nIn 1997, he joined the Nebraska Army National Guard.\r\nDuring these years, Germaine became known for his genuine personality and developing a great camaraderie with his fellow soldiers.\u00a0\r\nAccording to Specialist Shawn O\u2019Neil, Germaine was the \u201cnicest guy you could ever meet.\u201d\r\nHe would walk into a room and it would light up.\r\nTo his \u201cbattle buddies,\u201d Specialist Germaine Debro was affectionately known as \u201cDB.\u201d\r\nHis dedication to his fellow soldiers was obvious.\u00a0\r\nBeing single, Germaine volunteered for assignments so that married soldiers might remain at home with their families. \u00a0\r\nGermaine deployed to Kuwait in 2001 and to Bosnia in 2002.\u00a0\r\nIn 2005, Germaine learned his unit, the First of the 167th Cavalry of the Nebraska Army National Guard, would deploy to Iraq. Germaine would be assigned to Troop B. \u00a0\r\nGermaine\u2019s family was anxious about him deploying again, but Germaine would not let his Army brothers go without him. \u00a0\r\nIn the end, his family supported his decision.\r\nIn explaining how his fellow soldiers felt about Germaine, Sergeant Josh Graft put it simply:\u00a0\r\n\u201cHe was like a dad to all of us.\u201d \u00a0\r\nAfter a year of training, the First of the 167th Cavalry arrived in Iraq in early 2006.\r\nThat\u2019s when the Sunni-Shia civil war erupted. \u00a0\r\nIn February, the al-Askari mosque was bombed and Iraq was plunged ever deeper into sectarian violence. \u00a0\r\nAmerican forces had come to enforce peace; they found themselves engaged in intense wartime operations.\r\nGermaine\u2019s unit was right in the thick of it.\r\nEnemy attacks were frequent.\r\nTensions were high.\r\nOn September 4, 2006, a 20-truck convoy headed out from a site 30 miles north of Baghdad. \u00a0\r\nIn the United States, Americans were celebrating Labor Day with barbeques, sporting events, and family gatherings. \u00a0\r\nIn Iraq, Germaine was driving a Humvee providing advance security for the convoy.\r\nThirty miles outside Baghdad, Germaine\u2019s Humvee struck an improvised explosive device. \u00a0\r\nThe vehicle was spun several times before erupting into flames. \u00a0\r\nSergeant Josiah Warren, riding in the right seat, tried unsuccessfully to pull Germaine free.\r\nGermaine Debro died on September 4, 2006.\u00a0\r\nAt Iraq\u2019s Camp Anaconda, members of the Nebraska Army National Guard assembled to honor the man who had cared so deeply for them.\u00a0\r\nOn September 18, 2006, the Morning Star Baptist Church near downtown Omaha was filled with people paying a final tribute to Germaine Debro.\u00a0\r\nOutside, 110 patriot riders stood guard. \u00a0\r\nGermaine\u2019s brother, Maurice, read from a letter Germaine had written him.\u00a0\r\nIn it, he shared some advice his brother had offered him:\u00a0\r\n\u201cIf you don\u2019t take a risk, then you\u2019ll never know what happened.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u201cThat was my brother,\u201d said Maurice, \u201cHe was a loving, caring person.\u201d\r\nGermaine Debro was promoted posthumously to the rank of sergeant.\r\nHis military decorations include a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.\r\nSergeant Germaine Debro is survived by his father, Alvin; his mother, Priscilla; and brothers Alvin Jr. and Maurice.\r\nHe is a true Nebraska hero, and I am honored to tell his story.\u00a0\r\nThank you, M. President.\u00a0\r\nI yield the floor.\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/omaha-world-herald-editorial-lessons-nebraskas-new-senators", "Omaha World Herald: Editorial: Lessons for Nebraska's new senators", "2016-12-04", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Nebraska Legislature will see considerable turnover when it convenes in January. Seventeen of the 49 lawmakers will be freshmen. That\u2019s a third of the membership.\nThe Legislature also will be electing a new speaker and nine new committee leaders.\nChurn in the legislative membership has become commonplace at the State Capitol during the term-limits era. As these newly elected legislators prepare to take office, here are some principles of proven value for consideration:\nNot too fast, not too slow. The Legislature needs to strike a practical middle ground in how quickly it moves major legislation. Because it\u2019s a single-chamber body, the Legislature should avoid moving important proposals forward hurriedly.\nDeliberation and negotiation are vital in resolving complex state issues. Consider state aid to public schools. The school aid formula is notoriously complex. The interests of Nebraska public school districts \u2014 small, midsized and large, rural and metro \u2014 vary widely.\nThere\u2019s no way to adjust the aid formula in a responsible way unless lawmakers take time to hear from an array of Nebraska stakeholders and then negotiate carefully in an effort to balance the interests of the different school groups.\nThe advice that U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry has given Don Bacon, the incoming congressman for Nebraska\u2019s 2nd District, also has value for incoming members of the State Legislature. Fortenberry recommended not rushing into making commitments to support other members\u2019 initiatives. Bacon said he appreciated that guidance: \u201cI think it\u2019s good to hold your powder dry a little bit and make sure you get both sides.\u201d\nEven as the new state senators try to avoid rushing things, they also need to be careful how often they resort to bringing movement to a halt through filibusters.\nIt\u2019s generally going to be difficult to get the 33 votes (out of 49) needed to end a filibuster, since the incoming Legislature will be divided rather evenly among conservatives, liberals and swing votes.\nBy party label, the officially nonpartisan Legislature will have 32 Republicans and one conservative-leaning Libertarian, along with 15 Democrats and one left-leaning independent.\nLook beyond your clique. Nebraska lawmakers understandably look to colleagues from their own party or philosophical persuasion, but legislative effectiveness depends on being able to work with a wide range of colleagues. Such an approach has the bonus of producing better-designed legislation that takes into the account the diversity of interests across the state.\nDon\u2019t shirk committee work. Some of the most important work in the Legislature is done in committee: analyzing proposals, deliberating over them, amending them. But in every legislative session, some senators fail to hold up their end. They\u2019re slackers when it comes to committee work, putting an unfair burden on their conscientious colleagues.\nIt\u2019s not all grand issues. Most of the work of a state senator doesn\u2019t involve sweeping, big-picture topics. The majority of bills involve small-scale items. Nonetheless, many of the proposals have value because they arise from Nebraskans\u2019 real-world concerns and needs \u2014 perhaps a problem faced by a volunteer fire department, or maybe an issue that created headaches for a school district.\nThe importance of trust. Over the years, one of the proven secrets for legislative effectiveness, regardless of party or philosophy, is an ability to earn trust from a broad range of colleagues. By contrast, when a lawmaker comes across as manipulative and self-serving, support from colleagues proves difficult to attain, and the lawmaker\u2019s district is saddled with an ineffective representative.\nSeparate branch of government. There\u2019s no reason the Legislature and the Governor\u2019s Office should automatically be at loggerheads. At the same time, they\u2019re separate branches of government. The Legislature has a duty to scrutinize executive-branch proposals closely rather than rubber-stamp them, working to produce the soundest legislation possible.\nNebraska lawmakers next year will represent a wide range of views and interests, but they all have a common interest in keeping the process on track. These principles promote that key goal.\nClick here to read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/recent-victories-greater-growth", "Recent Victories for Greater Growth", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We can look forward to many opportunities to boost our economy through pro-growth policies and regulatory relief under a unified Republican government. Still, as this year draws to a close, a number of important victories are helping to set the stage for greater growth.\n\tOn the day before Thanksgiving, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its finalized requirements for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which meet the levels set by Congress. Over the past few years, the EPA has proposed lower volume requirements for biofuels despite record harvests showing supply is not a problem.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\tTo achieve American energy independence, we must utilize every available energy source. Ethanol and other biofuels provide more options for consumers and help lower prices at the fuel pump. It is encouraging to see the EPA following Congress\u2019s lead and opening the doors to higher biofuel production.\n\tPresident-elect Donald Trump has expressed his support for the RFS, so more opportunities to grow our domestic energy production are likely to come. Under the Trump administration, I am hopeful we will also see movement on my bill to expand the existing waiver of EPA regulations related to the Reid vapor pressure of motor vehicle fuel to include E15.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\tThough E10 received this waiver decades ago, the same relief has not yet been extended to E15. These regulations prevent many retailers from selling E15 during the summer months when fuel demand is highest. Considering E15 is cheaper and less volatile than E10, there is no reason not to make it available to more retailers and consumers.\n\tArbitrary regulations have also caused hardships for rural health providers. At the end of November, the House passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which included my provision requiring the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to report on the economic and staffing impacts of physician supervision requirements on Critical Access Hospitals. \u00a0\n\tRural providers know best which procedures can be safely performed in their facilities, but the heavy hand of the federal government makes it more difficult for these professionals to serve their patients. Based on discussions I have had with hospitals across Nebraska\u2019s Third District, I expect MedPAC\u2019s findings will make a strong case for repealing the physician supervision rules outright and ensuring quality care remains accessible to rural Americans.\n\tIn November, the Obama administration\u2019s regulatory agenda suffered a major setback when a Texas judge issued a preliminary injunction against the Department of Labor\u2019s overtime rule, originally scheduled to take effect December 1. This onerous red tape raises the threshold under which salaried employees qualify for overtime pay from $23,660 to $47,476 per year and sets it to increase every three years. I continue to oppose this executive overreach and have cosponsored legislation to overturn the rule.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\n\tMany Nebraskans, both employers and employees, have expressed deep concern to me about potential cuts to hours and wages resulting from these regulations. Employers are understandably confused about how to implement the new requirements and ensure compliance. With the Texas court\u2019s ruling, the rule is on hold and can be modified or blocked by the Trump administration.\n\tAs we prepare for the new administration, we should not lose sight of the groundwork being laid now to help build a stronger economy and more opportunity for all.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-next-hundred-days", "Fort Report: The Next Hundred Days", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a recent meeting with Vice President-elect Mike Pence, he concluded his remarks to us by saying, \u201cBuckle up.\u201d Beginning in January, we will have a new President and Congress. The next hundred days will be intense. The next hundred days will create possibilities. The next hundred days will set the stage for a new architecture of government and a repurposed relationship between the people and the state.\nFor far too long, partisan paralysis has plagued Congress, leading to stagnation in Washington. With this historic and transformative election, the playbooks both political parties used for decades were rightfully shredded. The transition of presidential administrations has unleashed the potential for a genuine re-imagining of policy, with four relevant areas leading the way.\nFirst, right out of the gate, Congress will launch a significant healthcare reform initiative. Current skyrocketing healthcare premiums are unsustainable. At the same time, we cannot default back to the previous arrangement, which left too many persons behind. While there might be a fierce fight on the specifics of reform proposals, broad agreement will likely coalesce around protecting persons from inhuman market forces while at the same time incentivizing the best of market innovation to spur change. Nebraskans with spiraling healthcare costs know that a new healthcare construct is needed. To address these concerns, the next approach must reinvigorate health insurance with the goals of lowering prices, protecting the sick, and improving options. The next generation health savings account will be the cornerstone of this effort, restoring relationship, responsibility, and respect as the drivers of healthcare policy.\nSecond, broad bipartisan agreement exists around rebuilding our nation\u2019s aging infrastructure. From airports to roads to bridges to information technology, new projects are on the horizon. I add sustainable energy to that list.\u00a0 As a public good, properly selected infrastructure improvements are a benefit to society at large. Infrastructure can also be virtual, setting up the systems for better interconnectivity. It can also have implications for healthcare, as we build out, for instance, innovative healthcare models. The challenge will be in financing and ensuring the proper division between federal, state, and local governments, as well as with the private sector.\nThird, on spending, in an unprecedented legislative development, our government is moving forward on two budgets simultaneously. Those of us serving on the House Appropriations Committee have a heavy lift. In a parallel process, we will fix up the current budget while creating a budget for the following year. While it is easy to speak about new ideas, a plan to pay for them is the real test of smart government. We must remain sober about spending. Deficit spending is a form of taxation, especially on the poor and seniors. The good news is that this peculiar set of circumstances gives lawmakers much more flexibility to generate creative policy outcomes.\nFourth, regarding taxes\u2014a broad issue that, like healthcare, has many thorny and complex considerations\u2014I anticipate that Congress will move to solve tax anomalies that harm America\u2019s competitive standing in the world, including giveaways to multinational corporations. The tax code should reposition funds captured overseas to be brought back to America, and any reform should prioritize small business, the source of most new jobs and local economy.\u00a0 The process should be guided by a threefold goal: fairness, simplification, and economic growth, to produce revenue gains.\u00a0\u00a0\nIt is time to create the architecture for a 21st century government. One that is innovative and effective, restoring the trust and confidence of the people. There\u2019s a great old movie starring Bette Davis called All About Eve. In a classic Hollywood moment, she looks around with a smoldering gaze and says, \u201cFasten your seatbelts, it\u2019s going to be a bumpy night.\u201d Real change is always bumpy\u2014but when done with purpose, clarity, and the intention of doing good for others, we allow ourselves to dream big again.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lincoln-journal-star-fortenberry-election-unleashes-new-possibilities", "Lincoln Journal Star: Fortenberry: Election unleashes new possibilities", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Jeff Fortenberry said Thursday he sees \"possibilities of real policy reform\" emerging from the November election in terms of health care, modernization of the nation's infrastructure and fundamental changes in budgeting and taxation.\nFortenberry said three words -- curiosity, possibility and urgency -- describe the mood in Washington as the lame-duck session of Congress meets to wrap up this year's legislative work while a new president-elect and a new Congress wait in the wings.\n\"There is a real unleashing of possibilities,\" the 1st District Republican congressman said during a telephone interview.\n\"Partisan paralysis needs to be finished,\" Fortenberry said. \"We've got to get things done.\"\nFirst out of the gate may be \"a new type of health care reform\" that replaces the Affordable Care Act while preserving some of its features, the congressman said, transforming health care coverage into a new model that places more reliance on the concept of health savings accounts.\nThe current system is \"unsustainable,\" Fortenberry said.\u00a0\n\"But we are not going back to a system that excludes (coverage for) pre-existing conditions,\" he said. \"We cannot leave certain groups of people behind.\"\nFortenberry said he also wants to preserve Obamacare's provision allowing children as old as 26 to be included in their parents' health insurance plan and retain the current ban on insurance coverage caps.\nPresident-elect Donald Trump's proposal for a massive program to modernize America's infrastructure represents a broad recognition that the country needs to improve its airports, roads and bridges, Fortenberry said. And the Lincoln congressman would add railroads to that list.\nModernizing the nation's railroad system \"should have a place in any infrastructure bill,\" Fortenberry said. Rail traffic along the East Coast corridor is significant, he said, but a modern transcontinental route also is a worthy public investment even if it isn't profitable.\nInfrastructure improvement would be a wise economic investment, Fortenberry said, but it needs to be paid for and \"not just deficit-spend.\"\nTax reform should include provisions to spur small business activity and lure overseas U.S. investments back to America, he said.\nFortenberry said that \"what (Trump) did with Carrier Corporation was brilliant,\" suggesting that his direct intervention in helping arrange a deal to keep the company from moving about 1,000 jobs from Indiana to Mexico is the kind of active engagement needed to prevent U.S. jobs from leaving the country.\n\"He negotiated something,\" Fortenberry said. \"He went to the heart of the matter.\"\nIndiana officials agreed to give United Technologies Corp., the company's owner, $7 million in tax breaks over 10 years as part of the deal, according to The Wall Street Journal.\nThe company still plans to move about 600 jobs to Mexico but will invest about $16 million to keep its operations in Indiana.\nFortenberry declined to name any preference between Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani as Trump's secretary of state but suggested that retired Gen. David Petraeus deserves to be in that mix.\nClick here to read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0B9330D3-A32A-4649-BD8B-9CE8363A6B36", "Sasse to White House: Don't Let Your Culture Wars Interfere with Upcoming Defense Bill", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cInstead of developing a strategy to win the wars we\u2019re in, the outgoing Administration is focused on scoring points in their culture wars.\u201d \r\nWashington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ben Sasse responded to the White House\u2019s announced support for requiring women to register for the draft, urging President Obama not to complicate the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act over unnecessary culture wars.\u00a0\u201cThis would be a sadly fitting end to eight years of foreign policy failures: Instead of developing a strategy to win the wars we\u2019re in, the outgoing Administration is focused on scoring points in their culture wars. It would be wrong and so completely unnecessary to let this new position interfere with the defense bill Congress is about to pass.\u201dBackground:In September, Sasse\u00a0led a group of 17 Senators\u00a0in demanding that negotiators keep this unnecessary culture war out of the defense bill. Text of that letter is available\u00a0here.\u00a0The final 2017 National Defense Authorization Act does not require women to register for the draft and instead calls for studying the necessity of the draft itself, a provision similar to an amendment\u00a0offered by Sasse in June.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-21st-century-cures-act", "Fortenberry Statement on 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) today issued the following statement on the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act:\nIn our Lincoln office, Monday, it was truly inspiring to meet so many young people working to raise awareness and find a cure for juvenile type 1 diabetes (T1D), an autoimmune disease that affects 1.25 Americans. To take just one story, 24-year-old Meg Cooper\u2014currently a student at Creighton University Law School\u2014has lived with T1D for 5,526 days; lost 3,207 hours of sleep; received 33,756 finger pricks and had 19,786 needle injections. Growing up, her parents had to monitor her around-the-clock, making sure she ate when she didn't want to eat, holding her down to give her shots, testing her blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. Their enormous burden is nothing compared to the burden Meg must carry for the rest of her life.\u00a0\nHopefully, we can find a better way.\u00a0\nYesterday in the House, we passed the 21st\u00a0Century Cures Act. Besides restructuring and streamlining the FDA drug approval process, the Cures Act will provide funds to the National Institute of Health (NIH) to research life-saving treatments for diseases like T1D. As I heard Monday, parents of children with type 1 juvenile diabetes must spend upwards of $50,000 to care for their children with this chronic condition. If we spend a little more now on research and technology, perhaps we can dramatically simplify care for patients and family, while lowering the burdensom costs and complications of diabetes.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0BE9B8CB-FA19-4313-A503-A07B24B34DD9", "Sasse Statement on Iran Sanctions Extension Act", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Optional \u201cIran is still the largest state-sponsor of terror, still bent on the destruction of Israel, and still working to undermine America\u2019s interests in a peaceful Middle East.\u201d \r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse, an\u00a0outspoken\u00a0critic of the Iran nuclear deal, issued the following statement regarding the Iran Sanctions Extension Act which passed the Senate and now heads to the President for his signature.\u201cThe Obama Administration\u2019s nuclear deal hasn\u2019t changed who we\u2019re dealing with \u2013 Iran is still the largest state-sponsor of terror, still bent on the destruction of Israel, and still working to undermine America\u2019s interests in a peaceful Middle East. Extending these sanctions is an important requirement to holding Iran accountable.\u201d\r\n \r\nThe Obama Administration\u2019s nuclear deal hasn\u2019t changed who we\u2019re dealing with. #Iran https://t.co/M3CZOnMheD pic.twitter.com/d5ikHgx61R\r\n\u2014 Senator Ben Sasse (@SenSasse) December 1, 2016 \r\n\r\n  Background:The Iran Sanctions Extension Act, which now heads to the President for his signature, renews existing sanctions that were set to expire at the end of 2016. These sanctions, separate from the Administration\u2019s nuclear agreement with Iran, are aimed at preventing Iran from supporting terrorism.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smiths-rural-hospital-relief-provision-passes-house", "Smith's Rural Hospital Relief Provision Passes House", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act. The bill, which passed the House today, contains Smith\u2019s provision requiring the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to report on the economic and staffing impacts of physician supervision requirements on Critical Access Hospitals.\n\tPhysician supervision rules require a physician\u2019s presence and supervision over nearly all routine procedures administered in hospitals, which can be especially burdensome for rural hospitals with fewer doctors and resources.\n\t\u201cToday\u2019s passage of 21st Century Cures opens the door to more personalized treatments and brings regulatory relief to rural hospitals to help make quality care accessible to more patients,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThough rural providers know best which procedures can be safely performed in their facilities, the heavy hand of the federal government makes it more difficult for these professionals to serve their patients. Based on discussions I have had with hospitals across Nebraska\u2019s Third District, I expect MedPAC\u2019s findings will make a strong case for repealing these arbitrary rules outright.\n\u201cMindful of our country\u2019s $19 trillion debt, I am pleased these advancements will be made without increasing mandatory spending. This bill is an important step toward better care and greater choice for all patients.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=AD5E7F7C-5580-48BE-B4E7-1ACC8AFD4C3C", "Fischer Delivers Senate Floor Tribute to Admiral Haney", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke today on the Senate floor to honor the exemplary service of Admiral Cecil D. Haney. The former head of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, plans to retire from the U.S. Navy in the next few weeks.\r\nThe full text of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks, as prepared for delivery, is below.\r\nM. President, I rise today to recognize Admiral Cecil D. Haney at the conclusion of his tenure as Commander of U.S. Strategic Command and his upcoming retirement from the United States Navy.\r\nAdmiral Haney has been an exemplary officer and an outstanding leader.\u00a0\r\nOver the course of his 38 year career in the Navy, he has made countless sacrifices for our country.\u00a0\r\nI commend his service; the sacrifices of his family, including his wife, Bonny, daughter Elizabeth, and two sons, Thomas and Joey, and I express our great appreciation for his leadership and devotion to our nation\u2019s security.\r\nI first met Admiral Haney in 2013 when he was nominated to succeed General Kehler as the Commander of STRATCOM.\r\nOver the past three years, it has been my great pleasure to work with him, and I am grateful for his wise counsel and firm resolve to always do what is best for the nation and for the men and women he leads.\r\nSecretary Carter has pointed out on many occasions that our nuclear forces remain the \u201cbedrock\u201d of our nation\u2019s security, and as the commander of U.S. Strategic Command, Admiral Haney spent the last three years ensuring this bedrock remains strong.\u00a0\r\nEvery day our nation relies on its nuclear forces to deter strategic attack on the United States and our allies.\u00a0\r\nAdmiral Haney has ably led the forces that comprise our nuclear deterrent as they perform this highest-priority mission.\u00a0\r\nHe has also been a strong advocate for the modernization of our aging nuclear infrastructure, no small task in a time of capped budgets.\u00a0\r\nHis ability to work closely with Members of Congress and his clear-eyed assessments \u2013 such as the statement he delivered to the Armed Services Committee last year that \u201cthere is no margin to absorb risk\u201d in our plans to modernize our nuclear enterprise \u2013 have helped maintain congressional consensus on the importance of following through with our modernization commitments.\u00a0\r\nAdmiral Haney has also shown strong leadership and provided valuable advocacy with respect to the other capabilities for which the command is responsible.\u00a0\r\nFor example, he led the effort to establish the Joint Interagency Combined Space Operations Center (JICSPOC), which will become a crucial command and control node ensuring our nation has the ability to protect and defend critical national space infrastructure.\r\nAdmiral Haney\u2019s selection as Commander of U.S. Strategic Command was a fitting capstone to a career of service that never strayed far from the nuclear mission.\r\nHe began his career in 1978 as a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy.\u00a0\r\nRising quickly through the Navy, he went on to command the USS Honolulu, submarine squadron 1, submarine group 2, and become the Director of the Submarine Warfare Division and Naval Warfare Integration Group.\u00a0\r\nIn 2010, he became the Deputy Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, after which he served as the Commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet.\u00a0\r\nIn each role, Admiral Haney has set a strong example for those under his command by faithfully discharging his duties with professionalism and dedication.\r\nM. President, with nearly four decades of dedicated service to our nation, Admiral Cecil D. Haney deserves our most heartfelt gratitude and praise.\r\nThank you, Admiral\u2014and best wishes to you and your family.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/video-smith-supports-bill-give-veterans-more-health-care-choices", "VIDEO: Smith Supports Bill to Give Veterans More Health Care Choices", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) led floor debate in the House of Representatives today and spoke in support of H.R. 5458, the Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2016. The House passed the bill this afternoon to give veterans more choices in their health care coverage.\n\n\t  Smith\u2019s remarks:\n\tI rise today in support of H.R. 5458, the Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2016.\nThis legislation, introduced by my colleague Chris Stewart of Utah, addresses a gap in current law which prevents veterans and their families with TRICARE coverage who also choose to participate in a high deductible health plan from utilizing a health savings account, or HSA.\nWhile veterans or their family members who participate in TRICARE may also have private health insurance coverage, including high deductible plans, they are prohibited from contributing to an HSA affiliated with the high deductible plan.\u00a0 \nIn order to contribute to an HSA under current law, an individual must permanently renounce their TRICARE eligibility because no mechanism to allow re-enrollment currently exists.\nH.R. 5458 addresses this issue by allowing certain TRICARE-eligible individuals to voluntarily pause their TRICARE coverage for a period of time in which they choose to contribute to an HSA. The bill also creates special enrollment periods should these individuals choose to re-enroll in TRICARE at a later date.\nOur veterans devoted their lives to defending our freedoms. We should not allow arbitrary bureaucratic obstacles to stop them from making the best health care coverage choices for themselves and their families.\u00a0 \nThis bill creates a mechanism to improve veterans\u2019 health coverage options and provides them greater opportunities to save toward their own health care needs.\nIt also ensures patients can be more engaged in their own care while eliminating the inconsistency in our tax code.\nI applaud the gentleman from Utah, Mr. Stewart, for bringing us this good idea today. I urge support, and I reserve the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-fidel-castro", "Fortenberry Statement on Fidel Castro", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) today issued the following statement on the death Fidel Castro:\n\u201cI have known a number of people who had to flee Castro's Cuba. Welcomed generously to America, they had to start over and rebuild their lives. Some came to recognize Castro as a revolutionary for the poor, yet in his wake he left poverty, despair, and death. Idealistic propaganda can't wish away that grim reality. While I don't celebrate the death of any person, perhaps Castro's passing will create the space between our two countries to build a neighborly, sustainable, and respectful relationship. I pray that the indomitable, creative spirit of the Cuban people will point us to a new type of economic, political, and cultural engagement that rejects oppression and elevates a mutual embrace of higher ideals.\"\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=74F21E06-D381-43F6-AF7E-0418698E2D16", "Fischer Statement on Transportation Secretary Nominee Elaine Chao", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0 \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), chairman of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding President-elect Trump\u2019s decision to nominate Elaine Chao as Secretary of Transportation:\r\n\u201cElaine Chao has a long record of success and accomplishment. As Secretary of Labor, and in a variety of leadership roles across government, non-profit, and the private sector, she has achieved results that have greatly improved the lives of families across this country. Her life story is the embodiment of the American dream, and I am grateful my friend Elaine is willing to continue her career of service to make the dreams of our fellow Americans a reality. As chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, I am excited to work with Secretary Chao to strengthen our nation\u2019s infrastructure for many years to come.\u201d\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EDD5190F-661D-4542-919D-AC4D7DC6E6CC", "Sasse Applauds NDAA Conference Decision on Women in Draft", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who led the effort to stop Congress from needlessly mingling culture wars and national security, applauded House and Senate negotiators for excluding a provision requiring women to register for the draft in the final 2017 National Defense Authorization Act.\u00a0In September, Sasse\u00a0led a group of 17 Senators\u00a0in demanding that negotiators keep this unnecessary culture war out of the defense bill. Text of that letter is available\u00a0here.\u00a0\r\n \r\nKeeping our defenses strong is more important than needlessly scoring points on divisive issues. #NDAA https://t.co/rTJ5xNkkZ7 pic.twitter.com/azQybdsZoY\r\n\u2014 Senator Ben Sasse (@SenSasse) November 30, 2016 \r\n\r\n\r\n\"Defense bills are common in Washington but, this year, the big story is that both sides will put national security ahead of unnecessary culture-warring,\" said Sasse. \"This is a victory for common sense. It\u2019s encouraging to see Congress do its work instead of jumping into a fight about drafting our mothers, sisters, and daughters when the military isn\u2019t demanding an end to our all-volunteer fighting-force. Republicans and Democrats should be able to agree that keeping our defenses strong is more important than needlessly scoring points on divisive issues.\"\u00a0\u00a0Today, negotiators unveiled legislation that does not require women to register for the draft and, instead, requires the Pentagon to undertake a study on whether a draft is even still needed. This is similar to an amendment\u00a0Sasse offered in June.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith-offers-tickets-presidential-inauguration", "Smith Offers Tickets for Presidential Inauguration", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Smith Offers Tickets for Presidential Inauguration                                            \n              Nov 28, 2016                        \n                    \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) encourages residents of Nebraska\u2019s Third District interested in attending the 58th Presidential Inauguration on Friday, January 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C., to contact his office for information on obtaining tickets.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\n\tEach congressional office receives a limited number of tickets, which Smith will distribute to interested residents of Nebraska\u2019s Third District on a first-come, first-serve basis. To submit a ticket request, please visit AdrianSmith.house.gov/Inauguration2017 or contact Smith\u2019s Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-6435.\n\tNote: Tickets can only be provided to residents of Nebraska\u2019s Third District. Due to limited supply, submitting a request does not guarantee receiving tickets.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/much-be-thankful-americans", "Much to be Thankful for as Americans", "2016-11-25", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Americans recently gathered together to enjoy their Thanksgiving meals and express gratitude for their many blessings. Many families have a tradition of discussing all they have to be thankful for, which is a mindset we should adopt not just at this time of year but every day. \u00a0\n\tWe are blessed to live in this great country which serves as a beacon of freedom and democracy for the world. The Constitution safeguards our liberties and sets out a system of representative government which empowers people to pursue greater opportunity. \u00a0\n\tThis year\u2019s presidential election demonstrated the power Americans have to directly impact their government. Americans said they wanted a different direction. Donald Trump became the president-elect, despite nearly every poll and national media outlet counting him out. \u00a0\n\tThe American people determined the outcome of the election. This is a much too rare right and privilege in our world.\n\tFollowing the election, we watched Hillary Clinton concede to Donald Trump. Right now, the Obama and Trump administrations are in the midst of a peaceful transition of power. We take this phenomenon for granted in America, but other nations are amazed by it. \u00a0\n\tIn December 2000, I participated in an exchange to India. Everyone was riveted by the nonstop coverage of the contested election results between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Several local individuals commented to me how remarkable it was to see so much controversy but no violence. It was yet another example of the greatness of America.\n\tIn this country, we are also blessed to have the freedom to openly practice our faith and live in safety. Stories continue to flow out of the Middle East about the persecution of Christians and other faiths by ISIS. Human rights abuses are rampant in countries from Syria to North Korea to Cuba. We live in a dangerous world and face many global threats we must take seriously, but our day-to-day lives in America are marked by peace and stability.\n\tWe enjoy this safety and freedom because of the men and women serving in our Armed Forces. Many of them will not have the opportunity to spend the holidays with their families because they are stationed around the world, answering the call of duty. We must make it a priority to show our gratitude for their many sacrifices.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\n\tTo thank our troops and our veterans, I am again helping to collect cards for the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Through this effort, we can send gratitude and holiday greetings from Nebraska to our service members, veterans, and their families. \u00a0\n\tMy offices in Grand Island and Scottsbluff are serving as collection points for Nebraskans to drop off postage-free cards through Monday, December 5, 2016. Please use generic salutations such as \u201cDear Service Member\u201d or \u201cTo an American Hero,\u201d and do not include your personal contact information or inserts of any kind. For more information and official guidelines for the program, please visit my website at AdrianSmith.house.gov/HolidayMailforHeroes.\n\tDespite the challenges we face, I firmly believe we live in the greatest country in the world. It is an honor to represent you in Congress, and I am grateful to be both a Nebraskan and an American.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=463443AC-CC18-459E-8352-AF2D3FB25C5A", "Fischer Spends Thanksgiving With Troops From NE Stationed Overseas", "2016-11-24", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0 \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) spent Thanksgiving visiting with service members from Nebraska at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The visit was part of a Senate Armed Services Committee congressional delegation trip focused on the continued mission in Afghanistan.\r\nSenator Fischer released the following statement:\r\n\u201cI was humbled and honored to spend this Thanksgiving with service members from Nebraska currently stationed in Qatar and Afghanistan. These brave service members are far away from their homes and loved ones this holiday season. I cherished the time I spent with each and every one of them. I know I join all Nebraskans when I say how thankful we are for the sacrifices they and their families make to keep us safe.\u201d\r\nAt Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Senator Fischer met with the following service members from Nebraska:\r\n \r\nMaster Sergeant Daniel Westman is an aircraft mechanic crew chief in the Nebraska Air National Guard. Master Sergeant Westman has served our country for 18 years. He is from Bellevue, Nebraska.\r\nLieutenant Colonel Chris Shannon is a pilot in the Nebraska Air National Guard. Lieutenant Colonel Shannon has served our country for 17 years. His hometown is Omaha, Nebraska.\r\nStaff Sergeant Jennifer Jensen is a knowledge operations manager in the Wyoming Air National Guard. She has served our country for 9 years and is originally from Alliance, Nebraska.\r\n \r\nAdditionally, Senator Fischer had Thanksgiving lunch with the following Nebraska service members at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan:\r\n \r\nLieutenant Colonel James Rye of McCook, Nebraska.\r\nChief Warrant Officer Aaron Carpenter of Omaha, Nebraska.\r\nSergeant Jared Cornell of Omaha, Nebraska.\r\nSergeant Erik Servellon of Omaha Nebraska.\r\nLieutenant Colonel Danny Robinson of North Platte, Nebraska.\r\nChief Warrant Officer Nicole Patterson of Beatrice, Nebraska.\r\n \r\n\r\nFrom left to right: Master Sergeant Daniel Westman (Bellevue), Lieutenant Colonel Chris Shannon (Omaha), Senator Deb Fischer, Staff Sergeant Jennifer Jensen (Alliance). Click here to view and download more photos\r\n\r\nSenator Fischer has Thanksgiving lunch with Nebraska troops in Afghanistan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-thanksgiving-2", "Fort Report: Thanksgiving", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last night, far away from the ornate halls of Congress, and a healthy distance from all of the nation\u2019s post-election debate, I attended the dance and cheer performance at Northeast High School in Lincoln. A number of local schools participated. The Northeast Star Strutters were the first team to go. They were impressive! The young women clearly took great pride in their disciplined line dance, their precisely timed moves, and their team spirit. Inside the gym were hundreds of friends, parents, and grandparents cheering for everyone. How nice to see joyous young people, performing their best, with a happy community in support. \u00a0\nWhen I wrote to you last week about the prevailing post-election mood in Washington, I mentioned the curiosity and sense of possibility with which many people regard the coming Donald Trump administration. I praised the spirit of unity that President-Elect Trump, Secretary of State Clinton, and President Obama all elevated, despite sharp disagreements. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that not everyone is experiencing optimism. Deep philosophical differences, coupled with a highly charged political atmosphere, have given rise to protests across the country, attempts to re-litigate the election, and even a push to eliminate the Electoral College, which, by the way, protects small states like Nebraska.\nThere\u2019s an old saying: \u201cDon\u2019t discuss politics and religion at the dinner table.\u201d But, in reality, when better to have lively conversations on these topics if it can be done with good intention, constructive understanding, and a little humor. Thanksgiving is a time to go deeper in the spirit of gratitude. Cynicism can give way at this special moment to mindfully pause, gratefully reflect on the grace we bring to each other, and contemplate the values that give us hope and solidarity as a people. This is not to dismiss differences, but to elevate that which binds us as an American family\u2014and creates possibilities like the one in the high school gym last night.\nThe origin of Thanksgiving as a national holiday comes from Abraham Lincoln\u2019s proclamation in the midst of the Civil War:\n\u201c\u2026I do therefore invite my fellow citizens\u2026 to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union\u2026\u201d\nWhile our modern sensibilities may not incline to such lofty language, nonetheless affirming the great gift of our nation through this holiday is a noble pursuit. \u00a0\nGiven these sentiments, I hesitate to say, \u201cNow go buy some stuff.\u201d However, an important event that reinforces the trend of intimate, local, and healthy community is Small Business Saturday. A few years back I called the credit card company responsible for the idea. After thanking him, the CEO told me that it was a young intern in the company who proposed it. Small is beautiful. \u00a0\nThis holiday and beyond, perhaps we can be open to surprise, listen to each other, and invite others to our perspective. In other words, a little family, a little turkey, a little nap, a little football, a little shopping, and yes, a little gratitude for our country. It\u2019s all good.\nHappy Thanksgiving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/nebraska-radio-network-clues-were-there-still-elections-surprised", "Nebraska Radio Network: Clues were there, still the elections surprised Congressman Fortenberry (AUDIO)", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A Nebraska Congressman acknowledges the election results surprised him, but adds the signs were there all along.\nCongressman Jeff Fortenberry readily says the honest answer to the question of whether the election results surprised him is \u201cYes.\u201d\nYet, Fortenberry says there were clues to the upset win of Republican Donald Trump, primarily in the fact that the economy is not working for everyone, leading to unrest among the American electorate.\n\u201cWhen a local community loses a manufacturing facility, it hurts real people in real places,\u201d Fortenberry tells Nebraska Radio Network. \u201cCombined with that a regulatory environment in Washington, along with escalating health care costs, have created the conditions in which small businesses (are) really under threat and pressure.\u201d\nFortenberry, a Republican, says the national news media missed it, because it already had its narrative that Democrat Hillary Clinton was going to win, a candidate Fortenberry contends never resonated with the American people.\nNational news outlets and political pundits failed both to predict Trump would win or that Republicans would retain control of both houses of Congress.\nFortenberry suggests it was that misreading of the economy that led to the incorrect assessment. Not only did few in Washington understand the angst among those who saw hometown factories shuttered, but few have been quick to notice what the Congressman calls \u201centrepreneurial winter.\u201d Fortenberry says the country has never before seen more small businesses close than open.\nOther trouble spots led to a surprising election outcome, according to Fortenberry, including what he calls a foreign policy drift. He adds government needs to decentralize, instead of concentrating power in Washington.\nOne last aspect led to the startling outcomes throughout the country, according to Fortenberry. He also sees Americans screaming for meaning.\n\u201cWhen you lose the formative institutions of community \u2013 whether that\u2019s faith life or family life, fortunately in Nebraska we\u2019ve been somewhat immune from the harsher downward trends \u2013 but people are feeling they live in a fragmented culture and they want healing from these divides.\u201d\nClick here to read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=28F04752-9E33-4CB3-80F3-7A4FD84140FF", "Senator Fischer Teams with American Red Cross on Holiday Mail For Heroes Campaign", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OMAHA, Neb.\u00a0 \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer\u2019s (R-Neb.) office is once again teaming up with the American Red Cross to help Nebraskans send holiday wishes to veterans, members of the military, and their families. This year, cards collected through the program will be delivered to current and former service members in local Nebraska communities.\u00a0\r\nSenator Fischer released the following statement encouraging Nebraskans to participate:\r\n\u201cThe Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign is a special way to share our holiday cheer and deep appreciation with our veterans and service members. This year, these well-wishes will go to men and women right here in Nebraska: from those serving at Offutt Air Force Base to Nebraska veterans at VFW posts across the state. I hope you will join me this holiday season in expressing gratitude for all these Nebraskans have done to make our country and our communities stronger.\u201d\u00a0\r\nNebraskans wanting to participate can make or purchase a card to sign and either mail or deliver these cards to Senator Fischer\u2019s Omaha office. Cards must be received\u00a0by December 6, 2016.\u00a0They may be dropped off or mailed to the following address:\r\nOffice of Senator Deb Fischer  11819 Miracle Hills Drive  Suite 205  Omaha, NE 68145\r\nTo ensure holiday cards can be quickly screened and mailed, the Red Cross asks participants to follow the guidelines listed below:\r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nAddress the card \u201cDear Service Member, Veteran or Military Member\u201d. Limit the use of any specific branch of service.\r\nCards should not contain glitter.\r\nSubmit cards that are printed without the year 2016; generic cards are best.\r\nLimit any items in the card such as photos or gifts. If these items are included in the card, they will be removed.\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-america-reconsidered", "Fort Report: America Reconsidered", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "If I had to choose two words to describe the prevailing mood in Washington, they would be curiosity and urgency. Curiosity as to how this moment translates\u2014and urgency, not to waste it. Even though the election was a proxy for many open and deep philosophical divides in the country, now, following a period of economic stagnation and social fragmentation, our nation is entering a time of profound reconsideration.With the transition of presidential administrations underway, many are wondering what might be the final form of a new governing structure, bringing with it the possibility of great change. The transformation is in the earliest stage of determination. Although the campaign cycle in many ways exhausted America, I believe last week set the right tone. Donald Trump said we must come together as a nation and that he hopes to be President for all Americans. President Obama highlighted how after his first election President George W. Bush was extraordinarily helpful to him, and he promised to be helpful in similar fashion to President-Elect Trump. Hillary Clinton, in a magnanimous concession speech, detailed the pain of her loss, but she also said Americans owe Trump an open mind and that we must unify.We may take it for granted, but last week demonstrated the brilliance of how our democracy provides for a peaceful transition of power. In spite of some isolated protests, we witnessed the ongoing resiliency of America\u2019s governing traditions. In Congress, a great deal of ideological rigidity has been vaporized. Conversations among fellow Republicans and Democrats are yielding a sense of new horizons, which, if properly considered, will shape a meaningful approach to the next White House.First, Washington is readying to correct regulatory overreach that has constrained the ability of small businesses to flourish. For far too long, Washington has distorted markets and, most importantly, the imagination of people to find better solutions for their neighbors. Government must play its role, but with constraints on its tendency to seize more power.Second, America\u2019s foreign policy, oscillating between passivity and ad hoc interventionism, must shift toward a principled realism that better builds authentic friendships and sustains safety.Third, our nation\u2019s economy is likely to adopt a more inclusive model. Power that has been concentrated in Washington and Wall Street has left millions of Americans feeling left behind at the margins of what many regard as a corrupt and elitist world. New trade and tax policies will aim to restore decimated manufacturing sectors\u2014returning jobs, dignity, and social cohesion to large swaths of the nation. We saw a hint of this today: Ford announced it would keep a plant in America. Apple\u2019s hinting the same.Fourth, our immigration system is stretched. Laws that have not been enforced have led to chaos and dislocation, testing the natural generosity of Americans. Righting the legal system, stopping unscrupulous employers, and holding those who break the law to account are the start of restoring a humane and fair immigration policy.Even more is coming: from reimagining health care to infrastructure reform.Have you ever watched a concrete truck at work? The rotating mixer churns and the gray content runs down the chute, plopping onto the ground. The mass of wet materials has to be quickly molded into forms to create the right structure, hardened into concrete ideas. That\u2019s where we are.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=243B3358-F0F6-4EF8-B622-642CD6D7FDB0", "ICYMI: Sasse Gives Federalist Society Keynote", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Friday, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse delivered\u00a0the Federalist Society's 2016 Barbara K. Olson Memorial Lecture.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\nDiscussing the American idea of limited government, Sasse reminded conservatives that \"when people stand up against power and they disagreed with that power, no one\u2019s surprised. They all expected that. What\u2019s glorious is when people believe in limited government and restraint, when we are the ones in power. And we now have the opportunity to model that restraint.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/repealing-obamacare", "Repealing Obamacare", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Obamacare\u2019s open enrollment season has begun, and the news for consumers is not good. Premiums for 2017 are an average of 25 percent higher, insurers in many states have left the exchanges, and the six Obamacare co-ops still in existence continue to lose money. \u00a0\n\tPresident-elect Donald Trump named health care one of his top three priorities and has repeatedly called for repealing and replacing Obamacare. This will not be an easy task, and it must be undertaken carefully to allow for a smooth transition for consumers. \u00a0\n\tOne of the tools available to us to repeal Obamacare is called reconciliation. Created by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the reconciliation process requires designated congressional committees to find a certain amount of savings within their jurisdictions by a specified date if mandated by the annual budget resolution. Once the committees submit their recommended spending cuts, the Budget Committee produces one reconciliation bill for a vote.\n\tOnly provisions which impact spending or revenue can be included in a reconciliation bill. Because many parts of Obamacare may not have a budgetary effect to qualify them for reconciliation, there are likely to be numerous provisions left intact which would have to be amended or repealed in a piecemeal manner outside this process. \u00a0\n\tIn order to begin the reconciliation process, Congress must first pass a budget. We will have opportunities to pass budgets for Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018 in the new year, which also provide two avenues to pursue reconciliation.\n\tA reconciliation bill has important advantages. It cannot be filibustered in the Senate and only needs 51 votes to pass rather than the usual 60. When Democrats forced Obamacare through Congress on a purely party-line vote, they did so by utilizing the reconciliation process. Considering Republicans may only have a 51-vote majority in the Senate next year, reconciliation presents one of the most effective avenues for repealing the law.\n\tEarlier this year, Congress passed an Obamacare repeal bill using reconciliation and sent it to President Obama\u2019s desk, where it was unsurprisingly vetoed. However, this process did show reconciliation works \u2013 and with a Republican president in the White House in 2017, we can anticipate a much different final result.\n\tThough it is a promising option, reconciliation is not the only avenue for repealing Obamacare. We could also repeal pieces of the law until it is dismantled in an effort to minimize potential impacts on consumers transitioning out of the exchanges. Congress and the Trump administration will need to work closely together to determine the best path forward. \u00a0\n\tMany Americans are relieved by the prospect of finally repealing Obamacare, but it is crucial we also replace this failed law with new, patient-centered policy. This year, Republicans laid the groundwork by rolling out our proposed replacement for Obamacare called A Better Way. \u00a0\n\tOur plan eliminates more than $1 trillion in health care taxes and mandates. It provides more coverage options and restores Americans\u2019 ability to make their own health care choices with their doctors. Consumers could even take their coverage with them rather than being tied to a job or state exchange to keep their insurance. \u00a0\n\tFor too long, bureaucrats in Washington have dictated Americans\u2019 health care options to them. By repealing and replacing Obamacare, we can lower costs and increase choices while empowering patients to make their own decisions about their care.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ADF79055-5EE7-42FD-9514-C48BA2082A37", "Sasse, Rubio, Barrasso, Lee Introduce Bill to Prevent Illegal Obamacare Bailouts", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In an effort to prevent illegal bailouts for health insurers under the Affordable Care Act\u2019s risk programs, Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE), joined by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Mike Lee (R-UT), introduced the \u201cHHS Slush Fund Elimination Act.\u201d\"We are going to repeal and replace Obamacare but, in the meantime, the last thing Americans need is for the Obama Administration to sneak in one last bailout on its way out the door,\"\u00a0Sasse said.\u00a0\"This is simple: the law is the law and no administration can make up new rules when they don\u2019t like the laws.\"\"Repealing and replacing ObamaCare is a top priority in the coming months, but one of the biggest battles we face right now is stopping the Obama Administration from ignoring and using billions in taxpayer dollars to bail out health insurance companies,\"\u00a0Rubio said.\u00a0\"The American people are paying too much for health insurance already, and they shouldn\u2019t be forced to fork over even more of their paychecks to corporations that embraced a flawed health care law. This legislation would stop the administration from squandering taxpayer dollars and help clear the way for real reform that makes health care more affordable for workers and families.\"\"Families have paid too high a price for the failures of Obamacare,\"\u00a0Barrasso said.\u00a0\"Skyrocketing premiums and fewer choices are among the reasons why the nation will have new leadership in January. With the end of the law in sight, Congress must do everything possible to prevent additional taxpayer dollars from being illegally spent behind the backs of the American people.\"\u00a0\"The Obama administration has unilaterally re-written the Affordable Care Act numerous times in an attempt to save it from collapsing on itself,\"\u00a0Lee said.\u00a0\"Recently, the administration also tried to circumvent the will of Congress by engaging in fiscal hijinks in an attempt to bail out insurers who have lost money thanks to Obamacare. This bill prohibits the Administration from doing so, and it is a good start towards keeping our promise to the American people to repeal this misguided law.\"\r\n \r\n\"@SenSasse, @SenRubioPress, @SenJohnBarrasso, @SenMikeLee introduce bill to prevent illegal #Obamacare bailouts\": https://t.co/hC8bFJzyzK pic.twitter.com/Xj2eaNPM24\r\n\u2014 Senator Ben Sasse (@SenSasse) November 18, 2016 \r\n\r\nBackground:\u00a0\r\nThe \u201cHHS Slush Fund Elimination Act\u201d would prohibit the government from using the Judgment Fund, or any other federal funds, to pay any final judgment, award or settlement compromise related to any lawsuits related to the ACA\u2019s risk programs.\u00a0Congress has twice acted to ensure that any payments to insurers through the risk-corridor program be made in a revenue-neutral manner, meaning funds from outside the program may not be used. President Obama signed this into law. Despite this clear requirement, 14 insurers are currently suing the government for more in payments than the program has generated.\u00a0In September, HHS signaled the government would be willing to consider settling those claims using funds from outside the program.This past January, the Congressional Research Service responded to a request from Senator Rubio and issued a legal opinion finding it would be illegal to use the Judgment Fund to settle such claims. However, there is concern the Obama Administration may still\u00a0attempt to use the Judgment Fund for this purpose.In September, Senators Sasse, Rubio, Barrasso and Lee wrote to HHS and DOJ demanding answers from HHS and DOJ about how it would settle these claims and where it would find the funds.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/congressional-caseworkers-visit-lexington-trenton-pawnee-city-geneva-stapleton-and", "Congressional Caseworkers to Visit Lexington, Trenton, Pawnee City, Geneva, Stapleton, and Broken Bow", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Constituents of Third District Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) who need assistance dealing with a federal agency are invited to attend Caseworker in Your Community events on Wednesday, November 30, in Lexington and Trenton; Thursday, December 1, in Pawnee City and Geneva; and Friday, December 2, in Stapleton and Broken Bow.\n\tCaseworker in Your Community is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with one of Smith\u2019s congressional caseworkers.\u00a0 Caseworkers may be able to assist constituents who are having problems dealing with a federal agency such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, passports and visas through the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or the Internal Revenue Service.\n\tCaseworker in Your Community will be held at the following times and locations:\n\tWednesday, November 30\n\tLexington Public Library  \n\tBoard Room  \n\t907 N. Washington, Lexington  \n\t10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (CST)\n\tTrenton Public Library  \n\t406 Main Street, Trenton  \n\t1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (CST)\n\tThursday, December 1\n\tPawnee City Public Library  \n\tMeeting Room  \n\t735 8th Street, Pawnee City  \n\t10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (CST)\n\tGeneva Public Library  \n\tSmall Meeting Room  \n\t1043 G Street, Geneva  \n\t2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST)\n\tFriday, December 2\n\tLogan County Courthouse  \n\tMeeting Room  \n\t317 Main Street, Stapleton  \n\t11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CST)\n\tCuster County Courthouse  \n\tCommissioner\u2019s Room  \n\t431 South 10th Street, Broken Bow  \n\t2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CST)\n\tFor additional information, please contact Congressman Smith\u2019s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith-praises-passage-midnight-rules-relief-act", "Smith Praises Passage of Midnight Rules Relief Act", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today after voting in favor of H.R. 5982, the Midnight Rules Relief Act. This legislation amends the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to allow Congress to pass CRA resolutions to roll back multiple \u201cmidnight rules\u201d issued at the end of a presidential term.\n\t\u201cToo often, outgoing presidential administrations will hastily finalize costly, agenda-driven regulations during their final weeks in office,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThese rules have no time to be analyzed and can be very difficult to get rid of, even under a new administration. Today\u2019s bill not only discourages midnight rulemaking but also provides Congress an important tool to quickly overturn these regulations and return the power to create laws to the legislative branch.\u201d\n\tSince 2014, Smith has led his Regulation Rewind initiative to fight back against government overreach and red tape. Earlier this year, Smith led efforts in the House to use a CRA resolution to block implementation of the Obama administration\u2019s Waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS). More information is available at AdrianSmith.house.gov/RegulationRewind.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith-speaks-briefing-agriculture-research", "Smith Speaks at Briefing on Agriculture Research", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) presented at a briefing today featuring Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), to discuss the research being conducted by the agency and how it impacts the future of agriculture. After the briefing, Smith released the following statement.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \u201cBy 2050, the world\u2019s population is projected to reach ten billion people,\u201d Smith said. \u201cARS\u2019s research is crucial to finding ways to feed the world with finite resources.\n\u201cThe Third District is home to ARS\u2019 Meat Animal Research Center (MARC), a world-renowned research leader in animal science having a meaningful and practical impact on the industry. For example, research conducted at MARC has improved food safety by strengthening our understanding of E. coli, enhanced animal health and welfare through research on respiratory diseases in cattle and sheep, and boosted production efficiency through efforts to increase the survival rate of newborn piglets.\u00a0 \n\u201cOn more than one occasion, I have had the opportunity to tour MARC and always come away inspired by the dedication of the ARS scientists and employees. In Congress, I will continue to promote the work conducted by MARC and ARS as vital to agriculture\u2019s success.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tSmith is the founder and co-chairman of the Modern Agriculture Caucus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-our-veterans", "Fort Report: Our Veterans", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I often pass through Chicago\u2019s airport on my way from Nebraska to Washington. Along one of the terminals hangs a picture of a striking young man in an aviator jacket. The crowds rush by without much notice. A little while back I paused to read about the man\u2019s life. I realized that he was Edward \u201cButch\u201d O\u2019Hare, a World War II flying ace\u2014the person after which Chicago\u2019s O\u2019Hare International Airport is named.Butch O\u2019Hare\u2019s story improbably begins with Al Capone, the famous gangster from Chicago. Butch O\u2019Hare\u2019s father, E.J., was a sleazy and conniving lawyer for Al Capone. He made a name for himself by negotiating a widow out of a patent on the mechanical rabbit machine that was once used at dog tracks. This caught Al Capone\u2019s attention, and the gangster recruited Butch\u2019s father to become a \u201ccounselor and business manager\u201d for the criminal enterprise.But something changed. E.J. realized he was not providing a worthy example for his children, particularly his son Butch. For the sake of his son, he made a decision to turn Al Capone in to the authorities. The mob does not easily forget, and later E.J. was gunned down.Even though he had aided a murderous and corrupt organization, he stopped, made a pivotal choice, and embraced that which is good. This decision helped create the conditions for his son to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. Butch O\u2019Hare graduated and went on to fly combat missions in World War II. During one pitched battle at sea, O\u2019Hare and his wingman were protecting the USS Lexington in Wildcat fighters. On the horizon, appearing in V formation, were eight Japanese Betty bombers with tail guns that could prove deadly in aerial fights.Despite the lopsided numbers and the grim reality that he and his wingman were the only American planes in the proper position, O\u2019Hare made the decision to engage the bombers. He opened fire with his wingman, but his wingman\u2019s gun jammed.In a moment of pure heroic will, O\u2019Hare pressed forward alone and unaided toward the enemy Bettys. He executed a daring maneuver, allowing the lead bombers to pass him and opening fire on those in the rear. In four minutes, under intense fire, he shot down five of the bombers, protecting the USS Lexington and the service members aboard. For this brave and selfless action he was awarded the Medal of Honor. As the medal citation reads: \u201c\u2026one of the most daring, if not the most daring, single action in the history of combat aviation.\u201dSo here is the story of three men. A gangster who robbed and killed. His lawyer who turned from greed to good. And the lawyer's\u00a0son who turned from good to great.Choosing well, choosing honorably for the good\u2014this is the continuous high calling in each of our lives. The veterans around us have made this choice. And their choice, the choice to be willing to personally sacrifice, has made them great.Today, we honor our veterans for their sacrifice. Their bravery has afforded us the liberty and security we now enjoy. That a person would dedicate his life for his friends\u2014for another\u2014is the noblest of human ideals. That we would unite in gratitude to reflect on the heroism of our veterans is one of the greatest human expressions. That we would gather in so many ceremonies across the country is a reflection of our common bonds, our narrative as a people, and our notion of our nation.Some veterans saw battle. Some veterans had friends who did not come home. Some veterans held a wounded brother as they died, watching helplessly as war consumed another innocent life. Countless other veterans simply performed their duty, with no questions asked or demands made. They cooked, cleaned, and computed. They repaired, drove, and maintained the effort. They returned to civilian life and perhaps never mentioned the details of their military service, except to say: \u201cI did what was expected. I did my duty.\u201dThank you veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/congressional-caseworker-visit-kimball", "Congressional Caseworker to Visit Kimball", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Constituents of Third District Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) who need assistance dealing with a federal agency are invited to attend Caseworker in Your Community on Monday, November 21, in Kimball.\n\tCaseworker in Your Community is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with one of Smith\u2019s congressional caseworkers.\u00a0 Caseworkers may be able to assist constituents who are having problems dealing with a federal agency such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, passports and visas through the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or the Internal Revenue Service.\n\tCaseworker in Your Community will be held on Monday, November 21, at the following time and location:\n\tKimball Public Library  \n\tCultural Room  \n\t208 South Walnut, Kimball, NE  \n\t2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (MST)\n\tFor additional information, please contact Congressman Smith\u2019s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-veterans-day-0", "Fortenberry Statement on Veterans Day", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) today issued the following statement on Veteran\u2019s Day:\n\u201cTo our veterans, to those who have selflessly sacrificed, thank you. Veteran\u2019s Day is a time to gather in gratitude, and by doing so, we reflect our common bond, our narrative as a people, and our notion of our nation.\nSome veterens saw battle. Some never came home. Others served in support. They cooked, cleaned, and computed. They repaired, drove, and maintained the effort. Many returned to civilian life and perhaps never mentioned the details of their military service, except to say: \u201cI did what was expected. I did my duty.\u201d\nThank you veterans.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/new-washington", "A new Washington", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The American people have spoken, and the power structure in Washington, D.C., has been turned on its head. I congratulate President-elect Donald Trump on his victory and look forward to working with him.\n\tWith Republicans holding the House, the Senate, and now the presidency, we will have a unified government which can work to reverse many of President Obama\u2019s overreaches and pursue greater freedom and opportunity for all Americans. Though we do not have the supermajority President Obama enjoyed when he first took office, and we admittedly hold only a narrow majority in the Senate, I am optimistic we can overcome many of the hurdles we are bound to face and begin to restore the separation of powers. \u00a0\n\tWe now also have the chance to fill late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia\u2019s seat with a conservative jurist committed to upholding the Constitution.\n\tMr. Trump supports many policy changes which I have also championed as vital to Nebraska agriculture. He has discussed rolling back the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s dangerous Waters of the U.S. rule (WOTUS) and supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard. He has also called for bringing an end to the Death Tax which threatens so many family-owned farms and businesses.\n\tThe Obama administration\u2019s endless roll of red tape has choked our job creators, and Mr. Trump has extensively discussed the need to reverse it. For the past three years, I have been working on my Regulation Rewind initiative to fight back against government overreach. It will be refreshing to work with the Trump administration on regulatory reforms and policies to encourage economic growth and opportunity.\n\tAdditionally, I am optimistic about pursuing comprehensive tax reform. Our current system makes it easier to cheat than to comply, and it is past time to fix our broken tax code and make it simpler and fairer for all. On the Ways and Means Committee, we have already drawn up a tax reform blueprint and hope to move forward in 2017.\n\tWe also finally have the opportunity to relieve Americans of the burdens of Obamacare. Only a couple weeks before Election Day, the Obama administration confirmed consumers will see a 25 percent average increase in their 2017 Obamacare premiums. In addition, 20 percent of people will only have one insurance plan available to them in the exchanges. \u00a0\n\tAfter hundreds of thousands of Americans were forced off the plans they liked, only to lose their insurance again due to the collapse of Obamacare\u2019s co-ops, these rising costs have cemented the unsustainability of the President\u2019s health care law. We must dismantle this failed law and implement true reforms which reduce costs, increase consumer choice, and put patients first.\n\tIn the coming months, I also look forward to working with Mr. Trump on crucial issues such as securing our borders and strengthening enforcement of our trade laws. I am hopeful he will affirm the importance of trade to our economy while working to make us stronger negotiators on the world stage.\n\tUnfortunately, this election put the deep divides in our country on full display. As Mr. Trump prepares to take office, I continue to call on him to focus on bringing our country together. In his acceptance speech, Mr. Trump pledged to be president for all Americans. After eight years of division under President Obama, a focus on unity must be a key aspect of the Trump presidency.\n\tOn November 9, our country woke up to the promise of a new Washington. Over the past eight years, Americans have called on government to listen to them. With President-elect Donald Trump, we have the opportunity to make this call a reality.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith-statement-release-va-black-hills-health-care-system%E2%80%99s-environmental-impact", "Smith Statement on Release of VA Black Hills Health Care Systems Environmental Impact Statement", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Black Hills Health Care System released its final environmental impact statement (EIS) on the proposed reconfiguration of the system. The EIS includes a proposal for a community-based outpatient clinic at Hot Springs as part of the VA\u2019s preferred alternatives.  \n\t\u00a0  \u201cWhile the VA\u2019s amended proposal is a step in the right direction, I still have serious concerns the proposed changes will create new access-to-care challenges for veterans in western Nebraska,\u201d Smith said. \u201cI will continue to work with my colleagues from Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming to ensure our veterans have access to the care they need and deserve.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tSmith has long advocated for keeping the Hot Springs VA facility open. In late 2015 and again earlier this year, he joined members of the Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming congressional delegations in sending letters to VA Secretary Robert McDonald to request extensions of the public comment period on the EIS to ensure impacted veterans had a chance to make their voices heard on the proposed changes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smiths-office-host-two-senior-services-fairs", "Smith's Office to Host Two Senior Services Fairs", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The office of Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) will host Senior Services Fairs in Scottsbluff on Monday, November 21, and Grand Island on Tuesday, November 22.\n\tOfficials from the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) will be available for private consultations with seniors about Medicare Part D plan options.\u00a0 Seniors seeking plan assistance should bring a complete list of their prescriptions, including dosage information. \u00a0\n\tExperts will be on hand to answer questions about Social Security and veterans benefits.\u00a0 Licensed pharmacists will provide prescription drug information, and nursing students from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) will also provide complimentary blood pressure screenings. \u00a0\n\tThe Senior Services Fairs will be held at the following times and locations:\n\tScottsbluff  \n\tMonday, November 21  \n\t9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (MT)  \n\tHarms Advanced Technology Center  \n\t2620 College Park, Scottsbluff\n\tGrand Island  \n\tTuesday, November 22  \n\t9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CT)  \n\tGrand Generation Center  \n\t304 East 3rd Street, Grand Island  *It is strongly recommended Grand Island attendees schedule appointments directly with SHIIP in advance of the fair by calling 1-800-234-7119.\n\tFor additional information, please contact Congressman Smith\u2019s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E8ADA522-9DAE-4697-94B3-DB236C80DA33", "Limited Tickets Available for 58th Presidential Inauguration", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released information regarding the 58th Presidential Inauguration. On Friday, January 20, 2017, President-Elect Donald J. Trump will take the Oath of Office and deliver the Inaugural Address at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.\u00a0\r\nSenator Fischer\u2019s office will receive a limited number of free tickets for Nebraskans to view this historic event on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The tickets are standing-room only and will be outdoors. Nebraskans interested in tickets should submit a formal request via Senator Fischer\u2019s website. The deadline to submit ticket requests is January 1, 2017. Click here to submit a request.\r\nPlease Note: Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Because of the limited number of tickets available, Senator Fischer\u2019s office cannot guarantee that all requests will be fulfilled.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CF5A4357-8832-4D6E-A2CD-B332CA09F750", "Sasse Statement on Election", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement:\r\n\"On Tuesday, America demanded disruption. My family and I congratulate President-Elect Trump on his decisive victory, and we pray that he will lead wisely and faithfully keep his oath to a Constitution of limited government. Starting today, I will do everything in my power to hold the President to his promises: to fight for an ethics reform package that upends cronyism and enacts term limits; to lead on repealing and replacing ObamaCare; and to nominate judges who reject law-making by unelected courts. Melissa and I wish the new First Family the best in the coming transition.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-immigration-insanity", "Fort Report: Immigration Insanity", "2016-11-07", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Blair is a small Nebraska town right north of Omaha, nestled among beautiful and wooded rolling hills along the Missouri River. It is a traditional hub of agricultural activity, several large manufacturing plants, and a very stable community of strong values. So much so that a Sunday school class of little children wrote to me about the need to help other impoverished children in countries across the world. Their letters were heartwarming, and they demonstrated the enduring, universal ideals that animate the moral imagination of Nebraska youth.Fast forward to a jarring criminal incident that took place last month when three men were arrested in Blair driving nearly 90 miles per hour with a loaded gun stolen in Iowa. Two of them were Somali immigrants from Lincoln and Minneapolis here on visas. Both were wanted by the United States Department of Homeland Security, and between the two, had 34 previous arrests. The third man lived in Omaha. He had 50 previous arrests. Even though the three have been in America long enough to have been arrested 94 times, they still requested a court interpreter. They have abused their privilege. They do not belong in America.Events of this nature do not usually disrupt our communities. But we live in a world, even here in Nebraska, intertwined with many challenges abroad. Although this event is somewhat unusual in the First District, it\u2019s another failure of our current immigration system. Thankfully the police apprehended the men without any violence. Neither the officers nor anyone from Blair were harmed. At the same time, one has to consider whether this benign outcome was also partially a function of luck.Contrast this with a gentleman who recently called my office to personally express his heartfelt gratitude for helping relocate his family here from another war torn country. Although I do not know the fullness of his story, I imagine they faced dire circumstances. Here is a man who arrives and straightaway signals respect for the system that helped get him here.America has a great capacity to be generous, but those who have received our generosity have an obligation. If you want to come to America, you will accept American values. If you want to come to America, you will work, provide for yourself, and integrate responsibly into dutiful citizenship. If you want to come to America, celebrate your past culture, explain it to other people, and at the same time celebrate your new one.The children who wrote to me from Blair showed the right humanitarian impulse. Nebraskans throughout our great state have a proper desire to assist one another as well as visitors and newcomers. Our nation has generally maintained a vibrant immigration system, but chaos, disorder, and crime undermine our ability to maintain that openness.Of our country\u2019s priorities, one of the most pressing should be ensuring that the criminal justice system, the judicial system, and the immigration system work in concert to swiftly remove persons who have seriously transgressed our laws. This will help keep America safe, and protect the integrity of immigration policy for those properly standing in line who want to come, rebuild their lives, and contribute to society\u0097\u2014sustaining America's generous impulse. The core principle of immigration is this: first, you must choose to be an American.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/thanking-our-veterans", "Thanking Our Veterans", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "An American flag now proudly flies over the Northfield Villa & Vista facility in Gering. On November 1, I had the opportunity to attend the dedication ceremony and learn more about how the community came together to honor our country and those who defend our freedom.\n\tOur flag is a powerful symbol of the dedication shown by all the men and women in our Armed Forces, as well as the police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who risk their lives to keep us safe. Words cannot describe the debt we owe them.\n\tFlying the flag is a lasting way to honor all those who have answered the call to serve our country. On Veterans Day, we set aside time to recognize and thank these brave heroes who have fought to defend our nation and preserve our liberty.\n\tThroughout the year, I have had the privilege of attending send-off ceremonies for Nebraska service members and welcoming Honor and Hero Flights to Washington, D.C. Both are truly humbling experiences \u2013 watching our military men and women say goodbye to their loved ones with confidence in their mission and purpose, and seeing veterans visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifices. \u00a0\n\tWhile pessimistic news about the divisions and challenges in our country can consume the spotlight, these heroes quietly reflect the greatness of America.\n\tAs chairman of the Rural Veterans Caucus, I remain committed to ensuring our veterans receive the care and resources they deserve. This requires finding legislative solutions to improve management of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The House passed legislation this summer, which I cosponsored, to provide the VA Secretary increased flexibility to remove VA employees for poor performance or misconduct, while also strengthening whistleblower protections. \u00a0\n\tWe face many challenges regarding the budget, but Congress was able to come together and pass the Fiscal Year 2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill, which has been signed into law by the President. This legislation funds veterans programs, including much-needed improvements to the VA, and also provides the funding to equip military personnel, house military families, and maintain our bases and health care facilities.\n\tHere in Nebraska, we celebrated the dedication of the new Omaha National Cemetery in August, which will serve more than 120,000 veterans and their family members over the next 100 years. Thousands of people will visit these hallowed grounds to pay tribute to our fallen heroes.\n\tTo the many veterans in the Third District, please share your stories. My grandfather was a Seabee in World War II, and his story inspired me to get involved and work to preserve freedom and opportunity in America. The Library of Congress manages the Veterans History Project, which recorded its 100,000th narrative earlier this year. For more information on how to participate, please visit www.loc.gov/vets or call my office for assistance. \u00a0\n\tWhether you fly the flag, attend a ceremony, or shake the hand of a veteran in your community, please be sure to thank a hero this Veterans Day. The cost of freedom is high, and we owe everything to those who have been willing to pay it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/omaha-world-hearld-owh-world-still-very-dangerous-place-gen-hyten-takes", "Omaha World Herald: OWH: 'The world is still a very dangerous place': Gen. Hyten takes helm of StratCom at a time of increasing global tensions", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Twenty years ago, Lt. Col. John Hyten moved from Colorado Springs to Offutt Air Force Base to become the last commander of the 6th Space Operations Squadron, which operated weather satellites.\nHyten, now a four-star general, is back for his second and last tour at Offutt, this time at U.S. Strategic Command in charge of America\u2019s nuclear, space and cyber defenses.\n\u201cI can\u2019t help but notice how life sometimes comes full circle,\u201d Hyten said Thursday, during a change of command ceremony. \u201cIt\u2019s great to be back here at Offutt. Now, the circle is complete.\u201d\nHyten, 57, took over the StratCom mantle from Adm. Cecil Haney, who had held the post for the past three years. A veteran of the Navy\u2019s submarine force, Haney, 60, is retiring after a 38-year career.\nHyten is the 11th senior officer to command StratCom, which was created in 1992 to replace the Cold War-era Strategic Air Command.\nNearly 1,000 people, most of them military and civilian employees of StratCom, attended the ceremony, held in a giant aviation hangar that houses the E-4B Nightwatch, the National Airborne Operations Center aircraft. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both attended, as did Nebraska Reps. Brad Ashford and Jeff Fortenberry.\nAccompanied by drumrolls, Haney\u2019s four-star command flag was furled. He handed it to Carter, who presided over the ceremony. Then the StratCom banner was unfurled, and Carter handed it to Hyten.\n\u201cI\u2019m really proud to turn over to someone I can call a friend,\u201d Haney said.\nHyten takes over StratCom with international tensions at a post-Cold War peak, including nuclear saber-rattling by the leaders of Russia and North Korea.\nHe nodded to those threats in his first speech to StratCom.\n\u201cThe world is still a very dangerous place, and those dangers seem to be building daily,\u201d he said. \u201cWe never want to go to war with nuclear weapons. We never want to go to war in space, or in cyberspace.\u201d\nHyten said he admired the motto of the Strategic Air Command, which also was based at Offutt: \u201cPeace is Our Profession.\u201d\n\u201cIt meant that, in order to keep the peace, we had to be ready and willing to fight the most unthinkable war at a moment\u2019s notice,\u201d Hyten said. \u201cThat motto is still true. We never want to go to war with nuclear weapons. We never want to go to war in space, or in cyberspace. But in order to keep the peace, we must be ready and willing to fight these kinds of wars.\u201d\nHyten brings to StratCom experience in the futuristic area of space warfare. For the past two years, he has led the Air Force Space Command in Colorado Springs, which oversees the launch and maintenance of military satellites and other high-value payloads.\nCarter, who presided over the ceremony, praised Hyten\u2019s contributions and pitched him as the right leader for StratCom.\n\u201cJohn\u2019s helped build a more resilient national-security space enterprise,\u201d Carter said. \u201cThat\u2019s something he\u2019ll continue to do here at StratCom. There\u2019s more to be done to confront the 21st century threats we face.\u201d\nDespite the international threats facing the country, some experts have said Hyten\u2019s stiffest challenge may come at home: persuading a tight-fisted and frequently dysfunctional Congress to fund the largest overhaul of the nuclear arsenal since the Reagan administration.\nCarter said the nation needs to replace its fleet of strategic bombers, ballistic-missile submarines, and land-based missiles \u2014 all parts of the air-land-sea nuclear triad. Total costs are expected to exceed $350 billion over the next 15 to 20 years.\n\u201cWe\u2019re beginning to correct for decades of underinvestment in our nuclear enterprise,\u201d Carter said. \u201cWe\u2019re replacing many weapons systems, because we can\u2019t afford to lose them.\u201d\nCalling the nuclear arsenal \u201cthe bedrock of our national security,\u201d Hyten said the upgrades are his highest priority.\n\u201cThere\u2019s no doubt the nuclear triad of this nation has to be modernized,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not a matter of if we\u2019re going to do it, it\u2019s how we\u2019re going to do it. And we will figure that out, because we have to.\u201d\nStratCom commanders typically serve from two to four years. That means Hyten will likely be in charge when StratCom begins moving into its new $1.2 billion headquarters, which is being built near Offutt\u2019s Capehart Avenue gate. The move is expected to begin in about a year.\nGen. John E. Hyten\nAge: 57\nFamily: Wife, Laura; two children\nBorn: Huntsville, Alabama\nEducation: Harvard (1981), bachelor\u2019s degree in applied science and engineering; Auburn (1985), master of business administration\nPrior Command: Aug. 2014\u2013Oct. 2016, commander, Air Force Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.\nTop Awards: Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters\nClick here to read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith-signs-letter-secretary-lew-opposing-new-death-tax-regulations", "Smith Signs Letter to Secretary Lew Opposing New Death Tax Regulations", "2016-11-03", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) joined 23 fellow House Ways and Means Committee members in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew today to urge the Treasury Department to withdraw newly proposed regulations which would increase the Death Tax burden on family-owned businesses.\n\t\u201cThe Death Tax poses a significant threat to Nebraska\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and small business owners,\u201d Smith said.\u00a0 \u201cThey take pride in their hard work, and many want their children and grandchildren to continue it.\u00a0 Unfortunately, new regulations proposed by the Obama administration would make it even more difficult for these family-owned businesses to survive through the generations.\u00a0 If we want to grow opportunity in America, the endless roll of red tape must be stopped.\u201d\n\tClick here to read the full text of the letter.\n\tSmith is also a cosponsor of H.R. 1105, the Death Tax Repeal Act.\u00a0 The House passed H.R. 1105 last year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=433B7272-1711-4789-B2AD-43EA99E303D3", "Fischer Celebrates First Shipment of NE Beef to Israel", "2016-11-03", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today released the following statement celebrating the first shipment of U.S. beef to Israel in 13 years. The shipment came from WR Reserve, a beef processing plant located in Hastings, Nebraska.\u00a0\r\n\u201cNebraska\u2019s world-class beef is officially on its way to Israel for the first time in 13 years. I was proud to work closely with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, USDA, and our ambassador in Israel to broker this historic agreement. It\u2019s a big win for the Beef State and the people of Israel. Nebraskans feed the world and re-opening this market increases opportunities for our state\u2019s ag producers, communities, and economy.\u201d\r\nIn December 2003, Israel banned beef imports from the United States due to a confirmed case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Washington state.\u00a0Senator Fischer played an instrumental role in lifting this ban.\u00a0\r\nDuring a visit by Senator Fischer to Israel last fall, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro asked her to work with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to bring Nebraska beef to Israel. Senator Fischer worked collaboratively with USDA and officials from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to lift the ban on U.S. beef imports.\u00a0\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lincoln-journal-star-health-insurance-costs-rising-dramatically-aca-plans", "Lincoln Journal Star: Health insurance costs rising dramatically for ACA plans", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nebraskans looking at individual health insurance plans under the federal Affordable Care Act likely will be shocked at the price increases for next year -- an average 50 percent premium hike.\n\n\n\tThe actual increase depends on where you live, whether you are a smoker and other factors. But the premiums have gone up significantly, said Martin Swanson, with the Nebraska Department of Insurance.\n\n\n\tThe premiums for small-group insurance are rising much less, an average 16 percent average, he said during a public forum sponsored by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry on Wednesday.\n\n\n\tFor example, a silver plan under ACA will cost a 28-year-old about $337 a month in the group market next year, but about $425 in the individual market, said Chris McPike, a vice president of ComPro, a health insurance brokerage company.\u00a0\n\n\n\tA family with two adults and three children will pay about $1,900 a month for an individual plan and less than $1,500 a month under a group plan, she said.\n\n\n\tA couple, both 63, who retired early, will pay around $1,000 a month for an individual plan next year, unless they qualify by income for some tax credit subsidy, she said.\n\n\n\t\u201cThat is the reality of what we are looking at in the individual market,\u201d she said.\n\n\n\tThe higher costs are being driven by several factors. Younger people are not purchasing health insurance, and the people who are are using services at a higher rate than predicted, thus driving up the costs on individual plans, said Swanson.\n\n\n\tInsurance companies have found \"they are spending about $1.04 for every dollar they take in, and they can\u2019t make money on that,\u201d he said.\n\n\n\tThe problem is not going to go away. And the people feeling the pain the most are folks who don\u2019t receive a subsidy. They are paying the full freight, Swanson said.\n\n\n\tAbout 89 percent of Nebraskans purchasing insurance on the individual market do receive at least some subsidy.\n\n\n\tFortenberry said he believes health care cost containment will be achieved by consumers with high-deductible plans who look at prices of health care procedures and prescriptions and pressure health insurance companies for lower costs.\n\n\n\tFor example, people can save money by shopping around for prescriptions, according to Matthew Leonard, director of sales for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska.\n\n\n\tA prescription may cost $100 at one pharmacy and $210 at another, he said.\n\n\n\tWith a move to plans with larger deductibles, people are not insulated from the costs as they were when they simply made co-payments, he said.\n\n\n\tBut a consumer in the audience said getting full information about the costs of a health care procedure is impossible. Jill Jank said there are other charges beyond the basic hospital or doctor charge that the consumer doesn\u2019t know about until later.\n\n\n\tAnd even getting basic information is difficult because the insurance company and hospital pass you back and forth. \"You get the runaround,\" she said.\u00a0\n\n\n\tOthers at the forum also pointed out that doctors often can\u2019t share cost information with patients, and pharmacies can\u2019t share details unless they are asked by the consumer.\n\n\n\tWhen ACA, or Obamacare, began three years ago, insurance leaders expected the small group market to dissipate. That first year, the group market did decline as employers dropped coverage, believing their employees would be better off with individual plans and tax subsidies.\n\n\n\tBut now many small employers are looking at health insurance as part of a benefit package to keep and attract employees, said McPike.\n\tClick here to read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-future-democracy", "Fort Report: The Future of Democracy", "2016-10-31", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week I visited a 125-year-old bank in North Bend, Nebraska. Now in its fourth generation, the family owned bank recently discovered an architectural gem above the ceiling. Some diligent excavation work on the older, original side revealed hidden stained glass ceiling panels and gorgeous ornamentation on various beams. The bank is rightfully proud to showcase its history.The story began when all of the banks in the area went under during the Great Depression. One of the banks reorganized itself and came forward with a proposal to the community: If you stay with us, we will give you 50 cents on the dollar now and pay you back the rest over time. It took the family bank 20 years, but every dime was paid back.As a longstanding community institution, this local bank did not bring our nation down during the financial crisis of 2008. It did not benefit from insider class privilege that enabled liar loans and high-risk collateralized debt obligations. It did not help multinational banking conglomerates grow so large in hubris and reach that they nearly tanked our entire economy. All the same, the small Nebraska bank is besieged by regulations designed to solve a crisis it did not create. It\u2019s not fair.So why do we have a Nebraska institution of long history, community service, and economic success under assault from forces beyond its control? For years, a centralized government spinning webs of regulation across the nation combined with a market system trending toward transnational monopolization has created a collusion that benefits the big at the expense of the small. Unfortunately, a gulf has widened today between a neo-aristocracy of the powerful\u2013and millions of people who feel increasingly disenfranchised and alone.On a deeper level, the malaise so many feel about this system stems from a widespread apprehension that individual lives\u2013\u0097that our nation itself\u0097\u2013are losing identity and narrative. Social fragmentation coupled with economic disadvantage drives much of the contemporary distress. Instead of rising with the help of an ennobled leadership, America is confronting a crisis of democratic solidarity driven in part by self-interested oligarchy, a demoralized middle class, and a growing sense of alienation from the systems that are supposed to protect us. The slow creep of concentration of power has been unchecked by deteriorating social and political institutions.Recently I spoke to a highly motivated group of students at the University of Nebraska on\u00a0The Future of Democracy. I noted that democracy is not an election\u2013\u0097it is a philosophical ideal that begins with the realization of the dignity of each person, most fully understood and expressed in relational citizenship. Restoring confidence in our country requires a healthy balance of power, broadly shared and self-actualized through local communities. If our democracy\u2019s potential is to be realized, we must champion the well-being of all Americans, living in community, as a first order priority, and more importantly, the primacy of society.We have forgotten two important lessons. First, the government exists to serve the people, the people do not exist to serve the government. Second, the economy exists to serve persons and families, persons and families do not exist to serve the economy. We are not means of production or mere beneficiaries of services.Small businesses like the bank in North Bend lead by example. The bank almost never experiences a loan default. Its customers rarely miss a payment. This sense of responsibility and dependability is embedded in our Cornhusker DNA, in our tradition of localized, mutual support, and accountability. Here we find the right answer for the future of democracy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/cost-overregulation", "The Cost of Overregulation", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reporters often ask me which concerns I hear most frequently from the people of the Third District. My answer is almost always the same \u2013 Nebraskans are tired of overreach by the federal government.\n\tOne area where the government\u2019s hand is heaviest is in the issuing of regulations. In 2015, federal regulations cost our economy $1.885 trillion. To put this figure in perspective, it is higher than the gross domestic product of Russia, Canada, or Australia.\n\tThese costs are harmful to individuals and families. An analysis by the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) found regulations cost each U.S. household nearly $15,000 annually.\n\tOverregulation not only hurts hardworking Americans already feeling the impacts of a sluggish economy, but it also undermines the separation of powers set up by our Founders. According to CEI, for every one law enacted by Congress last year, 30 rules were issued by agencies. \u00a0\n\tThe executive branch is tasked with enforcing laws, not creating them. Unfortunately, President Obama and his administration have followed through on the promise to use a pen and phone to go around Congress, and a continuous roll of red tape has been one of the many consequences.\n\tOver the past few months, House Republicans have been introducing our Better Way plan. An important aspect of this agenda is reducing the regulatory burden on Americans.\n\tUnder our Better Way, major regulations could not take effect without a vote in Congress. This would hold agencies accountable and block the constant stream of costly new, unbudgeted rules. We are also proposing Congress set a cap on federal regulatory costs, which agencies would not be able to exceed in a given year.\n\tThe Better Way plan is the big picture for how we want to get our country back on track, but we also continue to pursue legislative solutions for individual regulations plaguing families and businesses. In September, the House passed the Overtime Rule and Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act to delay implementation of the Department of Labor\u2019s (DOL) overtime rule for six months. The rule raises the threshold under which salaried employees qualify for overtime pay from $23,660 to $47,476 per year and sets it to increase every three years. \u00a0\n\tMany Nebraska employers have expressed concerns to me about how this rule could force them to cut employees\u2019 hours or wages. These concerns are not unfounded; DOL\u2019s own analysis predicts pay rates for salaried workers will drop by more than five percent in 2017, after the new rule is scheduled to take effect. Overall, employers are confused about when and how to comply. The six-month delay will provide more time to learn about the rule and, hopefully, allow a new administration to stop it from moving forward.\n\tSince 2014, I have been working on my own Regulation Rewind initiative to fight back against government overreach. With the help of Nebraskans sharing their stories with me about how regulations have impacted them, their families, and their businesses, I have taken action on many legislative solutions to cut through unnecessary and harmful red tape. If you would like to learn more about these efforts, please visit AdrianSmith.house.gov/RegulationRewind.\n\tGetting the federal government out of the way of Nebraskans\u2019 success is a top priority for me, and I will keep focusing on efforts to reduce the burden of overregulation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=18331849-AE30-442C-B888-95F1AB2B20DA", "Fischer Pens Letter to HHS Secretary Burwell on ObamaCare Automatic Enrollment", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HASTINGS, Neb. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell expressing strong concern that the agency has enrolled Americans in health care plans they did not choose.\r\nIn the letter to Secretary Burwell, Fischer points out that automatic enrollment could put incredible financial strain on Nebraska families. If Nebraskans visit their previous doctor under the new plan, they could face unaffordable out-of-network charges.\r\n\u201cI write to express strong concern that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has automatically enrolled Americans into health insurance plans they did not choose,\u201d Fischer writes. \u201cThis not only restricts thousands of families in making personal health care decisions, it also threatens to overload insurers, straining a system not designed for this added capacity. I seek a thorough explanation of this decision, including what analysis, if any, was made of its impact on America\u2019s health insurance landscape.\u201d\r\nThe full text of the letter is below. Click here to view it as a PDF.\r\nOctober 27, 2016Sylvia Mathews BurwellSecretaryU.S. Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Avenue, SWWashington, D.C. 20201\r\nDear Secretary Burwell:\r\nI write to express strong concern that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has automatically enrolled Americans into health insurance plans they did not choose. This not only restricts thousands of families in making personal health care decisions, it also threatens to overload insurers, straining a system not designed for this added capacity. I seek a thorough explanation of this decision, including what analysis, if any, was made of its impact on America\u2019s health insurance landscape.\r\nBy automatically enrolling consumers in health plans they did not choose, HHS took personal health care decisions out of the hands of the American people. In doing so, the federal government disclosed personal financial and health information of Americans without their permission or notice and without granting them the opportunity to opt out of such activity. This is shocking. Further, HHS placed these consumers in a potentially financially disastrous situation. For mistakenly visiting their previous doctor, these enrollees could be hit with unaffordable out-of-network charges. Subsidies cannot be expected to provide enough relief to cover the cost of such a mistake. HHS has jeopardized both the health and welfare of the American people.\r\nFor insurers that have managed to survive in ObamaCare\u2019s Marketplace, this decision raises serious problems. These insurers expected a certain number of enrollees. HHS has added many more. This calls into question whether these insurers will be able to shoulder the burden. I am greatly troubled to hear from my state\u2019s regulator that its input was disregarded, and, even worse, that HHS may be in violation of state law. A similar lack of vision and collaboration resulted in painful consequences for Nebraskans in the failure of CoOportunity.\r\nFrom its beginning, ObamaCare\u2019s unintended consequences have harmed families and taxpayers. As HHS admitted in a brief from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, ObamaCare premiums climbed by an average of 25 percent this year. Consequently, my constituents, including lower-income families, single parents, and the elderly, are spending dramatically more on health care. This reality is a stark contrast to ObamaCare\u2019s stated goals and promises. It is worsened by HHS\u2019s continued inability to reasonably confront its failures, a bullheadedness that has clearly wasted taxpayer dollars. I believe HHS is repeating its past mistakes now through this automatic enrollment measure. I see little evidence HHS acted with regard for the long-term implications of this maneuver.\u00a0\r\nTherefore, I ask that you please provide the answers to the following questions, or additional information as specified, by December 2, 2016:\r\n \r\nHow many were automatically enrolled in plans they did not choose?\r\nWhat actions were taken to notify those who were automatically enrolled in plans they did not choose?\r\nWhat documentation or analysis did HHS perform on the solvency of insurers that must now provide coverage for automatic enrollees?\r\nWhat documentation or analysis did HHS perform regarding potential violations of state laws?\r\nDid HHS undertake any analysis of fraud, abuse, or waste that has occurred during a special enrollment period? If so, please provide that documentation or analysis.\r\nWhat actions will HHS take to address fraud, abuse, and waste during future special enrollment periods?\r\nWhat percent of automatic enrollees are able to see their previous doctor without facing an out-of-network charge? \r\nWhat options exist for automatic enrollees to terminate coverage?\r\n \r\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\r\nSincerely,\r\nDeb Fischer\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/columbus-telegram-officials-break-ground-highway-30-expansion", "The Columbus Telegram: Officials break ground on Highway 30 expansion", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SCHUYLER \u2014 People from across the area\u00a0gathered Tuesday morning along U.S. Highway 30 east of Schuyler to witness a moment 30 years in the making.\n\n\n\tNebraska Department of Roads Director Kyle Schneweis gladly snapped in half the metal sign reading \u201cCOMING SOON\u201d as community and state leaders broke ground on the four-lane highway expansion.\n\n\n\tThe blue-and-white sign stood on the side of the road for more than a year, marking the project that will complete the four-lane expressway from Columbus to Fremont\u00a0\u2014 two economic hubs in the area.\n\n\n\tConstruction on the 26 miles of four-lane expressway began just east of Schuyler in early October. The project will be completed in three phases: Schuyler to Rogers, Rogers to North Bend and North Bend to Fremont.\n\n\n\tAll three phases are expected to be completed by 2019 at a cost of around $25.5 million, with a portion of the funding coming from the Build Nebraska Act that dedicated state sales tax revenue to highway improvements.\n\n\n\tIn a time when infrastructure improvements are critical, Schneweis said it's nice to be in a state focusing on that issue.\n\n\n\t\u201cWe are building projects, we\u2019re putting Nebraskans to work and we\u2019re going to grow our state\u2019s economy because of it,\u201d he said.\n\n\n\tU.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry acknowledged the state leaders who worked to make this project happen.\n\n\n\t\u201cThat\u2019s the meaning of the values of Nebraska,\u201d Fortenberry said.\n\n\n\t\u201cAnd I can even see in the sign behind us we\u2019ve got Jesus involved,\u201d he added, pointing to a roadside billboard that read, \u201cJesus, I trust You!\u201d\n\n\n\tCreating a continuous four-lane highway from Columbus to the interstate system in Omaha could provide a boost to area economies by drawing in new businesses.\n\n\n\tK.C. Belitz, president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview earlier this month that one of the most frequently asked questions by companies looking to move to the Columbus area is whether there is four-lane access to the interstate system.\n\n\n\tOn Tuesday, Belitz praised U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer for her role in establishing the Build Nebraska Act while serving as a state senator. The legislative bill was responsible for getting this project off the ground by diverting a quarter-cent of the state sales tax to roads projects.\n\n\n\tThe program is expected to generate $1.2 billion over 20 years.\n\n\n\t\u201cWe need to make sure that our people are connected. We need to make sure that our commerce, our products, travel in this state. We need to make sure our families can have safe travels across the state of Nebraska,\u201d Fischer said at Tuesday morning's event.\n\n\n\tFischer said projects like the Highway 30 expansion could provide some influence at the federal level.\n\n\n\t\u201cWe\u2019re going to continue to move forward and make sure that we take care of what I believe is a true priority of the limited government, and that is our infrastructure,\u201d she said. \u201cI continue to challenge you to step forward and be among those strong voices with those straight spines who are going to stand up and say that infrastructure is important to the state of Nebraska.\u201d\n\tClick here to read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/fremont-tribune-fortenberry-speaks-fremont-high-school", "Fremont Tribune: Fortenberry Speaks at Fremont High School", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It was quite the busy Monday for United States Congressman Jeff Fortenberry.\n\n\n\tFortenberry, representative of Nebraska\u2019s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, has been spending some time away from Washington, D.C., prior to the Nov. 8 election \u2013 which he is up for re-election in \u2013 to spend some time with his district\u2019s constituency.\n\n\n\tMonday morning, Fortenberry spent time near Schuyler celebrating the groundbreaking ceremony of the project that will turn U.S. Highway 30 into a four-lane from Columbus to Fremont.\n\n\n\t\u201cThis is a project that has been in the works for 20 years,\u201d Fortenberry said during a Tuesday interview. \u201cSo you had former state senators there, you had myself, Senator (Deb) Fischer, Lt. Governor (Mike) Foley, chambers of commerce and local leaders. And what I told them is that they are looking at is a real team. It\u2019s a team of people who have continuity, working together at all levels of government to get something done. And frankly, I think that is something this country is crying for.\u201d\n\n\n\tFollowing his stop in Columbus, Fortenberry spoke with a group of students at Smeal Manufacturing Co. in Snyder in commemoration of National Manufacturing Day.\n\n\n\tThen he made time for a pit-stop in Fremont, where he addressed several classes of juniors and seniors inside of the Nell McPherson Theater about the role of government, its overall importance and how elected officials attempt to do what is best for their constituency.\n\n\n\tFortenberry is well-versed in the ways of the local, state and federal government. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for the expenditures of the U.S. Government.\n\tClick here to read the enitre article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/congressional-caseworker-visit-imperial-hayes-center-mccook-and-ogallala", "Congressional Caseworker to Visit Imperial, Hayes Center, McCook, and Ogallala", "2016-10-24", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Constituents of Third District Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) who need assistance dealing with a federal agency are invited to attend Caseworker in Your Community events on Tuesday, November 1, in Imperial, Hayes Center, McCook, and Ogallala.\n\tCaseworker in Your Community is an opportunity for constituents to meet directly with one of Smith\u2019s congressional caseworkers.\u00a0 Caseworkers may be able to assist constituents who are having problems dealing with a federal agency such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, passports and visas through the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or the Internal Revenue Service.\n\tCaseworker in Your Community will be held on Tuesday, November 1, at the following times and locations:\n\tChase County Courthouse  \n\tCommissioners Room  \n\t921 Broadway Street, Imperial, NE  \n\t8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (MDT)\n\tHayes County Courthouse  \n\tCommissioners Room  \n\t505 Troth Street, Hayes Center, NE  \n\t11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (CDT)\n\tMcCook City Administration Building  \n\t2nd Floor Training Room  \n\t505 West C Street, McCook, NE  \n\t1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (CDT)\n\tOgallala City Administration Building  \n\tCity Council Chamber  \n\t411 East Second Street, Ogallala, NE  \n\t3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (MDT)\n\tFor additional information, please contact Congressman Smith\u2019s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DCEB0B91-DC92-4B4C-9362-E25316730B8A", "Sasse on Administration's Obamacare Announcement", "2016-10-24", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"We\u2019ve reached this point because Obamacare is built on the lie that Washington\u2019s bureaucrats are smart enough to plan health care for millions of Americans.\" \r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who\u00a0earlier this year\u00a0authored a report on the lack of competition on Obamacare\u2019s exchanges, issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration\u2019s confirmation today that Obamacare premiums will increase by an average of 25 percent next year.\u00a0\"We\u2019ve reached this point because Obamacare is built on the lie that Washington\u2019s bureaucrats are smart enough to plan health care for millions of Americans. At every turn\u2014whether it\u2019s CO-OPs collapsing, premiums skyrocketing, or big insurers bailing\u2014the American people have paid the price. More spin won\u2019t solve this\u2014it\u2019s time for the White House to admit that this law isn\u2019t working.\"\r\n\r\n \r\nMore spin won\u2019t solve this: https://t.co/9tzkaBg2IG It\u2019s time for the White House to admit that #Obamacare isn\u2019t working. pic.twitter.com/zh0MZg0iSg\r\n\u2014 Senator Ben Sasse (@SenSasse) October 24, 2016", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/strengthening-social-security", "Strengthening Social Security", "2016-10-21", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 0.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for 2017. The increase is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or CPI-W for short. Whether this formula is the best way to determine COLA increases for Social Security beneficiaries is an open question \u2013 one of many questions facing the program. \u00a0\n\tIn late 2015, I joined the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee. This role allows me to work directly on solutions to shore up the program so many Nebraskans have paid into throughout their lives, expecting it would be there for them in retirement.\n\tThe Social Security Trustees released their 2016 report in June, which showed Social Security remains on a track toward insolvency by 2034 and reinforced the need to act now to strengthen it. President Obama announced his Social Security plan around the same time, which called for giving out more money while increasing payroll taxes. \u00a0\n\tShortly after, the Social Security Subcommittee held a hearing with SSA Chief Actuary Stephen Goss. When asked whether Social Security would be solvent if every dollar of earnings was subject to the payroll tax, Mr. Goss replied it would not. This does not even take into account the expanded benefits President Obama suggested. The President\u2019s plan would lead to higher taxes while likely pushing Social Security further into insolvency.\n\tAt a second hearing with Mr. Goss in September, I asked him about the memos his office produces on various plans to reform Social Security. These memos are vital to determining which suggested solutions could ensure the program\u2019s solvency, but they currently do not analyze the impacts of additional taxes proposed by some plans. Mr. Goss responded with assurances they are working toward providing this necessary information in future reports.\n\tIn addition to financial challenges, other threats such as identity theft are deeply concerning. The House passed a bill, which originated in the Social Security Subcommittee, at the end of September to require the SSA to remove Social Security Numbers (SSNs) from mailings when they are not necessary and to justify when mailings need SSNs. \u00a0\n\tIn 2015, the SSA sent approximately 233 million documents containing full SSNs. Disturbingly, the SSA Inspector General found as many as 51 percent of the addresses used by the SSA for some of its mailings have been inaccurate. Under the legislation passed by the House, the SSA would be required to remove SSNs from all unnecessary mailings as soon as possible and report back to Congress on its progress twice each year.\n\tWe are also working to protect the Second Amendment rights of Social Security beneficiaries. In his list of executive actions in January, President Obama included a proposal to report all 4.2 million Social Security beneficiaries with representative payees to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. \u00a0\n\tAssigning a representative payee to manage one\u2019s finances does not mean a person is violent or dangerous. Additionally, as I highlighted in a hearing in May, the SSA\u2019s decades-old listings are not a reliable measure of mental capacity to own a gun today, and the SSA continues to miss deadlines to update these standards. I am a cosponsor of the Social Security Beneficiary 2nd Amendment Rights Protection Act to ensure determinations made by the SSA cannot be used to revoke constitutional rights.\n\tMillions of Americans depend on Social Security as part of their retirement savings, and they are also depending on us to strengthen the program. We must act now, not later, to put Social Security on a sustainable path.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-mosul", "Fort Report: Mosul", "2016-10-21", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In the summer of 2014, the church bells of Mosul, the second largest city of Iraq, fell silent for the first time in nearly two millennia. Long a heartland of Christianity in the region, Mosul had been conquered by ISIS in a brutal assault. The Christians of the city were given a choice: leave, convert, or die by the sword. Most fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs.The assault marked a major moment in ISIS\u2019 horrific campaign of regional conquest. After capturing Mosul with the Iraqi army all but disintegrating, the so-called \u201ccaliphate\u201d continued to metastasize across large swaths of Syria and Iraq. Marching under its black banner of death, ISIS subsequently spread into North Africa and established a wider network, beginning a global campaign of terror that has contributed to one of the greatest migrant crises in modern times. ISIS and its sympathizers have hit America and claimed lives here at home.Fortunately, this dark tide has begun to turn. On Monday, Iraqi forces, aided significantly by our weapons, air cover, and 5,000 Americans in support, initiated the largest combat operation in Iraq since 2003. Nearly 100,000 troops launched a multipronged offensive against ISIS positions around the city. Swift gains are being secured right now by the Iraqi army, Kurdish Peshmerga troops, and integrated security forces also containing the region\u2019s beleaguered minority communities. But ISIS resistance, especially to the north and east of Mosul, seems to be fiercer and more chaotic. This region is known as the Nineveh Plain\u2014once a thriving, pluralistic area of Iraq with a rich tapestry of religious and ethnic diversity. Battles rage around a number of towns near Mosul, including some of the oldest Christian towns in the Middle East.The stakes of the present conflict could not be higher, especially for the minority communities to which ISIS has posed an existential threat. In March, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution I introduced that named ISIS atrocities against Christians, Yezidis, and others as \u201cgenocide,\u201d and the legal term was recognized by the full weight and moral authority of the United States Government. This legislative maneuver was critical to further policy considerations to ensure that the horror of ISIS ends, to provide justice for the minorities, and to restore pluralism to a fragile Middle East. As a next step, in September I introduced another resolution in Congress that follows on the Government of Iraq\u2019s own initiative to create a province in the Nineveh Plain region, with the goal of restoring the ancestral homeland of so many suffering peoples. A sustainable security settlement must be reached, including a genuine ability of indigenous peoples, supported by Iraqi and international efforts, to assure their ongoing safety.Shortly after ISIS first invaded Iraq, in one of the rawest moments of my service in public office, a group of young men\u2014Yezidis from Lincoln who had earned United States citizenship by serving alongside our soldiers\u2014begged me to act. One quivered with anxiety, radiated anger, and was on the verge of tears. \u201cThere is no more time!\u201d\u2026\u201cISIS is coming\u201d\u2026\u201cMy mother, my sister, are trapped!\u201d The United States did act, beginning the air campaign against ISIS and saving tens of thousands of Yezidis who were then trapped atop Mount Sinjar in Iraq.Defeating ISIS is not just an attempt to preserve the hard fought gains of so much American sacrifice. This is more than defeating 8th century barbarians wielding 21st century weaponry\u2014it is about humanitarian justice, stability for the Middle East, and the future of civilization itself.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BC18027B-18E8-4861-BF99-5F3E172D8EFD", "Sasse Responds to Presidents Obamacare Fuss", "2016-10-21", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse responded to President Obama who claimed yesterday that the \"fuss\" over Obamacare is because \"a Democratic president named Barack Obama passed the law. That's just the truth.\"\u00a0\"That\u2019s just nonsense. There\u2019s a \u2018fuss\u2019 about Obamacare because it\u2019s a disastrous failure. There\u2019s a \u2018fuss\u2019 because millions of families have already lost their plans and millions more will this year. There\u2019s a \u2018fuss\u2019 because premiums have gone through the roof. There\u2019s a \u2018fuss\u2019 because more than half of the CO-OPs failed and now big insurance companies are scrambling for the exit. There\u2019s a \u2018fuss\u2019 because even Democrats know it\u2019s \u2018crazy.\u2019 Obamacare\u2019s problem isn\u2019t the politics, Mr. President\u2014it\u2019s the facts.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith-hold-mobile-office-lexington-0", "Smith to Hold Mobile Office in Lexington", "2016-10-20", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) will meet constituents of the Third District during a mobile office on Wednesday, October 26, in Lexington.\n\tA mobile office allows constituents to meet directly with Congressman Smith about federal issues and take advantage of the constituent services available through his office, such as assisting individuals with challenges they face while working with a federal agency, ordering flags flown over the U.S. Capitol, and booking tours in Washington, D.C.\n\tSmith, who has offices in Grand Island and Scottsbluff, will hold the mobile office in Lexington on Wednesday, October 26, at the following time and location:\n\tDawson County Historical Society Museum  \n\t805 N. Taft Street, Lexington, NE  \n\t2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CDT)\n\tFor additional information, please contact Congressman Smith\u2019s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=10C71B94-D940-42D9-9C2B-138BF52EB332", "Sasse to Pelosi: \"Checks and Balances Arent Code\"", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Respectfully, Minority Leader Pelosi, those checks and balances are what separate our job as lawmakers from punditry or blind political cheerleading.\" \r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement, rejecting House Minority Leader\u2019s assertion at a press conference today that \u201cchecks and balances\u201d is merely Republican \"code\" for \u201cobstruction.\u201d\"Respectfully, Minority Leader Pelosi, those checks and balances are what separate our job as lawmakers from punditry or blind political cheerleading. Checks and balances aren\u2019t code, they\u2019re what give our constituents\u2014the American people\u2014a voice in a city full of unelected bureaucrats. They are profoundly important for Americans of every walk of life.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-american-comfort-food", "Fort Report: American Comfort Food", "2016-10-17", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After watching the second presidential debate, I flipped the channel. There it was, Green Bay playing the New York Giants. I breathed a sigh of relief. That\u2019s the America I know. Good solid competition, an orderly event, just a bit of comfort food, \u0097something normal in the midst of all this drama.Our presidential election has exposed a great chasm in America. We all wonder what the future holds no matter which candidate takes the oath of office in January. So what do we do? If you think about it, our country is comprised of three interconnected spaces: the government, the economy, and society. All three are critical to providing better outcomes for us as a people. Let\u2019s unpack a few propositions that might be able to help.Regarding government, one thing is certain. Too much is being asked. A properly ordered government should set the conditions in which all of society can flourish: fairness, the rule of law, and the enforcement of accepted norms based upon reason and tradition. Unfortunately, our government seems misdirected, not attuned to its basic purpose or the complexities of our day. The policy making process suffers from a near total lack of creativity and imagination.Our economy, also facing serious problems, is not working for many. Downward mobility, stagnating wages, and a rising cost of living, including increasing healthcare costs, are stressing millions of hard-working families. A Washington-Wall Street axis is contributing to the decline of small business, the source of most American jobs and the private sector ecosystem that best sustains a dynamic marketplace. The market now favors centers of power.Most alarming of all, many places in America are suffering from woundedness and fragmentation. More and more people are feeling directionless and alone. The presidential process is a reminder of the growing rifts between disparate groups of people across our country. The relational space in which persons can flourish together is found most fully in family life, community life, and faith life. A healthy society depends on the strength of these institutions \u0097and the decision of individuals to participate fully as good citizens. If we could recapture this ideal, pressure for more Washington-based solutions would recede. As the inscription on the Nebraska State Capitol reads, \u201cThe Salvation of the State is Watchfulness of the Citizen.\u201dIt is certainly important to speak of budgets, tax policy, healthcare, regulation, immigration, and other essential aspects of good governance. This is where we grind it out. At the same time, this moment offers an opportunity for deeper thinking, a reset to first principles, higher ideals that give us a narrative and shared cause as a people.As the end of the current election season nears, I experience the temptation to recoil from all the anger, turmoil, and sensationalism \u0097to just put the game back on. But in the midst of all this, I was profoundly struck and moved by an email from a friend and constituent. He wrote me on Yom Kippur, the ancient Day of Atonement in the Jewish faith tradition:\u201cToday I pray for God\u2019s forgiveness. Because it is a part of the tradition of my faith and because it is right to do so, we also ask for the forgiveness of people in our midst. I also ask for your forgiveness for any indignity that I have visited upon you by word or deed in this past year.\u201d\u00a0And that is comforting food for thought.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4ADE88AF-BF3F-4607-BC8C-0E2C1DE22A20", "Sasse Statement on FBIs New Clinton Investigation Documents", "2016-10-17", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who on\u00a0September 14 asked\u00a0the Director of National Intelligence James Clapper for a formal damage assessment, issued the following statement today after the release of new documents regarding the FBI\u2019s investigation of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton\u2019s private email server. According to those documents, the State Department \u201cpressured\u201d the FBI to downgrade the classification of one email as part of a \u201cquid pro quo.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u201cFrom start to finish, Secretary Clinton\u2019s mishandling of classified information and the State Department\u2019s pressuring of the FBI to hide that mishandling does nothing but reinforce the perception of a double standard and a broken investigation,\u201d said Senator Sasse. \u201cAs I wrote to the Director of National Intelligence last month, Washington\u2019s malpractice risks tarring the IC with accusations of partisanship or incompetence. I want to believe both critiques are wrong but today\u2019s news is deeply troubling.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/navigating-medicare-open-enrollment", "Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment", "2016-10-14", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Through the Medicare Part D program, seniors can purchase private prescription drug plans at affordable prices. The annual open enrollment period encourages competition among Part D insurers, helping to keep costs lower and giving beneficiaries more choices.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tDuring open enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7, seniors have the opportunity to make changes to their Part D plans.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tBeneficiaries who are satisfied with their current coverage do not need to take any action during open enrollment, as long as their plans are continuing in 2017. However, it is strongly recommended all Medicare enrollees review their options to ensure their current plan is still the best one to meet their needs.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tNot only has Part D become an asset to Medicare beneficiaries, but it is also a success for taxpayers. In 2004, projections showed Part D would cost $122 billion in 2012. The actual 2012 cost for the program was $55 billion, or 55 percent less than estimated. Given the $19 trillion debt facing our country, any federal program which costs less than half its estimated budget should serve as an example for further reforms.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tNearly 41 million Americans are enrolled in Part D, but maneuvering through the process can still be confusing and frustrating. Many seniors find it difficult to determine which plan is best for them.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tTo ensure Third District seniors have access to the latest Medicare information, I will host my annual Senior Services Fairs on November 21-22 in Scottsbluff and Grand Island. Seniors and caregivers can meet directly with Medicare experts and get their questions answered. Attendees should bring a complete list of their prescriptions, including dosing information, in order to find the plan which best fits their needs.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tOfficials from the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) will be on hand to consult individually with seniors on available plans. Experts will also be available to answer questions about Social Security and veterans benefits. Licensed pharmacists will provide prescription drug information, and free blood pressure screenings will be offered.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe Scottsbluff Senior Services Fair will be held on November 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon (MT) at the Harms Advanced Technology Center. On November 22, the Grand Island Senior Services Fair will take place at the Grand Generation Center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CT). If you have questions about these events, please call my Grand Island office at 308-384-3900.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tFor those unable to attend the Senior Services Fairs, there are other ways to review and select a Part D plan. By visiting Medicare.gov, you can learn more about available options, check your current enrollment, and apply for a plan. You also speak with experts by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or the Nebraska SHIIP at 1-800-234-7119.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tMy staff and I are always happy to answer questions and connect Nebraskans with the information they need. If you are looking for assistance with Medicare or any other federal program, please call my office or send me a note through my website at AdrianSmith.house.gov to let me know how I can help.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9F78AD4B-8C99-4046-86F1-9F79729867E1", "Sasse Condemns UNESCOs Anti-Israel Resolution", "2016-10-13", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement, condemning the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for passing an anti-Israel resolution denying Judaism\u2019s connection to the Temple Mount.\"This insanity shows that Israel\u2019s adversaries are willing to go to any lengths to denigrate our ally. Is it any wonder that the United Nations cannot broker a real solution? Not only does the UN pretend that there is moral equivalency between Israeli citizens and Palestinian terrorists,UNESCO\u00a0goes out of its way to insult Israel.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-health-care-forum-invitation", "Fort Report: Health Care Forum Invitation", "2016-10-11", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "So many of us feel trapped by the ever escalating costs and fewer choices in health care these days. Health care premiums are substantially stretching family budgets and are hitting small businesses particularly hard. The unpredictability of premium increases also hinders reasonable financial planning.Given continuing shifts in health care market dynamics, premium prices, and insurance company participation, I am convening a Health Care Affordability Forum of experts who can offer informed perspectives on how to navigate the current dynamics of a troubling health care environment. The event is designed to illuminate the current insurance landscape and identify the best options available to individuals within a less than ideal system.\nThe key questions are:\n What kind of health insurance policies should individuals consider for 2017?\n\tAre there savings opportunities?\n\tWill cost increases slow?\n\tWhat does our health care future look like?\n Experts from the Nebraska Department of Insurance, the insurance industry, and a health insurance brokerage firm will articulate what individuals and businesses need to know about health care insurance before November 1st, the start of open enrollment. We hope this conversation will empower Nebraskans to mitigate some of the rising costs.I want to personally invite you to attend the Health Care Affordability Forum:\n Wednesday, October 19, from 10:00 - 11:00 am\n\tMadonna Rehabilitation Hospital (The Sheridan Room), 5401 South Street, Lincoln\n I hope to see you there. Please contact us at (402) 438-1598 if you have any questions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=174DCB36-537B-4E38-A62E-7E78379BD589", "Fischer Statement on Court Decision Regarding the CFPB", "2016-10-11", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today regarding this morning\u2019s decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. The court ruled the structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is unconstitutional:\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s decision is a step in the right direction and validates that the CFPB\u2019s current structure is unconstitutional and unaccountable to the public. For years, the CFPB has threatened private businesses while enacting harmful and ill-advised regulations with little transparency or accountability. \r\n\u00a0\u201cThe court\u2019s ruling only reinforces the need for my legislation, the Consumer Financial Protection Board Act, which would transition the agency from a single director to a bipartisan five-member board of directors. This bill would increase transparency and deliver the accountability that the court determined is currently missing at the agency.\u201d\r\nThis morning\u2019s 2-1 decision by the Court of Appeals ruled that the structure of the CFPB is unconstitutional, citing in part how the bureau functions under a single director instead of a multi-member board.\r\nSenator Fischer introduced the Consumer Financial Protection Board Act in July 2016. The bill would replace the Director of the CFPB with a bipartisan board of five individuals. Each board member would be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Fischer\u2019s bill is cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jeff Flake (R-Arizona), and Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/harvesting-greater-opportunity", "Harvesting Greater Opportunity", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It is harvest, and Nebraska farmers are logging long hours. As I travel the Third District and meet with producers, I often hear concerns about low commodity prices and what this means for their livelihoods.\n\tThe 2014 farm bill had bipartisan agreement on strengthening crop insurance, encouraging producers to invest in efficiency enhancements while reducing the likelihood emergency disaster spending will be needed. Despite the success of this public-private partnership, there are efforts to reopen and weaken the farm safety net. \u00a0\n\tFor example, last year\u2019s budget agreement included a $3 billion cut to crop insurance. Thankfully, we were able to later repeal this cut through many efforts, including the letter I wrote to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee.\nThe next farm bill is scheduled for 2019, and although it may seem far off, I look forward to more conversations with Third District producers on ways to further improve agriculture policy.\u00a0\nTo help ease the financial strains facing producers, we must continue working to roll back burdensome regulations. Earlier this year, I introduced the Fertilizer Access and Responsible Management (FARM) Act to help producers maintain access to anhydrous ammonia after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new requirements for its storage. \u00a0\n\tOSHA\u2019s rule change would have impacted approximately 3,800 agriculture retailers and cost the industry more than $100 million to comply. Many small retailers would have been forced to stop selling anhydrous ammonia altogether, limiting the supply of the most common source of nitrogen fertilizer and driving up costs for producers. At the end of September, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled OSHA acted illegally by not giving retailers and producers a chance to submit comments, requiring the agency to forego its interpretive memorandum.\n\tI have also introduced legislation to roll back Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations which currently inhibit E15 fuel sales during the summer months. E10 received a waiver from this red tape nearly two decades ago. Ending this arbitrary regulation on E15 would allow retailers to provide a greater variety of affordable fuels to consumers and likely increase demand for corn through additional ethanol production. \u00a0\n\tWhile we tackle these regulatory challenges, we must also look to the future and ensure our producers can continue to lead. This is why we need sound trade policies to open new markets for Nebraska agriculture.\n\tThrough trade agreements, we can work to end unscientific, arbitrary restrictions on U.S. biotech products in large economies such as China and the European Union. We can also take action through our membership in the World Trade Organization if our trading partners break the rules. Although we must continue working to improve the proposal before it can be considered by Congress, the Trans-Pacific Partnership promises to open new export opportunities around the Pacific Rim for Nebraska producers. \u00a0\n\tThe global economy will move forward with or without us \u2013 to keep and expand our market share for agriculture products, we must engage.\n\tThe efficiency of our producers has made the Third District the top-producing agriculture district in the country. By getting the government out of the way and providing access to more markets, we can harvest greater opportunity at home and abroad.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A3735DBA-CF85-4748-BEC5-786D4B53995B", "Sasse Statement on Russia Hacks", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Today was just the first step\u2014Russia must face serious consequences.\" \r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee who has been outspoken on Russia's\u00a0recent\u00a0aggression, issued the following statement after the Obama Administration publicly accused Russia of hacking the Democratic National Committee and others.\u00a0\"Today was just the first step\u2014Russia must face serious consequences. Moscow orchestrated these hacks because Putin believes Soviet-style aggression is worth it. The United States must upend Putin's calculus with a strong diplomatic, political, cyber, and economic response.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-postal-service-report", "Fortenberry Statement on Postal Service Report", "2016-10-06", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lincoln, NE \u2013 Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today made the following statement on a report issued by the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General:\u201cEarlier this year I asked the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to investigate numerous constituent reports of problems with the mail system in Nebraska. The report was posted on September 28 on the OIG website, and I am reviewing its conclusions. It remains unclear as to whether all mail problems have been resolved. I will continue to engage with Postal officials to address concerns in the report.\u201dCongressman Fortenberry wrote to Inspector General David C. Williams on March 3, 2016. The Office of Inspector General is an independent office of the Postal Service under the general supervision of nine presidentially appointed governors. It is also required to provide semiannual reports to Congress. The most recent report can be viewed here.  \n\t\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lincoln-journal-star-fortenberry-continues-pursue-mail-delivery-issues", "Lincoln Journal Star: Fortenberry continues to pursue mail delivery issues", "2016-10-05", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Jeff Fortenberry said Wednesday a U.S. Postal Service inspector general's report makes it unclear to him whether mail processing and delivery problems in his congressional district have been resolved, and he will continue to pursue the issue.\n\n\n\tFortenberry represents eastern Nebraska's 1st District, which includes Lincoln and spreads north to Madison County and Norfolk.\n\n\n\tEarlier this year, the congressman asked the inspector general to investigate \"numerous constituent reports of problems with the mail system in Nebraska.\"\n\n\n\tFortenberry said he is reviewing the conclusions reached after that investigation and will \"continue to engage with postal officials to address concerns in the (resulting) report.\"\n\n\n\t\"I suspect the root cause of the problem has been the consolidation of mail processing in Omaha,\" the congressman stated earlier this year in announcing his decision to request an inspector general's review.\n\n\n\t\"Even a letter going across Lincoln now has to go through Omaha first,\" Fortenberry said.\n\n\n\tDuring an onsite visit, the inspector general's report noted, \"we observed mail arriving in Omaha from other originating processing facilities too late to be processed for its intended delivery day.\n\n\n\t\"From January through April 2016, the Omaha (center) recorded an average of 3,604 trays of mail per month as late arriving.\n\n\n\t\"The Omaha (center) does not have a system in place to notify origin facilities of late-arriving mail so they can correct the causes of delays.\"\n\n\n\tThe result is that the Omaha center was \"not meeting the established processing times to meet service commitments,\" the report stated.\n\n\n\t\"Delayed mail increases the risk customers will lose confidence in the Postal Service's ability to provide trusted and reliable service,\" the inspector general concluded, and that could lead customers to seek alternative delivery options and ultimately reduce postal revenue.\n\tClick here to see the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-russia-suspension-nuclear-treaty-united-states", "Fortenberry Statement on Russia Suspension of Nuclear Treaty with United States", "2016-10-04", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lincoln, NE \u2013 Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today made the following statement after Russia suspended a long-standing treaty with the United States to better manage weapons-grade plutonium: \u201cRussia cites new discomfort in its relationship with our country following ongoing conflicts related to Ukraine and Syria. Yet the suspension of a weapons-grade plutonium agreement with the United States should concern not only the Russian people, but also the international community of responsible nations. \u201cIn the past, our two countries have strived to strengthen our relationship while working toward mutual nuclear security goals. Although our engagement with Moscow faces new challenges, both nations must reinvigorate those values that bind us toward making nuclear security a first order priority. The risk of more aggressive diplomatic posturing between our nations, especially when related to nuclear issues, is a threat to civilization itself.\u201dFortenberry is co-chair of the Nuclear Security Working Group and serves on the House Appropriations Committee.\n\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith-statement-cabela%E2%80%99s-purchase", "Smith Statement on Cabelas Purchase", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement today following the announcement Cabela\u2019s will be acquired by Bass Pro Shops.\n\t\u201cCabela\u2019s has long served as a cornerstone of western Nebraska\u2019s economy, and I hope Bass Pro Shops will see the value in maintaining operations in Sidney. Thousands of Nebraskans have worked tirelessly to build the Cabela\u2019s brand, which is respected nationwide and around the world. Our state has a pro-growth economy and an unmatched work ethic, which I urge Bass Pro Shops to consider when determining a path forward.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=65B5279C-0A13-4899-8DA4-16B9EEE8235D", "Fischer Statement On Cabelas", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today regarding this morning\u2019s announcement that Bass Pro Shops will acquire Cabela\u2019s:\r\n\u201cCabela\u2019s is a world-renowned retailer due to the hard work of many Nebraskans who have contributed to its great success over the years. I understand this decision will cause uncertainty in the weeks and months ahead, especially for the citizens of Sidney. I also believe that the strength of Nebraska is rooted in our communities and our way of life. I am hopeful Bass Pro Shops will recognize this as they make plans for the future of this operation.\u201d\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=82DFDC1C-F6A2-410C-9C51-D954D5724DE5", "Sasse on Suspension of U.S.-Russia Syria Talks: Is Anyone Surprised by This News?", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement today regarding the news that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry suspended talks with Russia over the situation in Syria.\u00a0In July, Sasse warned that \u201cRussia is not a credible partner.\u201d\u00a0\u201cExperience is an expensive teacher and this Administration is paying a high cost for learning what many already knew: Russia is not a credible partner in Syria. Is anyone surprised by this news? Moscow's primary goal in Syria\u00a0\u2014\u00a0preserving the Assad regime\u00a0\u2014\u00a0is fundamentally opposed to our objectives.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-wahoo", "Fort Report: Wahoo", "2016-10-01", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For years the community of Wahoo and the surrounding towns in Saunders County have been working steadily and sacrificially to build a new veterans memorial. The people of this area live far away from the nation's power centers, thriving in the heart of the Great Plains. But when they are called to serve, they answer. Like so many other Nebraskans, they are willing to leave their farms, their small businesses, and their families in service to America. From World War I to the present day, 101 military service members from the community have given their lives for our country.Wahoo is somewhat known throughout America as the onetime mythical home office of a late night comedy show. What happened last Sunday, however, was much greater than the smile generated by the town's peculiar name. About 500 people gathered at the courthouse to dedicate the new memorial. Veterans organizations, community leadership, and citizens came together to remember those 101 persons who had given their all. Each name was read in an honor roll, many of them of Czech, German, and Swedish\u0097\u00a0origin\u2013a connection to the countries of old which shaped the local culture.I had the privilege of briefly addressing that extraordinary gathering. When I approached the microphone to say a few words, I recalled the classic movie To Kill a Mockingbird, based upon the famous novel by Harper Lee. In the movie, the lawyer Atticus Finch defends a man unjustly accused of a crime while his family and community are forced to sit in the upper balcony of the courtroom because of the prejudice at that time. As Atticus Finch is preparing to leave the courtroom, the minister of the community says to the lawyer\u2019s young child: \"Stand up, your father\u2019s passing.\u201dAt that beautiful event in Wahoo, the ceremony began with the public high school and Catholic high school choirs together singing our national anthem. During the anthem, no one sat on a bench, no one took a knee, \u0097everyone stood. To stand is a sign of respect. We stand, not for us, but for them: the men and women before us, living and dead, who answered the call to service. Whether they cooked or cleaned or computed, or whether they fought in the worst conceivable firefight, they all sacrificed for our nation. Dignity demands a formality of ritual, giving meaning not only to those lives that were lost, but to the ties that bind us as community.In a recent article in The New York Times, columnist David Brooks unpacks the idea of our nation's civic religion and the exercise of certain rituals, such as the national anthem and holidays like Thanksgiving and July 4th. These moments call forth a certain reverence as they remind us of the sacrifices of those who came before \u0097and call us as a nation to what we ought to be. To participate in them is not to worship the nation, nor hide its faults, but to bring forth its ideals. He goes on: \"We have a crisis of solidarity. That makes it hard to solve every other problem we have. When you stand and sing the national anthem, you are building a little more solidarity, and you're singing a radical song about a radical place.\"The world is screaming for meaning. I think it best not to tear up our solemn moments. As we confront intensifying struggles about the direction of our country, perhaps it would be good to check in with the home town offices of a strong society, from places like Wahoo, Nebraska, where a local ceremony and our national melody reveal the answers we long for.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith-hold-mobile-office-brewster", "Smith to Hold Mobile Office in Brewster", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) will meet constituents of the Third District during a mobile office on Wednesday, October 5, in Brewster.\n\tA mobile office allows constituents to meet directly with Congressman Smith about federal issues and take advantage of the constituent services available through his office, such as assisting individuals with challenges they face while working with a federal agency, ordering flags flown over the U.S. Capitol, and booking tours in Washington, D.C.\n\tSmith, who has offices in Grand Island and Scottsbluff, will hold the mobile office in Franklin on Wednesday, October 5, at the following time and location:\n\tBlaine County Courthouse  \n\t145 Lincoln Ave, Brewster, NE  \n\t12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (CDT)\n\tFor additional information, please contact Congressman Smith\u2019s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/simple-bill-rooted-fairness", "A Simple Bill Rooted in Fairness", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nebraskans are facing more bad news as Obamacare continues to unravel. On September 23, Blue Cross Blue Shield announced its departure from Nebraska\u2019s exchange due to losses totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars.\n\tThis change from the state\u2019s largest insurer will leave 20,000 Nebraskans looking for new coverage as they enter 2017. Fortunately, the announcement came prior to the open enrollment period in the Obamacare exchanges, giving consumers time to find a new plan.\n\tDwindling options under Obamacare are nothing new. CoOportunity Health, a Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (co-op) created under President Obama\u2019s health care law, sold plans covering 120,000 Nebraskans and Iowans in 2014. It soon became the first co-op to close, leaving consumers without coverage after the open enrollment period had already ended.\n\tSince then, 17 of the 23 co-ops, which received more than $1.7 billion in federal loans, have closed or are in the process of closing. All six of the remaining co-ops are struggling to remain solvent.\n\tIn February 2015, as reports removed any last doubts about CoOportunity Health\u2019s impending liquidation, I introduced a bill to prevent taxpayers from having to pay Obamacare\u2019s individual mandate penalties if they lost their insurance in the wake of a co-op closure.\n\tOriginally, I designed the legislation to assist Nebraskans and Iowans impacted by CoOportunity Health\u2019s collapse. As the number of failed co-ops across the country began to rise, more Members of Congress took an interest in moving the bill forward. The Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, passed the bill in early September 2016.\n\tOn September 27, the U.S. House passed my bill in a bipartisan vote. The final legislation, known as the CO-OP Consumer Protection Act, exempts taxpayers from the individual mandate for the remaining months within the calendar year in which their co-op insurance plan was cancelled. It applies retroactively to individuals who lost coverage after December 31, 2013, including those in Nebraska and Iowa who lost plans sold by CoOportunity Health.\n\tDuring debate on the bill in Committee and on the House floor, defenders of Obamacare accused me of trying to undermine the entire health care law. Frankly, I wish the bill could dismantle the unworkable mess known as Obamacare, but this is not its purpose. \u00a0\n\tIt is a simple bill rooted in fairness. Americans who lost their health insurance through no fault of their own deserve certainty rather than having to take their chances within the federal bureaucracy to avoid paying a tax penalty. They need time and flexibility to find a plan which works for their unique circumstances, especially when they face even fewer coverage options and possibly having to start over on their deductibles. \u00a0\n\tIt is absurd for the government to penalize consumers who tried to comply with the law but could not do so due to the law\u2019s own failures. \u00a0\n\tObamacare\u2019s cycle of spending and mandates is not sustainable. As we work to bring relief to Americans, we need our next president to work with us on our plan to give Americans more health coverage options while reducing costs and returning decisions to patients and their doctors.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F36447D5-AA3E-44B8-9677-1246BE1AA18A", "Fischer: Taxpayer-Funded ObamaCare Bailouts Unacceptable", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday afternoon, The Washington Post reported the Obama administration plans to use taxpayer dollars to bail out ObamaCare insurers through the Treasury Department\u2019s Judgment Fund. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement regarding this news:\r\n\u201cLast week, we learned that 20,000 Nebraskans will lose their health insurance policies because of ObamaCare\u2019s failures. Now, the Obama administration plans to use taxpayer dollars to secretly settle claims with health insurers through the Judgment Fund. My Judgment Fund Transparency Act, which passed the Senate in April, would provide Congress with increased oversight over these backroom deals. These backroom deals should not be happening. My bill would allow the American people to see how their tax dollars are being spent.\u201d\r\nAs The Washington Post reported:\r\n\u201cIn the waning months of the Obama White House, administration officials are continuing their upbeat portrayal of all aspects of the health-care law, one of President Obama\u2019s main domestic achievements. Behind the scenes, they think that settling these claims \u2014 $2.5 billion for 2014 and an as-yet-undisclosed sum for 2015 \u2014 is crucial to the exchanges\u2019 well-being at a time when the high cost of covering ACA customers has driven some small insurers out of business and prompted several large ones to defect from marketplaces for the coming year.\u201d\r\nLast week, the Omaha World-Herald reported that Blue Cross Blue Shield will drop out of the ObamaCare marketplace in Nebraska.\r\nSenator Fischer joined Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) in February 2015 to introduce S. 350, The Judgment Fund Transparency Act. The bill would make transactions like these open to public scrutiny. It would also require the Treasury Department to post on a publicly-accessible website the claimant, counsel, agency, fact summary, and payment amount for each claim from the Judgment Fund (unless a law or court order otherwise prohibits the disclosure of such information). The bill was included as a provision in the Senate\u2019s Energy Policy Modernization Act, which passed by a vote of 85 to 12 on April 20, 2016.\r\nClick here to view a pdf of S. 350, The Judgment Fund Transparency Act of 2015.\r\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=B06622DA-136A-4B8F-A09B-4E98B655F436", "Senator Fischer and Congressman Smith  Greet Dawson County Hero Flight at U.S. Capitol", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the image above to view and download photos ofFischer and Smith welcoming Nebraska veterans to Washington.\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Congressman Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) welcomed 25 veterans from Dawson County, Nebraska to Washington, D.C. The veterans are participating in a Hero Flight to our nation\u2019s capital.\r\nClick here to view more photos from today\u2019s hero flight.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=543B3159-3AE1-417F-9944-9DD0F273E8CE", "Sasse on GAO's Obamacare Opinion: \"The Law Is the Law and HHS Broke It\"", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, the author of the\u00a0\u201cTaxpayers Before Insurers Act,\u201dissued the following statement after the Government Accounting Office (GAO) issued\u00a0a new legal opinion\u00a0siding against The Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 implementation of Obamacare\u2019s reinsurance program.\u00a0\"GAO's new legal opinion is simple: the law is the law and HHS broke it,\u201d said Sasse. \u201cWashington has been running a textbook, crony scheme: cutting checks to big insurance companies that can afford lobbyists instead of giving taxpayers the $5 billion they\u2019re owed. Congress must put taxpayers ahead of insurance companies.\u201d\u00a0Background:\u00a0Today, the GAO issued\u00a0a new legal opinion, concluding \u201cthat HHS lacks authority to ignore the statute\u2019s directive to deposit amounts from collections under the transitional reinsurance program in the Treasury and instead make deposits to the Treasury only if its collections reach the amounts for reinsurance payments specified in section 1341.\u00a0This prioritization of collections for payments to issuers over payments to the Treasury is not authorized.\u201d\u00a0(Emphasis added.)Like the Affordable Care Act\u2019s risk corridor program, the reinsurance program is designed to protect big insurance companies.\u00a0The law requires the Secretary of HHS to deposit $5 billion total from 2014-2016 to Treasury through the reinsurance program. Rather than make those deposits to the Treasury, HHS has decided to prioritize payments to insurance companies.Ignoring the clear text of the law, HHS has prioritized payments to insurance companies rather than payments to the Treasury: In 2014, the Treasury should have received $2 billion in general fund payments but received nothing even though HHS sent insurance companies the full $8 billion in reinsurance payments they requested. HHS also carried over another $1.7 billion to give insurance companies later. For 2015, HHS said they would give Treasury only $500 million of the $2 billion it should receive but insurers will receive a $7.7 billion payout ($6 billion for 2015 plus the $1.7 billion carried over from 2014).\u00a0In April, Senator Sasse introduced the\u00a0\u201cTaxpayers Before Insurers Act.\u201d\u00a0This legislation would slash 50 percent of HHS\u2019 general departmental management fund unless the Secretary of HHS pays the full amount taxpayers are owed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B69D770C-CCED-4DC3-B7F7-AF9377B9B7CF", "Sasse VA Oversight Legislation Becomes Law", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"This is a victory for public trust, congressional oversight, and most importantly the veterans who served our country.\" \r\n\u00a0  Today U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement after President Barack Obama signed his Veterans Affairs oversight and accountability legislation into law.  \u00a0  \"Silencing whistleblowers is unacceptable. Starting now, the VA\u2014a department that has an appalling history of scandals and cover-ups\u2014cannot hide its failures behind gag orders disguised as separation agreements. This is a victory for public trust, congressional oversight, and most importantly the veterans who served our country.\"\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\nThis is a victory for public trust, congressional oversight & most importantly the #veterans who served our country: https://t.co/1rpvNYaC1I pic.twitter.com/28yCH13xDs\r\n\u2014 Senator Ben Sasse (@SenSasse) September 29, 2016 \r\n\r\n  Background:On May 19, Sasse\u2019s legislation was\u00a0first passed by the Senate. Today, it was included in the short-term continuing resolution that President Obama signed into law this afternoon.\u00a0\u00a0The text of the legislation is simple: \u201cSEC. 256. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available in this title may be used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into an agreement related to resolving a dispute or claim with an individual that would restrict in any way the individual from speaking to members of Congress or their staff on any topic not otherwise prohibited from disclosure by Federal law or required by Executive Order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs.\u201dIn May, Sasse demanded answers from VA Secretary Robert McDonald about why his department attempted to strip a former employee of her constitutional right to speak with Congress, and whether this kind of action was routine business at the VA.  Sasse\u2019s letter is found below:\u00a0May 11, 2016Dear Secretary McDonald:\u00a0I would like your help understanding why the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) entered into a settlement agreement with a former employee that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) called a \u201cgag order\u201d that violated an individual\u2019s constitutional rights.A recent decision by the EEOC[1] in the case of Aurore v. McDonald raised serious questions about whether the Department of Veterans Affairs undermined the constitutional rights of an employee seeking relief in a case of discrimination, and then retaliated against her when she tried to find a new job. The case involved a woman who worked as a nurse at the VA Puget Sound facility in Seattle, Washington, and believed she was the victim of discrimination. After making her allegations, she entered into a settlement with your department. While the facts of her discrimination case remain sealed, a number of details related to her settlement with the VA have since been made public.One alarming provision of the settlement agreement went so far as to prohibit the woman from talking with any member of Congress or the media. It read:(3.5) Confidentiality: Neither Complainant nor the Agency will disclose this Settlement Agreement or its terms, with the following exceptions: (1) to authorized VA, EEO, ORM, EEOC, or other officials responsible for implementing the Agreement . It should be understood that Complainant shall be prohibited from making any complaints or negative comments to any member of Congress or their staff, or any newspapers or media or their staff, or any other public forums, about the facts of this Settlement Agreement or the facts or conditions that led up to this Settlement Agreement. (original emphasis)[2]\u00a0It is my understanding that provisions like this are extremely unusual. So unusual, in fact, that the EEOC not only took the step of rendering what it referred to as a \u201cgag order\u201d null and void, but also rebuked the VA for including it in the first place. In its opinion, the EEOC said,\u201cWe view this provision as an unlawful, overly restrictive confidentiality limitation, because it expressly deprives Complainant of her ability to contact Congress and otherwise limits her First Amendment Rights to communicate with the media about any of her EEO claims.\u201d (emphasis added)\u00a0Adding insult to injury, the EEOC noted, after the VA issued this \u201cunlawful\u201d gag order it failed to abide by the order itself. After the woman was offered a new job in California, her former employer at the VA in Seattle revealed confidential information about the settlement agreement to the prospective employer. The prospective employer then rescinded the job offer.How could anyone at the VA ever believe it was right or fair to prohibit one of their own employees not only from talking with the media, but also from contacting her representatives in Congress? However, to put this requirement in place and then retaliate against the woman by breaking the agreement is deeply troubling.Every constitutional officer - including the Secretary of Veterans Affairs - has a duty to protect the Constitution. The oath we have both taken request that we defend all five freedoms listed in the First Amendment: religion, speech, the press, assembly and petition. The gag order in place by the VA failed to ensure these freedoms were protected.To help me understand the circumstances surrounding this situation, please provide answers to the following questions:1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Do you believe it was appropriate for the VA to include a provision prohibiting the claimant from exercising her First Amendment rights?  2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Why did the VA include a provision in the settlement agreement prohibiting the claimant from speaking with Congress and the media?  3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Who is the highest ranking official at the VA that approved the settlement agreement entered into on January 7, 2013?  4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Has the VA ever entered into any other settlement agreement that contained a provision prohibiting one of the parties from speaking to Congress or the media? If so, please explain when, how many times and provide the exact language included in the agreement.  5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In light of the EEOC\u2019s decision in Aurore v. McDonald, will VA policy be changed to ensure future settlement agreements do not unlawfully restrict an individual\u2019s constitutional rights? If so, please explain and provide a copy of the new policy.I look forward to your response. Please direct any questions you have to Chris Barkley with my office, who can be reached at (202) 224-4224.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sincerely,  \u00a0  \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ben Sasse", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/video-smith-bill-help-americans-hurt-obamacare-co-op-failures-passes-house", "Smith Bill to Help Americans Hurt by Obamacare Co-Op Failures Passes House", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Adrian Smith\u2019s (R-NE) bill, the Co-Op Consumer Protection Act, to provide relief from Obamacare penalties to taxpayers who lost their insurance coverage due to the failures of the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans (co-ops) created under the President\u2019s health care law.\n\n\tCongressman Smith\u2019s opening statement on the House floor on his bill, the Co-Op Consumer Protection Act.\n\n\tCongressman Smith\u2019s closing comments on his bill.\n\t\u201cThis is a simple bill rooted in fairness,\u201d Smith said.\u00a0 \u201cAmericans who lost their health insurance through no fault of their own deserve certainty rather than having to take their chances within the federal bureaucracy to avoid paying a tax penalty.\u00a0 These consumers deserve time and flexibility to find a plan which works for their unique circumstances, especially when they face even fewer coverage options and possibly having to start over on their deductibles.\u00a0 \n\u201cIt is absurd for the government to penalize consumers who tried to comply with the law but could not do so due to the law\u2019s own failures.\u00a0 Though the President continues to advocate for the individual mandate at all costs, no matter how much it hurts law-abiding citizens seeking to do the right thing, Americans should not be forced to continue to shoulder these unnecessary hardships.\u201d\n\tBackground:\n\tMore than $2 billion, largely in the form of low-interest startup and solvency loans, was distributed to approved co-ops under the Affordable Care Act. \u00a0\n\tCoOportunity Health, which sold plans covering 120,000 Nebraskans and Iowans in 2014, was the first co-op to close.\u00a0 Now, 17 of the 23 original co-ops, which received more than $1.7 billion, have closed or are in the process of closing, with the remaining six also struggling to remain solvent. \u00a0\n\tH.R. 954 exempts taxpayers from the individual mandate for the remaining months within the calendar year in which their co-op insurance plan was cancelled.\u00a0 The bill applies retroactively to individuals who lost coverage after December 31, 2013, including those who lost plans sold by CoOportunity Health in Nebraska and Iowa.\u00a0 The Ways and Means Committee, on which Smith serves, is the committee of jurisdiction for H.R. 954. \u00a0\n\tClick here to read Smith\u2019s op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, \u201cObamaCare\u2019s Cascading Co-Op Failures,\u201d from November 2, 2015.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/husker-solar-power", "Fort Report: Husker Solar Power", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On the west side of Lincoln, I stood on a country road looking out over the vast stretches of rolling farmland, surveying the beautiful green, yellow, and brown hues of the corn at near harvest. In the distance stood an old silo, like a sentry at its post, watching over the morning calm of the fields. The clouds in the overcast sky were giving way to blue above.Such scenes are so familiar to us in Nebraska that we sometimes take their power for granted. But something was different about this particular view. As the land is about to bring forth its yield of corn, another type of harvest is now taking place each day through the power of the sun. Nestled within the farm setting is 35 acres of solar energy panels. Built for the Lincoln Electric System (LES), the SunShare community solar facility is a first of its kind and size in our region. The solar panels will create enough power for about 900 homes. We are not talking about Florida, Arizona, or California\u0097we are talking about large scale solar on the Great Plains.We tend to think only of energy policy when gas prices spike. However, our current energy settlement remains in need of a significant upgrade. America\u2019s environmental, economic, and national security are inextricably intertwined. Meeting this challenge requires energy and environmental diplomacy where we build bridges with innovation, technology, and willful choice to a rebalanced portfolio with renewable sources.As I prepared to speak at the solar facility dedication ceremony, my thoughts turned to the great Nebraskan George Norris, a former Senator and Representative who served in Congress for 40 years. He died in 1944 after a storied career of policy innovation in agriculture and energy. In his autobiography, he describes electricity in a way somewhat strange to modern ears. He is quoted as talking about the importance of our country moving toward an electrified future. He alludes to electricity as a labor saving tool, a mechanism for creating the conditions in which humanity can flourish. Norris believed electricity would save people not only from drudgery, but from physical harm\u0097a new type of power that would further everyone\u2019s wellbeing.Since then, as we\u2019ve developed our economy through large scale industrial processes, we tend to associate energy production with that which is dirty, remote, and entangled with the foreign affairs of the Middle East. To be fair, from the perspective of public utilities, electricity providers in the 1970s were told to build as much power output as possible, as cheaply as possible, and then sell it to consumers. Now the general message has changed. It is widely understood that utilities need a course correction that harmonizes the values of conservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable living into a new vision for energy production. At the same time, utilities are caught by certain dilemmas. They face the difficulty of paying for the infrastructure of the legacy of the industrial model of energy production while working to embrace a new energy vision that includes the more robust use of wind, solar, geo-thermal, and hydro, and on the horizon doing so through local, distributed energy production models.Far from a lab experiment, a symbolic gesture, or a nice idea, the LES solar project is a concrete, innovative, and economically viable pathway for greater energy diversity. Renewable energy sources now constitute about 48 percent of the power purchased by LES customers. LES, the Omaha Public Power District, and the Nebraska Public Power District have all taken steps, particularly through wind, to take advantage of price competitive renewable sources made possible by technology advancements and certain public policies.At the ribbon cutting, I reacquainted with the farm family who owns the land. I inquired about the nature of the deal they had worked out with the utility, then I thought of another idea \u0097\u2014 a crop in between the solar panels. I suggested sunflowers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 375, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "NE", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 375, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2016&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 375, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NE&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "NE", "label": "NE", "count": 375, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 375, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-09-26,https~3A~2F~2Ffortenberry~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Ffort-reports~2Fhusker-solar-power", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2016&_next=2016-09-26%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Ffortenberry~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Ffort-reports~2Fhusker-solar-power&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 110.04841886460781, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}