{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"NE\" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/looking-back-2018", "Looking Back at 2018", "2018-12-28", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2018 has been a productive year. The economic benefits of tax reform are on display throughout the country with businesses expanding and jobs being created all around us. While there is much left to be done, I'd like to discuss a few of our proudest accomplishments from the past year.\nDuring the week before Christmas, the Senate passed my bill to help our agricultural producers in the Northport Irrigation District. Once signed into law, this bill will allow individual land owners to repay their portion of federal irrigation infrastructure loans instead of paying only the interest as they have for decades. I was pleased to see the House pass it earlier this year and I thank Senator Fischer for her diligent efforts to shepherd it through the Senate.\nEarlier in December, President Trump issued a new rule to supplant President Obama's vastly overreaching WOTUS rule which threatened the productivity of our farmers and ranchers. When President Obama's EPA first issued the rule, I introduced a joint resolution to repeal it under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) which easily passed both the House and Senate and forced a veto by President Obama. I appreciate President Trump's efforts to shield our agricultural producers from overregulation and I look forward to putting this problem behind us for good.\nPresident Trump also recently notified Congress of his intent to negotiate a trade agreement to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers between the United States and Japan. I have long called for such negotiations, including through a House resolution I introduced last year, and I look forward to the 116th Congress when I will take over as co-Chair of the U.S. Japan Congressional Caucus. Through this position, I hope to strengthen our ties with Japanese leaders and build support a mutually beneficial agreement between our two nations.\nAmong our other accomplishments was an amendment to the FAA's reauthorization bill which will allow several of Nebraska's airports to continue receiving safety improvement funding. Many of our airports were hurt by pilot shortages likely brought on by increased pilot regulations which caused them to fall below the traffic threshold required for federal safety funding. Enplanements have already begun to increase under new carriers, and my initiative will help to bridge the gap as Nebraska airports rebounds from this setback.\nLast year's tax reform package was a great accomplishment and I was able to address a number of Nebraska concerns in it, such as maintaining full property tax deductions for agricultural land. This year we were able to ensure the equitable treatment of cooperatives and private grain elevators and buyers under the new tax code by eliminating the Grain Glitch. Nebraska's farmers and ranchers deserve to see the same benefits as other businesses under tax reform.\nOverall, it was a very productive year, but there is still much to be done to resolve our current trade disputes and level the playing field for our agricultural producers as well as the Nebraska business sector as a whole. I appreciate President Trump's leadership on many of these issues and look forward to the many things we can accomplish moving forward.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/bacon-voices-support-district-court-judge-nominee-buescher", "Bacon Voices Support for District Court Judge Nominee Buescher", "2018-12-28", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OMAHA, NE- Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) today expressed support for Brian Buescher of Omaha, who has been nominated by the President to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge in Nebraska. He also expressed disappointment in two U.S. Senators for their religious discrimination shown in their questioning:\nBrian Buescher is a distinguished civic leader and accomplished attorney here in Omaha and has the outstanding judicial temperament needed to serve on the court. Recent questioning from two Democratic Senators on his affiliations with the Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus are out of line and against the spirit of the founding of this nation. We should never have a religious test as a qualification or disqualification to become a judge. Further, our First Amendment right to exercise our faith freely is core to the character of our country. Brian Buescher should be confirmed, and we should rebuke Senators Mazie Hurino of Hawaii and Kamala Harris of California for their disturbing questioning that smells and looks like anti-religious bigotry.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-budget-negotiations", "Fortenberry Statement on Budget Negotiations", "2018-12-22", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dec 13, 2018    \n          Press Release    \n    \n          (Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) made the following statement yesterday on the passage of the Farm Bill:    \n  \n      \n    \n          Dec 1, 2018    \n          Press Release    \n    \n          President George H.W. Bush showed us the virtues of honor in office, dignity and formality. Hearing of his death, I reflected on the story of his dramatic rescue at sea after being shot down over the Pacific during WWII. His passing reminds us again of the Greatest Generation's...    \n  \n      \n    \n          Oct 17, 2018    \n          Press Release    \n    \n          (Lincoln, NE) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today provided the following statement after introducing a resolution in the House of Representatives for the development of a security plan for religious minorities in Northern Iraq:    \n  \n      \n    \n          Oct 15, 2018    \n          Press Release    \n    \n          (Washington, D.C.) Last week, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1) and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY-17) introduced thePalestinian Partnership Fund Act of 2018. This legislation builds bridges between Israelis and Palestinians, laying the groundwork for peace and prosperity...    \n  \n      \n    \n          Oct 3, 2018    \n          Press Release    \n    \n          (Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) today issued the following statement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):\nThis reformed and renegotiated trade deal with Canada and Mexico appears to move us in the right direction, Fortenberry said. ...    \n  \n      \n    \n          Sep 18, 2018    \n          Press Release    \n    \n          (Bellevue, NE, September 18, 2018)Today, in a ceremony at the Bellevue Public Schools Welcome Center, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry presented several outstanding Nebraska students with the prestigious Congressional Award.    \n  \n      \n    \n          Sep 10, 2018    \n          Press Release    \n    \n          (Washington,DC,September 10, 2018)Members of the Nebraska Congressional delegation have urged leadership of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee on Defenseto adopt the Senate's language to fully fund the OC-135B Aircraft Replacement Programas part of their...    \n  \n      \n    \n          Sep 10, 2018    \n          Press Release    \n    \n          (Washington,DC, September 10, 2018)I am pleased to report that as part of the fiscal 2019 Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA and Legislative Branch spending package, Congressional interns will now be paid in both the Senate and the House, Congressman Fortenberry said.    \n  \n      \n    \n          Aug 20, 2018    \n          Press Release    \n    \n          (Lincoln, NE, August 20, 2018)-On Saturday, August 18, at 7:30 PM, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) spoke to an audience of over 300 about the plight of religious minorities in Northern Iraq at the 24thannual Go Big Red Night in the social hall of St.    \n  \n      \n    \n          Aug 3, 2018    \n          Press Release    \n    \n          (Lincoln, NE)  Congressman Jeff Fortenberry spent the evening with the Yazidi community of Lincoln, America's largest, to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Yazidi Genocide.\nThe Yazidis are an ancient ethno-religious people who primarily live in the Nineveh and Sinjar...", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/merry-christmas", "Merry Christmas", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As we prepare to join our families for Christmas, I am reminded of so many things we should be thankful for. This year will be our second Christmas with our young son, Zeke. Much of what I do in Washington is motivated by a desire to leave a healthy country for coming generations to inherit.\nWhen I listen to former President Ronald Reagan's speeches, it is clear he was motivated by the same feelings. He always appealed for unity with a positive disposition, but he never shied away from directly addressing the American people.\nPresident Reagan understood the importance of fiscal discipline, family values, and the American embrace of freedom. As is my tradition, I would like to share with you one of his speeches which holds the same truths as it did in 1981 when he gave it.\nI wish your family a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.\nPresident Ronald Reagan  \n\tRadio Address to the Nation  \n\tDecember 23, 1981\nTonight, in millions of American homes, the glow of the Christmas tree is a reflection of the love Jesus taught us. Like the shepherds and wise men of that first Christmas, we Americans have always tried to follow a higher light, a star, if you will. At lonely campfire vigils along the frontier, in the darkest days of the Great Depression, through war and peace, the twin beacons of faith and freedom have brightened the American sky. At times our footsteps may have faltered, but trusting in God's help, we've never lost our way. Like the National Christmas Tree, our country is a living, growing thing planted in rich American soil. Only our devoted care can bring it to full flower. So, let this holiday season be for us a time of rededication. Even as we rejoice, however, let us remember that for some Americans, this will not be as happy a Christmas as it should be. I know a little of what they feel. I remember one Christmas Eve during the Great Depression, my father opening what he thought was a Christmas greeting. It was a notice that he no longer had a job. Over the past year, we've begun the long, hard work of economic recovery. Our goal is an America in which every citizen who needs and wants a job can get a job.\nA few months before he took up residence in this house, one of my predecessors, John Kennedy, tried to sum up the temper of the times with a quote from an author closely tied to Christmas, Charles Dickens. We were living, he said, in the best of times and the worst of times. Well, in some ways that's even more true today. The world is full of peril, as well as promise. Too many of its people, even now, live in the shadow of want and tyranny.\nOnce, earlier in this century, an evil influence threatened that the lights were going out all over the world. Let the light of millions of candles in American homes give notice that the light of freedom is not going to be extinguished. We are blessed with a freedom and abundance denied to so many. Let those candles remind us that these blessings bring with them a solid obligation, an obligation to the God who guides us, an obligation to the heritage of liberty and dignity handed down to us by our forefathers and an obligation to the children of the world, whose future will be shaped by the way we live our lives today.\nChristmas means so much because of one special child. But Christmas also reminds us that all children are special, that they are gifts from God, gifts beyond price that mean more than any presents money can buy. In their love and laughter, in our hopes for their future lies the true meaning of Christmas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-christmas-0", "Fort Report: Christmas", "2018-12-21", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This time of year, we pause as Nebraskans, as Americans, to celebrate the origins of an ancient faith tradition and its enduring spiritual beauty: the idea of family, the idea of giving, the idea of Christmas. Nebraska has a longstanding, well-earned reputation for nurturing vibrant communities, for singular and often anonymous generosity, and for carefully cultivating storied traditions that renew our commitment to each other.\nIn that spirit, I invite you to view the work of an intern in our DC office, Miriah Goeres, whose wood-burning art poignantly captures the beauty and meaning of the season.\nMerry Christmas!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-joins-president-trump-signing-2018-farm-bill", "Smith Joins President Trump for Signing of 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) made the following statement after joining President Donald Trump at the White House for the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill.\n\n\"I'm proud to support this Farm Bill to give certainty to our farmers and ranchers as the upcoming planting season quickly approaches. Over the past weeks and months, ag producers throughout Nebraska's Third District have expressed to me, first-hand, the importance of a long-term Farm Bill and robust crop insurance. I thank President Trump for understanding the needs of our farmers and ranchers and appreciate his swift action to sign this bill into law.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-joins-president-trump-signing-2018-farm-bill", "Smith Joins President Trump for Signing of 2018 Farm Bill", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) made the following statement after joining President Donald Trump at the White House for the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill.\nI'm proud to support this Farm Bill to give certainty to our farmers and ranchers as the upcoming planting season quickly approaches. Over the past weeks and months, ag producers throughout Nebraska's Third District have expressed to me, first-hand, the importance of a long-term Farm Bill and robust crop insurance. I thank President Trump for understanding the needs of our farmers and ranchers and appreciate his swift action to sign this bill into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-bacon-compares-trumps-syria-withdrawal-obamas-iraq-pull-out", "Rep. Bacon compares Trump's Syria withdrawal to Obama's Iraq pull out", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \nPresident Donald Trump is declaring victory against the Islamic State group in a new White House video explaining his sudden decision to pull U.S. troops out of Syria.\nTrump says in the video, \"We have won against ISIS.\" And he says, \"Now it's time for our troops to come back home.\"\nOfficials announced Wednesday Trump would be pulling all 2,000 U.S. troops out of Syria, sparking alarm and outrage from Republican lawmakers.\n\"We could see ISIS have a resurgence,\" said Republican Don Bacon in a phone interview with KETV NewsWatch 7 Wednesday night. \"To do something quickly does put at risk the gains that we've made.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bacon-issues-statement-criminal-justice-reform", "Rep. Bacon Issues Statement on Criminal Justice Reform", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington D.C. Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed criminal justice reformtoday:\n\"Over 95% of the prison population today will be released at some point in the future, to return home to their families and communities. However, the re-offense rate in America is far too high. We must work to keep people out of prison once they are out.\"\n\"For this reason, I supported the FIRST STEP Act when it passed the House today. This legislation provides prisoners with programs proven to reduce re-offenses, fight against drug abuse, and makespositivereforms to Federal criminal sentencing laws.The FIRST STEP Act  which has support in the law enforcementcommunity gives thosewho arerehabilitated the tools they need to succeed in society, which makes our communities safer and helps taxpayers.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bacon-issues-statement-government-funding", "Rep. Bacon Issues Statement on Government Funding", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) released the following statement after the House passed a year end spending bill:\nIt is unconscionable that Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi want to kick the can down the road once again regarding border security, which is national security. They offer no compromises.Sen. Schumer owes the American people a compromise to prevent a filibuster instead of digging in his heels. This is not only about illegal immigration, but also about combatting human trafficking, fentanyl and terrorism.\"\n\"We should resolve this now and we should listen to the Border Patrol who says they need a wall in certain areas to ensure the security of our nation. Seeking an agreement on border security must trump partisanship and hate for the President. Let's find a compromise and make a bipartisan agreement that secures our border. And, we shouldn't need a government shutdown to find a compromise solution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=6CD8A079-6E70-482E-9BE0-827FFAE721B8", "Three Fischer Bills For Vets, Gold Star Families, Military, Pass Senate", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Yesterday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed three bills sponsored by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). They include the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act, the Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act, and an amendment to the Service Members Civil Relief Act. The legislation now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Fischer released the following statement regarding passage of the bills:\r\nThese are important solutions that will better serve our nation's veterans, Gold Star Families, and service members. They address a number of issues, including helping veterans navigate the VA bureaucracy when they receive accidental payments and owe money back. We're also providing relief to our Gold Star Families by giving them the option to terminate residential leases after losing a spouse in service to our country. And for current members of the military, we are shielding them from TV and internet cancellation fees when they are deployed  the last thing they should have to worry about while preparing for active duty.\r\nUnder the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would partner with Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) to create a new notice of indebtedness letter that explains why an individual owes alleged debts. The letter would also include steps the veteran can take to challenge or mitigate the debt. In addition, the VA would be directed to create a method to notify individuals of their debt electronically. For more information, click here.\r\nThe Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act would allow a widow or widower of a service member who died while in military service to terminate a jointly held residential lease, without penalty, within one year of the service member's death.\r\nUnder existing law, service members may break cellphone contracts, car leases, and other contractual agreements without penalty if they are relocating or deploying on official orders. The Cantwell-Fischer service members cable and internet service termination provision, adopted from S. 624, extends the same relief to ensure military service members are not charged cancellation fees for pay TV and internet services when they deploy or change duty stations.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=CB6947D6-D44A-4B21-8012-CA28185B47D9", "President Trump Signs 2018 Farm Bill Into Law", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after President Donald Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law:\r\n\r\nToday is a great day for Nebraska's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. This bipartisan bill gives our producers a critical safety net, enhances our nation's trade promotion programs, and helps deliver broadband to farm country. I thank President Trump for his support of our producers who feed the world.\r\n\r\nFor more on the 2018 Farm Bill, click here.\r\n\r\n\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=A03C2D1F-F564-460B-B3E9-86E2673E476C", "Sasse Praises Department of Agricultures Proposed Rule on SNAP Work Requirements", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Secretary Perdue's decision follows Senator Sasse's call for action\r\n\r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to pursue regulatory reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that promote work requirements for able-bodied adults. Earlier this week,Sasse leda group of fourteen Senators urging the Department to promote work requirements for SNAP and update regulations governing state waivers.Today the Department of Agriculture did exactly that.\r\nThe stuff that makes life great  families, communities, and work  doesn't come from government, but Washington should help by rolling back bad policy and promoting the dignity of work, said Senator Sasse. Nebraskans want to make sure that we help folks who need it most and that federal policy encourages meaningful work that gets our family and neighbors back on their feet. A few days ago, we urged Secretary Perdue to make these SNAP reforms. Sonny gets it, and the Department of Agriculture is doing the right thing. This is good news.\nBackground:\nToday, the Department of Agriculturepublished a proposed rulethat would promote meaningful work by restoring closing loopholes in the state waiver process for work requirements for able-bodied SNAP recipients.\nEarlier this week,Senator Sasse led a groupof fourteen Senators urging the Department of Agriculture to make these changes. Senator Sasse was joined by Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz,Joni Ernst, Jim Inhofe, Ron Johnson, John Kennedy,James Lankford,Mike Lee, Marco Rubio,Tim Scott,Thom Tillis, Pat Toomey, and Todd Young.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A6A8DA56-49E5-44B3-8E76-25CD20A2D182", "Sasse Statement on Mattis", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\n\"This is a sad day for America because Secretary Mattis was giving advice the President needs to hear. Mattis rightly believes that Russia and China are clear adversaries and that we are at war with jihadists across the globe who plot to kill Americans at home. Isolationism is a weak strategy that will harm Americans and America's allies. Radical Islamic jihadists are still at war with us, and no ISIS is not gone.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C54560FC-C852-4A21-92B5-230C54DD45B3", "Senate Passes More Sasse Transparency Legislation", "2018-12-20", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nebraskans expect accountability, transparency and efficiency from our government.\r\n\r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse released the following statement after the Senate passed his Open, Public, Electronic, and Necessary (OPEN) Government Data Act.\r\nNebraskans expect accountability, transparency and efficiency from our government, said Senator Sasse. This bill isn't rocket science: transparency is good and government data should be made public unless there's a compelling reason not to. The OPEN Data Act is pretty simple: innovation, research, and transparency are great and that's something everyone should agree on.\r\nBackground:\r\nThis legislation requires federal agencies to publish public information in an open, machine-readable format and catalog it online, so that individuals, organizations, and other government offices can use it. It also preserves privacy and national security concerns. The bill passed as part of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6877D79D-6E13-4262-93C2-CF4D8BBB00D1", "Sasse Statement on Reports About Withdrawal From Syria", "2018-12-19", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:\r\n\"Eight days ago the Administration called a hypothetical pullout reckless.' Today, we're leaving. The President's generals have no idea where this weak decision came from: They believe the high-fiving winners today are Iran, ISIS, and Hezbollah. The losers are Israel, humanitarian victims, and U.S. intelligence gathering. A lot of American allies will be slaughtered if this retreat is implemented.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-bacon-just-passed-farm-bill-better-previous-farm-bill", "Rep. Bacon: Just-Passed Farm Bill Is \"Better Than The Previous Farm Bill\"", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The House has easily passed the farm bill, a massive legislative package that reauthorizes agriculture programs and food aid.\n\t\t\t  The legislation has already passed the Senate and is now headed to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it.\n\t\t\tRep. Don Bacon (R) told NET News he thinks Congress got it \"largely right.\" Bacon said there is always compromise involved in a major piece of legislation such as this.\n\t\t\t\"I think what we have is better than the previous farm bill and it's clearly better than what we would have had if we would have had a no vote today and it goes to the next Congress with NancyPelosi being the speaker,\" Bacon said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=7DCA3A4A-9B4E-41E3-938A-8FB37FA13CA6", "Fischer Statement on Criminal Justice Reform Bill", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, the U.S. Senate approved a criminal justice reform bill, known as the First Step Act. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) voted in favor the legislation, which passed by a vote of 87 to 12.\r\nThough I had reservations with the initial bill, I believe the revised version made good faith changes to address my concerns. Specifically, I appreciated adjustments to overly narrow provisions that could have qualified fentanyl traffickers and those convicted of gun crimes related to drug trafficking to earn time credits.\r\nAs part of this process, I visited with numerous law enforcement and judicial officials in Nebraska. The revised bill incorporates important public safety considerations, and provides for fairness and consistency of federal criminal law. Furthermore, this legislation would enable judges to use proven tools from federal statutes to avoid clear injustices on specific, low-risk cases.\r\nThe revised version of the First Step Act:\r\n Ensures those convicted of gun crimes related to drug trafficking aren't eligible for early release.\r\n Strengthens language on earned time credits that would have only excluded a fraction of federal fentanyl traffickers.\r\n Adds strong language to exclude violent offenders from receiving earned time credits, ensuring individuals convicted of more serious crimes could not use them for pre-release custody.\r\nThe First Step Act has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the International Union of Police Associations, which represents more than 100,000 active-duty, rank and file law enforcement professionals across the U.S.\r\n\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=888E5503-71E7-42A3-9082-428EE1C49664", "Sasse Urges Department of Agriculture to Promote SNAP Work Requirements", "2018-12-18", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nebraskans want to make sure that assistance goes to folks who need it most and that federal policy encourages meaningful work.\r\n\r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse led a group of fourteen Senators urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promote work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and update regulations governing state waivers.\nSenator Sasse was joined by Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz,Joni Ernst, Jim Inhofe, Ron Johnson, John Kennedy,James Lankford,Mike Lee, Marco Rubio,Tim Scott,Thom Tillis, Pat Toomey, and Todd Young.\r\n\"Nebraskans want to make sure that assistance goes to folks who need it most and that federal policy encourages meaningful work, saidSenator Sasseafterward. We're asking the Secretary of Agriculture to work to ensure that SNAP serves our neighbors' needs while still promoting a pathway to work.\"\nThe full text of the letter can be found below or by clickinghere.\nDear Secretary Perdue:\nWe write to urge you to review and update the regulations governing state waivers for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to ensure work requirements are applied as Congress intended. The current regulations allowing states to exempt ABAWDs from time limits and work requirements are too broad and do not meet the congressional intent of encouraging able-bodied Americans to get back to work.\nThe Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 limit the amount of time an ABAWD can receive SNAP benefits unless the individual is working at least 80 hours per month, participating in a qualified education or workforce training program, or complying with a state-run workfare program.Under current USDA regulation, states can apply for waivers exempting ABAWDs from time limits and work requirements in two ways: 1) a state can request a waiver of ABAWD time limit and work requirements for an area that has an unemployment rate of 10 percent or does not have a sufficient number of jobs to provide employment for individuals (time limit waiver),or 2) a state agency may exempt up to 15 percent of ABAWDs who would otherwise be subject to time limit and work requirements, if the individual's work requirements have not already been waived by a time limit waiver (15 percent exemption).\nFurthermore, states have significant latitude to include areas with lower unemployment rates and to design the geographic waivers such that the entire state's SNAP population is exempt from federal work requirements. While both the time limit waiver and the 15 percent exemption allow states to tailor their SNAP programs to suit the needs of their citizens, we are deeply concerned that both of these tools, as they are being applied, undermine the work requirements Congress explicitly applied to ABAWDs receiving SNAP benefits, making work requirements effectively meaningless. In 2018, 36 states and territories were approved for statewide or partial ABAWD time limit waivers.In areas of states that are not covered by these time limit waivers, states can still use 15 percent exemptions for ABAWDs to exempt specific individuals from work requirements. These 15 percent exemptions do not expire and states can carry over unused exemptions indefinitely,which may result in more than 15 percent of ABAWDs being exempt from work requirements. Both categories of waivers often extend for years beyond the initial lag in employment opportunities, with many able-bodied adult beneficiaries receiving SNAP benefits for years without ever looking for work.\nWork is good for individuals. It provides self-sufficiency, dignity, and opportunity. Evidence in Kansas and Maine indicates that reinstating work requirements for ABAWDs correlated with people returning to work and improving their circumstances. In Kansas, after the first year of reinstating work requirements for ABAWDs, the Foundation for Government Accountability found that 60 percent of individuals no longer receiving SNAP benefits found employment within 12 months and their incomes rose by 127 percent that year.In Maine, after the first year of reinstating work requirements for ABAWDs, the Maine Office of Policy and Management found that the ABAWDs closed out for non-compliance experienced a 114 percent increase in total wages from the third quarter of 2014 to the fourth quarter of 2015.Those ABAWDs who complied with the work requirement rule experienced a 20 percent increase in total wages through the same period.It is clear that, for all who are able, work should be encouraged.\nWe applaud that the USDA has already solicited comments about requirements and services for ABAWDs in SNAP.We encourage you to continue working to reform the state waiver process and to ensure SNAP fulfills its goal of providing food security for vulnerable citizens while also providing a pathway to meaningful, productive, sustaining work.\r\nSincerely,  U.S. Senator Ben Sasse  U.S. Senator John Kennedy  U.S. Senator Thom Tillis  U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe  U.S. Senator John Cornyn  U.S. Senator Marco Rubio  U.S. Senator James Lankford  U.S. Senator Mike Lee  U.S. Senator Joni Ernst  U.S. Senator Todd Young  U.S. Senator Ted Cruz  U.S. Senator Ron Johnson  U.S. Senator Pat Toomey  U.S. Senator Tim Scott", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-fortenberry-delivers-remarks-house-floor-remembrance-dr-james", "Congressman Fortenberry Delivers Remarks on House Floor in Remembrance of Dr. James Billington", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Office\n\t\t\t1514 Longworth House Office\n\t\t\tWashington, DC 20515\n\t\t\tPhone: (202)225-4806\n\t\t\tFax: (202)225-5686\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tFremont Office\n\t\t\tP.O. Box 377 641 N. Broad Street\n\t\t\tFremont, NE 68026\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)727-0888\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tLincoln Office\n\t\t\t301 South 13th Street Suite 100\n\t\t\tLincoln, NE 68508\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)438-1598\n\t\t\tFax: (402)438-1604\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tNorfolk Office\n\t\t\t506 West Madison Avenue Suite 2\n\t\t\tNorfolk, NE 68701\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)379-2064", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=63C610DB-4EE7-4712-BC99-DF1230A7AB9F", "Sasse Statement on Sentencing Reduction Act", "2018-12-17", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sasse Amendments Would Prevent Early Release of Violent Criminals and Sex Traffickers \r\n  \r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding the current version of the First Step Act:\r\n\"Everyone should want two things: to keep families together by reducing sentences for certain nonviolent offenders; and to keep our communities safe from violent criminals who rightly belong behind bars. How we meet these two goals matters, because many of the people in federal prison are seriously violent. The current draft fails. While this Sentencing Reduction Bill does some good things for nonviolent inmates, as written it will also release thousands of violent felons very early. That's a grave mistake that will hurt innocent Americans. Good intentions are not enough.\"\r\nAdditional Background:  Senator Sasse hasfiledamendmentsto the First Step Act designed toensure that violent and dangerous criminals are not eligible for early release.  One of Senator Sasse'samendmentswouldprevent prisoners from receiving time credits if they are serving time for violent crimes, sex offenses, or any of the following provisions of current law:\r\n \r\n\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2421sex trafficking\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2422coercion for purposes of sex trafficking\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2423sex trafficking minors\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2425enticing minors into sex trafficking\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 1593Abenefitting from human trafficking\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 1594(a)-(c)attempt and conspiracy for human trafficking offenses\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2261domestic violence\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 1112manslaughter\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 1113attempted murder or manslaughter\r\n21 U.S.C. Sec. 841drug trafficking\r\n21 U.S.C. Sec. 960international drug trafficking\r\n21 U.S.C. Sec. 962recalcitrant drug smuggling\r\n46 U.S.C. Sec. 70506maritime drug trafficking\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 36drive-by shooting involving a major drug offense\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 111(a)assaulting a law enforcement officer\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 113(a)(2)-(6)assault\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 114maiming\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 249hate crimes\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2101riots\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2111robbery\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2113(a) and (d)bank robbery\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2118(a)drug robberies\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2119(1)carjacking\r\n18 U.S.C. Sec. 2261Astalking", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/continuing-fight-against-wotus", "Continuing the Fight Against WOTUS", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Our nation's natural resources have no better friend than farmers and ranchers whose livelihood depends on them. From growing crops to raising livestock, their long term success is dependent upon sustainable practices. This is why President Obama's oppressive Clean Water Rule, also known as Waters of the United States (WOTUS), was unwelcome and even offensive to people throughout the Midwest.\nWOTUS sought to greatly increase the EPA's authority to regulate ephemeral streams - those which flow only when it rains or snow melts  by expanding the definition of navigable waterways under the Clean Water Act. However, a vast array of legal scholars, state officials, and federal judges have agreed this Obama-era regulation is both outside the will of Congress and downright unconstitutional.\nIt's not at all difficult to imagine the ways in which an activist administration might use these expanded powers to issue a litany of burdensome and unnecessary regulations surrounding everything from irrigation ditches to water puddles. As a result of the EPA's actions, I introduced a joint resolution to repeal WOTUS under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which allows Congress to overrule any new regulations. The resolution easily passed both the House and Senate, but was vetoed by President Obama.\nWhen President Trump took office, he attempted to roll back the rule almost immediately. Unfortunately, the courts intervened saying the current rule would have to be replaced with a completely new one, rather than rolled back. Much to the relief of farmers and ranchers across the country, the EPA announced a replacement rule this week which both honors past court decisions and includes a more appropriate definition of navigable waterways.\nUnder the new rule, the EPA will continue to do its job while respecting the rights of farmers and ranchers to steward our natural resources as they have for generations. I appreciate President Trump for his efforts to shield our agricultural producers from burdensome regulations and I'm proud to have played a part in bringing the Obama administration's overreach to light. I look forward to this rule being finalized for the benefit of our rural economy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-farm-bill-0", "Fort Report: The Farm Bill", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week the House and Senate passed a new Farm Bill with a very strong bipartisan vote. For a lot of Americans, it's easy to overlook this accomplishment. Our grocery bills are the lowest in the world, food is readily available, and our safety net is well considered. It comes down to this: The vastness of our land, the quality of our soil, and the gritty ingenuity of our farmers are the foundation that have given America prosperity, stability, and economic vitality.\nThe Farm Bill provides risk-management tools to maximize this natural gift, allowing farmers and ranchers to provide food security for our country. Its nutrition programs, as well as food assistance to millions of others around the world, protect those in vulnerable circumstances. The bill fosters conservation practices that enhance soil protection and wildlife habitat; and I am pleased by the increases in the number of acres in the Conservation Reserve Program. The bill ensures that America continues to lead the world in agricultural innovation, food safety, and renewable fuels.\nBeginning farmers and local food producers are big winners in the Farm Bill. I am encouraged by the growing interest our young people see in agricultural opportunity. We are witnessing a food culture awakening with local chefs, farmers markets, and a keen interest in eating local. This Farm Bill helps these next-generation farmers and food entrepreneurs through new resources and training. The expanded Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) accelerates the farm-to-fork movement across America, connecting local farmers with consumers and restaurants. This offers a big opportunity for Nebraska.\nI am happy that my provisions to enhance the Farmer to Farmer program made it into the final package. For over thirty years, theFarmer to Farmerprogram has connected volunteer American farmers, agriculture extension experts, and others with deep knowledge of the ag industry with farmers abroad. From dairy production to seed selection, entomology, irrigation, crop yield improvement, and farm credit, America's farmers help others around the globe. The sharing of America's ag expertise dramatically enhances the capacity of peoples elsewhere to grow their own foodcontributing to worldwide food security, community well-being, and human flourishing.\nWe worked very hard to address a major problemthe high cost of health insurance for farmers. TheRural Health Insurance Actpassed the House but did not make it through the Senate.We hear frequently from our farmers that some pay upwardsof$30,000 or more annually for health insurance. These high costs have deeply affected farm families. We will continue to seek opportunities in the next Congress to address the thorny problem of broken insurance markets.\nIn Nebraska, agriculture is central to our economic well-being, our way of life, our culture. Our land grant universities help ensure that we maintain our tremendous productivity in the agriculture sector. The Farm Bill is a once-every-five-year piece of legislation. The birth of such legislation is neither easy nor smooth. But it is finally done.\nFor Nebraskans, the Farm Bill is not just another bill out of Washington. Like the rhythms of planting and sowing, it is an expected rite of legislative passage essential to who we are as a people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lincoln-journal-star-congressman-fortenberry-comments-passage-farm-bill", "Lincoln Journal Star: Congressman Fortenberry Comments on Passage of Farm Bill", "2018-12-14", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Adrian Smith hailed House passage of a new farm bill Wednesday, expressing \"strong support\" for the legislation from the congressional district that he says leads the nation in agricultural production.\nSmith's 3rd District spreads across western and central Nebraska and also includes the northeastern and southeastern corners of the state.\n\"The No. 1 item on the farmers' minds was the continuation of a strong crop insurance program,\" the Republican congressman said. \"This farm bill accomplishes the objective.\"\nThe bill did not include an earlier House provision that would have imposed strong work requirements for recipients of so-called food stamps provided through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.\nThe legislation passed the Senate on Tuesday by an 87-13 vote.\nSmith said the bill \"recognizes the challenges and threats facing our livestock producers by creating a disease-prevention program and vaccine bank to help contain any potential future outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in our country.\"\nAlso included in the legislation is a provision legalizing industrial hemp.\nRep. Don Bacon, a Republican member of the House Agriculture Committee, said the bill \"delivers key wins for Nebraska farmers, ranchers and consumers, as well as certainty and stability\" for Nebraska's ag economy.\n\"The bill provides over $600 million in funding for research and extension projects for land-grant universities like the University of Nebraska, which helps keep Nebraska agriculture a leader of innovation,\" Bacon said.\nBacon also pointed to trade promotion features of the legislation.\n\"There are many wins for Nebraska in this bill,\" he said.\nRep. Jeff Fortenberry said the bill will provide \"risk-management tools for Nebraska's farmers and ranchers and food security to millions of Americans through its nutrition programs.\"\nThe bill \"ensures that America continues to lead the world in agricultural innovation, food safety and renewable fuels while enhancing opportunity for beginning farmers and local growers,\" the Lincoln congressman said.\n\nClick here for a link to the article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/1011-news-congressman-fortenberry-speaks-after-passage-farm-bill", "1011 News: Congressman Fortenberry Speaks After Passage of Farm Bill", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Office\n\t\t\t1514 Longworth House Office\n\t\t\tWashington, DC 20515\n\t\t\tPhone: (202)225-4806\n\t\t\tFax: (202)225-5686\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tFremont Office\n\t\t\tP.O. Box 377 641 N. Broad Street\n\t\t\tFremont, NE 68026\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)727-0888\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tLincoln Office\n\t\t\t301 South 13th Street Suite 100\n\t\t\tLincoln, NE 68508\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)438-1598\n\t\t\tFax: (402)438-1604\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tNorfolk Office\n\t\t\t506 West Madison Avenue Suite 2\n\t\t\tNorfolk, NE 68701\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)379-2064", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-passage-farm-bill", "Fortenberry Statement on Passage of the Farm Bill", "2018-12-13", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) made the following statement yesterday on the passage of the Farm Bill:\nThe just-passed Farm Bill is important for Nebraska and America. It is one of the most significant pieces of legislation that we work on in Congress. It provides risk-management tools forNebraska's farmers and ranchers and food security to millions of Americans through its nutritionprograms,Fortenberry said. The new Farm Billalso fosters conservationpractices that enhance soil protection and wildlife habitat. And itensures that America continues to lead the world in agricultural innovation,foodsafety, and renewable fuels, while enhancing opportunity for beginning farmers and local growers, Fortenberry said.\nCongressman Jeff Fortenberry is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and is sponsor of theRural Health Insurance Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-commends-passage-2018-farm-bill-conference-report", "Smith Commends Passage of 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives shortly before voting in favor of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report, which passed by a vote of 369-47.\n\nTo watch a video of Rep. Smith's remarks, click here.\n\nMr. Speaker \u2013 I rise today to express my strong support for this farm bill conference report.\n\n-Given the ongoing challenges in the agricultural economy, it is very important our producers have all the certainty we can provide as they make their Spring planting decisions.\n\n-I held a series of listening sessions around Nebraska's Third District \u2013 our nation's number one producing district for agriculture - last year to hear producers' thoughts about the farm bill.\n\n-The number one item on the farmer's minds was the continuation of a strong crop insurance program. This farm bill accomplishes the objective.\n\n-It also recognizes the challenges and threats facing our livestock producers by creating a disease prevention program and vaccine bank to help contain any potential future outbreak of foot and mouth disease in our country.\n\n-This farm bill and continued positive progress on trade will go a long way toward increasing their piece of mind.\n\n-I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation and I appreciate the support of the Administration in bringing this legislation to a successful conclusion.\n\n-I yield back.\n\nThe 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report will now go to President Trump to be signed into law after having been approved by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, December 11. Nebraska's Third District leads the nation in agricultural production.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-commends-passage-2018-farm-bill-conference-report", "Smith Commends Passage of 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives shortly before voting in favor of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report, which passed by a vote of 369-47.\nTo watch a video of Rep. Smith's remarks, click here.\nMr. Speaker  I rise today to express my strong support for this farm bill conference report. \n-Given the ongoing challenges in the agricultural economy, it is very important our producers have all the certainty we can provide as they make their Spring planting decisions.\n-I held a series of listening sessions around Nebraska's Third District  our nation's number one producing district for agriculture - last year to hear producers' thoughts about the farm bill. \n-The number one item on the farmer's minds was the continuation of a strong crop insurance program. This farm bill accomplishes the objective. \n-It also recognizes the challenges and threats facing our livestock producers by creating a disease prevention program and vaccine bank to help contain any potential future outbreak of foot and mouth disease in our country. \n-This farm bill and continued positive progress on trade will go a long way toward increasing their piece of mind. \n-I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation and I appreciate the support of the Administration in bringing this legislation to a successful conclusion.\n-I yield back.\nThe 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report will now go to President Trump to be signed into law after having been approved by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, December 11. Nebraska's Third District leads the nation in agricultural production.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bacon-says-farm-bill-will-help-grow-nebraska-s-economy", "Rep. Bacon Says Farm Bill Will Help Grow Nebraskas Economy", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) today joined his colleagues to pass the 2018 Farm Bill, which delivers key wins for Nebraskan farmers, ranchers, and consumers, as well ascertainty and stability to the economies of Ag communities like Nebraska.\nFour areas of concern to Rep. Bacon, addressed in the 2018 Farm Bill, include: trade promotion, a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Bank, an affordable crop insurance program, and continued research funding for universities such as the University of Nebraska.\nThe2018 Farm Billprovides mandatory funding to the Foreign Market Development program, the Market Access Program, and other trade initiatives designed to promote U.S. agricultural exports, while streamlining the four existing trade promotion programs under one umbrella, the Agricultural Trade Promotion and Facilitation.\nThese measures will help Nebraska's number one economy thrive,said Rep. Bacon.Our farmers, ranchers, financial services sector, meatpacking plants, etc. all rely on fair trade programs.\nOther issues addressed helps the ag economy of Nebraska thrive.\nSpeaking with many members of Nebraska's agricultural community, l learned a large concern was animal disease prevention and management efforts,said Rep. Bacon.This bill includes $300 million in funding for these efforts, including a priority of mine, a new U.S.-only vaccine bank stockpiling the FMD vaccine.\nRep. Bacon also stated he was glad that the farm safety net is strengthened with the 2018 Farm Bill.\nCrop insurance is protected in this legislation and it also makes several key improvements, including new insurance products and improvements to whole farm revenue coverage for specialty crop producers, added Rep. Bacon.Certainty is provided to America's farmers and ranchers with important policies like Price Loss Coverage, Agriculture Risk Coverage, Commodity Loans, Dairy Margin Coverage, Livestock Disaster Programs, and Crop Insurance.\nResearch, extension, and education is also vital to Nebraska's ag economy, and the University of Nebraska is a front-runner in these areas.\nThis bill provides over $600 million in funding for research and extension projects for land grant universities like the University of Nebraska, which helps keep Nebraska agriculture a leader of innovation,said Rep. Bacon.\nThere are many wins for Nebraska in this bill.\nOne out of every four jobs in Nebraska is related to agriculture and the 2018 Farm Bill provides certainty not only to our farmers, ranchers and producers, but to so many other related industries in Nebraska, added Rep. Bacon.When our producers thrive, the processing, financial services and transportation industries on our state thrive meaning that more and more families in Nebraska are impacted by a successful farm bill.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=52460770-55C0-4A61-80F6-610CC7F23A6A", "Sasse On Chinese Spying: We Cant Sleep On This Threat", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Too many folks in Washington cling to an imaginary distinction between Chinese businesses and the Chinese Communist Party.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nVideo of Senator Sasse's exchange is availablehereor by clicking on the image above\r\n\r\n\r\nAt today's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the threat of China's non-traditional espionage efforts, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who last week praised the arrest of a Chinese tech CFO at the request of the Department of Justice, pushed for more clarity, urgency, and accountability from federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies.\r\nToo many folks in Washington cling to an imaginary distinction between Chinese businesses and the Chinese Communist Party, said Senator Sasse afterward. This is much, much bigger than corporate cheating' or old-school spy-vs-spy tactics. China wants to win a fight before it starts by leveraging every tool at Chairman Xi's disposal  sometimes that means using the state and sometimes that means using Chinese citizens and businesses. We can't sleep on this threat. The Assistant Director for Counterintelligence at the FBI gets this and is trying to bring urgency to the challenge.\r\nTranscript of Senator Sasse's exchange with Christopher Krebs, the Director ofCybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for theDepartment of Homeland Security, and Bill Priestap, theAssistant Director of the Counterintelligence Division for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is found below:\r\nSasse: Mr. Chairman. Thanks to the three of you for being here. Incredibly important topic and I applaud Chairman Grassley and Senator Feinstein for scheduling this important hearing. Director Priestap, you made a number of startling and really important comments in your opening statement. How does the Chinese government think about its diaspora? How do they think about students abroad? How do they think about corporate executives working in Silicon Valley?\r\nPriestap: In my opinion, they think of them as being beholden to them. They think of them as -- just simply an extension of their power, of their nation.\r\nSasse: And, what is the range of understanding that Chinese nationals who are studying, getting PhD's in the U.S. or working in tech companies in the U.S., to what degreewhat's the differentiation of understanding they have about how they are viewed as assets of the government?\r\nPriestap: You mean those individuals? Based on FBI interaction with some of those individuals, it really is a case-by-case basis. Some I think are not knowledgeable in the least and are completely unwitting of doing anything in furtherance of their government aims. And, others either through direct or other softly applied pressure understand that they have obligations to meet. But, it really runs a gamut is what I'm trying to say.\r\nSasse: Is there clarity in the way we, the United States government communicate to folks who come into the U.S. though about our laws and about the expectations about what is and isn't appropriate forms of statecraft and spycraft?\r\nPriestap: No, I think that is a great question and, in my experience, there doesn't seem to be consistency, and frankly it is something I think we could do a much better job of, especially in regards to universities and other research institutions, standards of research, what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Is that spelled out for all of the people studying and conducting the research? So, that people know from day one what is right and what is wrong and that there will be consequences if they cross that line.\r\nSasse: And, when you say - and Director Krebs, you and I have had a number of good briefings separate from this and I definitely appreciate your work and also agree with the congratulations on your new role - but when we say that there is coordination but there is not a coordinator, who would be responsible for what Director Priestap just said? Who in the U.S. government is responsible for thinking through this issue of strategic communications with Chinese nationals who come to the U.S., many of them not intending to break laws but ultimately having pressure on them to break our laws or be involved in corporate and economic espionage? And, who in the U.S. government is communicating with the tech companies about the hiring they are doing? Who is communicating with the universities about the often-nefarious effects of the Confucius Institutes? Where does that responsibility reside in the U.S. government?\r\nKrebs: I see those as counterintelligence and law enforcement roles and responsibilities that there is a substantial amount of coordination that happened through the National Security Council led in part by the Director of FBI and the Director of National Intelligence. Now, my job is principally cybersecurity and risk management is to carry the message they develop and then push it out through the public/private partnerships whether it's with industry or with academia.\r\nSasse: Thanks. Director.\r\nPriestap: I'm sorry, Senator. If I may, because I think that just an absolutely critical question in what I'm seeing, not just across government, but across business, across academia, what have you, again there are pockets of great understanding of the threat we're facing and effective responses. But in my opinion, we've got to knit that together better. Our government somehow -- obviously we have three separate branches intentionally, but if we're facing a whole of government, some call it a whole of society -- not meaning every person in the society is posing the threat but people from all walks of life -- you can't effectively combat that threat with ad hoc responses. We need more people in government, more people in business, more people in academia pulling in the same direction to combat this threat effectively.\r\nSasse: Going back to the point you made earlier about spy on spy, the Chinese clearly understand that this is not merely a spy on spy initiative anymore, and our system is the better system in the long-term. Decentralization is the better system for human flourishing and for innovation, but it certainly puts greater communication burdens on us to be able to respond to all of the asymmetric disadvantages that we face. Is there anything we can learn from the Five Eyes partners that we have about how they respond to these kinds of strategic threats.\r\nPriestap: I guess the only thing I would add because obviously the FBI and my division coordinates closely with them. We need them. If we think we've got a threat today and people are trying to steal things today, what we have to understand is if they can't get it from the U.S., you go to the place where... you know, somewhere else you could get it. In other words, you look for the soft underbelly. You need a coordinated response. We need as many allies in this fight as is possible.\r\nSasse: I'm at time so, General Demers, I'll just flag for you that I'm going to send you a letter following up on some of the important comments you made about the intention of the department to continue the China Initiative from the Chinese Espionage Act and to ask some questions about how many cases we're currently pursuing. So, thanks for your work.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=58C8CA96-785C-4FDE-B798-E9E36FD873D2", "Sasse Presses DOJ For Answers On OrthoNebraska Hack", "2018-12-12", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight, released the following statement after sending an oversight letter to the Department of Justice regarding a 2016 cyberattack that targeted OrthoNebraska, Nebraska's only hospital specializing in orthopedics and a leading employer in the state. Last month, the Department of Justice indicted two Iranian nationals for carrying out cyberattacks against American targets, including OrthoNebraska.\r\nCyber attackers don't just target tech companies in Silicon Valley and government agencies in Washington, they're hitting businesses and infrastructure. In 2016, Iranian hackers blackmailed an Omaha hospital demanding a ransom. That's not science fiction  it's right here in Nebraska. We need a coherent cyber doctrine to blunt and respond to these attacks because the threats are only going to get more serious.\r\nText of Senator Sasse'slettercan be found below:\r\nDear Mr. Rosenstein,\r\nI write to you today regarding the November 26 indictment of two Iranian nationals for crimes conducted in the commission of ransomware attacks against numerous American targets. I recognize the uniqueness of this particular indictment, both in its specifics and its scope, and I applaud your efforts to expose cybercriminals and bring them to justice.\r\nThe attacks described in the indictment targeted critical American infrastructure, municipal governments, universities, and health systems beginning in December 2015 and continuing through November 2018. The attacks cost the affected entities millions of dollars and prevented ports, hospitals, and cities from being able to fully carry out their missions. The targets of these wide-ranging attacks included OrthoNebraska, Nebraska's only hospital specializing in orthopedics and a leading employer in the state. Victims were forced to pay a ransom in virtual currency in order to recover lost data, as the defendants penetrated systems before deploying the malware, crippling their operations. Until we are able to come up with a coherent doctrine for blunting and responding to these attacks, our economy, our local governments, and our critical infrastructureincluding our healthcare systemswill remain vulnerable.\r\nThe attacks also raise several pressing questions about American law enforcement's ability to bring overseas cybercriminals to justice and address the ways in which cryptocurrencies and new financial technologies make stolen funds more difficult to track and recover. This indictment illustrates how two individuals can cause significant damage to American municipalities and companies, with victims forced to choose between paying a ransom or suffering shut-downs in daily operations.\r\nIn light of these events, I am requesting a briefing from your agency to discuss the following:\r\n1) Specific details of this attack, with particular focus on how OrthoNebraska was affected;\r\n2) The evolution, in both sophistication and target selection, of ransomware attacks and the Department's ability to address these challenges;\r\n3) The role of cryptocurrency in cybercrime and how your Department is responding to this development;\r\n4) How your Department's authorities and capabilities fit into the government-wide effort to deter foreign hackers, especially those from rogue states such as Iran, and to impose punitive measures on them (and any state sponsors) for their behavior.\r\nPlease respond in writing to confirm receipt of this letter within the next 15 days. If you have any questions, please contact my staff at (202) 224-4224. I look forward to your prompt response.\r\nSincerely,  Ben Sasse", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-statement-farm-bill-conference-report", "Smith Statement on Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the Farm Bill conference report was released for consideration by the House of Representatives and Senate.\n\n\"Through my Farm Bill listening sessions and travels across the Third District, Nebraska's producers have made clear they need the certainty of a long term Farm Bill. I am pleased the conference report continues our commitment to a strong crop insurance program and creates a vaccine bank to help contain any future incidents of foot and mouth disease. I look forward to supporting the bill later this week as we move to quickly send it to President Trump for his signature.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:11:43Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-statement-farm-bill-conference-report", "Smith Statement on Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the Farm Bill conference report was released for consideration by the House of Representatives and Senate.\nThrough my Farm Bill listening sessions and travels across the Third District, Nebraska's producers have made clear they need the certainty of a long term Farm Bill. I am pleased the conference report continues our commitment to a strong crop insurance program and creates a vaccine bank to help contain any future incidents of foot and mouth disease. I look forward to supporting the bill later this week as we move to quickly send it to President Trump for his signature.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=1190C7FE-F72D-4C65-A8B3-515EF19248AB", "Fischer Praises Senate Passage of 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after the Senate passed the 2018 Farm Bill conference report by a vote of 87-13:\r\nI'm proud that the Senate was able to come together in a bipartisan fashion today and pass a strong Farm Bill for Nebraska and all of rural America. From the beginning, I wanted to see a Farm Bill that protected critical risk management programs like crop insurance, improved our trade promotion programs, and deployed broadband in rural areas so agriculture producers can use precision agriculture technology. This Farm Bill achieves all of those goals and more. In a time of uncertainty for farm country, this bill is going to bring confidence, stability, and predictability to our families who feed our hungry world.\r\nFollowing passage by the Senate, the Farm Bill only needs to clear theHouse of Representativesbefore it heads to President Trump's desk.The House is expected to vote on the Farm Bill conference report tomorrow.\r\nThe 2018Farm Bill:                        \r\n \r\nContinues to provide agricultureproducers with important risk management tools and voluntary access to farm programs, including: crop insurance, Agriculture Risk Coverage(ARC) and the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program.\r\n \r\n \r\nStreamlines thetrade promotion programs. This will provide certainty for farmers and ranchers marketing products around the globe. These programs are also critical to providing agriculture producers access to international markets.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncludes the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, sponsored by Senator Fischer, which would create a task force at the FCC charged with identifying gaps in high-speed internet connectivity across America's farm and ranch land. Working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the task force would promote the rapid expansion of high-speed broadband, with the goal of achieving service to 95 percent of agricultural lands by 2025.\r\n \r\n \r\nExpands broadband access in rural areas by providing direct loan and grant incentives to encourage public-private partnerships that will expedite investment into rural broadband infrastructure.\r\n \r\n \r\nEstablishes a program to address animal disease prevention and management, including the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank and the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program.\r\n \r\n \r\nIncludes language sponsored by Senator Fischer that recommends USDA recognize as a best management practice in conservation programs the use of remote telemetry data systems for irrigation scheduling. It also encourages USDA to incorporate remote telemetry data systems as a best management practice under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).\r\n \r\n \r\nReauthorizes and bolsters the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, increasing the integrity of the program so it can better target the most vulnerable.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=202FD785-E5CD-472C-AA68-111FD5A5E59B", "Fischer Responds to EPA\u2019s New Water Rule Replacing WOTUS", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee, today welcomed the EPA's announcement of a new water policy proposed rule. The rule replaces the Obama administration's 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which expanded the federal government's jurisdiction over Nebraska's water:\r\nThe 2015 WOTUS rule had far-reaching consequences that would have hurt every single Nebraskan. The proposed rule announced today provides clarity and will ensure the federal government stays in its jurisdictional lane.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=859E29B8-AD43-48DD-9E10-8D1B86863841", "Fischer Statement on Farm Bill Conference Agreement", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after the House and Senate Farm Bill conference committee released the text of the 2018 Farm Bill conference report:\r\nThe Farm Bill conference report maintains key elements I fought for in the Senate bill, such as protecting crop insurance, simplifying trade promotion programs, and unleashing more broadband infrastructure in rural America.The report also includes my Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, a solution to find and close gaps in broadband connectivity across farm and ranch country.Nebraska ag producers want a clearer and more predictable guide for the future, and that's what this bill will provide.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=70311CB4-4FFB-4CDF-9227-C3EEC4F3A95A", "Sasse Statement on New Water Rule", "2018-12-11", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, an outspoken advocate for American agriculture, released the following statement after the EPA proposed new rules to replace the unconstitutional 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Senator Sasse will submit Nebraskans' comments to the EPA during the rulemaking comment period.\r\n\"This is good news. The Obama-era WOTUS rule was textbook Washington hogwash: unelected federal bureaucrats were trying to unconstitutionally regulate puddles here in Nebraska. I'm grateful for today's new approach -- Nebraska producers need predictability and common sense. Here's the truth Nebraskans have known all along: nobody cares more about our land and water resources than we do -- our farmers and ranchers don't talk about conservation, they do it.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/1011-news-congressman-fortenberry-discusses-legacy-president-george-hw-bush", "1011 News: Congressman Fortenberry Discusses Legacy of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-10", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Office\n\t\t\t1514 Longworth House Office\n\t\t\tWashington, DC 20515\n\t\t\tPhone: (202)225-4806\n\t\t\tFax: (202)225-5686\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tFremont Office\n\t\t\tP.O. Box 377 641 N. Broad Street\n\t\t\tFremont, NE 68026\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)727-0888\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tLincoln Office\n\t\t\t301 South 13th Street Suite 100\n\t\t\tLincoln, NE 68508\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)438-1598\n\t\t\tFax: (402)438-1604\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tNorfolk Office\n\t\t\t506 West Madison Avenue Suite 2\n\t\t\tNorfolk, NE 68701\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)379-2064", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/remembering-president-george-h-w-bush", "Remembering President George H. W. Bush", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, we said goodbye to former President George H. W. Bush after his death at age 94 at his home in Houston. At the time of his wife's death in April of this year, he and former First Lady Barbara Bush had been married for 73 years, which is the longest presidential marriage in history. President Bush will be remembered for many things, chief among them his governing during the collapse of the Soviet Union and his leadership during the Gulf War.\nI appreciate President Bush for his leadership in negotiating and signing NAFTA. Despite being ratified by Congress during the Clinton administration, NAFTA had already been signed when President Clinton took office. In fact, President Bush was one of the earliest and most vocal proponents of free trade to lead the United States.\nHe believed countries with strong trade ties were less likely to go to war and that economic development was shared by all parties when barriers to trade were lifted. Nearly half of all agricultural products exported from Nebraska, worth around $3 billion annually, are consumed by Canada and Mexico under NAFTA. Its replacement, the USMCA, was signed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico on the same day President Bush passed.\nPresident Bush's entire life was characterized by humility and selfless service to his country. He served as a Navy pilot in the Pacific Theater of World War II during which he flew 58 combat missions. On one sortie, he was forced to bail out of his badly damaged aircraft. He was rescued several hours later, but the other two members of his crew did not survive. In 1967, President Bush was elected to Congress where he served until President Nixon appointed him Ambassador to the United Nations. He also served as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office to China and Director of Central Intelligence, both under President Ford.\nPresident Bush served as vice president under President Reagan for eight years before being elected president himself in 1988. Throughout his presidency, the United States faced a number of challenges to which President Bush rose with the honor, even-temperament, and respect we should all seek to emulate in our day-to-day lives.\nI was honored to pay my respects as former President George H. W. Bush's body laid in state at the U.S. Capitol and to attend his funeral service at the National Cathedral. Eulogies delivered by his son, former President George W. Bush, and others highlighted a number of lessons we should remember as a nation moving forward. My wife and I will continue to keep the Bush family in our prayers as they celebrate the life of a great man who served his country with distinction.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bacon-signs-letter-supporting-employer-student-loan-assistance", "Rep. Bacon Signs on to Letter Supporting Employer Student Loan Assistance", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), along with a number of his colleagues, signed on to a letter urgingSpeaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to include the Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act (H.R. 795) in any year-end tax packages.\n\"As more students are choosing to attend higher education, our system to pay for college has not kept pace. Seven in ten college seniors graduate with debt, taking away from their ability to invest, purchase a home, or save for retirement.As the price to attend college has skyrocketed, so has thedebt of our students, who are shackled with high loans.'\n\"That is why I have cosponsored the Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act (H.R. 795), which aims to help students struggling to pay their loans and schooling tuition. This is a commonsense bipartisan solution that allows employers to make tax-excluded student loan repayments up to $5,250 annually to their employees. Students who have left school and are now in the workforce should not be weighed down by their choice to further their education. This is a good solution that allows employers to help their employees with their student debt.\n\"To further this bill, I joined several of my colleagues in writing Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, urging them to include H.R. 795 in any year-end tax packages.I am committed to helping students succeed during and after their time in school. We must not abandon people once they leave school. I will continue to look for additional solutions to help solve this issue.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-george-hw-bush", "Fort Report: President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-07", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At President George H.W. Bush's home in Kennebunkport, Maine, there is a sign with four letters: C-A-V-U. Aviators know what this means. Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited.\nAs the country mourned the loss of our 41st President this week, perhaps we learned more about the remarkable life of George H.W. Bush than during his presidency. There was a sense in America during his tenure that he came from an elite life of privilege. That perception in no way captures the fullness of this man's journey.\nThe President began his adult life as a college student at Yale. A star baseball player and high-achiever, a certain unlimited horizon was before him. But he chose to leave Yale and enlisted on his 18th birthday to serve in WWII.\nHe joined the Navy and became a fighter pilot. On a mission to destroy a Japanese radio tower, his plane was hit by flak. With fire sweeping over the wings, he kept flying, dropped his bombs, and turned back over the ocean. Ordering his crew to hit the silk, he dipped the plane to allow their escape before he jettisoned himself. As the wind caught him, he gashed his head on the tail of the plane and plunged towards the sea. Exhausted and bleeding, he climbed onto a raft. Remarkably, a submarine spotted him, and he was rescued. None of his other crew survived. At his funeral, it was remarked that he often asked why he was spared, and his crewmen were not. He wanted to live a life worthy of their sacrifice. The war over,he left behind other options on Wall Street, and he and Barbara moved the family to Texas to make their way in the oil business.\nAs I sat during the funeral at the Washington National Cathedral, a faith-based liturgy based upon the Christian tradition of the Bush family, I had these reflections: The music is beautiful, timeless, and triumphant, bespeaking of nobility. America is gritty, tough, but the death of a President reminds us of our capacity for sacrifice and beauty.\" The author of his biography, Jon Meacham, remarked that President Bush was the \"last great soldier-statesman...a founding father of the 20th century, who would say, Tell the truth, don't blame people...stay the course.\" Former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson added, Loyalty--it coursed through his blood. Loyalty to his countryloyalty to his friends.\" His son President George W. Bush said that he taught the family that public service was noble and necessary.\nThe night before the funeral, I went to the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol to pay my respects to the President as he lay in state. I just happened to go at a time when the Bush family was entering. Security had cleared the area so that the family could have a private moment. However, President George W. Bush insisted, No, let the public stay. The family greeted everyone present. The President shared some kind words with me, and then he looked at us and said, Don't cry. If you cry, I'll cry. That moment captured the moving duality of the funeral. There was a formality, dignity, and reverence, as world leaders and five Presidents gathered to pay their respects. The music soared, prayers lifted. But it was also intimate and personal. A family grieved the loss of their father, and friends told of their close relationshipan American public liturgy. \nAlthough his presidency was only one term, upon reflection, some incredible things happened during that period of time. The First Gulf War was executed with absolute precision through an impressive international coalition of the willing and with minimal loss for America. The Berlin Wall fell. He signed theClean Water Actand theAmericans with Disabilities Act.\nComedian Dana Carvey hilariously caricatured him (they also became friends), mocking the expressions thousand points of light and stay the course. Maybe we didn't fully understand back then. Now we do.\nStay the course. Be one of the Thousand Points of Light. Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=7194E306-85CB-4CB9-A5A9-BBB6FC41192E", "U.S. Dept. of Transportation Approves $20 Million Grant  for Murray to Plattsmouth Road-Widening Project", "2018-12-06", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), chairman of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee, issued the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant for $20 million to fund a road-widening project from Murray to Plattsmouth:\r\nI'm excited to hear the Department of Transportation approved a $20 million grant for this expansion project stretching from Murray to Plattsmouth. Since fall of 2017, I've been advocating for this investment because it will improve road safety and connectivity between our communities. I'm thankful to Secretary Chao for her support of this important infrastructure project for Nebraska.\r\nIn October of 2017, Fischer sent aletterto Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao to requesting consideration of this expansion project.\r\nMore information on the BUILD Grants program from the U.S. DOT:\r\nThe project will reconstruct approximately seven miles of US-75/US-34 from Murray, NE to Plattsmouth, NE, widening the two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided expressway. The project also incorporates roadway, bridge and drainage improvements and replacements.\r\nFor more about the BUILD Grants program,click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1C5AB699-65FD-4ED9-A8EE-63B3B44C3EE6", "Sasse Praises Arrest of Chinese Tech CFO", "2018-12-05", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Banking Committees, issued the following statement regarding the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Chinese Telecom giant, Huawei Technologies Company. Ms. Meng was arrested by Canadian authorities at the United States' request.\r\nChina is working creatively to undermine our national security interests, and the United States and our allies can't sit on the sidelines, said Senator Sasse. Sometimes Chinese aggression is explicitly state-sponsored and sometimes it's laundered through many of Beijing's so-called private' sector entities that are in bed with Xi's communist party. Americans are grateful that our Canadian partners have arrested the Chief Financial Officer of a giant Chinese telecom company for breaking U.S. sanctions against Iran.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-president-george-hw-bush", "Fortenberry Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President George H.W. Bush showed us the virtues of honor in office, dignity and formality. Hearing of his death, I reflected on the story of his dramatic rescue at sea after being shot down over the Pacific during WWII. His passing reminds us again of the Greatest Generation's dedication to our country's noblest ideals.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=FAA5BD65-004C-495C-98DC-0C36ADEEE8D4", "Fischer Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today after learning President George Herbert Walker Bush passed away:\r\n\r\nBruce and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of President George H.W. Bush. A member of the Greatest Generation, President Bush humbly served the country he loved. George H.W Bush was a patriot, a leader, and a decent man who had a noble spirit. Our prayers are with his family.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=81B1E802-AAFC-4767-B6B0-A511EF07C624", "Sasse Statement on George H.W. Bush", "2018-12-01", "2018", "2018-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse released the following statement after the death of President George H.W. Bush.\r\nPresident George H.W. Bush served the American people with honor, diligence, and integrity  from his Naval service to the Oval Office. His family knows well the sacrifices required of public service and they have the gratitude of our entire country. Melissa and I now join millions of Americans in holding up all of his children in prayer.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-statement-signing-usmca-trade-agreement", "Smith Statement on Signing of USMCA Trade Agreement", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after representatives of the United States, Mexico, and Canada signed the USMCA trade agreement in Buenos Aires, Argentina.\n\n\"Months of negotiations culminated this morning in the signing of USMCA, a three-party trade agreement to replace NAFTA. I commend President Trump and his team for securing an agreement which holds great promise for Nebraska's agricultural producers through expanded trade with America's neighbors. I look forward to reviewing the agreement in detail once submitted to Congress for ratification.\"\n\nSmith is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee which has jurisdiction over trade.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:10:16Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/modernizing-nafta", "Modernizing NAFTA", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Friday, President Trump, along with Mexican President Pea Nieto and Canadian Prime Minster Trudeau, signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) at the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The USMCA is the culmination of more than a year of negotiations between our three countries in order to update and build upon the success of NAFTA. I look forward to playing an active role in the review process as a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade agreements.\nI have worked over the past two years to ensure the important benefits of a trilateral NAFTA agreement continue in the modernized version. I traveled to both Montreal and Mexico City to meet with my parliamentary counterparts and ensure the needs of Nebraska's agricultural industry were being properly communicated. As I've said from the beginning when President Trump first talked of revising NAFTA, Canada and Mexico are Nebraska agriculture's two best customers and any replacement should build on this success.\nMuch has changed in the nearly 25 years since NAFTA was signed and there are several areas in which improvements have been made. One example is Canada's dairy market, which for too long has limited access to American dairy while unfairly shielding Canadian dairy producers from competition. Under the new agreement, Canada would eliminate both class six and seven dairy categories. The agreement also seeks to prevent non-NAFTA countries from abusing its privileges by importing through a third country to avoid tariffs. For example, in the auto industry, new rules of origin will require 75 percent or more of vehicle content be produced in North America.\nOther areas which were badly in need of updating include intellectual property protections, guidelines for digital trade, and streamlined financial services language. In particular, the agreement enhances protections against the theft of trade secrets, which we all know is a major problem we face in dealing with other countries like China. It also seeks to mitigate disagreements with our neighbors over the storage and migration of data across borders having arisen with the advent of the digital age.\nThis is a complex agreement and, as I have said previously, I look forward to going through it in detail once formally submitted to the Congress. We should, however, recognize the significance of this achievement. Only a few months ago, we were concerned about maintaining any agreement at all, knowing a withdrawal from NAFTA would have dire consequences for all of North America.\nNow is the time to address steel and aluminum tariffs levied against Canada and Mexico which have resulted in retaliation against our agricultural producers and other industries. USMCA should be seen as an important first step toward restoring and expanding market opportunities for our agricultural producers around the world. We must also capitalize on upcoming negotiations with Japan and work hard to resolve our trade dispute with China concerning its unfair trade practices.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-statement-signing-usmca-trade-agreement", "Smith Statement on Signing of USMCA Trade Agreement", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after representatives of the United States, Mexico, and Canada signed the USMCA trade agreement in Buenos Aires, Argentina.\nMonths of negotiations culminated this morning in the signing of USMCA, a three-party trade agreement to replace NAFTA. I commend President Trump and his team for securing an agreement which holds great promise for Nebraska's agricultural producers through expanded trade with America's neighbors. I look forward to reviewing the agreement in detail once submitted to Congress for ratification.\nSmith is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee which has jurisdiction over trade.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-front-porch-strategies", "Fort Report: Front Porch Strategies", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This longer-than-usual Fort Report gives you some highlights of a wide-ranging radio interview I did this past week about the many issues facing this upcoming Congress. We covered issues such as the dynamics of a lame duck session, leadership change, the budget, the border, and what is hanging up completion of the Farm Bill.\nQ: What do you hope Congress will tackle immediately in the new session?\nWell, the budget has to be finished. Significant portions of the budget are already done, particularly those affecting defense, national security, as well as health and human services, but there are larger chunks of the government still underfunded, unfunded for 2019, and I suspect that will be finished soon. A Farm Bill sits out there incomplete as well. It's unclear as to whether that will get done, but that is under active consideration as well. Those are the two biggest items.\nQ: What are your priorities for the new session?\nFrom my perspective, we're going to go back to work on key security issues. National security keeping you safe. Being in favor of strong defense but also smart diplomacy as well as sustainable development for the world's poor. Economic security. Making sure that we have a robust economy. Making sure that people have meaningful work for so many that have been sidelined. And then this deeper philosophical issue that I call family security, including important work on health care.\nWe need front porch strategies not just Washington balcony strategies. That's where the heart of America really applies itself in both culture and politics.\nQ: What are the prospects for the Wall?\nThat is a point of negotiation. There probably will be some funding for border wall security. It has been funded previously in incremental amounts and I suspect another incremental payment will be made toward some further enhancement of wall barriers.\nQ: What are the prospects for the Farm Bill?\nUnclear at the moment. There are negotiations going on as we speak. They're very tight-lipped, unfortunately, but clearly there is a desire to finish the Farm Bill, particularly to give certainty to farmers and ranchers in this uncertain economic period. So, pressure will mount I think to get it done. If not, there may be an extension or a renegotiation...\nQ: How will the Democratic leadership battle affect Congress?\nWell,I frankly think any leadership battle is healthy. Again, you've got Members who have been there for decades, whom I know, who have been accorded this position of power and have left very little space for newer Members who have new ideas, who are agitating for change on the Democrat side. Again, one of whom is a very close friend of mine. She has signed the letter saying she will not support Nancy Pelosi for Speaker, for instance, and sixteen Democrat Members have. There's another 20 in their congressional races who said they would not support her. So that means that she does not have the majority of Congress to be elected Speaker. Will she get there? I suspect so, but that's going to take a lot of wrangling and a lot of ... restructuring to give some more authority to new Members who are demanding it--and rightly so.\nQ: How will anti-Trump sentiment on the part of some Democrats impact the session?\nWith the changes of committee leadership, that means new leadership will go into the judiciary committees and government oversight committees as well as intelligence committees. These are the primary places in which there have been investigations or threat of investigations and subpoenas. However, I think this is counterbalanced with what you saw during the political campaign in which there was a very significant deemphasis on running against President Trump and an emphasis on fixing the broken aspects of the health care system, for instance. And if the culture in Congress is just one of harassment and agitation, it will constantly exhaust the American people and we will miss the opportunity to try to find some necessary bipartisan movement on health care-- changes that actually lower cost while protecting vulnerable persons, particularly those with preexisting conditions.\nOn things like theEndangered Species Act, I have a bipartisan bill calledRecovering America's Wildlife Actthat actually gets in front of the problem, gets us off the one-yard-line, so that species do not become endangered in the first place. And we enhance community recreational opportunity as well as sporting opportunity by protecting the continuity of habitat for wildlife. So, if there is just an exhaustive effort at investigations, then we are going to miss the opportunity of trying to build some consensus and getting things done, which is what the America people want and certainly what Nebraskans want.\nQ: What are some areas of potential bipartisan consensus in the new Congress?\nI am going to put it in three terms. You have to go back to a robust, bipartisan attempt at consensus around health care. For instance, the individual market in the rural communities has been absolutely decimated. You have people leaving the farm or ranch just to go get a job in order to have health care benefits. This is not only disruptive to their freedom of choice about how they want to organize themselves economically, but the huge cost run-up, particularly for rural communities for health care, is not sustainable. Drug prices are potentially another area in which we could work together.\nI have proposed some things that would create what we call invisible risk-[sharing]. That's a fancy way of saying that the government provides a backstop so that people with a preexisting condition, those who are sick, would pay normal rates for insurance and the government would protect them through direct payments to insurance companies for those who have higher than average annual costs of care. This was part of the original health care reform bill and now is in a bill that I have cosponsored. These ideas appear to be appealing to both political parties. America is demanding that health care be dealt with in a smart, consensus-building way that achieves three goals: lowering cost, improving well-being, while protecting vulnerable persons. It will be an important focus for me in the next Congress.\nSecondly, conservation. If there is an area that transcends the political divide, it is thistrying to move us towards a healthier environment, move us toward a more sustainable renewable energy portfolio, as well as the kinds of continuity of habitat that create recreational opportunity and get us out of endangered species problems. These are areas around which we could find bipartisan consensus. Because everybody wins. When we move ourselves to a more sustainable energy portfolio, when we are respectful toward our environment, we create the conditions for an abundance of green space, while providing affordable living conditions to people through meaningful work. Keeping those things in balance transcends any partisan divide and appeals to the deeper value of stewardship in our country.\nThird, Farm Bill. This is one of the most important pieces of legislation that America has. It provides risk stabilization for farmers and ranchers and protects those who have food insecurity. America enjoys some of the lowest food prices in the world. We pay less for our groceries than anyone else in the world. And this is the result of a smart legislative process that creates an abundance of food supply that actually helps feed the world's poor as well. These are areas in which I hope to find consensus.\nQ: Do you still find fulfillment in Congress?\nI continue to believe that public service is a noble and honorable pursuit. And we are living in a time in which the ideal of public service has been so denigrated, and there is such cynicism toward the institutiona lot of that brought on by the behavior of Congress itself. I am really hopeful, in trying to balance what I call front porch strategies with Washington balcony strategies, that we can actually return to a balance in which communities thrive, neighborhoods are safe, and Washington public policy dynamics take a normalized place among American society. We have outsourced everything to Washington. We have nationalized every conceivable problem.Congress is not a 24/7alarm to be set off by the media whenever it wants to generate crises and entertainment. This is not Netflix. This is a serious business of trying to get public policy right so that we have just governance and the appropriate space for thriving in community and individual liberty.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=BBC2BE63-F406-4F1B-B2D0-CAB54E8BDEDC", "Fischer Responds to EPA\u2019s Final 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement today after the EPA announced the final 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard:\r\nI applaud the administration for releasing this final rule on time with the conventional volumes set to the required level outlined by statute. However, the positive aspects of this announcement are overshadowed by the agency's failure to reallocate renewable fuel gallons removed from the marketplace because of small refinery waivers. This undermines the purpose of the Renewable Fuel Standard and leaves Nebraska's biofuel producers on uncertain ground in what is already a tough time for farm country.\r\nToday the EPA announced that the final 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) will be 19.92 billion under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).\r\nSenator Fischer has long been concerned about small refinery waivers and their impact on Nebraska biofuels producers. The combined 48 small refinery waivers retroactively granted by the EPA for 2016 and 2017 represents 2.25 billion gallons of biofuel removed from the marketplace.\r\nNebraska is the largest ethanol producing state west of the Missouri River. The state is home to 25 active ethanol plants that have an annual production capacity of over 2 billion gallons.Nebraska's ethanol plants represent more than $5 billion in capital investment and provide 1,300 jobs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=D4111810-13D3-4E2B-95F5-02A5091D07DB", "Fischer Statement on Signing of USMCA", "2018-11-30", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a member of Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after President Donald J. Trump signed the U.S.MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA):\r\nI'm grateful to President Trump for his hard work to negotiate this modernized trade deal. Nebraska agriculture producers and their families depend on access to international markets, especially during these difficult times for the farm economy. I look forward to reviewing the agreement soon.\r\nMexico and Canada are Nebraska's two largest trading partners.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=47CEE116-A5EC-49EC-954E-233CC8B084F4", "Fischer Honors Life and Service of Lincoln Native, Corporal Matt Henderson", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the image above to view and download\r\nSenator Fischer's floor speech on Corporal Matt Henderson\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  This afternoon, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) spoke on the Senate floor as part of her initiativeto honor Nebraskans who gave their lives while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.\r\nToday, Senator Fischer delivered remarks on the Senate floor honoring the life and service of Corporal Matt Henderson, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska. In May 2004, during his second deployment to Iraq, Corporal Henderson was killed by an improvised explosive device.\r\nBelow is the full text of today's speech as prepared for delivery in honor of Corporal Matt Henderson:\r\nM. President, I rise today to continue my tributes to the current generation of Nebraska men and women who lost their lives defending our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan.\r\nEach of these Nebraskans has a special story to tell.\r\nToday, I will recall the life and service of Corporal Matt Henderson of Lincoln, Nebraska.\r\nMatt was born May 15, 1979, in Columbia, Missouri, to Owen and Rebecca Henderson.\r\nAt the time Matt came into the world, his dad, Owen, was attending veterinary school.\r\nAfter Owen finished veterinary school, the Henderson family moved to The Good Life to raise both Matt and his newly born sister, Kellie.\r\nAs Matt grew, he made many friends, loved to play outside, and enjoyed hunting and fishing.\r\nMany times Matt could be found by his dad's side on his equine veterinary visits.\r\nHis favorite furry companion was his curly-haired golden retriever, Rocket, with whom he spent a lot of time with and taught to play fetch.\r\nMatt loved sports and participated in many growing up including baseball, basketball, wrestling, track, and football.\r\nBut his favorite of all was football. He was a devout Nebraska Huskers and Chicago Bears fan.\r\nMatt and his wife Jaimie began dating while they attended Palmyra Jr. Sr. High School in Otoe County.\r\nJaimie remembers Matt wearing his football jersey on game days, and their dates at the movies, the mall, and homecoming dances before they were even old enough to drive.\r\nAfter graduating high school in 1998, Matt attended Nebraska Wesleyan University where he studied athletic training and criminal justice.\r\nHe also played on the football team and was an avid weightlifter.\r\nIn 2000, Matt joined the U.S. Marine Corps because he was attracted to the discipline and direction it offered.\r\nHe completed boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego before attending and completing infantry training at Camp Pendleton.\r\nDue to his strong interest in the construction field, Matt also finished Combat Engineer School at Camp Lejeune.\r\nAfter engineer school, he was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineers Battalion at Camp Pendleton.\r\nOn August 4, 2001, Matt proposed to Jaimie on Mission Beach in San Diego just after sunset.\r\nThey were so excited to finally get married and began planning their wedding in Nebraska, which was scheduled for April 12, 2003.\r\nIn January 2003, however, Matt's unit was informed they would be among the first forces to invade Iraq.\r\nJaimie postponed the wedding, which was supposed to take place in just a few months, and instead, she and Matt were married in a civil ceremony in San Diego.\r\nThe two of them couldn't imagine something happening during Matt's deployment and never being able to marry one another. \r\nIn February of 2003, Matt deployed to Iraq.\r\nHe joined other U.S. led forces in the invasion of Iraq from Kuwait in order to oust Saddam Hussein.\r\nDuring his deployment, Matt was chosen to be a squad leader due to his leadership abilities, technical skills, and the respect of the other Marines.\r\nMatt's family had no communication with him during this time and were glued to the TV, watching the news every evening with the hopes of catching a glimpse of Matt.\r\nUpon Matt's return home in May of 2003, he and Jaimie finally had their big church wedding in Lincoln, Nebraska, where they renewed their vows in front of their family and friends.\r\nFollowing the wedding, Jaimie moved to California to live at Camp Pendleton with Matt.\r\nWithout the distance, she and Matt had more time to spend together and enjoyed socializing with their other friends in the Marine Corps. \r\nIn February of 2004, Matt deployed to Iraq for the second time and Jaimie moved back to Nebraska to be closer to their families.\r\nAs a squad leader, Matt was very aware of and concerned about the dangers of this second deployment.\r\nOn May 26, 2004, Matt was leading his squad of several other Marines in sweeping an area in the Al Anbar province of Iraq for explosive devices and repairing major roads.\r\nThis particular area had seen a dramatic increase in violence and demonstrations at the time and the province was in full-scale revolt.\r\nDuring the sweep, Matt and two of his men, including Shelton, Nebraska native, Kyle Codner were killed when an IED was detonated.\r\nMatt warned his squad to get back and take cover but was unable to get out of range himself.\r\nThe remainder of his squad survived with one person suffering shrapnel wounds.\r\nCorporal Matt Henderson's memorial service was held at the First-Plymouth Church in Lincoln on June 3, 2004.\r\nHundreds of family, friends, and fellow soldiers attended the ceremony to honor Matt and pay their respects.\r\nIn what seems an impossible task, Matt's father gave the eulogy that day.\r\nMatt was laid to rest at the Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery. \r\nFor his ultimate sacrifice, Corporal Matt Henderson received the naval achievement medal with cluster, a Purple Heart, and numerous unit citations and campaign ribbons.\r\nHe was the first to receive the prestigious Non-Commissioned Officer Combat Engineer of the Year award posthumously.\r\nMatt was a consistent source of inspiration for his fellow Marines.\r\nHe was the kind of young man that people were just drawn to.\r\nHe was a tough yet selfless Marine.\r\nCorporal Matt Henderson lived life to the fullest, and he is missed dearly by his family and friends.    \r\nI join Nebraskans and Americans across our country in saluting Matt's bravery and sacrifice.\r\nThank you, M. President. I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=FED61E07-BA13-4DA1-8214-346F51F1BAA0", "Senator Fischer, Republican Senators Urge President Trump To Consider Key Factors In Review Of New Start", "2018-11-29", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) and 24 additional senators sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to consider the key factors that underpin the continued viability of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). Those factors include a sustained and vigorous U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program, strict compliance by Russia with its arms control obligations, and a true balance of nuclear capabilities between the parties to the Treaty.\r\nThe letter is cosigned by 24 U.S. senators: Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Kennedy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Roger Wicker (R-MS).\r\nWe remain committed to funding the necessary resources for the U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program and we support the rigorous review of continued viability of the New START the Administration is undertaking. We know you agree that arms control is not an end to itself; it is but a single tool that may be used to advance U.S. national security when carefully considered,the senators wrote.\r\nSenator Kyl made remarks regarding the letter on the floor of the U.S. Senate.Watch here.\r\nThe full text of the letter is below and attached.\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\r\nPresident\r\nThe White House\r\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\r\nWashington, D.C. 20500\r\nDear President Trump:\r\nAs you review the future of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), we respectfully request that you consider the key factors that underpin its viability: The value of the Treaty depends on a sustained and vigorous U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program, strict compliance by Russia with its arms control obligations, and a true balance of nuclear capabilities between the parties to the Treaty.\r\nAs to the first point, the Senate declared in the New START Resolution of Ratification, the United States is committed to proceeding with a robust stockpile stewardship program, and to maintaining and modernizing the nuclear weapons production capabilities and capacities that will ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of the United States nuclear arsenal at the New START Treaty levels. Regrettably, the infrastructure and weapons capabilities that were pledged at the time the Senate gave its consent to the Treaty have been significantly delayed or reduced in scope. This risks further worsening of asymmetry between the Russian and U.S. nuclear weapon infrastructure capabilities.\r\nWe believe that continued funding of the U.S. strategic modernization program, including for low-yield warhead options, as proposed in your Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), is critical in the face of dangerous international security developments since the New START was ratified.\r\nAs to the second point, the Russian Federation is in material breach of its arms control commitments, including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty by developing, producing, and deploying a ground-launched cruise missile and launcher. As your NPR highlights, Russia has been adopting military strategies and capabilities that rely on nuclear escalation for their success.\r\nThird, in the New START Resolution of Ratification, the Senate called upon the President to pursue an agreement with the Russian Federation that would address the disparity between the tactical nuclear weapons stockpiles of the Russian Federation and of the United Statesin a verifiable manner. We note with regret that despite the best efforts of successive presidential administrations, the Russian Federation has not been amenable to such an agreement.\r\nIn fact, Russia has increased the role of nuclear forces and their types and variety since 2010. Russia has even adopted an escalate to deescalate or escalate to win strategy for nuclear employment. The Russian Federation has unveiled new nuclear weapons that are not subject to limitations set forth by the New START, including a new nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered undersea autonomous torpedo. In addition to an extensive nuclear weapons modernization program including all legs of its nuclear triad, the Russian Federation possesses significant advantages in its nuclear weapons production capacity, as your NPR points out.\r\nThe New START does not expire until 2021. We urge you to consider the following as a part of the review of the national security interest of the United States and its allies to extend or replace the Treaty:\r\n \r\nThe status of the modernization of U.S. nuclear weapons and associated infrastructure and the risk of instability created by Russia's modernization programs;\r\nThe imbalance posed by Russia's nuclear weapons capabilities that are limited by arms control with Russia and those that are not, including so-called non-strategic nuclear weapons (where Russia holds at least a ten-to-one advantage over the United States) and the systems Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled in March of this year;\r\nRussia's systemic abuse of arms control and international norms; and\r\nThe possibility of having to deal with more than one peer competitor at a time, which calls into question the limits on U.S. warheads.\r\n \r\nWe remain committed to funding the necessary resources for the U.S. nuclear weapons modernization program and we support the rigorous review of continued viability of the New START the Administration is undertaking. We know you agree that arms control is not an end to itself; it is but a single tool that may be used to advance U.S. national security when carefully considered.\r\nWe look forward to continuing to work with you throughout the review process.\r\nSincerely,\r\nJon Kyl\r\n\r\nJohn Barrasso\r\n\r\nRoy Blunt\r\n\r\nJohn Cornyn\r\n\r\nTom Cotton\r\n\r\nMike Crapo\r\n\r\nTed Cruz\r\nU.S. Senator\r\n\r\nSteve Daines\r\n\r\nMike Enzi\r\n\r\nJoni Ernst\r\n\r\nDeb Fischer\r\n\r\nCory Gardner\r\n\r\nOrrin Hatch\r\n\r\nJohn Hoeven\r\n\r\nRon Johnson\r\nU.S. Senator\r\n\r\nJohn Kennedy\r\n\r\nJames Lankford\r\n\r\nJerry Moran\r\n\r\nJim Risch\r\n\r\nMike Rounds\r\n\r\nMarco Rubio\r\n\r\nPat Roberts\r\n\r\nDan Sullivan\r\n\r\nPat Toomey\r\n\r\nRoger Wicker\r\nU.S. Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/nebraska-radio-network-nebraska-congressman-looks-forward-new-congress", "Nebraska Radio Network: Nebraska Congressman looks forward to new Congress, though soon to be in the minority", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A Nebraska Congressman looks ahead to a new session of Congress; a session in which he will find himself in the minority.\nDemocrats will take control of the U.S. House of Representatives in January, leaving Nebraska's delegation in the minority.\nRepublican Congressman Jeff Fortenberry says Republicans and Democrats must find ways to work together to resolve lingering issues.\nI think America is demanding that health care be deal with in a smart, consensus-building way that achieves three goals: lowering costs, improving well-being while protecting vulnerable persons, Fortenberry tells Nebraska Radio Network.\nFortenberry sees room for bipartisan work on health care and conservation. Fortenberry sponsors the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, a measure which would redirect $1.3 billion to state-led wildlife conservation efforts. Supporters contend efforts on the state level could improve wildlife habitat and keep species from landing on the Endangered Species list.\nFortenberry says that with the transition of power brought on by the November 6th elections, Democrats will occupy key chairmanships of committees which could pose problems for the Trump Administration. Judiciary, Government Oversight, and Intelligence all could be conduits for Democrats to unleash their anti-Trump sentiments. Fortenberry believes that would be a mistake and would lead Congress to miss the opportunities ahead to work in a bipartisan fashion on important issues.\nWashington, D.C. has become incredibly partisan and divisive. Just as Democrats choose new leadership, Republicans, now in the minority, must find new leadership as well since House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin chose not to run for re-election.\nFortenberry says Congress, as well as the Washington establishment, must shake off the contentious mid-terms and get down to work.\nCongress is not a 24/7 alarm to be set off by the media whenever it wants to generate crises and entertainment, Fortenberry says. This is not Netflix. This is a serious business of trying to get public policy right so that we have just governance and the appropriate space for thriving in community and individual liberty.\nClick here to read the article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=756519CC-6EE7-4D3B-AA9A-4A604C7984F0", "Fischer Introduces Nebraska Federal District Court Nominee Brian Buescher at Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click hereor on the photo to view the video of Senator Fischer's testimony.\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today introduced Nebraskan Brian C. Buescher at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Buescher is President Trump's nominee to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska and fill the vacancy on the court created when Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp entered senior status this fall. Fischer and Senator Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) recommended President Trump nominate Buescher for this judgeship.\r\nThe full text of Senator Fischer's remarks on Mr. Buescher's behalf is below.\r\nMr. Chairman and members of the Committee, it is my honor to introduce Brian Buescher, President Trump's nominee to serve on the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska.\r\nFirst, I would like recognize his family who traveled from Nebraska to be here with us today.\r\nBrian is joined by his wife, Elaine, their three daughters- Elizabeth, Catherine, and Anna, and their two sons  Alexander and Nicholas.Mr. Chairman, at the end of last year, Chief Judge Laurie Smith Camp notified me, along with my colleague Senator Sasse, that she would be taking senior status on the Nebraska federal bench.\r\nWe knew a careful search process would be necessary to fill her shoes.\r\nThe U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska carries a reputation of deep reverence for our laws and the Constitution.\r\nOur federal district court has a relatively small bench, but it has a very busy docket.\r\nIn recent years, Nebraska has had one of the highest per-judge criminal felony caseloads in the country.\r\nAdditionally, Nebraska's criminal felony per-judge caseload significantly exceeds those of several districts that encompass major cities, such as Los Angeles, New York City, or Chicago.So it is critical to our state and our country that the district court continues to operate without additional delay.\r\nFor this reason, Senator Sasse and I quickly began the application process to fill this important judgeship.We announced our open process and considered applicants with wide varieties of excellent legal credentials.\r\nEvery candidate completed the lengthy questionnaire provided by this committee. And we read over their responses.\r\nNebraska is home to many preeminent and talented legal minds, so narrowing the list of applicants presents a challenge.\r\nBut after extensive consideration and interviews with qualified candidates, Senator Sasse and I agreed on recommending Mr. Buescher to President Trump to be the next judge on Nebraska's federal district court.Brian Buescher hails from the small town of Beatrice, Nebraska.\r\nHis work ethic was ingrained at a young age while growing up on his family's farm, where they raised corn, milo, wheat, alfalfa, hogs, and cattle.\r\nAfter graduating from Sandy Creek High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Brian attended Georgetown University Law School.There, he was Editor-in-Chief of The Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics and vice president of the Student Bar Association.\r\nPresently, Mr. Buescher is a partner at Kutak Rock, Nebraska's largest law firm, where he leads the firm's agriculture litigation team.\r\nAfter growing up on a farm, he appreciates the way the law directly impacts the daily lives of Americans, especially those who live and work in rural America.Mr. Buescher has represented clients from broad ranges of the agriculture community, including individual farmers, ranchers, and operations.\r\nImportantly, Mr. Buescher has successfully litigated cases in a number of different jurisdictions, including Nebraska and Iowa's state and federal courts, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska.\r\nThat wide-ranging litigation experience has honed his legal skills and prepared him well for this judgeship.\r\nIn Nebraska, we take great pride in our state's motto: Equality before the law.\r\nIt represents a commitment we made after entering the union over 150 years ago.\r\nOur motto demonstrates a long-standing devotion to ensure that we appoint judges who possess the temperament, integrity, and character to continue Nebraska's strong tradition of fairness and justice.\r\nSo Mr. Chairman, this is not a responsibility that I take lightly.\r\nMr. Buescher is a well-qualified candidate and a man of the highest ethical standards.\r\nI am confident he will be an excellent judge to fill the vacancy and uphold the Constitution equally and fairly.\r\nI know Brian Buescher will make his family, our state, and our nation proud with his service on Nebraska's federal district court.\r\nI appreciate this committee's consideration of his nomination, and I thank you for allowing me to testify on his behalf this morning.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=91CEF882-310C-40CD-A311-63D9999D69C0", "Sasse Statement on Buescher Nomination", "2018-11-28", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"He's a Nebraskan through and through. And, in Nebraska, we maintain a commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution.\"\r\n\r\nVideo of Senator Sasse's introduction is availablehereor by clicking on the image above\r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired today's nomination hearing and introduced Brian Buescher, the nominee for U.S. District Judge for the District of Nebraska.\r\nText as prepared for delivery is below:\r\nThis morning, I'd first like to welcome Brian Buescher, who has been nominated to serve on Nebraska's federal district court.\r\nBrian Buescher is a native Nebraskan who grew up working on his family's farm.\r\nHe is a lucky husband and a proud father of five children, who I'd also like to welcome today.\r\nBrian is a Cornhusker, having earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln before going on to receive his law degree from Georgetown University, where he was the Editor in Chief of the Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics.\r\nBut perhaps Brian's most notable academic success was being named valedictorian of his 28-person graduating class at Sandy Creek High School.\r\nHe has spent his entire legal career practicing in Nebraskaaccruing a broad range of experience from representing Nebraska farmers to protecting victims of domestic violenceand currently leads the agriculture litigation team for Kutak Rock LLP, where he works in the firm's Omaha office.\r\nHe's a Nebraskan through and through. And, in Nebraska, we maintain a commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution.\r\nOn behalf of the Committee, I want to welcome Mr. Buescher.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/national-family-week", "National Family Week", "2018-11-26", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Each November, we celebrate National Family Week to reflect on the importance of strong families in our communities. Whether through biological child birth, adoption, or foster care, children need families to provide the care and support necessary to become healthy and productive adults. It has been a cornerstone of my tenure in office to support federal policies which encourage the development of strong families.\nOne such measure is the Family First Prevention Services Act, which was advanced by the Human Resources Subcommittee, which I chair, and signed into law by President Trump earlier this year. Its purpose is to keep children in their homes at every possible opportunity and to provide the support foster families need to step in when they cannot. Whether through mental health and substance abuse treatment or transition assistance for children leaving foster care and becoming self-sufficient, this bill enjoyed broad, bipartisan support and I was happy to help pass it.\nDuring the month of June, the House passed more than 70 bills to combat the growing opioid epidemic in our country, many of which were advanced by the Ways and Means Committee of which I am a member. Substance abuse is a major cause in the weakening and dissolution of healthy families, and this legislative package seeks to stem these break-ups through better doctor-patient educational practices, expanded access to opioid alternatives, and steps to interrupt the supply of elicit opioids.\nOn the local level, my office participates in a program known as Angels in Adoption to recognize the sacrifices of great Americans across our country to the healthy development of our children. This year, we recognized Linda Shepard and Charles Walker of Burwell who have welcomed more than 50 children into their home over the years through foster care and adoption.\nTheir story is one that warms my heart and serves as a constant reminder of the endless generosity and love our fellow Americans provide each and every day to children in need. Nominations for the 2019 Angels in Adoption program have not yet opened, but applications are typically due in June and honorees announced in August. If you know of someone in your local community who is deserving of this recognition, please reach out to my office for details.\nFinally, strong families need jobs to provide economic support and encourage self-sufficiency. Nearly a year has passed since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, which has helped to stimulate economic growth through lower taxes and provide a boost to families by doubling the child tax credit. Beginning in 2018, families with children will receive a substantial increase in take-home pay. Americans know better how to spend their hard-earned dollars than bureaucrats in Washington and they should be empowered to do so at every opportunity.\nWhether through enhanced support for biological, adoptive, or foster families, renewed efforts at substance abuse prevention, or increased economic growth and job creation, I'm proud to have supported these initiatives to strengthen our communities. National Family week is a great reminder of the all-important role of strong and stable families in the development of our children and the long-term health of our nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-bacon-issues-statement-regards-murder-jamal-khashoggi", "Rep. Bacon Issues Statement in Regards to the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi", "2018-11-26", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Omaha, NE - Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement regarding the murderof journalist Jamal Khashoggi:\n\"The murder of Jamal Khashoggi was a heinous and unspeakable crime, and contrary to America's values. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must acknowledge that this state-sanctioned killing was unacceptable and hold those involved responsible for their actions. It is likely that Prince Mohammed bin Salman either ordered or knew of the murder, but we do not know if that is fact. Based on what we do know, Congress should support the sanctions the President has put on 17 Saudis, andconsider holdingadditional officials responsible under the provisions of the Global Magnitsky Act.\"\n\"We must acknowledge that Saudi Arabia is an important ally in the fight against ISIS and al Qaida, and a critical counter to the expanding Iranian presence in the Middle East. Our alliance with Saudi Arabia is a vital part of our regional security strategy and it is in our national interest to ensure this relationship is preserved.Therefore, we must strike the right balance in our response.\n\"While Khashoggi's murder was a vile act, proxy militias who were trained, funded and directed by Iran have killed between 500 to 1000 US servicemen and women in Iraq. Tehran has the blood of many Americans on its hands and it would be foolish to overreact against Saudi Arabia, as that would strengthen the position of our real enemy.\n\"Saudi Arabia must be held accountable, so we must send a clear message that Washington will not tolerate killings of political enemies,especiallyby those who wish to remain our allies and partners. Our response must be balanced, effective, and preserve our broader national security interests. We must guard againstover-reactionwhich would be self-defeating and strengthen Iran's position in the Middle East, thereby putting our allies and our forces at greater risk.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bacon-issues-statement-russian-aggression", "Rep. Bacon Issues Statement on Russian Aggression", "2018-11-26", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Omaha, NE - Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement regarding recent Russian aggression against Ukraine:\n\"Russia once again is using military force and intimidation against its neighbor, Ukraine. The attacks on Ukraine's Navy are typical of the bully Vladimir Putin, and are a continuation of Russian aggression we saw in Crimea and in the Donetsk region. This is a reminder of why we need a strong alliance with NATO and an active American presence in the Baltic states and Poland, and with our other NATO partners in Eastern Europe. I support deepening our ties and friendship with Ukraine so that it can maintain the independence it gained when the Cold War ended. The Ukrainians want freedom and independence, and we stand with them.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/net-congressman-fortenberry-discusses-his-positive-relationship-nancy", "NET: Congressman Fortenberry Discusses His Positive Relationship with Nancy Pelosi", "2018-11-26", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Office\n\t\t\t1514 Longworth House Office\n\t\t\tWashington, DC 20515\n\t\t\tPhone: (202)225-4806\n\t\t\tFax: (202)225-5686\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tFremont Office\n\t\t\tP.O. Box 377 641 N. Broad Street\n\t\t\tFremont, NE 68026\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)727-0888\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tLincoln Office\n\t\t\t301 South 13th Street Suite 100\n\t\t\tLincoln, NE 68508\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)438-1598\n\t\t\tFax: (402)438-1604\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tNorfolk Office\n\t\t\t506 West Madison Avenue Suite 2\n\t\t\tNorfolk, NE 68701\n\t\t\tPhone: (402)379-2064", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-thanksgiving-4", "Fort Report: Thanksgiving", "2018-11-21", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I wish you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving with your family. As I was thinking about this Fort Report, I thought it would be nice to just list some of the good things, good trends happening in our world:\n U.S. unemployment is at its lowest rate in almost 50 years, as millions of Americans find meaningful work.\n  Worldwide rates of extreme poverty are at an all-time low.\n  In 1969, the river that flows through Clevelandcaught fire. Now it is safe for fishing.\n  There are more trees across the earth today than there were 36 years ago.\n  There has been some slight recovery of bee populations.\n  Once near the point of total extinction, mountain gorillas are making a comeback.\n  Transitions of power in America still happen through elections.\n  Chief Standing Bear was arrested for leaving hisreservationto bury his son. Now his statue will represent Nebraska in the United States Capitol.\n  A statue of Willa Cather, whoseimaginationand vivid portrait of Nebraskaprairielife earned her a Pulitzer Prize, will also hold pride of place in the U.S. Capitol.\n  Americans give more to charity than anyone else in the world.\n  A Muslim-founded crowdfunding site, LaunchGood, raised over $240,000 for Tree of Life Synagogue victims.\n  Americans are among the most likely to help a stranger.\n  Russians spend 31%of their money on groceries. Americans spend 6%, the lowest in the world.\n  Saturday Night Liveactually apologized to new Congressman Dan Crenshaw, a soldier blinded in one eye from the wounds he received in Afghanistan.\n  Order being restored: the Nebraska Cornhuskers were victorious in four of their last five football games. By the time you read this, one more?!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/giving-thanks", "Giving Thanks", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thanksgiving is the time of year we come together with family and give thanks for our many blessings. This year I'm most thankful for our one-year-old son, Zeke, my wife, Andrea, and our endlessly loving family members who support us at every turn. I'm also thankful for renewed economic growth which increases opportunity for future generations of Americans.\nAfter years of poor economic performance and weak employment prospects, the economy is growing and consumer confidence is building. This trend shows how productive Americans can be when empowered to pursue opportunity. Because of this growth unemployment has fallen such that businesses nationwide are finding it difficult to fill open positions.\nThis is why I introduced the JOBS for Success Act earlier this year to reform the welfare system and ensure states are doing everything in their power to help TANF recipients find stable employment. Helping people find work is good for employers and good for taxpayers, but best of all for the individuals, themselves, in need of assistance. I'm thankful for such an opportunity to bring disenfranchised workers off the sidelines of our economy and into self-sufficiency.\nI'm also thankful for our men and women in uniform. Having recently celebrated Veterans Day, I believe it's appropriate such a holiday comes just before Thanksgiving to remind us of the sacrifices of so many on our behalf. I was honored to join students, faculty, staff, and members of the surrounding community at Gering Junior High School to commemorate these sacrifices and say thank you. We must also remember that many of our active duty service members won't be able to come home for the holidays.\nFor this reason, my office participates in Holidays for Heroes to ensure our men and women in uniform remember how grateful we are while so many of them spend the holidays away from their families. Through this program, the American Red Cross collects cards signed by thankful Americans and distributes them to service members throughout the holidays.\nMy offices in Scottsbluff and Grand Island serve as collection center for these cards and we pass them along to the American Red Cross. If you would like to participate, please drop off your cards without postage at one of my offices by December 7th. This is such a small gesture we can make to show our gratitude to those who work each and every day toward protecting our families and the freedoms we enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/giving-thanks", "Giving Thanks", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thanksgiving is the time of year we come together with family and give thanks for our many blessings. This year I'm most thankful for our one-year-old son, Zeke, my wife, Andrea, and our endlessly loving family members who support us at every turn. I'm also thankful for renewed economic growth which increases opportunity for future generations of Americans.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAfter years of poor economic performance and weak employment prospects, the economy is growing and consumer confidence is building. This trend shows how productive Americans can be when empowered to pursue opportunity. Because of this growth unemployment has fallen such that businesses nationwide are finding it difficult to fill open positions.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is why I introduced the JOBS for Success Act earlier this year to reform the welfare system and ensure states are doing everything in their power to help TANF recipients find stable employment. Helping people find work is good for employers and good for taxpayers, but best of all for the individuals, themselves, in need of assistance. I'm thankful for such an opportunity to bring disenfranchised workers off the sidelines of our economy and into self-sufficiency.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tI'm also thankful for our men and women in uniform. Having recently celebrated Veterans Day, I believe it's appropriate such a holiday comes just before Thanksgiving to remind us of the sacrifices of so many on our behalf. I was honored to join students, faculty, staff, and members of the surrounding community at Gering Junior High School to commemorate these sacrifices and say thank you. We must also remember that many of our active duty service members won't be able to come home for the holidays.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFor this reason, my office participates in Holidays for Heroes to ensure our men and women in uniform remember how grateful we are while so many of them spend the holidays away from their families. Through this program, the American Red Cross collects cards signed by thankful Americans and distributes them to service members throughout the holidays.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMy offices in Scottsbluff and Grand Island serve as collection center for these cards and we pass them along to the American Red Cross. If you would like to participate, please drop off your cards without postage at one of my offices by December 7th. This is such a small gesture we can make to show our gratitude to those who work each and every day toward protecting our families and the freedoms we enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bacon-issues-statement-gi-bill-payment-delays", "Rep. Bacon Issues Statement on GI Bill Payment Delays", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  This week the House Veterans Affairs Committee held the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to task during an oversight hearing regarding GI Bill payment delays.\nDuring the hearing, the VA testified that payment delays were in large part due to the challenges posed by endeavoring to develop new software on an infrastructure that was not originally designed to perform the task required. Challenges posed by the law's provisions caused the VA to suspend submission of claims in certain instances. Later, when the VA notified students and School Certifying Officials (SCO) to submit all claims for processing, the VA experienced a large increase in claims that normally would have been received and processed over a 6-month period causing a significant backlog.\nCongressman Don Bacon (NE-02) today issued a statement regarding these delays:\nThere is no commitment more important to our country than the solemn vow we have made to the men and women serving in our armed forces, our veterans, and their families. We are indebted to them for their sacrifices to defend our nation.\nWhile I am proud of the accomplishments of the 115th Congress and the passage of over 80 veterans' related bills, over two dozen of which have been signed into law by the President, it concerns me there continues to be excessive GI Bill payment delays. It also concerns me the VA remains unable to properly implement the necessary changes to its system as outlined in the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, or the Forever GI Bill, signed into law on August 16, 2017. The Forever GI Bill expands access to GI Bill benefits and increases funding. However, the legislation is meaningless without proper implementation. Anything less than full and proper implementation is unacceptable and a breach of our duty to those that served our nation.\nIt is critical that the VA implement the Forever GI Bill in a way that is consistent with Congressional intent, so veterans can receive their benefits in a timely and consistent manner. Implementation of the VA's modernization plan, including the establishment of lessons learned, will minimize future obstacles and enable the VA to fulfill its obligations to our veterans. \nWhile it is anticipated that the pending claims inventory and delayed processing will persist through the end of the year, the VA developed a mitigation strategy that includes additional hiring, mandatory overtime, and increased bandwidth capacity at some processing locations.\nVeterans in the Second Congressional District who are experiencing these delays should contact Rep. Bacon's District Office at (402) 938-0300 for assistance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-new-house-representatives", "Fort Report: The New House of Representatives", "2018-11-16", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, Americans elected a record 88 new members to the U.S. House of Representatives  the constitutionally mandated body charged with representing Americans across all walks of life. There are also a record number of women representing millions of constituents, comprising 21% of both chambers of Congress, the highest on record.\nThroughout these past few months, the electoral cycle challenged our country. As a people, we have been more introspective and intensive this year than perhaps we have been in a long time. From healthcare to immigration policy, tojobs and trade, candidates seeking public office asked incredibly diverse constituencies to consider the significance of these issues in their own lives.\nIn the Capitol, theHouse of Representatives met from 1807 until 1857 in what is now called Statuary Hall. In the floor, small placards mark the spot of the desks of former Members of Congress who became President. In the bustle of a busy day, it's easy to casually go by the places of the heroic figures of our Republic. Abraham Lincoln served briefly in the House. Reflecting upon his own short term in the House as undistinguished, the future President also noted the impression made upon him by the constant speeches about the evils of slavery by an elder statesman named John Quincy Adams. \nPresident John Quincy Adams is the only member of Congress to be elected after he had been President. After a long career as a diplomat, then President, he considered his final post in the House of Representatives as his favorite. He died in office in 1848. The couch where he died is still in an adjoining room. The abstract idea of America's early years is made real inside the busy walls of the Capitol.\nAs Ihurried through Statuary Hall this week for a vote, the scene was much different. The violinists of the Marine Corps Orchestra lined the walls of the room playing a beautiful melody. The place where the television crews do their interviews was replaced by a welcoming table with a magnificent spray of roses. Formal dining tables were set up to seat the Americans who have been newly chosen by the citizens to be their representatives for the next two years.\nThis fanfare, this formality, this dignity is something called tradition. It bridges the past and present, it reminds us of the sacrifice of those before us, and marks-with honor-the demand of the responsibility to govern. Throughout this week, new members have arrived, met with reporters, interviewed future staffers, and vied for various important committee assignments. For a moment, there's a palpable spirit of collegiality towards one another that most Americans cannot see. I have been congratulated over and over by colleagues and seen others with profoundly different perspectives hug to say good-bye.\nThe real work commences again shortly, requiring the will to solve our country's gravest problems, free from the agonizing aggressiveness ofpolitical campaigns. For a moment, the pride and unique privilege of being accorded the public trust creates an excitement of renewed possibility. \nBut I've seen it before: Collegiality will quickly fade to divisiveness. Consensus will not be aplenty. The extremes will seek their pounds of flesh with extreme vengeance. The business of Congress should not be a 24/7 four-alarm fire, yet media and social media have engendered a climate of anxiety and unyielding partisanship. It is this that we must resist.\nWhat I can promise is that I will work to advance legislation on our most pressing needs, on health, conservation, national security, and food security. I will ensure that our troops in the field and veterans at homeget the support they need. I will support judicious infrastructure projects vital to the nation. Above all, I will continue the work to protect the dignity of all persons and just governance for all people. To find our unity in diversity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0401D30A-9E7F-462C-85AB-52D84AA357BC", "Sasse Statement on Justice Department Preparing to Prosecute Wikileaks Founder", "2018-11-15", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Armed Services and Judiciary Committees, whourgedthen-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to prosecute Julian Assange in 2017, issued the following statement regarding reports that the Department of Justice is preparing to prosecute the Wikileaks founder.\r\n\r\nThis is cut and dried: Wikileaks is an outlet for foreign propaganda and Julian Assange is an enemy of the American people. He deserves to spend the rest of his life in an American prison. Assange is no ally to serious journalists or to defenders of free speech. He's in bed with Vladimir Putin who murders journalists and dissidents.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bacon-helps-secure-return-famed-bells-balanginga-philippines", "Rep. Bacon Helps Secure Return of Famed Bells of Balanginga to Philippines", "2018-11-14", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) today welcomed news from U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis about the return of the famed Bells of Balanginga; a set of bells from the town church of Balanginga in the Philippines that were captured more than 100 years ago by U.S. Troops during the Philippine-America War. Rep. Bacon was instrumental in ensuring the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act included a provision to allow for the return the bells.\nBellevue Mayor Rita Sanders and the Filipino community in the district came to me with their desires to have the Bells returned as they represented a painful chapter in US-Philippine relations, said Rep. Bacon. It was the right thing to do. \nThe return of the bells has been a friction point in relations with the Philippines for decades even though the Filipinos have been one of the United States strongest allies since World War II. \nEarlier this year Rep. Bacon wrote a letter to Secretary Mattis inquiring about the status of the Bells stating, I am convinced there is a path forward that appropriately honors the service and sacrifice of veterans associated with these objects and removes an obstacle in building trust with a key ally to advance the national security of the United States.\nThe process to return the bells started with language advanced by Rep. Bacon in the 2018 NDAA allowing the administration to return them if certain conditions were met, including meeting with veteran's service organizations to allay their concerns. \nAs a member of the 2018 NDAA Conference Committee I made the dignified return of the bells a priority, said Rep. Bacon. There was an effort to renew the prohibition on returning them, but I wanted to ensure a legal pathway to heal old wounds and strengthen our strategic relationship with a key ally.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-commends-kevin-mooney-service-community-house-floor", "Smith Commends Kevin Mooney for Service to Community on House Floor", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives today to congratulate Kevin Mooney of KNEB in Scottsbluff on his retirement and commemorate his 34 years of service to western Nebraska.\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Kevin Mooney to the communities of Scottsbluff, Gering, and western Nebraska.\n\nThis week, after 34 years as a trusted journalist in Nebraska's panhandle, Kevin will retire from his position as New Director at KNEB radio.\n\nThroughout his career, Kevin has received six Mark Twain Awards from the Nebraska Associated Press and the Trailblazer Award from the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce.\n\nKevin names the local sugar factory explosion in 1996 as the biggest story he reported. He stayed on the air all night providing updates to the community.\n\nKevin is most thankful for his wife, Tracy. He says she has supported him a great deal throughout their 35 years of marriage, given he is on call 24 hours a day.\n\nEven with his busy schedule, Kevin has dedicated himself to charity events such as Thanksgiving in the Valley, which is a collaboration between KNEB, the Scottsbluff-Gering Soup Kitchen, and Scottsbluff Kiwanis Club. They serve around 400 meals every year on Thanksgiving.\n\nPlease join me in honoring and thanking Kevin Mooney for his service to Nebraska journalism.\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:10:16Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/saluting-our-veterans", "Saluting Our Veterans", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Veterans Day, which was originally known as Armistice Day, marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, which ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. 2018 represents its 100-year anniversary. In 1954, Congress expanded the holiday to honor not only the sacrifices of those who fought in World War I, but all of our veterans, and renamed it Veterans Day.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWe sometimes confuse it with Memorial Day, which takes place in May, but the purpose of Memorial Day is to remember specifically those who lost their lives in service to our country. Given the sacrifices of so many brave men and women on our behalf, it is important that we do our best to honor and serve them, which is why I serve as co-chairman of the Rural Veterans Caucus in the House of Representatives.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWe look for ways to support our veterans such as the VA Accountability Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law last year. This landmark legislation provides the VA Secretary increased flexibility to remove VA employees for poor performance or misconduct, while also strengthening whistleblower protections. Creating a culture of accountability at the VA is the first step to bringing lasting reforms to the department. We need to rebuild veterans' trust in the VA and make it clear we're putting them first.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWe also passed the HIRE Vets Act to incentivize companies to hire veterans. Those who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom should not struggle to find employment when they return home. With this bill, employers large and small will be recognized for their efforts to hire and retain veterans.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA third, the Forever GI Bill, eliminated the 15-year time limit for veterans to use their GI bill benefits and cut down on red tape. With the ability to attend college at any time in their lives, veterans will have greater opportunities for professional development. It also provides flexibility for veterans to make the best education choices for themselves and their families.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAdditionally, my office participates in the Veterans History Project, whose purpose is to chronicle the stories of Nebraska veterans to be included in the Library of Congress for the education of future generations. If you'd like more information on this program, please let my office know so we can get you connected.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMy grandfather was a U.S. Navy Seabee in World War II, and his service inspired me to serve my community. He was one of 325,000 Seabees recruited in World War II to build naval bases throughout the globe. Many of us call the United States the land of the free and home of the brave, but I prefer land of the free because of the brave. Be sure to thank a veteran for their sacrifice this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-commends-kevin-mooney-service-community-house-floor", "Smith Commends Kevin Mooney for Service to Community on House Floor", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives today to congratulate Kevin Mooney of KNEB in Scottsbluff on his retirement and commemorate his 34 years of service to western Nebraska.\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Kevin Mooney to the communities of Scottsbluff, Gering, and western Nebraska.\nThis week, after 34 years as a trusted journalist in Nebraska's panhandle, Kevin will retire from his position as New Director at KNEB radio.\nThroughout his career, Kevin has received six Mark Twain Awards from the Nebraska Associated Press and the Trailblazer Award from the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce.\nKevin names the local sugar factory explosion in 1996 as the biggest story he reported. He stayed on the air all night providing updates to the community.\nKevin is most thankful for his wife, Tracy. He says she has supported him a great deal throughout their 35 years of marriage, given he is on call 24 hours a day.\nEven with his busy schedule, Kevin has dedicated himself to charity events such as Thanksgiving in the Valley, which is a collaboration between KNEB, the Scottsbluff-Gering Soup Kitchen, and Scottsbluff Kiwanis Club. They serve around 400 meals every year on Thanksgiving.\nPlease join me in honoring and thanking Kevin Mooney for his service to Nebraska journalism.\nThank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.\nTo watch a video of Rep. Smith's remarks, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith-commends-kevin-mooney-service-community-house-floor", "Smith Commends Kevin Mooney for Service to Community on House Floor", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) delivered the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives today to congratulate Kevin Mooney of KNEB in Scottsbluff on his retirement and commemorate his 34 years of service to western Nebraska.\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Kevin Mooney to the communities of Scottsbluff, Gering, and western Nebraska.\nThis week, after 34 years as a trusted journalist in Nebraska's panhandle, Kevin will retire from his position as New Director at KNEB radio.\nThroughout his career, Kevin has received six Mark Twain Awards from the Nebraska Associated Press and the Trailblazer Award from the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce.\nKevin names the local sugar factory explosion in 1996 as the biggest story he reported. He stayed on the air all night providing updates to the community.\nKevin is most thankful for his wife, Tracy. He says she has supported him a great deal throughout their 35 years of marriage, given he is on call 24 hours a day.\nEven with his busy schedule, Kevin has dedicated himself to charity events such as Thanksgiving in the Valley, which is a collaboration between KNEB, the Scottsbluff-Gering Soup Kitchen, and Scottsbluff Kiwanis Club. They serve around 400 meals every year on Thanksgiving.\nPlease join me in honoring and thanking Kevin Mooney for his service to Nebraska journalism.\nThank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.\nTo watch a video of Rep. Smith's remarks, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/saluting-our-veterans", "Saluting Our Veterans", "2018-11-13", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Veterans Day, which was originally known as Armistice Day, marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, which ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. 2018 represents its 100-year anniversary. In 1954, Congress expanded the holiday to honor not only the sacrifices of those who fought in World War I, but all of our veterans, and renamed it Veterans Day.\nWe sometimes confuse it with Memorial Day, which takes place in May, but the purpose of Memorial Day is to remember specifically those who lost their lives in service to our country. Given the sacrifices of so many brave men and women on our behalf, it is important that we do our best to honor and serve them, which is why I serve as co-chairman of the Rural Veterans Caucus in the House of Representatives.\nWe look for ways to support our veterans such as the VA Accountability Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law last year. This landmark legislation provides the VA Secretary increased flexibility to remove VA employees for poor performance or misconduct, while also strengthening whistleblower protections. Creating a culture of accountability at the VA is the first step to bringing lasting reforms to the department. We need to rebuild veterans' trust in the VA and make it clear we're putting them first.\nWe also passed the HIRE Vets Act to incentivize companies to hire veterans. Those who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom should not struggle to find employment when they return home. With this bill, employers large and small will be recognized for their efforts to hire and retain veterans.\nA third, the Forever GI Bill, eliminated the 15-year time limit for veterans to use their GI bill benefits and cut down on red tape. With the ability to attend college at any time in their lives, veterans will have greater opportunities for professional development. It also provides flexibility for veterans to make the best education choices for themselves and their families.\nAdditionally, my office participates in the Veterans History Project, whose purpose is to chronicle the stories of Nebraska veterans to be included in the Library of Congress for the education of future generations. If you'd like more information on this program, please let my office know so we can get you connected.\nMy grandfather was a U.S. Navy Seabee in World War II, and his service inspired me to serve my community. He was one of 325,000 Seabees recruited in World War II to build naval bases throughout the globe. Many of us call the United States the land of the free and home of the brave, but I prefer land of the free because of the brave. Be sure to thank a veteran for their sacrifice this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2F12C06D-8457-4D9D-AD5E-B7BDFBFB2AA4", "Sasse Sends Off Nebraska Army Reserve Unit", "2018-11-10", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, participated in a deployment ceremony for 38 soldiers of the 394thArmy Reserve Unit. The 394this based in Fremont and will be providing logistical support for the Special Operations Command abroad. An excerpt from Senator Sasse's speech is below:\r\nThe greatest things in life are not on the battlefield, but the battlefield makes it possible for the greatest things in life to exist. The communities where you're raising your kids, where you're running a small business, where you're worshipping freely, where you're inviting people to the Rotary Club, where you're coaching Little League... all the communities where the most important parts of American life flower are because the framework for ordered liberty happens because people like this and people like you all are willing to sacrifice and make that kind of investment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-veterans-day-2", "Fort Report: Veterans Day", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This past August, at a town hall in Norfolk, an older gentleman raised his hand. After he rose from his seat with difficulty, I asked him whether he was a veteran and of what war. He said he served in World War II and Korea. Although I do not remember his question, I cannot forget the feeling of the encounter.\nAs the Greatest Generation recedes further into our memory, it is deeply humbling and gratifying to see veterans like this man engaged in the civic life of their local communities and our nation. Soon enough, with the passing of time, we will lose our last living links to pivotal wars in our nation's history: severe, brutal conflicts when our men and women in uniform sacrificed to save the world from tyranny. As the great Jewish scholar, Jacob Neusner, once wrote:\nCivilization hangs suspended from generation to generation, by the gossamer strand of memory. If only one cohort of mothers and fathers fails to convey to its children what it has learned from its parents, then the great chain of learning and wisdom snaps. If the guardians of human knowledge stumble only one time, in their fall collapses the whole edifice of knowledge and understanding.\nAmidst the loud national political conversation, it can be easy to forget quiet little moments like the veteran who participated in the Norfolk town hall. But we must carry his legacy forward. On Monday, we will pause for a moment tosay thank you to our veterans. Veterans Day is a time to gather in gratitude, and reflect on our common bond, our narrative as a people, and our shared notion of nationhood. In so doing, we find our unifying principles.\nSupport for our veterans must remain at the forefront of our efforts in Washington. One example of real progress is Lincoln's historic Veterans Affairs (VA) campus, which has been chosen as the location for a new state-of-the art VA clinic. This is an important victory for the economic regeneration of a unique historic property. It arrives on the heels of a similarly successful public-private partnership to expand, improve, and innovate at the Omaha VA Medical Center. Nebraska continues to inspire the nation with creative public-private partnerships to assist our veterans.\nAnother project that I hope to pursue shortly involves an unfolding opportunity with the international community to createan historic center at the site of our D-Day battles in Normandy. A new institute could reestablish for the 21stcentury a renewed understanding of the pivotal battle and its consequences for the war and the institutions that emerged afterwards.\nThe spirit of selflessness that lives on in so many of our veteransand the military men and women serving our nation todayreveals America's inherent nobility. They gave and continue to givefor one simple reason: it is their duty. Veterans Day is a reminder of the shared sacrifices that are needed to keep what we value. And it is a reminder to thank the men and women who keep the world safe and our nation strong.\nPolitics ebbs and flows. Majorities become minorities and minorities become majorities. Yet some things remain constant, some things endure, and some things unite. On Veterans Day, we remember that humble veteran at a town hall in Norfolk and the millions of others who fought valiantly in lands far from homefor our security, for our values, and for the nation we hold dear.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/national-public-radio-rep-jeff-fortenberry-outlines-what-he-sees-bipartisan", "National Public Radio: Rep. Jeff Fortenberry Outlines What He Sees As Bipartisan Opportunities For Congress", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with moderate Republican Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska about areas where Republicans and Democrats might work together in the next Congress.\nAILSA CHANG, HOST:\nOK, the attorney general's resignation comes less than 24 hours after the Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives and expanded their majority in the Senate. We're going to talk about all of that now with Republican Congressman Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska. Welcome.\nJEFF FORTENBERRY: Thank you, Ailsa - a pleasure to talk to you.\nCHANG: I will get to the midterms in a second. I promise. But first, what is your reaction to the attorney general's sudden resignation today? I mean, does Sessions' departure give you any concern about special counsel Robert Mueller's ability to complete his investigation?\nFORTENBERRY: Well, I thought you might divert the interview to that question. And let me tell you a brief story.\nCHANG: It is the news of the day (laughter).\nFORTENBERRY: I understand. Let me tell you a brief story about an interaction I once had with Senator Sessions. In the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti, we discovered that there was a quirk, a missing piece of the law. Haitian orphans who were already in the adoption process had no legal status in the United States. I\ntook the idea of the bill that we had written in the House, and I walked it over to the judicial chairman, Sessions, their committee chair, and just asked for a meeting. He spoke to me for 20 minutes about the bill. And at the end of it, in that unique Southern accent, he said, Jeff, I'll help you. And he shepherded that bill to give Haitian orphans legal status in the United States. By the way, and in the...\nCHANG: Sounds like you regard him as - you regard him with fondness. Do you regret that he's departing in the middle of this administration?\nFORTENBERRY: I had great respect for him. He was very gentlemanly. He listened to the concerns I had in that particular measure, helped get it - shepherd it through. Clearly he and the president had some differences in the beginning, but I want to wish him well. I think he was an outstanding public servant.\nCHANG: Are you struck by the speed with which he departed? I mean, he's been in this job for just about two years.\nFORTENBERRY: Well, I don't know the average tenure of a Cabinet member in any administration. It seems to be that two years is a reasonable length of time in a lot of administrations. But clearly there was some duress here, and he resigned. Ultimately he does work for the president, and that's the decision that was made.\nCHANG: All right, well, this move may put some pressure on House Democrats to use their oversight authority now that they have the majority in the House. Earlier today, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a warning to House Democrats, saying, quote, \"presidential harassment\" didn't work for Republicans with President Clinton, and so it's not going to work for Democrats now. That said, Congressman, are there are some topics you think are worth investigating with this administration that you'd like to see House Democrats lead probes into?\nFORTENBERRY: Frankly that's the paradigm of the political narrative that you and the media keep repeating. I frankly think the world is screaming for meaning and that the country is exhausted by the political polemics, and they simply want something, like we in Nebraska say, to get done - creative solutions, create a space for human interaction, fighting for principle but also looking for consensus. And if the House of Representatives is completely distracted from the ordinary work of trying to obtain national security, keeping the guardrails up for economic vitality and going into the deeper issues of how we restore some vitality in civic life, I think we're all going to disappoint the American people.\nCHANG: You - are you saying then that it would be misguided of House Democrats to launch investigations into President Trump next year?\nFORTENBERRY: Well, I think a better question for you to ask me is, what can we get done in the House of Representatives?\nCHANG: All right, what can you get done, you think, with...\nFORTENBERRY: Well, we...\nCHANG: ...A divided Congress now and Republicans in the minority in the House?\nFORTENBERRY: Well, for instance, I live in ag country. Farming and ranching is critical to the well-being of America. We have the lowest food prices in the industrialized world. We export food and feed hungry people all over the world. We have vibrant food security programs in our own country to protect vulnerable people. We need to get a farm bill done. And I think we have traditionally approached...\nCHANG: Well, let me ask you this. I mean, that's going to take a lot of compromise. The conservative contingent in your caucus grew proportionally after the last - after last night. There are just fewer moderate Republicans like you in the House. Are you concerned about managing the infighting in your caucus in the 20 seconds we have left?\nFORTENBERRY: Well, again, let's watch this word moderate. If you mean moderate in the sense that I'm looking for consensus on how to get done, let's take the label. But don't be so quick to define everybody into categories. The farm bill, for instance, transcends...\nCHANG: All right.\nFORTENBERRY: ...The divisions in politics and tries to get to the heart of, how do we create...\nCHANG: I'm...\nFORTENBERRY: ...Risk stabilization measures to keep America food secure? So there are some things embedded in the farm bill that actually I wrote, the Rural Health Insurance Act, that would actually attempt to create some space for new rural health insurance dynamics and lower costs - already been in dialogue with Democrats on this, would hate to see it become a proxy for the Affordable Care Act fight because it's not. It's simply trying to help people with new, viable models for health insurance. That's one area. I have another bill...\nCHANG: But I'm thinking about legislation that there's wide bipartisan on, say like infrastructure, all right? That was considered optimistically as one issue both sides could agree on in the first two years of the Trump administration. That went nowhere even when Republicans controlled both chambers. Now with a divided Congress, how optimistic are you about stuff getting done?\nFORTENBERRY: Please don't be dismissive of the important potential bipartisanship around a farm bill. This is one of the most important pieces of legislation that America passes every five years because it keeps stabilization measures in place and food security measures in place for the benefit of America and the entire world. Secondly, we're leveraging that for a good, potentially, hopefully bipartisan initiative to help with rural insurance costs.\nI have another initiative that goes to the deeper value of what we've been hinting about in this conversation about how we get back on track and get things done and appeal to a deeper sense of stewardship. I have a bill that would actually get in front of the Endangered Species Act. It's called Recovering America's Wildlife Act - 120 bipartisan cosponsors - that actually takes money from federal lands and reploughs it back into another form of trust by creating a continuity of habitat that protects the environment...\nCHANG: Let me...\nFORTENBERRY: ...Protects species, gets us off the 1-yard line and creates recreational opportunities...\nCHANG: Let me ask you, though.\nFORTENBERRY: ...For the community.\nCHANG: Let me ask you. There are a number of your colleagues who have never been in the minority in the House. As someone who has been in the minority at one point, do you have any advice for them? What is the hardest thing for them to probably get used to as being in the minority now?\nFORTENBERRY: Well, you may be shocked to hear this, and most Americans would given the drama that you and the media constantly play out about the tensions in Congress, but there are a lot of...\nCHANG: You don't think there are tensions.\nFORTENBERRY: Well, politically and philosophically of course, but there are a lot of good human interactions. I'll give you a small example. A couple of months back, a...\nCHANG: OK, we have about 15 seconds, just...\nFORTENBERRY: OK.\nCHANG: ...So you know.\nFORTENBERRY: I went to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. We have very distinct philosophical perspectives on issues. But we have a friendship.\nCHANG: OK.\nFORTENBERRY: She always asks me about my children. They go to see her when they're in Washington.\nCHANG: And we are...\nFORTENBERRY: We're talking about a new issue...\nCHANG: ...Going...\nFORTENBERRY: ...That would actually provide...\nCHANG: ...To (laughter) have to leave it there.\nFORTENBERRY: ...An educational dynamic in Normandy.\nCHANG: Thank you so much. That was Republican Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska.\n\nClick here for audio of the interview.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=18E8EE30-82FD-404A-8C2D-1BEB02ACD77C", "Fischer Statement on Veterans Day 2018", "2018-11-09", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LINCOLN, NEB.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day:\r\nAs Americans, our hearts are filled with deep gratitude and great respect for the men and women who have served our nation. Veterans Day is a special time to renew our appreciation and strengthen our commitment to fulfill our promises to those who have defended our way of life. I hope all Nebraskans will take time this weekend to find a veteran, shake their hand, and thank them for their service.\r\nClick herefor Senator Fischer's Veterans Day Column.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=BCB44288-0B2C-430C-9A24-E9CC71294F22", "Fischer Announces Departure of Dusty Vaughan, Names Holly Baker as Next State Director for Nebraska", "2018-11-08", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "LINCOLN, NEB.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today announced the departure of Dusty Vaughan, who has served as her state director since January 2013. Holly Baker will serve as Fischer's next state director.\r\nI thank Dusty Vaughan for his 14 years of service to the people of Nebraska.He has always performed his responsibilities with the highest integrity and great heart. Dusty has shown leadership on key policy issues, particularly in the areas of transportation and telecommunications, that have improved our state and helped our families.He is a trusted advisor, a steady hand, and a dear friend. I wish him the very best as he enters the next chapter of his career.\r\nI'm pleased to announce that Holly Baker will take the helm as my next state director. As a lifelong Nebraskan with well over a decade of experience working for the people of our state in the U.S. Senate, Holly has my full confidence. I know she will excel as the leader of my Nebraska team and work hard to make the lives of Nebraskans better,said Senator Fischer.\r\nDusty Vaughan served Senator Fischer for all eight years as she represented District 43 in the Nebraska Legislature from 2005-2012. He served as Legal Counsel of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee for her six years as Chairman of that committee. Following Fischer's election to the U.S. Senate in 2012, she named Vaughan as her state director, a position he has held since January 2013. Vaughan received his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.\r\nHolly Baker began working for Nebraska in the U.S. Senate in 2004. She has served in the offices of U.S. Senators Chuck Hagel, Mike Johanns, and in Fischer's office since July 2014. She received her bachelor's degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Master's Degree in Leadership from Bellevue University.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smiths-office-host-senior-service-fairs-scottsbluff-and-grand-island", "Smith\u2019s Office to Host Senior Service Fairs in Scottsbluff and Grand Island", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 The office of Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) will host Senior Service Fairs in Scottsbluff on Wednesday, November 14 and in Grand Island on Thursday, November 15 to coincide with Medicare Open Enrollment.\n\nOfficials from the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) will offer one-on-one consultations on available Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Seniors seeking assistance should bring a complete list of their prescriptions, including dosage information.\n\nRepresentatives from Social Security and the VA will be on hand to answer questions and nursing students from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) will provide complimentary blood pressure screenings.\n\nThe Senior Service Fairs will be held at the following times and locations:\n\nScottsbluff\n\nWednesday, November 14\n\n9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (MT)\n\nLied Scottsbluff Public Library\n\n1809 3rd Avenue, Scottsbluff\n\nGrand Island\n\nThursday, November 15\n\n9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CT)\n\nGrand Generation Center\n\n304 East 3rd Street, Grand Island\n\n*It is strongly recommended Grand Island attendees schedule appointments directly with SHIIP in advance of the fair by calling 1-800-234-7119.\n\nFor additional information, please contact Smith's Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:10:16Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/stopping-fraudulent-phone-calls", "Stopping Fraudulent Phone Calls", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We've all been there. Our families sit down for a nice, relaxing dinner and just as we begin to eat, the phone rings. But who could it be? It's fairly late in the evening and mostly anyone who would call at such an hour is already gathered together.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNot wanting to miss an important call from a friend in need, we take the bait and answer the phone. Immediately, we find ourselves in the middle of a sales pitch for the latest and greatest home security system or a mortgage refinancing product which promises to have us debt free in a matter of months.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIt's obviously a recording, but what to do now? Do we wait for it to end, at which point we can select an option indicating we wish to be removed from their calling list, which rarely works, or simply hang up only to be called back shortly thereafter? In my case, I sometimes receive as many as five unwanted calls in a day, despite having registered my number with the Do Not Call Registry (1-888-382-1222.)\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThese calls are illegal. In some cases, they've gone as far as to imitate the Social Security Administration in an attempt to steal retirement benefits which prompted its inspector general to issue a public warning to would-be victims. According to the report, criminals are using spoofing technology to make the Social Security Administration's 1-800 number display on caller IDs when they call. If you or your loved ones happen to receive one of these fraudulent calls, please note the following.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Social Security Administration will never threaten your benefits. Callers have reportedly offered to increase benefits or push through approvals if their victims would only provide personal information such as Social Security Numbers and bank account information. If you receive a suspicious call, you may report it to the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIf you're concerned a genuine problem exists after receiving a call requesting your personal information, hang up and call the government agency, bank, or credit card company in question directly at their public number. This puts you in control by ensuring you're on the phone with the right people.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tIn 2010, I supported a bill which was signed into law to make call spoofing illegal and empower U.S. law enforcement and consumer protection authorities to put an end to them. To further strengthen these laws, I voted last year with the vast majority of my House colleagues to ensure this prohibition extends to spoofed calls coming from international locations.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUnfortunately, stopping these criminals is challenging. The technology they employ is constantly evolving and requires new approaches by law enforcement officials. As we continue to grapple with this problem, I remain committed to considering new and innovative measures aimed at bringing an end to fraudulent and unwanted calls.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-s-office-host-senior-service-fairs-scottsbluff-and-grand-island", "Smiths Office to Host Senior Service Fairs in Scottsbluff and Grand Island", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The office of Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) will host Senior Service Fairs in Scottsbluff on Wednesday, November 14 and in Grand Island on Thursday, November 15 to coincide with Medicare Open Enrollment.\nOfficials from the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) will offer one-on-one consultations on available Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Seniors seeking assistance should bring a complete list of their prescriptions, including dosage information.\nRepresentatives from Social Security and the VA will be on hand to answer questions and nursing students from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) will provide complimentary blood pressure screenings.\nThe Senior Service Fairs will be held at the following times and locations:\nScottsbluff\n\tWednesday, November 14\n\t9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (MT)  \n\tLied Scottsbluff Public Library  \n\t1809 3rd Avenue, Scottsbluff\nGrand Island  Thursday, November 15\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.\nFor additional information, please contact Smith's Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/press-release/smith%E2%80%99s-office-host-senior-service-fairs-scottsbluff-and-grand-island", "Smiths Office to Host Senior Service Fairs in Scottsbluff and Grand Island", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The office of Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) will host Senior Service Fairs in Scottsbluff on Wednesday, November 14 and in Grand Island on Thursday, November 15 to coincide with Medicare Open Enrollment.\n\tOfficials from the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) will offer one-on-one consultations on available Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Seniors seeking assistance should bring a complete list of their prescriptions, including dosage information.\n\tRepresentatives from Social Security and the VA will be on hand to answer questions and nursing students from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) will provide complimentary blood pressure screenings.\n\tThe Senior Service Fairs will be held at the following times and locations:\n\tScottsbluff\n\tWednesday, November 14\n\t9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (MT)  \n\tLied Scottsbluff Public Library  \n\t1809 3rd Avenue, Scottsbluff\nGrand Island  Thursday, November 15\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 Smith's Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/stopping-fraudulent-phone-calls", "Stopping Fraudulent Phone Calls", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We've all been there. Our families sit down for a nice, relaxing dinner and just as we begin to eat, the phone rings. But who could it be? It's fairly late in the evening and mostly anyone who would call at such an hour is already gathered together.\nNot wanting to miss an important call from a friend in need, we take the bait and answer the phone. Immediately, we find ourselves in the middle of a sales pitch for the latest and greatest home security system or a mortgage refinancing product which promises to have us debt free in a matter of months.\nIt's obviously a recording, but what to do now? Do we wait for it to end, at which point we can select an option indicating we wish to be removed from their calling list, which rarely works, or simply hang up only to be called back shortly thereafter? In my case, I sometimes receive as many as five unwanted calls in a day, despite having registered my number with the Do Not Call Registry (1-888-382-1222.)\nThese calls are illegal. In some cases, they've gone as far as to imitate the Social Security Administration in an attempt to steal retirement benefits which prompted its inspector general to issue a public warning to would-be victims. According to the report, criminals are using spoofing technology to make the Social Security Administration's 1-800 number display on caller IDs when they call. If you or your loved ones happen to receive one of these fraudulent calls, please note the following.\nThe Social Security Administration will never threaten your benefits. Callers have reportedly offered to increase benefits or push through approvals if their victims would only provide personal information such as Social Security Numbers and bank account information. If you receive a suspicious call, you may report it to the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271.\nIf you're concerned a genuine problem exists after receiving a call requesting your personal information, hang up and call the government agency, bank, or credit card company in question directly at their public number. This puts you in control by ensuring you're on the phone with the right people.\nIn 2010, I supported a bill which was signed into law to make call spoofing illegal and empower U.S. law enforcement and consumer protection authorities to put an end to them. To further strengthen these laws, I voted last year with the vast majority of my House colleagues to ensure this prohibition extends to spoofed calls coming from international locations.\nUnfortunately, stopping these criminals is challenging. The technology they employ is constantly evolving and requires new approaches by law enforcement officials. As we continue to grapple with this problem, I remain committed to considering new and innovative measures aimed at bringing an end to fraudulent and unwanted calls.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-s-bacon-and-carbajal-jointly-co-sponsor-bipartisan-bill-educate-children", "Reps Bacon and Carbajal Jointly Co-Sponsor Bipartisan Bill to Educate Children About Holocaust", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OMAHA, NE  Today, Congressmen Don Bacon (R-NE) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA) jointly announced their decision to co-sponsor H.R. 5460, the Never Again Education Act. So far, 18 sets of bipartisan Members have agreed to cosponsor this legislation, which will ensure our children and students understand the dangers of rising anti-Semitism and its history.\nH.R. 5460 will provide our teachers with the resources and training they need to teach our children the important lessons of the Holocaust and the consequences of intolerance and hate. According to a survey released last April by the Claims Conference in Germany, 49 percent of millennials cannot name a single concentration camp; 31 percent of Americans believe that two million or fewer Jews were killed in the Holocaust; and 52 percent of Americans think Hitler came to power by force.\nThe lack of knowledge about the horrors of the Holocaust, combined with the recent horrific act of violence in Pittsburgh, have made it clear to both Representative Bacon and Carbajal that this legislation is sorely needed.\nIt is troubling that so many of our young people do not know about the horrors of the Holocaust and how millions of Jewish people were murdered, said Rep. Bacon. My friend Salud and I decided to put our names on this piece of legislation together because it rises above party division. It is fitting to honor the victims of Pittsburgh and the Holocaust with this legislation.\nThe tragedy in Pittsburgh and a startling lack of public knowledge about the Holocaust should alarm all Americans, regardless of political party. We must work together to educate our children about the history and consequences of anti-Semitism, said Rep. Carbajal. I'm proud to be joining this critical, bipartisan legislation in tandem with my friend and Republican colleague, Rep. Bacon. \nThe legislation will help create a fund at the Department of Education to provide grants to schools and teachers, create a Holocaust education website, develop curriculum, and create an Advisory Board to help develop the program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-tree-life", "Fort Report: The Tree of Life", "2018-11-02", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To understand the power, beauty, and dignity of what America means, one only has to look at the picture of the ordered white crosses nestled along the cliffside of Omaha Beach in Normandy, France.It is solemn.It is noble.And it reflects the idea that one has no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.Nestled within the gentle rolling hills of white crosses are also headstones with Jewish Stars of David on them.\nOn Saturday, October 27, at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in the Jewish neighborhood of Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Robert Bowers opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony, shouting anti-Semitic slurs as he carried out his diabolical rampage.Twenty minutes later, eleven people were dead and nine were injured, including four police officers.It was the deadliest attack on a Jewish community in the history of the United States, and a multi-generational rending of our communal fabric.\nThe pilgrims who settled in early 17th century New England were refugees from religious persecution in Europe.These Puritans viewed their emigration from England as a re-enactment of the Jewish exodus: England was Egypt; the British monarch was Pharaoh; the Atlantic Ocean was the Red Sea; America was the Land of Israel.The Puritans saw themselves like the New Israelites, entering a whole new covenant with God in a brand new Promised Land.They imagined that Thanksgiving  first celebrated in 1621, a year after the Mayflower landed  would parallel Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement: A time of prayer, fasting, and introspection.\nOver 170 years later, in a 340-word Letter to the Hebrew Congregations of Newport, Rhode Island, President George Washington wrote that the Jewish communities of America would find more than mere tolerance in the New World.It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it were by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, Washington wrote.For, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support, he continued.\nPerhaps this moment of pain for the Jewish community and all of America will cause us to reflect on a new healthier covenant for and with America.A healthy America does not manufacture bogeymen towards which violence can be justified, nor does it subvert the principles of decency, civility, and order that allow us to be friends.A new healthy America invites the wide array of Americans into this renewed covenant, which is rooted in respect for human dignity and the unifying principles presented at our nation's founding.\nThe various conflicts that the Jewish people have endured through the ages now have tragically manifested themselves again in this horrific trauma in Pittsburgh.When I learned of the tragedy, my mind went to a piece of art I have in my own home called The Tree of Life. General Washington concluded his letter to the Hebrew Congregations of Newport, by writing, May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid. The Tree of Life.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/breitbart-christians-rebuild-iraq-post-islamic-state-genocide-people-have", "Breitbart: Christians Rebuild in Iraq Post-Islamic State Genocide: 'People Have More Hope' Under Trump", "2018-11-01", "2018", "2018-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The thousands of Christians who have returned to Iraq in recent months after suffering genocide during the Islamic State (ISIS) occupation are breathing life back into their devastated villages, opening up schools and shops, Breitbart News has learned.\n\t\t\t\t\tIn general, Assyrian Christian conditions are better than before, people have more hope under [U.S.] President [Donald] Trump, Ashur Eskrya, the president of the Assyrian Aid Society branch in Iraq (AAS-I), told Breitbart News.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Trump administration understands the situation of Christians in Iraq and has taken positive steps to make sure that Assyrian Christians and Yazidis will remain in their historical lands, he added.\n\t\t\t\t\tEmmanuel Youkhanna, a Christian member of parliament in Iraq, also acknowledged, The Trump administration is actively more sympathetic to Assyrian Christians than previous administrations.\n\t\t\t\t\tEskrya noted that about half of the Christians who left Iraq after the ISIS invasion have returned to the Nineveh plains, their historical homeland and considered the cradle of Christianity.\n\t\t\t\t\tAlthough Youhanna Yousif, an activist with the Hammurabi Human Rights Organization (HHRO) in Iraq, acknowledged that in the Christian town of Qaraqosh alone less than half of the population has returned, he continued to express concern that U.S. assistance has failed to materialize. Between 22,000 and 25,000 people have come back to Qaraqosh; the population before ISIS was 54,000.\n\t\t\t\t\tHe told Breitbart News:\n\t\t\t\t\tNothing has changed for Christians since Trump became president  There is no change on the ground and the administration has not resolved any problem. The U.S. promised to have investments and support for Christians but until now they are only talking points. Perhaps they will start now. We hope that their projects will be well implemented and that they will give work to local individuals to activate the economy of the area.\n\t\t\t\t\tEchoing Yousif, MP Youkhanna told Breitbart News:\n\t\t\t\t\tNothing has really changed for the Christians. Forced out of refugee camps, where conditions were terrible, they returned to their homes in the Assyrian Nineveh Plain (ANP), which have been reduced to rubble. They have gone from nothing to nothing  their lives are shattered. I don't call that a success for a 8000-plus year old nation.\n\t\t\t\t\tMany have returned to the land but not to the buildings simply because the infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged in some places beyond repair unless we commit a billion in USD to rebuild the entire ANP. Assyrian Christians who have returned to their villages now live in houses that no one can call homes, the MP later added.\n\t\t\t\t\tThose who have returned have lifted themselves up by their bootstraps and opened up several shops and renovated at least one school destroyed by ISIS.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Trump administration has redoubled its efforts in recent days to provide aid to Iraqi Christians.\n\t\t\t\t\tIn October 2017, Vice President Mike Pence vowed that the United States would send aid directly to the persecuted Christians in Iraq through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and through faith-based organizations that operate in the area.\n\t\t\t\t\tNow, almost a year later to the day, USAID, the State Department, and some American lawmakers have doubled down on their efforts to ensure that U.S. aid reaches the devastated Iraqi Christian communities.\n\t\t\t\t\tOn October 16, USAID announced more than $178 million in U.S. foreign assistance to support Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq, bringing total U.S. assistance for the vulnerable communities to nearly $300 million since Trump became president.\n\t\t\t\t\tNevertheless, Iraqi MP Youkhanna is skeptical the funds will be used to help Christians, telling Breitbart News:\n\t\t\t\t\tWe have been told that this money will not be used to build an Assyrian Christian nation infrastructure. This prompts the question: what will it be used for? The fact is, USAID rules and regulations make it very difficult for Assyrian NGOs to obtain that funding given they may not meet the requirements of USAID NGO approval requirements and Assyrians suspect that most of the funds will find its way into the NGOs who are empowered by Kurds.\n\t\t\t\t\tUSAID has not responded to a request for comment at press time.\n\t\t\t\t\tYousif described the lack of jobs and infrastructure reconstruction as major challenges facing the Christians in Iraq.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe challenge for Christians now is to find jobs. There is no interest in this side, especially in the sector of agriculture  it needs irrigation projects and equipment, he told Breitbart News. Many people started their jobs and rehabilitated their shops and farms but they closed them because the economic movement is very weak.\n\t\t\t\t\tHe added, The lack of jobs pushes Christians to leave or to return to Kurdistan  The other challenge is the reconstruction of destroyed and burnt houses. If these houses are reconstructed, people will be encouraged to return.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Christian activists and leaders who spoke to Breitbart News stressed that a lack of security remains a major problem for followers of Christ in Iraq.\n\t\t\t\t\tSecurity of Christians will always remain fragile and unpredictable. That's because the same people who abandoned the battlefield when ISIS attacked are now back in control over the Christian population, MP Youkhanna explained.\n\t\t\t\t\tLack of security is the biggest issue, he added. You can build 5-star hotels in the affected area, but they're useless to the Assyrians for as long as the same people who originally forced them out of their towns or abandoned them to ISIS control them.\n\t\t\t\t\tYousif warned that there are still ISIS sleeper cells lingering in the Christian areas of Iraq.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe Christians even now are uncomfortable with security in the area because of the ISIS sleeper cells and the lack of transitional justice, he told Breitbart News.\n\t\t\t\t\tThe small number of Christian troops relative to the other militias are insufficient to keep peace in the Christian lands, he said.\n\t\t\t\t\tAlthough thousands of Christians have returned to Iraq, their population has gone from 1.5 million in 2003 to just 200,000, the National Catholic Register reported on Monday.\n\t\t\t\t\tEarly this month, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), introduced a resolution in the House that calls for the U.S. to develop a coordinated and implementable plan for a stabilization and security mission in the region and train regularized national military structures that include Christian and Yezidi local security forces.\n\t\t\t\t\tFacts on the ground require a proper security settlement. Financial assistance must be combined with a clear plan that ensures sustainable security in the Nineveh Plain and Sinjar, Fortenberry declared in a statement announcing the resolution.\n\t\t\t\t\tClick hereto read the entire text.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-bacon-issues-statement-regards-shooting-pittsburgh", "Rep. Bacon Issues Statement in Regards to Shooting in Pittsburgh", "2018-10-27", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OMAHA, NE  Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement in regards to today's shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh:\n\"I am deeply saddened to hear about the shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and send my prayers to the victims, their families and the Squirrel Hill community. The law enforcement and first responders acted heroically in securing the situation and apprehending the shooter, and I am thankful for their actions and dedication. We have seen much violence and hatred these last few years and it must stop. Further, any manifestation of anti-Semitism is abhorrent and has zero place in our society. As Americans first, we must unify and transcend our cultural, racial and political differences, and nurture more respect and peace amongst ourselves. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bacon-issues-statement-regards-shooting-pittsburgh", "Rep. Bacon Issues Statement in Regards to Shooting in Pittsburgh", "2018-10-27", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OMAHA, NE  Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement in regards to today's shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh:\n\"I am deeply saddened to hear about the shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and send my prayers to the victims, their families and the Squirrel Hill community. The law enforcement and first responders acted heroically in securing the situation and apprehending the shooter, and I am thankful for their actions and dedication. We have seen much violence and hatred these last few years and it must stop. Further, any manifestation of anti-Semitism is abhorrent and has zero place in our society. As Americans first, we must unify and transcend our cultural, racial and political differences, and nurture more respect and peace amongst ourselves. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/opportunities-third-district-youth", "Opportunities for Third District Youth", "2018-10-26", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As I travel the Third District and visit our schools, I never cease to be amazed at the intelligence and drive of our students. Their informed curiosity over key issues facing our country has left a particularly strong impression on me this summer and it is this curiosity I seek to nurture through my outreach efforts.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCollege students interested in gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process are invited to apply for an internship with one of my offices during the spring, summer, or fall. Interns are provided the opportunity to assist with constituent services, attend events, and work side-by-side with my staff on policy issues.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAnother way I interact regularly with students is through the Third District Youth Advisory Council, which is open to high school juniors and seniors. Through in-person meetings, Facebook forums, and conference calls, I meet with this group throughout the school year to discuss the matters they find most important. Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will open in the spring.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tI also take great pleasure in welcoming school groups to Washington, D.C. on the steps of our nation's capital. From 4-H groups to Close-Up programs and others, the summer is the busiest time of year for these visits. If you have a group of young people who would like to visit Washington, D.C., my office is always available to assist in arranging tours of the Capitol, White House, and other national sites. For White House tours, I encourage your group to contact my office three months in advance to comply with its security protocols.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAs a young person, my interest in politics was sparked by my grandfather who served as a Seabee during World War II and it is because of him that I cherish our responsibility to bring the next generation of Nebraskans into civic participation. If you know someone who would be interested in applying for an internship with my office, please encourage them to do so.\n\t\t\t\t\t\tI welcome active engagement from Third District students of all ages and always appreciate hearing their ideas for America's future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/opportunities-third-district-youth", "Opportunities for Third District Youth", "2018-10-26", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As I travel the Third District and visit our schools, I never cease to be amazed at the intelligence and drive of our students. Their informed curiosity over key issues facing our country has left a particularly strong impression on me this summer and it is this curiosity I seek to nurture through my outreach efforts.\nCollege students interested in gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process are invited to apply for an internship with one of my offices during the spring, summer, or fall. Interns are provided the opportunity to assist with constituent services, attend events, and work side-by-side with my staff on policy issues.\nAnother way I interact regularly with students is through the Third District Youth Advisory Council, which is open to high school juniors and seniors. Through in-person meetings, Facebook forums, and conference calls, I meet with this group throughout the school year to discuss the matters they find most important. Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will open in the spring.\nI also take great pleasure in welcoming school groups to Washington, D.C. on the steps of our nation's capital. From 4-H groups to Close-Up programs and others, the summer is the busiest time of year for these visits. If you have a group of young people who would like to visit Washington, D.C., my office is always available to assist in arranging tours of the Capitol, White House, and other national sites. For White House tours, I encourage your group to contact my office three months in advance to comply with its security protocols.\nAs a young person, my interest in politics was sparked by my grandfather who served as a Seabee during World War II and it is because of him that I cherish our responsibility to bring the next generation of Nebraskans into civic participation. If you know someone who would be interested in applying for an internship with my office, please encourage them to do so.\nI welcome active engagement from Third District students of all ages and always appreciate hearing their ideas for America's future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bacon-statement-bomb-scares-and-civility", "Rep. Bacon Statement on Bomb Scares and Civility", "2018-10-26", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OMAHA, NE- Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) released the following statement in regards to recent violence and hateful actions:\nThe violent events and actions this past week and during the past two years are not reflective of everyday Americans. The rise in corrosive rhetoric, heated tensions, and a win-at-all-cost attitude has led to an unhealthy environment. It is unacceptable to see an increase in violence including attempts to scare representatives with fake bomb packages, intimidating them at restaurants, and the shooting of my colleague and good friend Rep. Scalise.\nWe are Americans first, not Democrats or Republicans. We can't allow our dialogue to deteriorate, while violence and intimidation grows.We live in the greatest country in world and we have much more that unifies us than divides. I commit as I always have to debate and advocate for policies I think best for America with dignity, civility and decency.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-caravan", "Fort Report: The Caravan", "2018-10-26", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In the 1980s, I traveled with a Jesuit priest to a Guatemalan refugee camp in Southern Mexico.The people there had fled from the horrific political violence raging all around Central America.On the heels of many innocent people getting killed, including four American nuns in El Salvador, it was my attempt to show solidarity with the people suffering and evaluate what could be done. Fast forward to now.We have a caravan of at least 7000 people making their way from Central America to the United States.In the last 30 years, the dynamics of incomplete border control, insufficient federal enforcement, and exploitation of the poor by unscrupulous corporations has created a magnet for those seeking a better life.Central America has aided this exodus by outsourcing its internal political and economic problems to the U.S. Let's be clear: No one is entitled to enter America illegally.Generosity cannot flow from chaos.Law and order create the conditions for justice and compassion.A caravan is not the way to enter America.It undermines good immigration policy.It is unfair to those waiting in line and following the law.It is a grave setback to proper harmonious relationship with Central America. The dynamics around immigration are complex and multi-layered.Using the most conservative estimates, more than 12 million people illegally remain in the U.S.This old statistic, however, is being challenged by a new Yale study indicating that the true number of illegal immigrants could be as high as 30 million.While most illegal entry is from our southern border, roughly 40% is due to overstaying a visa. This summer we saw heart-wrenching reminders of the struggle to properly balance law enforcement with humanitarian considerations. Although the policy of separating children from their parents is no longer in place, a widely unknown fact is that children often cross the border alone.While the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) goes to great lengths to ensure the proper care of the 12,000 unaccompanied children already here, there is ongoing abuse of our asylum laws, with unrelated and unscrupulous adults posing as guardians to ensure their own entrance into our country. In an ambitious attempt to meet multiple challenges, the House of Representatives recently voted on legislation to stiffen internal enforcement, modernize our immigration laws, and significantly increase border resources.The House legislation moved towards a merit-based immigration system, provided new funding for more humane shelters, created an accelerated judicial review process, and made accommodations to resolve the anxious ambiguity faced by Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (or DACA) recipients, who were brought to this country through no fault of their own. I supported these initiatives, but they, unfortunately, did not have sufficient support in the House.In the meanwhile, we continue to increase border resources at a steady rate and step up enforcement against vicious criminal gangs like MS-13. One overlooked priority not often discussed in the highly partisan debate over immigration is our foreign policy engagement with the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.In an attempt to move the immigration debate off the Mexican-American one-yard line, for several years we have aggressively worked with these nations to foster just governance, end corruption, and improve economic opportunityall to stem the pressure for economic migration. Across administrations, we have spent on average $600 million a year on this effort.In this volatile moment, the effectiveness of this policy is being put to the test. America is a kind and welcoming nation, opening her arms to persons seeking refuge, their own good, and the deeper values of our country.Good and ordered immigration policy is based on hospitality, capacity, and the person's prospect for assimilation. Put simply, it's about justice and generosity. While individuals within the caravan may need our help, a caravan cannot roll over these principles.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/medicare-enrollment-open-now", "Medicare Enrollment Is Open Now", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During Medicare open enrollment, current and prospective beneficiaries are able to update or initiate Part D coverage as needed. This year's open enrollment will take place from October 15th to December 7th, allowing seniors to make decisions regarding their 2019 Medicare coverage.\nWhile no action is required if current beneficiaries are happy with their coverage, formularies can change from year to year and it is highly recommended every beneficiary review their coverage annually. In order to guide Nebraska's seniors through this sometimes difficult process, my office will conduct our annual Senior Services Fairs in Scottsbluff and Grand Island.\nThe Scottsbluff Senior Services Fair will take place at the Lied Scottsbluff Public Library located at 1809 3rd Avenue from 9:30 a.m. to noon (MT) on November 14th. The Grand Island Senior Services Fair will be held on November 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CT) at the Grand Generation Center located at 304 E 3rd Street.\nRepresentatives from Social Security, the VA, the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP,) and my office will be on-site to answer any questions or concerns regarding these agencies and programs. We recommend Nebraskans seeking assistance with Medicare Part D at the Grand Island event make appointments by calling Nebraska SHIIP at 1-800-234-7119.\nIn addition, if you plan to seek assistance with choosing a Part D plan at either of these events, please be sure to bring a full list of your prescriptions and dosages to ensure representatives can help you choose the best plan to cover your recurring prescriptions.\nFor those who may not be able to travel to one of these events, I also hold an annual Medicare teleconference through which a representative from Medicare can answer your questions about open enrollment. Residents of the Third District who would like to be included in this annual teleconference are encouraged to call my Grand Island office at 308-384-3900 prior to November 13th.\nFor additional information, seniors may visit Medicare.gov to learn more about available options, check current enrollment, and apply for new coverage. Nebraskans can also speak with experts by calling Nebraska SHIIP at 1-800-234-7119 or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227.)\nI sincerely hope seniors needing advice or assistance will utilize one or more of these resources to receive coverage through this vital program. Medicare Part D was designed to improve coverage and keep costs down by requiring insurers to compete. Taking an active role in reviewing your coverage improves your ability to benefit from this competition.\nAs a member of the House Ways and Means Committee which has jurisdiction over Medicare, I will continue to ensure its benefits remain available for future generations of Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/medicare-enrollment-open-now", "Medicare Enrollment Is Open Now", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "During Medicare open enrollment, current and prospective beneficiaries are able to update or initiate Part D coverage as needed. This year's open enrollment will take place from October 15th to December 7th, allowing seniors to make decisions regarding their 2019 Medicare coverage.\nWhile no action is required if current beneficiaries are happy with their coverage, formularies can change from year to year and it is highly recommended every beneficiary review their coverage annually. In order to guide Nebraska's seniors through this sometimes difficult process, my office will conduct our annual Senior Services Fairs in Scottsbluff and Grand Island.\nThe Scottsbluff Senior Services Fair will take place at the Lied Scottsbluff Public Library located at 1809 3rd Avenue from 9:30 a.m. to noon (MT) on November 14th. The Grand Island Senior Services Fair will be held on November 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CT) at the Grand Generation Center located at 304 E 3rd Street.\nRepresentatives from Social Security, the VA, the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP,) and my office will be on-site to answer any questions or concerns regarding these agencies and programs. We recommend Nebraskans seeking assistance with Medicare Part D at the Grand Island event make appointments by calling Nebraska SHIIP at 1-800-234-7119.\nIn addition, if you plan to seek assistance with choosing a Part D plan at either of these events, please be sure to bring a full list of your prescriptions and dosages to ensure representatives can help you choose the best plan to cover your recurring prescriptions.\nFor those who may not be able to travel to one of these events, I also hold an annual Medicare teleconference through which a representative from Medicare can answer your questions about open enrollment. Residents of the Third District who would like to be included in this annual teleconference are encouraged to call my Grand Island office at 308-384-3900 prior to November 13th.\nFor additional information, seniors may visit Medicare.gov to learn more about available options, check current enrollment, and apply for new coverage. Nebraskans can also speak with experts by calling Nebraska SHIIP at 1-800-234-7119 or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227.)\nI sincerely hope seniors needing advice or assistance will utilize one or more of these resources to receive coverage through this vital program. Medicare Part D was designed to improve coverage and keep costs down by requiring insurers to compete. Taking an active role in reviewing your coverage improves your ability to benefit from this competition.\nAs a member of the House Ways and Means Committee which has jurisdiction over Medicare, I will continue to ensure its benefits remain available for future generations of Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/fort-reports/fort-report-election-security", "Fort Report: Election Security", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I know it is a bit old-fashioned, but I like stepping into the voting booth and using a pencil to fill in an oval on paper. There is no Russian hacking or fancy Facebook algorithm interfering with my vote. It's my conscience, my pencil, on paper.\nStill, many Americans wonder if our election counts are to be trusted. Sowing seeds of doubt in our democratic processes is the intention of those who intend to do us harm. Despite ongoing nation-state meddling that long predates the 2016 election, please know that great measures are being undertaken to ensure the integrity of our election systems, from registration to voting to post-election vote certification, this November and beyond.\nAccording to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Russian hackers targeted election infrastructure in at least 21 states during the 2016 campaign. Nebraska was not targeted by outside interference. Our state has, nevertheless, taken several steps to ensure pre-and-post-election security. Importantly, our continued use of paper ballots creates a non-digital firewall impervious to hacking.\nThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is, by Congressional mandate, charged with protecting America's critical infrastructure. In January, 2017, DHS designated our country's election systems a critical infrastructure subsector, placing a far higher priority on protecting election resources than was previously the case. I recently received an update from the DHS Secretary outlining latest election security measures. DHS has implemented sophisticated sensors that provide granular real-time monitoring of voter registration databases to detect malicious activity and malware. Through its Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, DHS can now receive, collate, and communicate attempted interference discovered at any of the more than 10,000 election jurisdictions in the country. As part of its whole-of-government approach, DHS has also stepped up election day and post-election day monitoring and incident response, and instituted robust counter-measures against foreign manipulation of public discourse. I invite you to review the correspondence I received from the DHS Secretary here.\nEarlier this year, via theHelp America Vote Act, Congress provided $380 million in grants to help the country's 55 states and territories enhance election security. According to the United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC)the federal body created by Congress in 2002 to serve as the liaison to state election officialsNebraska received about $3.5 million dollars. This funding has been used to replace and upgrade voting equipment, and enhance ballot authentication, voter list maintenance, and accurate election night reporting.\nEven with the ongoing threat of cyber-attacks, it is extremely difficult for foreign actors to hack the vote itself. There is yet no evidence that they have previously done so.\nStill, five statesLouisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Delawarerely exclusively on electronic voting, leaving no permanent paper trail. These areas of vulnerability were addressed in a proposed bipartisan bill that I support,the Secure Elections Act(SEA). It mandates that all states perform manual audits on a percentage of digital votes in all precincts in every election. Without checking paper results against electronic results, there is no guarantee that interference has not occurred.\nTaken together, these actions at the state, executive branch, and legislative branch levels should reassure you that your vote is secure. The sine qua non of a republic is free and fair elections. If the voting process and vote tallies cannot be trusted, election results cannot be trusted.\nEarlier in the tech revolution, I recall a TV report done at a trade show about the latest computer gadgetry. In addition to many high-tech vendors, the reporter interviewed a gentleman who just had a paper and pencil at his simple low-tech booth. Technology has helped us exceedingly well in data movement and productivity. But in that solemn space of the voting booth, maybe a paper and pencil works just fine.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=11B50571-BDFF-4905-8752-AEA462A7D67D", "Sasse Statement on Russian Midterm Election Interference", "2018-10-19", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the Department of Justice charged Elena Khusyaynova, of Russia, with conspiracy to interfere with the 2018 U.S. elections.\r\nAmerica needs to see what Vladimir Putin is doing. Election after election, Putin and his cronies are working to undermine our public trust. This indictment shows that he won't stop working to divide Americans  we have to keep exposing his effort for what it is: political warfare. It's good to see DOJ push back on Putin's shadow war by publicly indicting his shadow warriors and bring his war to light.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/algemeiner-bipartisan-bill-enhance-israeli-palestinian-economic-cooperation", "The Algemeiner: Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Israeli-Palestinian Economic Cooperation Introduced in US Congress", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A bipartisan bill meant tohelp create the conditions on the ground necessary for an eventual end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been introduced by Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Lowey's office announced on Tuesday.\nThe bill  titled The Palestinian Partnership Fund Act of 2018  would establish a Palestinian Partnership Fund to facilitate and finance joint economic ventures and people-to-people exchanges between Israelis and Palestinians. Additionally, the legislation would instruct the Trump administration to make every effort to seek additional contributions for the fund from Middle Eastern and European countries, as well as the rest of the international community.\nSenators Chris Coons (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Cory Gardner (R-CO) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\nRep. Lowey said that the legislation was driven by the need to secure a two-state solution to the conflict.\nI have always believed that a two-state solution is the only framework that would lead to two states for two peoples, Lowey said. This legislation would be a critical step in the reconciliation process necessary for there to one day be a democratic, JewishStateof Israel and a democratic, PalestinianStateliving side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.\nRep. Fortenberry said the legislation recognized that a sustainable peace required new and better economic and interpersonal linkages for prosperity and interconnectedness between the region's peoples.\nSeveral American Jewish organizations have declared their support for the Palestinian Partnership Fund, including the Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP), the American Jewish Committee, and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.\nALLMEP's Executive Director Joel Braunold remarked in a statement that while the fund will never be sufficient in delivering the peace we all want to see, it will play the necessary role in helping create the social, economic and political circumstances within which peace can be secured and sustained.\nClickhereto read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/jewish-telegraphic-agency-pro-israel-congress-members-push-bill-palestinian", "Jewish Telegraphic Agency: Pro-Israel Congress Members Push Bill for Palestinian Investment", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON (JTA)  A bipartisan slate of lawmakers in Congress introduced a bill that would invest in businesses in the Palestinian areas  a bid to replace some of the massive cuts in assistance imposed recently by the Trump administration.\nUnder the measure, the United States would contribute $50 million a year to investments in the Palestinian areas and seek private sector partners for additional investments.\nThis bipartisan bill is a genuine attempt by the United States to regenerate our historic role in finding creative and imaginative pathways to secure a sustainable peace, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., said in a statement released Tuesday jointly with Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., his partner in introducing the bill. This starts by re-creating new and better economic and interpersonal linkages for prosperity and interconnectedness between the region's peoples.\nFour senators  Chris Coons, D-Del.; Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; Tim Kaine, D-Va.; and Cory Gardner, R-Col.  simultaneously introduced companion legislation in their body.\nNotably, the lawmakers sponsoring the bill are pro-Israel leaders in Congress with the clout to get it passed  particularly Lowey, who is Jewish and the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, and Graham, the chairman of the foreign operations subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee.\nI have always believed that a two-state solution is the only framework that would lead to two states for two peoples, Lowey said in the statement. But this dream will only be realized through efforts on the ground to stimulate economic development and community ties between Israelis and Palestinians.\nThe statement says the bill has the backing of centrist Jewish groups, including the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.\nThe measure comes on the heels of the Trump administration slashing aid to the Palestinians, which last year was around $300 million. All that remains of the assistance is the $50 million or so that goes to the Palestinian security services, a line of funding that Israel's security services see as critical to keeping the West Bank quiet. Tens of millions of dollars in humanitarian assistance, including for Palestinian hospitals, is out.\nThe Trump administration also cut out $300 million in funding for UNRWA, the United Nations agency that administers assistance to Palestinian refugees and their descendants. The Palestinians riled President Donald Trump in December by walking away from efforts by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to revive peace talks after Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital.\nTrump and Congress also have taken measures to slash funding as a means of penalizing the Palestinian Authority for continuing to pay the families of Palestinians who have been killed or captured for attacking Israelis.\nNotably, the bill would seem to restore funding for Israeli-Palestinian dialogue; the Trump administration cut off $10 million in dialogue funding. The Alliance for Middle East Peace, which helps facilitate the funding for dialogue groups, also backs the bill.\nSeparately, Jason Greenblatt, the top U.S. Middle East negotiator, told an Israeli news site that the Trump administration was dedicated to an outcome that would unite West Bank Palestinians and Gaza Palestinians under a single authority.\nOur peace plan intends to bring them together, Greenblatt told Ynet. Make no mistake; we are in this to help all Palestinians, in both the West Bank and Gaza.\nKushner, Greenblatt and their team have yet to release the plan, but a number of their interlocutors have suggested that it appears as if it will break up the Palestinians into smaller autonomous entities.Trump has said the plan will be published by early next year.\nClickhereto read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fortenberry-introduces-security-plan-religious-minorities-iraq", "Fortenberry Introduces Security Plan for Religious Minorities in Iraq", "2018-10-17", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Lincoln, NE) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today provided the following statement after introducing a resolution in the House of Representatives for the development of a security plan for religious minorities in Northern Iraq:\nThe United States Government is accelerating, expanding, and focusing humanitarian support for Christians, Yazidis, and other religious minorities who have suffered genocide at the hands of ISIS, Fortenberry said.At the same time, facts on the ground require a proper security settlement.Financial assistance must be combined with a clear plan that ensures sustainable security in the Nineveh Plain and Sinjar.At least three million Iraqis have been displaced from northern Iraq, and many are urgently seeking stability and safety in their ancestral homelands.\nMuch is at stake.Iraq and the region risk losing entire minority communities and, with them, the centuries-old healthy pluralism that played the quiet but essential role of holding people of diverse faiths together, Fortenberry added.More immediately, Iran continues to expand its influence in the area, and the regeneration of ISIS remains a potential threat.\nThis is why I introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives that calls on our government to develop a coordinated and implementable plan for a stabilization and security mission in the region.The proper approach incorporates regularized national military structures, indigenous police units, and local Christian, Yazidi, and other minorities into the security forces.Re-securitization is necessary to ensure the success of our humanitarian support for restoring the once-rich tapestry of ethnic and religious diversity that existed in the region.\nChristians in Iraq used to total 1.5 million.Now, in the wake of ISIS, only a few hundred thousand remain.Approximately 400,000 Yazidis are now internally displaced persons living in tent structures.To this day, 3500 Yazidi women remain as ISIS sex slaves.\nCongressmanJeff Fortenberry is a member of House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations and is co-chair of the Religious Minorities in the Middle East Caucus.He represents America's largest Yazidi community.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E7A8E618-AC18-4170-AF8B-8AD19865B380", "Fischer Comments on Trade Negotiations with Japan, European Union, United Kingdom", "2018-10-16", "2018", "2018-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement today after the administration notified Congress of its intention to negotiate trade agreements with Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom:\r\n Opening up new markets for Nebraska producers is the best way to ensure they can prosper and feed the world. I welcome the start of trade negotiations between our country and Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. I'm optimistic President Trump and the administration will make good deals for our ag producers and manufacturers.\r\nKey Facts:\r\nJapan is the third largest market for Nebraska ag products. It represents Nebraska's largest export market for beef, pork, and eggs; the second largest export market for corn and wheat; and the third largest export market for soybeans.\r\nThe European Union is Nebraska's fifth largest agricultural export market.\r\nThe United Kingdom is an important market for Nebraska manufactured agricultural and construction machinery,as well as oilseeds and other grains.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 665, "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": "2018"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 665, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2018&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 665, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NE&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "NE", "label": "NE", "count": 665, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2018", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2018", "results": [{"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 665, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2018-10-16,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Efischer~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fnews~3FID~3DE7A8E618-AC18-4170-AF8B-8AD19865B380", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NE&year=2018&_next=2018-10-16%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Efischer~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fnews~3FID~3DE7A8E618-AC18-4170-AF8B-8AD19865B380&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 205.26338508352637, "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"}