{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"NE\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=13F3D30C-8D2A-4CAB-8A4D-09A2AFC6BFEE", "Fischer\u2019s Christmas Message", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following video to celebrate Christmas day.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E38959C8-0DB0-4838-BF81-A84FD5F6F02C", "Fischer Statement on Colorado Supreme Court Ruling", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today in response to the Colorado Supreme Court\u2019s recentruling disqualifying President Donald Trump from the state\u2019s 2024 ballot:\n\n\u201cRegardless of your political persuasion, denying a candidate even the ability to stand for election is wrong. It\u2019s the right of American voters to support who they wish, but this ruling takes away that right. This election interference is deeply unAmerican. I encourage the Supreme Court to weigh in quickly.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/12/fischer-statement-on-colorado-supreme-court-ruling", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=D0DAF740-0B67-4E73-AB95-214A93014A49", "Fischer, Ricketts Applaud Nomination of Susan Bazis to U.S. District Court of Nebraska", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) released the following statements regarding President Biden\u2019s nomination of Susan M. Bazis of Omaha to be a federal judge for the District of Nebraska:\n\n\u201cI was honored to recommend Susan Bazis to be a federal judge for the District of Nebraska to the White House earlier this year. A bright legal mind, Judge Bazis is a dedicated public servant who works hard not only to administer justice fairly, but to make our court system more efficient,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer. \u201cHer broad experience in both criminal and civil affairs will continue to serve our state and its people well. I encourage all of my Senate colleagues to support her nomination\u2014congratulations, Susan!\u201d\n\n\u201cI applaud Senator Fischer for working with the president to nominate a qualified and well-respected Nebraskan to the federal bench,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cJudge Susan Bazis\u2019s varied experience, strong intellect, and temperament will benefit us all. I have every confidence she will receive strong, bipartisan support. Congratulations, Judge Bazis!\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Fischer first recommended Susan Bazis as a federal judge to President Biden for the District of Nebraska in January of 2023.\n\nBazis\u2019 nomination now enters the Senate confirmation process. After a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the committee will vote on her nomination. Following approval by the committee, her nomination heads to the Senate floor for a final vote.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/12/fischer-ricketts-applaud-nomination-of-susan-bazis-to-u-s-district-court-of-nebraska", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=228CDC6B-2BDE-4CD5-AE13-1A126595C175", "Fischer to Mayorkas: Your Border Negligence Caused an Economic Crisis", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Demands Action to Reopen Railways, Protect Commerce\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Armed Services Committee and a member of the Agriculture Committee, sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas criticizing the closure of the international railway crossing bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas.\n\nIn her letter, Senator Fischer said the closure would hurt agriculture producers across the United States, and demanded the administration enact policies to curb the record levels of migration at the U.S. southern border.\n\n\u201cThe border crisis is not new. Since President Biden took office, CBP personnel have encountered over 6.6 million migrants \u2013 not counting additional millions of got-aways\u2026 Your office had an opportunity to implement policies that would stem the flow of illegal migration to prevent these suspensions from reoccurring. Instead, you failed to act and placed a heavier burden on American businesses and industries,\u201d wrote Senator Fischer.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=A13EA98D-F1B9-45A2-9692-12752539547F", "Fischer Statement on the Passing of Scott Lautenbaugh", "2023-12-16", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, Neb. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today after learning of the passing of former Nebraska State Senator Scott Lautenbaugh:\n\n\u201cI was saddened to learn of the passing of my former colleague Scott Lautenbaugh this morning. Scott was a valuable member of the Legislature and of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. I enjoyed working with him on the infrastructure needs of Nebraska. He helped build a stronger Nebraska and was always guided by his conservative values.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=4BF1B1C4-CBB5-4D02-AA9D-8EF7CC1BB6C1", "Fischer, Colleagues Condemn Hamas\u2019 Use of Sexual Violence During October 7th Terrorist Attack on Israel", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator DebFischer (R-Neb.), asenior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined U.S. Senators JeanneShaheen (D-N.H.), KatieBritt (R-Ala.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in leading a resolution condemning Hamas for using sexual and gender-based violence against Israelis during the October 7th terrorist attack.\n\n\u201cSome events are so evil they cannot be ignored or explained away\u2014they should unite us in condemnation, speaking in one, human voice. And yet, in the wake of mass rape on October 7th, human rights activists became terror apologists, while women\u2019s groups turned their backs on thousands of Israeli women. Every organization that has denied or ignored Hamas\u2019s war crimes must speak out and help bring justice to the perpetrators,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer, Shaheen, Britt, and Gillibrand, the resolution was cosponsoredby U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-Wyo.), andMichael Bennet (D-Colo.).\n\nFull text of the resolution can be foundhere.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/12/fischer-colleagues-condemn-hamas-use-of-sexual-violence-during-october-7th-terrorist-attack-on-israel", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=B5072EA0-FEB7-4CC2-ABEA-EA1B76D25E49", "Fischer: Europe\u2019s Munitions \u2018Cupboard\u2019 is Bare", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cThis Boom-And-Bust Cycle of Production Has Put the United States Dangerously Behind\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In a speech on the Senate floor this week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called on the United States and Europe to build up their stockpiles of weapons and munitions.\n\nSenator Fischer stated that the U.S. is currently unprepared to increase munitions production at the scale and speed required to win a large war \u2014 noting that Russia and China far outpace America\u2019s current capacity to build and replace equipment.\n\nDuring her remarks, Senator Fischer cited a Wall Street Journal article outlining the damaging impact of budget cuts and an eroded defense industry on European armed services. According to the article, Germany\u2019s army only has enough ammunition to last for two days of battle, and the British military previously considered removing rocket launchers from museums to upgrade and donate to Ukraine.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=06C85282-252E-45A9-AEF9-D6762CD26580", "Fischer Applauds Final Passage of Annual Defense Bill", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Fischer Secured Dozens of Key Provisions to Strengthen U.S. National Security, Support State of Nebraska\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, voted in favor of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This annual legislation authorizes defense spending and sets the policies and priorities for the U.S. military.\n\nSenator Fischer secured dozens of key national security provisions in the bill that strengthen America\u2019s military and support the state of Nebraska.\n\n\u201cThe first responsibility of the federal government is the safety and security of this nation. As the United States faces growing threats from China, Russia, and Iran, it\u2019s vital that Congress act to equip our military to protect the American people. This year\u2019s NDAA secures a pay raise for our troops and supports key defense priorities across the country, including at Offutt Air Force Base. Our bipartisan legislation will also update our aging nuclear forces, boost domestic munitions production, and bolster our national security.\u201d\n\nKey National Security Priorities\n\nNuclear Capabilities\n\nSea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) \u2013 Created a program of record for SLCM, authorization for $190M for development, and $70M for National Nuclear Security Administration to develop the warhead.\n\nSentinel ICBM \u2013 Improved contracting flexibility for Sentinel Military Construction projects and created a Sentinel task force.\n\nNew START Treaty \u2013 Prohibited the sharing of New START information with Russia without equivalent sharing from Russia.\n\nW76-2 Warheads \u2013 Prohibited a reduction in W76-2 warheads, a low-yield variant of a thermonuclear weapon for submarine-launched missiles.\n\nMinuteman III \u2013 Retained key Minuteman III provisions, including a requirement to maintain and modernize all 150 silos at each of the three sites and to decrease upload times.\u201d\n\nMunitions\n\nMulti-year Procurement \u2013 Included multi-year procurement authority for munitions, which is vital for long-term planning and the support of our military industrial base.\n\nB83 Gravity Bomb \u2013 Prohibited retirement of the B83 gravity bomb and authorized the production of B61-13 gravity bombs, which are more capable against hard and deeply buried targets.\n\nIsrael Cooperation\n\nMissile Defense \u2013 Authorized cooperation between the United States and Israel on directed energy missile defense programs like the Iron Beam.\n\nEmerging Technology \u2013 Authorized $25M for the additional cooperation between the United States and Israel on emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities.\n\nDeterring China\n\nChinese Appeasement \u2013 Prevents the Department of Defense from participating in entertainment projects that seek pre-approval from or modify content to appease PRC or CCP-linked entities.\n\nPacific Deterrence \u2013 Extended a wide variety of investments in our capabilities to compete with and deter China (Pacific Deterrence Initiative) through 2026.\n\nU.S. Strategic Command\n\nREACH Program \u2013 Included authorization for $10M for U.S. Strategic Command\u2019s Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) REACH program\n\nCyber Threats \u2013 Included authorization for $15M for U.S. Strategic Command\u2019s NC3 network sensor demonstrator\n\nElectronic Warfare \u2013 Included provision restructuring the Department of Defense\u2019s electronic warfare activities to more effectively align under the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Enterprise Operations (JEMSO) office at U.S. Strategic Command\n\nKey Nebraska Priorities\n\nNebraska National Guard\n\nNational Guard Readiness Center \u2013 Authorized $9.09M to complete the National Guard Readiness Center in Bellevue, NE\n\nTroop Housing \u2013 Authorized $1.2M for the planning and design of Collective Training Unaccompanied Housing at Greenlief Training Site, NE\n\nTroop Housing \u2013 Authorized $1.9M to complete the Collective Training Unaccompanied Housing at Mead Training Site, NE\n\nVehicle Maintenance Shop \u2013 Authorized $400K to complete the National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop in North Platte, NE\n\nOffutt Air Force Base\n\nLogistics Readiness Squadron \u2013 Authorized $3.5M for planning and design of the Logistics Readiness Squadron Transportation Facility at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nCivil Engineering Squadron \u2013 Authorized $4.5M for planning and design of the new maintenance facility and warehouse for the 55th Wing's Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) Pavements and Grounds Shop at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nBase Operations Center \u2013 Authorized $5M for planning and design of the Base Operations/Mobility Center at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nPower Grid \u2013 Authorized $41M for microgrid and backup power at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nPOW/MIA Accountability Agency \u2013 Authorized $5M for planning and design of the new Defense POW/MIA Accountability Agency Laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base\n\n55th Wing \u2013 Authorized $20M to upgrade RC-135 position, navigation, and timing systems to operate in a GPS-denied environment.\n\n557th Weather Wing \u2013 Authorized $9M to accelerate the Wing\u2019s data migration efforts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=981A0E61-68CF-4935-ACD1-322689837C79", "WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Groups Support Fischer Effort to Protect Rural Seniors\u2019 Access to Care, Halt Damaging Medicare Staffing Rule", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Stakeholders Say President Biden\u2019s CMS Rule \u201cThreatens Access to Long-Term Care for Seniors Everywhere\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Recently, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced the Protecting Rural Seniors\u2019 Access to Care Act. The legislation prohibits the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary from finalizing a proposed nursing home staffing rule that would hurt facilities across rural Nebraska and could force many to close.\n\nSince its introduction, the legislation has received broad support from stakeholders.\n\nThe bill is endorsed by over 100 organizations including: the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN), American Health Care Association (AHCA), American Hospital Association, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, American Seniors Housing Association, Association of Jewish Aging Services, Catholic Health Association of the United States, Federation of American Hospitals, Good Samaritan, Immanuel, LeadingAge, LeadingAge Nebraska, Lutheran Services in America, National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH), National Center for Assisted Living National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), National Rural Health Association, Nebraska Health Care Association, Nebraska Hospital Association, Tabitha Health, and Vetter Senior Living.\n\nStakeholder Support:\n\n\u201cWe are already facing a crisis in access to care in Nebraska nursing homes, and the proposed staffing mandate would only make this worse. We have more people needing services than we have available providers, and many waiting for services in our hospitals and at home. The CMS proposed minimum staffing mandate will only make it harder for older adults and families to receive the care they need. Getting this wrong will jeopardize equity and access for care now and into the future with a growing number of older adults. The issues that need to be addressed are developing a strong workforce and assuring providers receive adequate funding to cover the cost of services. LeadingAge Nebraska wholly supports Senator Fischer in this bill and will encourage our advocates across the U.S. to urge their representatives to do the same,\u201d said LeadingAge Nebraska CEO Kierstin Reed.\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senators Fischer and Tester for introducing this legislation. This unfunded mandate threatens access to long term care for seniors everywhere, but especially our nation\u2019s rural and underserved communities. It requires substantial resources that nursing homes simply don\u2019t have to hire more than 100,000 additional caregivers that simply don\u2019t exist, ultimately threatening to close nursing homes across the country. Rather than this impossible, one-size-fits-all mandate, we need thoughtful workforce policies that will help address nationwide nursing shortages and incentivize caregivers to choose a career in long term care. We fully support this bill and look forward to working with Congress on more productive solutions to ensure access to critical long term care services,\u201d said the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).\n\n\u201cEnsuring that older Americans have access to quality care in nursing homes is a widely shared goal. The proposed nursing home staffing requirement is the wrong approach. By prohibiting this unrealistic and unfunded mandate, the Protecting Rural Seniors\u2019 Access to Care Act will help to ensure older adults can get the care and services they need and fend off more nursing home closures. It further offers a path to solutions by establishing a panel to address workforce shortages that are chronic throughout the sector. We applaud Sen. Fischer\u2019s effort to get this right for all Americans,\u201d said LeadingAge President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan.\n\nFull list of endorsements:\n\nAdvena Living Group, ADVION, Alabama Nursing Home Association, American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN), American Health Care Association, American Hospital Association, American Seniors Housing Association, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, Arizona Health Care Association, Arkansas Health Care Association, Association of Jewish aging services, Avera, California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF), Care Providers of Minnesota, Care Providers Oklahoma, Cascadia Healthcare, Catholic Health Association of the United States, Colorado Health Care Association, Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities, District of Columbia Health Care Association, Essentia Health, Federation of American Hospitals, Genesis Healthcare, Georgia Health Care Association, Good Samaritan, Health Care Association of Michigan, Hill Top House, Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania, Idaho Health Care Association, Illinois Health Care Association, Immanuel, Indiana Health Care Association, Iowa Health Care Association, Iowa Hospital Association, Kansas Health Care Association/KS Center for Assisted Living, Kansas Hospital Association, Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities, LeadingAge, LeadingAge California, LeadingAge Colorado, LeadingAge Connecticut, LeadingAge DC, LeadingAge Florida, LeadingAge Georgia, LeadingAge Iowa, LeadingAge Kansas, LeadingAge Maine & New Hampshire, LeadingAge Massachusetts, LeadingAge Minnesota, LeadingAge Nebraska, LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware, LeadingAge New York, LeadingAge North Carolina, LeadingAge Oklahoma, LeadingAge PA, LeadingAge South Carolina, LeadingAge Tennessee, LeadingAge Texas, LeadingAge Virginia, LeadingAge Wyoming, Louisiana Hospital Association, Louisiana Nursing Home Association, Lutheran Services in America, Maine Council on Aging, Maine Health Care Association, Maine Hospital Association, Maine Medical Association, Maine Osteopathic Association, Maryland Rural Health Association, Massachusetts Senior Care Association, Midwest Health, Inc., Minnesota Hospital Association, Minnesota Rural Health Association, Mission Health, Mississippi Health Care Association, National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH), National Center for Assisted Living, National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), National Rural Health Association, Nebraska Health Care Association, Nebraska Hospital Association, New England Rural Health Association, New Hampshire Health Care Association, North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association, North Dakota Hospital Association, North Dakota Long Term Care Association, Ohio Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Health Care Association, Pennsylvania Rural Health Association, Rhode Island Health Care Association, Sanford Health, South Dakota Assoc. of Healthcare Organizations, South Dakota Health Care Association, St. Otto's Care Center Inc., Tabitha Health, Texas Health Care Association, The Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association, Trinity Health, Utah Health Care Association, Vetter Senior Living, Virginia Health Care Association-Virginia Center for Assisted Living, Wisconsin Health Care Association, and the Wyoming Health Care Association", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=04AAE713-7855-47CC-9B78-338F170D7255", "Fischer Secures Key National Security Priorities in Defense Bill", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the release of the final Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\nSenator Fischer secured dozens of key national security provisions in the bill that strengthen our military and support the state of Nebraska.\n\n\u201cThe federal government\u2019s primary responsibility is the safety and security of this nation. The threats facing the United States from China, Russia, Iran, and elsewhere are the gravest in decades, and Congress must equip our military to protect the American people. This year\u2019s defense bill will advance vital defense priorities nationwide and in Nebraska, including key updates to our nuclear forces, munitions production, and Offutt Air Force Base.\u201d\n\nKey National Security Priorities\n\nNuclear Capabilities\n\nSea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) \u2013 Created a program of record for SLCM, authorization for $190M for development, and $70M for National Nuclear Security Administration to develop the warhead.\n\nSentinel ICBM \u2013 Improved contracting flexibility for Sentinel Military Construction projects and created a Sentinel task force.\n\nNew START Treaty \u2013 Prohibited the sharing of New START information with Russia without equivalent sharing from Russia.\n\nW76-2 Warheads \u2013 Prohibited a reduction in W76-2 warheads, a low-yield variant of a thermonuclear weapon for submarine-launched missiles.\n\nMinuteman III \u2013 Retained key Minuteman III provisions, including a requirement to maintain and modernize all 150 silos at each of the three sites and to decrease upload times.\u201d\n\nMunitions\n\nMulti-year Procurement \u2013 Included multi-year procurement authority for munitions, which is vital for long-term planning and the support of our military industrial base.\n\nB83 Gravity Bomb \u2013 Prohibited retirement of the B83 gravity bomb and authorized the production of B61-13 gravity bombs, which are more capable against hard and deeply buried targets.\n\nIsrael Cooperation\n\nMissile Defense \u2013 Authorized cooperation between the United States and Israel on directed energy missile defense programs like the Iron Beam.\n\nEmerging Technology \u2013 Authorized $25M for the additional cooperation between the United States and Israel on emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities.\n\nDeterring China\n\nChinese Appeasement \u2013 Prevents the Department of Defense from participating in entertainment projects that seek pre-approval from or modify content to appease PRC or CCP-linked entities.\n\nPacific Deterrence \u2013 Extended a wide variety of investments in our capabilities to compete with and deter China (Pacific Deterrence Initiative) through 2026.\n\nU.S. Strategic Command\n\nREACH Program \u2013 Included authorization for $10M for U.S. Strategic Command\u2019s Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) REACH program\n\nCyber Threats \u2013 Included authorization for $15M for U.S. Strategic Command\u2019s NC3 network sensor demonstrator\n\nElectronic Warfare \u2013 Included provision restructuring the Department of Defense\u2019s electronic warfare activities to more effectively align under the Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Enterprise Operations (JEMSO) office at U.S. Strategic Command\n\nKey Nebraska Priorities\n\nNebraska National Guard\n\nNational Guard Readiness Center \u2013 Authorized $9.09M to complete the National Guard Readiness Center in Bellevue, NE\n\nTroop Housing \u2013 Authorized $1.2M for the planning and design of Collective Training Unaccompanied Housing at Greenlief Training Site, NE\n\nTroop Housing \u2013 Authorized $1.9M to complete the Collective Training Unaccompanied Housing at Mead Training Site, NE\n\nVehicle Maintenance Shop \u2013 Authorized $400K to complete the National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop in North Platte, NE\n\nOffutt Air Force Base\n\nLogistics Readiness Squadron \u2013 Authorized $3.5M for planning and design of the Logistics Readiness Squadron Transportation Facility at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nCivil Engineering Squadron \u2013 Authorized $4.5M for planning and design of the new maintenance facility and warehouse for the 55th Wing's Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) Pavements and Grounds Shop at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nBase Operations Center \u2013 Authorized $5M for planning and design of the Base Operations/Mobility Center at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nPower Grid \u2013 Authorized $41M for microgrid and backup power at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nPOW/MIA Accountability Agency \u2013 Authorized $5M for planning and design of the new Defense POW/MIA Accountability Agency Laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base\n\n55th Wing \u2013 Authorized $20M to upgrade RC-135 position, navigation, and timing systems to operate in a GPS-denied environment.\n\n557th Weather Wing \u2013 Authorized $9M to accelerate the Wing\u2019s data migration efforts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=A239BAFF-9085-464B-B243-E80BED2AB8C5", "Nebraska\u2019s Senators Raise Concerns with Ineffective Emergency Relief Program for Producers", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) joined their colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to call attention to issues regarding the 2022 Emergency Relief Program (ERP). In a recent letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack, the Senators highlighted ongoing producer concerns with the new program.\n\n\u201cThe 2022 crop year was challenging for many of America's farmers and ranchers who were saddled with record-high production costs, inflation, and met with historic drought conditions in the West and significant flood and freeze events in other regions of the country. In light of these challenges, we thank you for the swift assistance made to livestock producers with drought or wildfire losses in 2022. However, following the USDA\u2019s 2022 ERP rollout for qualified crop losses, we have heard from producers in our states with concerns regarding the new program,\u201dthe members wrote.\n\nThe Senators outlined several questions for Secretary Vilsack to increase transparency on how the emergency reimbursements were calculated, administered, and what would be done with remaining funds.\n\n\u201cWe recognize that ad hoc disaster assistance is costly to U.S. taxpayers and only a band-aid to issues exacerbated by extreme weather volatility. It is for this reason that we believe an adequate farm safety net, including conservation investments that address persistent drought, are critical in any upcoming multi-year Farm Bill reauthorization,\u201dthe members continued.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Ricketts, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kans.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas), Lance Gooden (R-Texas), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Pete Sessions (R-Texas), Yadira Caraveo (D-Colo.), Jake Ellzey (R-Texas), August Pfluger (R-Texas), Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and Vincente Gonzalez (D-Texas).\n\nThe full letter can be foundhereand below.\n\nDear Secretary Vilsack:\n\nWe write to you concerning the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) 2022 Emergency Relief Program (ERP). Almost a year ago, Congress passed, and the President signed into law the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328), which authorized $3.74 billion in emergency financial relief through the ERP to America\u2019s farmers and ranchers who were afflicted by devasting natural disasters last year.\n\nAs you know, the 2022 crop year was challenging for many of America's farmers and ranchers who were saddled with record-high production costs, inflation, and met with historic drought conditions in the West and significant flood and freeze events in other regions of the country. In light of these challenges, we thank you for the swift assistance made to livestock producers with drought or wildfire losses in 2022. However, following the USDA\u2019s 2022 ERP rollout for qualified crop losses, we have heard from producers in our states with concerns regarding the new program.\n\nTo that end, we request your prompt response to the following questions:\n\n1. Can you explain the economic justification of the new progressive payment factor for ERP Track 1 and Track 2 losses, recognizing that 2022 losses far exceeded the $3.7 billion disaster assistance authorization?\n\na. How will the progressive payment factor for ERP Track 1 and Track 2 losses translate into total payments to states?\n\nb. Specifically, will the top states with losses in 2022 \u2013 Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, California, South Dakota, Montana, and Colorado \u2013 be the same top states with disaster payments made to producers?\n\nc. If not, which states will likely see the most payments?\n\n2. In the Federal Register Notice of Funds Availability (Docket ID FSA-2023-0020)1, the agency includes an additional 75% payment factor for all calculated Track 1 and Track 2 payments for eligible crop producers, including underserved producers. This additional reduction of 25% is not currently included in the publicly available program factsheet posted on USDA\u2019s website. Can you confirm that all Track 1 and Track 2 payments for eligible crop producers will see the additional 75% proration?\n\n3. According to USDA estimates, ERP Track 1 benefits will reach more than 206,000 producers who received indemnities for losses covered by federal crop insurance and more than 4,500 producers who obtained Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for the 2022 crop year. What is the average payment USDA will likely issue compared to the amount of actual loss not covered through crop insurance and NAP indemnities?\n\na. How much does USDA estimate to issue in total to recipients with losses under Track 1?\n\n4. In the 2020 and 2021 ERP, producers were individually reimbursed for crop insurance or NAP premiums and fee costs. However, in the 2022 ERP, a percentage of these reimbursements will only be made available to certain producers. If USDA has leftover funds following the initial payments made, would the Department consider providing reimbursement of some of these costs for all producers in order to provide additional support to producers who have availed themselves of existing risk management tools?\n\n5. In the Federal Register Notice of Funds Availability (Docket ID FSA-2023-0020)2, the Department indicates that if funds remain, additional payments could be made. Please outline how the Department would issue additional payments?\n\na. Can you specify if they would be made through Track 1, Track 2, or through crop insurance or NAP premiums and fee cost reimbursements?\n\n6. Did USDA consider an across-the-board payment factor instead of the progressive payment factor? If so, what payment factor would have been required?\n\n7. For natural disaster-related losses in 2020 and 2021, Congress provided $10 billion through the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 117-43). These funds are available until December 31, 2023.\n\na. As of today, how much of the $10 billion remains unobligated?\n\nb. How much money does the agency plan to spend by December 31, 2023?\n\nc. How much money does the agency plan to withhold to address appeals?\n\n8. Will the agency continue its commitment to transparency of disaster assistance and post the outlays publicly on a 2022 ERP dashboard?\n\nAs you continue to make 2022 ERP implementation decisions, we urge you to consider reimbursing crop insurance and NAP premiums as well as fee costs to some extent for all 2022 ERP-eligible producers.\n\nWe recognize that ad hoc disaster assistance is costly to U.S. taxpayers and only a band aid to issues exacerbated by extreme weather volatility. It is for this reason that we believe an adequate farm safety net, including conservation investments that address persistent drought, are critical in any upcoming multiyear Farm Bill reauthorization.\n\nThank you in advance for your response to these critically important questions.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/12/nebraska-s-senators-raise-concerns-with-ineffective-emergency-relief-program-for-producers", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=872279AF-3F59-4BE0-9879-69ADD8052407", "Fischer Legislation to Protect Rural Seniors\u2019 Access to Care, Halt Damaging Medicare Staffing Rule", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 This week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced the Protecting Rural Seniors\u2019 Access to Care Act. The legislation would prohibit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary from finalizing a proposed nursing home staffing rule that would hurt facilities across rural Nebraska and could force many to close.\n\nIn addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Angus King (I-Maine).\n\nThe legislation would also establish an advisory panel on nursing home staffing that includes voices from both urban and rural communities. The panel would submit a report to Congress that analyzes workforce shortages and makes practical recommendations to strengthen the workforce.\n\n\u201cNursing homes across the country face historic staffing shortages, and nowhere are those challenges more real than in rural states like Nebraska. This mandate from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would force many facilities to reduce their number of patients or even close their doors for good. My legislation will stop this staffing rule and allow time to find a fairer solution that protects rural facilities across our state,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cImposing a one-size-fits-all staffing mandate on nursing homes will have costly and devastating impacts on Kansas seniors\u2019 access to care. The pandemic, compounded with reimbursement challenges and staffing shortages, has led to the closure or reduced services in nearly 50 nursing homes across Kansas. The importance of having access to local long-term quality care facilities for seniors cannot be understated. Kansas seniors should be able to live and age comfortably in a local community where they can stay connected to their families. This unachievable rule further highlights the Biden Administration's continued disregard for rural America. I'm proud to champion this important bipartisan legislation,\u201d said Senator Marshall.\n\n\u201cOklahoma seniors, especially in rural communities, deserve quality, safe health care. CMS has proposed a one-size-fits-all staffing mandate that has significantly threatened the ability for patients to receive post-acute care in rural communities. My colleagues and I are taking all available steps to stop the overreaching staffing mandate from CMS\u2014they are not in our communities and clearly do not adequately understand the problems families and seniors are facing when finding care in rural America,\u201d said Senator Lankford.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve told the Biden Administration from the jump that imposing a burdensome one-size-fits-all staffing mandate simply won\u2019t work for Montana\u2019s rural nursing homes. Our long-term care facilities are already facing severe workforce shortage issues, and this federal staffing mandate could force facilities to shut their doors. My bipartisan bill will stop this rule dead in its tracks, and I\u2019m committed to working with my colleagues to address the nursing home workforce so we don\u2019t leave rural seniors in the lurch,\u201dsaid Senator Tester.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re strengthening rural nursing home care by pushing back against a misguided federal rule that could result in the closure of rural nursing home facilities. I support efforts to ensure our seniors receive the best care from dedicated nursing and health staff, but a one-size-fits all approach does not work for Arizona communities,\u201d said Senator Sinema.\n\n\u201cAllowing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019 staffing mandate to be forced upon all nursing homes would be a disaster for older Americans who reside in rural areas, as many do in the State of Maine. This bipartisan legislation would allow for the chance to negotiate fair rules for all long-term care facilities, helping to avoid wide-scale displacement of residents and closures of rural nursing homes that are facing severe staffing shortages,\u201d said Senator Collins.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration recently proposed a national plan to address healthcare provider shortages, a challenge which especially hurts rural areas. But what works in one state may not work in Mississippi,\u201d Wicker said. \u201cClosing our rural-urban healthcare gap will require tailored solutions designed by those who know their communities best \u2013 local leaders. This legislation empowers them to make decisions they believe are best for their towns while rejecting the Biden administration\u2019s one-size-fits-all approach,\" said Senator Wicker.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E03D7F43-1744-4C9A-A6E3-AE8CEF9345BD", "Fischer, Ricketts Call on Senate to Pass Bipartisan CARS Act Following House Passage", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following passage of the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) called for immediate Senate passage. Senators Fischer and Ricketts are cosponsors of the CARS Act in the Senate.\n\n\u201cMandating electric vehicles is unfair, expensive, and deeply unrealistic. The Senate should follow the House\u2019s lead by passing the CARS Act and put the needs of Americans before climate alarmism,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\u201cThe EPA cannot continue to pick winners and losers. This legislation ensures the Biden administration can\u2019t prioritize their radical left agenda over affordable and reliable transportation. I\u2019ll always fight to protect Nebraskans\u2019 ability to choose what is best for them and their families. The Senate should pass it swiftly,\u201d said Senator Ricketts.\n\nIn October, Senators Fischer and Ricketts joined U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) to introduce the Senate version of the CARS Act. The bill aims to counter Biden Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions mandates that would require two-thirds of new cars and trucks be electric in just eight years. More information about the bill is available here.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nOn April 12, 2023, the EPA introduced the \u201cMulti-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles.\u201d This is the most aggressive emissions standards ever released by the agency. It is a de facto mandate for the mass production of electric vehicles (EVs). This mandate would require two-thirds of all vehicles be electric by 2032.\n\nThe average price of an EV is over $17,000 more than gas-powered vehicles. The Biden administration\u2019s persistent advocacy for EVs raises concerns for Americans about higher costs and less choice. It also has the potential to cause a loss of jobs in the auto industry. The mandate would also increase our dependency on the Chinese Communist Party, the global supply leader for the critical minerals necessary for EV battery production. Last week, nearly 4,000 American auto dealers asked President Biden to slow down his proposed regulations. They explained EV \u201centhusiasm has stalled\u201d and supply is already outpacing consumer demand.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=1B64BCB4-1238-4921-A203-BA35A9E08482", "Fischer Statement on Attacks Against USS Carney in the Red Sea", "2023-12-03", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today after reports that a U.S. warship was attacked in the Red Sea:\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s anemic attempts to deter attacks on U.S. forces have failed. Attacks on Americans demand a forceful, credible response. It\u2019s also beyond time for President Biden to correct his error and redesignate the Houthis as a terrorist organization.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=0621EF8C-541E-4874-97E4-350B013DDA6F", "Fischer Statement on Passing of Justice O\u2019Connor", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today after learning of the passing of Justice O\u2019Connor:\n\n\u201cSandra Day O\u2019Connor embodied the pioneer spirit of the rural West, trail-blazing her way from a cattle ranch in the American Southwest to our nation\u2019s highest court. A lawmaker herself and a gifted jurist, she loved our country and left future generations of Americans a stronger, fairer nation. I was privileged to spend time with Justice O\u2019Connor at The Prairie Club near Valentine, where we enjoyed an evening of conversation exploring many topics, including her love for golf and ranching. May her family find comfort and peace in her remarkable legacy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=7A19E523-0793-4F3D-AA94-8753EAECBFA3", "Fischer: Biden Admin Rule Would Close Down Nursing Homes Nationwide", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Following is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nAcross the country, over 1.2 million Americans live in nursing homes. Many of our own parents, grandparents, and other loved ones are among them. Nursing facilities provide specialized, attentive care to seniors in critical need of their services.\n\nLong-term care facilities are especially indispensable in small towns and rural areas like much of my home state of Nebraska. In those areas, a larger percentage of the population is over 65.\n\nUnfortunately, the Biden administration released a rule this fall that could force many nursing facilities around the country to close their doors.\n\nThe new rule, introduced in September by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, mandates new minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities. It requires each facility to staff a registered nurse on site 24/7 and would require staff to provide each resident with at least three hours of direct care per day.\n\nThe administration believes this rule would improve the quality of care in our nursing facilities. Unfortunately, the rule as written would simply force many facilities to shut down \u2014 denying care to seniors entirely.\n\nAccording to CMS, 75% of nursing homes would have to increase staffing to comply with these proposed standards. But across our country, these homes already face historic staffing shortages.\n\nAccording to federal labor statistics, nursing homes lost more than 200,000 workers from February 2020 to December 2022. The industry is still rebuilding its workforce after a devastating pandemic.\n\nUnder this rule, nursing homes would be forced to go to great lengths to find staff in the midst of these overwhelming shortages. If they failed, they would likely need to shut their doors, depriving seniors of care.\n\nEven one nursing home closure could be detrimental to seniors in certain rural communities. Highly populated urban areas may host several long-term care options \u2014 but these facilities are few and far between in the rural areas of our country.\n\nIf one facility closes, the next closest one could be many miles or even hours away. It might not be feasible for every senior to move so far from home.\n\nThis mandate from CMS would devastate facilities across Nebraska, across rural America, and across the country. It would devastate families who are relying on these facilities to serve their loved ones. And it would devastate the seniors who urgently need care.\n\nAfter the release of this proposed rule in September, I joined the rest of the Nebraska delegation in sending a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure opposing the new standards.\n\nWe never received a response.\n\nI plan to introduce legislation that would prevent these misguided standards from going into effect. My bill would also establish an advisory panel on the nursing home workforce. The panel would host members representing various stakeholders \u2014 including members from rural and underserved areas.\n\nThe Biden administration must hear from voices outside the big cities on the coasts. This proposed rule is a one-size-fits-all attempt at a solution \u2014 but the so-called solution simply doesn\u2019t fit.\n\nIt\u2019s a misguided mandate that will prove destructive for the communities that most need care.\n\nI\u2019ll keep fighting for our rural communities and for the seniors who rely on long-term care facilities. I encourage my colleagues to do the same by joining me in support of this legislation to protect nursing homes and the Americans they serve.\n\nThank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=23541332-FE0F-4A86-9840-B11C591EA2D1", "Fischer\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Message", "2023-11-22", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, Neb. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following video ahead of Thanksgiving Day.\n\n\u201cAs we approach Thanksgiving Day, I want to express my gratitude to the people of Nebraska. It is a tremendous honor to work for you in the United States Senate. I also want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the brave members of our Armed Forces who keep us safe, especially those who cannot be with their loved ones this holiday,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=8E93F599-1A5D-4A3C-A5E2-901B6937F6A9", "Fischer Statement on Conditioning U.S. Support for Israel", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after Democrats in Congress held discussions about placing conditions and restrictions on U.S. support for Israel:\n\n\u201cThis administration has said from the beginning that it would not tell Israel how to protect itself \u2014 President Biden and Democrats in Congress should stay the course. The political whims of a far-left minority shouldn\u2019t erode American support for our ally. In the coming weeks, Congress ought to reject attempts to dictate Israel\u2019s response to the worst terrorist attack in its history.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/11/fischer-statement-on-conditioning-u-s-support-for-israel", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=3E1BC658-59E6-43A3-9A24-4043F97A6A7A", "Fischer, Casey Introduce Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act, Investing in Rural Communities", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Penn.) in introducing the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act. This legislation will help rural communities access federal funding and resources.\n\nRural communities struggle to compete for federal investment opportunities due to insufficient funding, low capacity, and staffing shortages.\n\n\u201cRural Nebraskans deserve to see their tax dollars invested in projects that help their communities. Our bipartisan legislation would optimize federal funding for local communities and enhance their access to federal programs,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\u201cOur rural communities deserve a fair shot to grow their economies and improve their quality of life. This legislation will put rural communities on a level playing field to compete for federal resources alongside our cities and suburban areas. This is a critical moment to ensure that communities that have been the bedrock of our Nation for generations are receiving the support they need to thrive,\u201d said Senator Casey.\n\nClick here to read an overview of the bill.\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act will:\n\nCreate a grant program providing awards to communities to address urgent needs, including affordable child care, housing, and job training\n\nProvide technical assistance grants to help rural communities navigate existing federal funding opportunities.\n\nImprove supportive services offered by the federal government to rural communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F260B4E5-6324-4B0C-820E-9AB7330E9D4C", "Fischer Applauds FCC Action Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) action today to implement the Safe Connections Act.\n\nSenator Fischer led the Safe Connections Act with U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), which was passed into law in 2022. In compliance with this legislation, the new FCC rules will protect survivors of domestic violence by enabling them to separate their phone lines from shared mobile accounts, shield their privacy when calling domestic violence hotlines for help, and access the FCC\u2019s affordability resources.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful to the FCC and Senator Schatz for their teamwork to pass and implement the Safe Connections Act. Survivors of domestic violence should never have to live in fear of their abusers. The FCC\u2019s implementation of our legislation will ensure that these survivors have the tools to safeguard their communications and connect with critical services securely.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=51E4F79C-C394-4422-B296-72C7ECA25415", "Fischer Leads Letter Urging EPA to Consider Impact of Proposed Rulemaking on Small Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, led a letter with 7 of her Senate Republican colleagues to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan urging the agency to ensure that very small and small meat and poultry processing facilities are fairly considered under proposed revisions to the Meat and Poultry Products (MPP) Effluent Guidelines and Standards.\n\n\u201cAs you know, small to mid-sized meat and poultry processing facilities have a vital role in the economy. This was proven throughout the COVID-19 pandemic when these facilities remained open while large facilities were closed. Additionally, many federal resources have been used to expand meatpacking capacity, so we need to ensure that these very small and small facilities do not face regulations that will force them to close,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators asked Administrator Regan to explain what testing and data has been collected from very small and small processing facilities. The Senators also called on the EPA to outline the number of small processing facilities with which it has engaged while drafting its proposed revisions.\n\n\u201cAs EPA seeks to update Meat and Poultry Products (MPP) wastewater regulations, we strongly encourage you to work with very small and small meat and poultry processing facilities to certify that any new regulations are practical, science-based, and don\u2019t create an unnecessary burden for the continued operations of these facilities,\u201d the Senators concluded.\n\nIn addition to Senator Fischer, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), James Risch (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.).\n\n\"We are happy for the support of Senator Fischer as we await the new proposed rule from EPA on wastewater. From the information we have seen from EPA, the proposed rule could have a major impact on the meat industry and especially small processors who offer vital services to farmers and consumers in rural communities across the country,\" said Chris Young, Executive Director at American Association of Meat Processors.\n\nBackground:\n\nOn September 14, 2021, the EPA announced the Preliminary Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15 (Plan 15). The plan stated that the EPA would complete a detailed study on the MPP category and revise existing discharge standards for the industry. The EPA intends to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking by December 2023 and publish a final rule by August 2025.\n\nSenator Fischer\u2019s letter specifically asks the EPA to outline its work with small processors while drafting the proposed rulemaking. The letter also requests that the agency explains how much wastewater testing and data has been collected from small processors to understand the amount of nutrient concentration these facilities produce. Small processing facilities have expressed concerns that complying with burdensome mandates could be extremely costly and drive some companies out of business.\n\nThe Senators sent their letter ahead of December 2023, the EPA\u2019s intended date to publish the proposed rule.\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nThe Honorable Michael S. Regan\n\nAdministrator\n\nU.S. Environmental Protection Agency\n\n1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Mail Code 1101A\n\nWashington, D.C. 20460\n\nDear Administrator Regan:\n\nWe write to encourage the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure very small and small meat and poultry processing facilities are highly considered while working on the proposed revisions to the Meat and Poultry Products (MPP) Effluent Guidelines and Standards.\n\nOn September 14, 2021, the EPA published the Preliminary Effluent Guidelines Program Plan 15 (Plan 15). Plan 15 announced that the EPA will be completing a detailed study on the MPP category and revising existing wastewater discharge standards. The agency intends to publish a proposed rulemaking by December 2023.\n\nAs EPA is developing the proposed rule, we ask EPA to respond to the following questions:\n\nHow many very small and small processing facilities has the agency worked with while drafting the upcoming proposed rulemaking?\n\nWhat testing and data does EPA have from very small and small processing facilities?\n\nHas the EPA performed a cost analysis for very small and small processing facilities to update wastewater systems and remain compliant? What is the average capital investment for these processors?\n\nHas EPA considered changing the definition of \u201csmall processing facilities\u201d from an establishment with less than 1,000 employees to an establishment with less than 200 employees?\n\nHas the agency considered exempting very small and small processors from the proposed updates?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5939FE3E-5873-4254-AEE3-4DF6A3EB8239", "Fischer Legislation Removes Barriers to Precision Ag Technologies", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 At a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) discussed how three of her bills address common barriers to the adoption of precision agriculture tools. These barriers include financing, connectivity, and internet access.\n\nSenator Fischer also noted that the joint FCC and USDA Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force recommended including both her PAL Act and her LAST ACRE Act in the Farm Bill.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s questioning\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=883F435E-BD18-400D-AEB1-F55C8DF580BB", "Fischer Statement on United Nations Security Council Resolution", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the United States\u2019 failure to veto the United Nations Security Council\u2019s resolution calling for extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza.\n\n\u201cA pause in Israel\u2019s offensive will allow Hamas to regroup and plot attacks against innocent Israelis and will only prolong this war. It\u2019s shameful that President Biden has abandoned our ally at the United Nations.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/11/fischer-statement-on-united-nations-security-council-resolution", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=AA8632D3-27EA-40A0-8C8E-B8CF4C22D0C9", "End EV Freeloading", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cIf anyone should be paying into federal road repair, it should be EV users.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, spoke on the Senate floor this week about the need to end electric vehicle (EV) freeloading and secure continued funding for America\u2019s infrastructure.\n\nIn her remarks, Senator Fischer noted that the Highway Trust Fund, which maintains U.S.infrastructure, will run out of money in the next few years. The current funding structure does not consider EVs and only generates revenue from gas-powered vehicles. This places an unnecessary burden on gas-powered vehicles and limits the funding available to modernize and upgrade U.S. infrastructure.\n\nSenator Fischer\u2019s Stop EV Freeloading Act would help address the fund\u2019s impending insolvency by requiring EVs to contribute to the Highway Trust Fund, leveling the playing field for all drivers. Senator Fischer\u2019s weekly column on the legislation can be found here.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nAs Americans in 2023, there\u2019s plenty we disagree on. But last week, USA Today released a new study on something we can all agree to hate.\n\nPotholes.\n\nThe study ranked all 50 states based on how many potholes cover their roads. It also included that the average car repair after a tussle with a pothole costs over $400.\n\nThat\u2019s a lot of money for Americans to pay unexpectedly after a road incident.\n\nAnd unfortunately, our pothole problem is about to get much worse.\n\nFor the past 67 years, the Highway Trust Fund has largely funded road maintenance across our nation. The Fund repairs wear and tear from vehicles on the highway.\n\nThat\u2019s critical for our roads, for our infrastructure, and for our transportation.\n\nBut the Highway Trust Fund is running on empty. It\u2019s projected to run out of money in the next few years.\n\nThe insolvency of the Fund would necessitate a total restructuring of our highway repair system. And it would throw our national infrastructure under the bus.\n\nSo how do we prevent this from happening?\n\nThe main source of revenue for the fund is the federal gas tax, a user fee. The money drivers pay in taxes when they fill up with gas automatically goes toward road construction. But as a smaller percentage of vehicles fill up with gas, a smaller amount of money goes to the Highway Trust Fund.\n\nThe use of electric vehicles, or EVs, has shot up in the past several years. Of course, EVs don\u2019t use gas. Since they don\u2019t fill up with gas, they don\u2019t pay the gas tax \u2014 and they don\u2019t pay into the Highway Trust Fund.\n\nAs more EVs have been adopted, the fund has become more unstable. It\u2019s not receiving the same revenue as it used to. According to Deloitte, U.S. adoption of EVs will increase to 30 percent of new car sales by 2030. So that\u2019s 30 percent of new car drivers not paying into the fund.\n\nBut if anyone should be paying into federal road repair, it should be EV users.\n\nEVs can be up to three times heavier than gas-powered cars due to their large batteries. This significant weight puts extra stress onto our roads \u2014 it pulverizes the road bed, causing more maintenance, more upgrades, and more costs.\n\nThe Highway Trust Fund exists to fix exactly the type of damage that these heavy EVs can cause \u2014 so it\u2019s only fair that all highway users, both gas-powered and electric vehicles, pay into the fund.\n\nMy recent bill, the Stop EV Freeloading Act, would fix this discrepancy. This new legislation would require EVs to contribute to the Highway Trust Fund through a two-tier fee structure.\n\nThe first tier corresponds to the federal gas tax. Under my bill, buyers would pay a one-time $1,000 fee on EVs at the point of sale. That money would contribute to the Highway Trust Fund.\n\nThis $1,000 fee equals the average amount consumers currently contribute to the fund from gas taxes over 10 years. Ten years is the average lifespan of an EV battery. The fee would tax EVs the same amount once that gas-powered cars pay over the lifespan of an EV battery.\n\nThe second tier corresponds to the heavy vehicle use tax, which also contributes to the Highway Trust Fund.\n\nUnder my legislation, manufactures would pay a one-time fee of $550 on each EV battery module with a weight greater than 1,000 pounds. The average EV battery weight is a little less than 1,000 pounds, so taxing those heavier than average would ensure that the Highway Trust Fund has enough money to cover any damage these vehicles inflict on highways.\n\nThe $550 tax is comparable to the fees imposed on heavy trucks because of the additional stress they cause to roads and bridges.\n\nThe current structure of the Highway Trust Fund doesn\u2019t account for the damage EVs can and do cause to our roads \u2014 and it\u2019s only fair that EVs and gas-powered vehicles pay the same fees.\n\nBoth types of vehicles should contribute to the fund for vital repairs and maintenance. And ultimately, the changes included in the Stop EV Freeloading Act would help the fund escape its impending insolvency.\n\nRight now, the Highway Trust Fund is losing to the EV industry. That means our roads are going to lose to heavy electric vehicles. And when our infrastructure starts deteriorating, the American people pay the price.\n\nMy bill will stop that from happening. Let\u2019s put gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles on a level playing field \u2014 that\u2019s the only way we all win.\n\nThank you, M. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-04-07T15:46:19Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=CF95D8C6-FF84-4494-AC2C-E8942C0FFB6E", "Administration\u2019s Spectrum Strategy Undermines National Security Needs", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the administration\u2019s recent announcement of its national spectrum strategy.\u201cThe administration\u2019s newspectrum strategy deliberately undermines our military\u2019s use of federal airwaves. Modern equipment vital to our nation\u2019s defense, including aircraft and radar, operates on specific airwaves and cannot be moved. The administration\u2019s first priority must be the safety and security of our country \u2014 that means preserving a portion of the finite spectrum for vital military use.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/11/administration-s-spectrum-strategy-undermines-national-security-needs", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=ECEF8ED8-126F-4161-8B03-CF2B6E72620B", "Senate Unanimously Passes Fischer Legislation to Give Tribal Colleges and Universities a Stronger Voice in Education Funding", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate unanimously approved her National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act.\n\nThe legislation would give Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them. U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mon.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) cosponsored the legislation. The legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cTribal Colleges and Universities should not be left out of the conversation when it comes to federal education resources. I am glad to see this strong, bipartisan legislation pass the Senate with unanimous support. It\u2019s long past time to ensure that the Departments of Education and Interior hear directly from TCU leaders about their challenges and funding needs,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cMontana\u2019s Tribal Colleges and Universities educate and inspire Montana\u2019s next generation of leaders, so it\u2019s important that they have the tools they need to be successful. TCU leaders know best what their students and faculty need which is why they ought to have the opportunity to work directly with the Departments of Education and the Interior to make sure federal dollars are spent effectively. The Senate passing our commonsense bill is a big step forward and I\u2019ll keep fighting to ensure Montana Tribes and TCU leaders have a seat at the table,\u201d said Senator Tester.\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the NACIE Improvement Act has passed the Senate. Leaders of Tribal Colleges and Universities know the needs of their organizations, faculty and students better than anyone else. This legislation will amplify their voice on how to best meet those needs and improve the effectiveness of federal resources,\u201d said Senator Rounds.\n\n\u201cA quality education is the foundation for success, and too often Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are left out of the decision-making process on federal funding. TCUs know and understand their students' needs, and when it comes to Native education they need to have their voices heard. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to celebrate passage of this bipartisan legislation that will ensure TCUs are at the table and have their needs considered in the agencies\u2019 annual budget requests to Congress,\u201d said Senator Luj\u00e1n.\n\n\u201cTribal Advisory Councils are an integral part of the federal trust responsibility, ensuring that the voices of our Tribal Nations have a formal role in advising the federal government. The National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act is an important step that will serve to uplift the Nation-to-Nation relationship, securing the future of our Native children. It is time NACIE\u2019s role in the Departments of Education and Interior is empowered and solidified. NIEA applauds the Senate passage of the NACIE Act and now looks towards the House to continue moving this important legislation forward,\u201d said National Indian Education Association President Tesia Zientek.\n\n\u201cWe are pleased that the NACIE bill has passed the Senate. It is important to include a seat at the table for our Tribal Colleges and Universities. They offer great insight and knowledge not only into the needs of their students and institutions but also of the educational system that serves these students throughout their education journey. Our students will be best served by all tribal educational systems working together to ensure they have the best possible educational opportunities,\u201d said Interim President of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium John Phillips.\n\n\u201cTribal Colleges and Universities applaud the Senate\u2019s passage of the NACIE bill. Giving TCU\u2019s a voice on NACIE advisory board and requiring these agencies to consider the board\u2019s annual report in budget decisions will strengthen all levels of education, enhance opportunities for students, and deepen the relationships between the Departments of Education and the Interior and the constituents they serve,\u201d said College of the Muscogee Nation President Monte Randall.\n\n\u201cThanks to Senator Fischer\u2019s leadership and other supporters of this bill, passage of the NACIE Act might be a real possibility. It will give one of the 35 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) President a seat on the federal budget committees to educate, advise and advocate for all TCUs. With the passage of this act, there will also be a better understanding between the Department of Education and Department of Interior (Bureau of Indian Education) regarding the needs of the TCUs,\u201d said Little Priest Tribal College President Manoj Patil.\n\n\u201cThe inclusion of Tribal Colleges on the NACIE board, under Senator Fischer\u2019s leadership, is a needed step forward in making sure all of the educational entities that serve Native American learners have a voice and a vote,\u201d said Nebraska Indian Community College President Dr. Mike Oltrogge.\n\nBackground The Department of Education\u2019s Tribal advisory group, the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE), advises the Secretaries of Education and Interior on programs serving Tribes and their members. NACIE releases an annual report, but the Department of Education does not have a process for considering NACIE\u2019s report when developing its budget request.\n\nAdditionally, Department of Education tribal consultation sessions often do not provide the opportunity for TCU leaders to provide direct input.\n\nThe National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act would address these challenges by:\n\nRequiring at least one of NACIE\u2019s members be the president of a Tribal College or University\n\nRequiring the Secretaries of Education and Interior to consider NACIE\u2019s annual report when preparing their budgets each year", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F5B32E37-3E9E-4272-96A7-836F70A36C37", "Fischer Reintroduces Real MEAT Act to End Deceptive Labeling of Imitation Meat Products, Stop Smear Campaign Against Real Beef and Pork", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently reintroduced the Real Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully (MEAT) Act to end deceptive labeling practices for alternative protein products. The Real MEAT Act would clarify the definition of beef and pork for labeling purposes by requiring alternative proteins to clearly display the word \u201cimitation\u201d on their packaging. The legislation would eliminate the consumer confusion that results from misbranding and ensure that the federal government is able to enforce labeling standards.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to end the deceptive propaganda of plant-based protein products that deliberately confuse consumers by mimicking beef and pork. My Real MEAT Act will clarify that these imitation products aren\u2019t held to the same food safety and labeling standards as real, nutritious beef and pork. Americans deserve to know what\u2019s on their dinner plate, and my bill will bring certainty to the supermarket and end the smear campaign against real meats,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cUSCA appreciates Senator Fischer\u2019s leadership on truthful, accurate labeling of meat products and protein alternatives through the introduction of the REAL Meat Act. As new alternatives and substitutes are brought to market, it\u2019s important that consumers remain confident in national food safety and labeling programs. What is on the label is what should be inside the package, every time,\u201dsaid U.S. Cattlemen\u2019s Association President Justin Tupper.\n\n\u201cThe National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association has long been a supporter of the Real Meat Act. Cattle producers work hard every day to raise a high-quality, wholesome protein and we appreciate Congress' continued effort to bring further transparency to plant based products,\u201d said National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association Vice President Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattle producer.\n\n\u201cNebraska\u2019s hardworking beef cattle producers are globally recognized for providing prime product to consumers. While imitation meat will never come close to the quality and taste of real beef, Cattlemen do not deserve to have their reputation damaged by deceptive labeling practices. We commend Senator Fischer for introducing this important legislation which aims to protect both producers and consumers by strengthening food safety and labeling standards,\u201dsaid Nebraska Cattlemen President Steve Hanson.\n\n\u201cNebraska\u2019s pork producers work hard to raise safe, sustainable, and affordable pork for American families. Fake meat misleads consumers about the nutritional benefits and ingredients used in products. The Nebraska Pork Producers Association thanks Senator Fischer for introducing legislation to ensure that fake meat cannot benefit off of the good reputation of Nebraska pork,\u201d said Nebraska Pork Producers Association Executive Director Al Juhnke.\n\n\u201cNebraska Farm Bureau thanks Senator Deb Fischer for introducing this common-sense legislation. For decades, U.S. livestock producers have developed and fostered a sterling reputation for the high-quality meat products they produce. It is high time the federal government recognizes that work and investment by ensuring artificial meat products are labeled as such,\u201d said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue.\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Real MEAT Act would clarify the definition of beef and pork for labeling purposes, reinforce existing misbranding provisions to eliminate consumer confusion, and enhance the federal government\u2019s ability to enforce labeling standards. The term \u201cbeef\u201d is defined as the flesh of cattle and \u201cbeef product\u201d as edible products produced in whole or in part from beef, exclusive of milk and milk products. The term \u201cpork\u201d is defined as the flesh of pigs and \u201cpork product\u201d as any food produced or processed in whole or in part from pork. The legislation defines the terms \u201cmeat,\u201d \u201cmeat food product,\u201d \u201cmeat byproducts,\u201d and \u201cmeat broker\u201d based on the definitions established in the code of federal regulations.\n\nThe bill would reinforce the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act\u2019s (FDCA) misbranding provisions, stating that any imitation meat food product, beef or beef product, or pork or pork product is misbranded unless its label has the word \u201cimitation\u201d in the same size and prominence immediately before or after the name of the food. The imitation product must also include a statement clearly indicating that it is not derived from and does not contain meat.\n\nFinally, the bill would require the Secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services to submit a notice within 60 days to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) if a product is misbranded. If the HHS Secretary failed to initiate an enforcement mechanism within 30 days of sending the notice, the USDA Secretary would be able to treat the product as being misbranded.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/11/fischer-reintroduces-real-meat-act-to-end-deceptive-labeling-of-imitation-meat-products-stop-smear-campaign-against-real-beef-and-pork", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=AEBCF4E4-04C2-4BC4-B57C-BA61E52E23AA", "VIDEO: Fischer: Bidenomics Driving Up Costs for Families, Hurting Small Businesses Across Nebraska", "2023-11-13", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cOur Economy is Sick, and This Administration is Making It Sicker with Every Reckless Financial Decision.\"\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) spoke on the Senate floor recently about President Biden\u2019s failing economic agenda and the damaging impact of \u201cBidenomics\u201d on families and small business owners across Nebraska. In her remarks, Senator Fischer discussed how skyrocketing inflation has driven up costs for fuel oil, electricity, groceries, and even Halloween candy.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=B1B572DA-17A4-40D5-A38E-3DC0EB47D732", "Fischer Statement on Growing Iranian Aggression, Attacks on U.S. Troops", "2023-11-13", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today after repeated reports of attacks on U.S. forces by Iran-aligned groups.\n\n\u201cIran is the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism and a destabilizing force in the Middle East. These ongoing attacks on U.S. troops cannot go unanswered. The United States must do more to effectively deter Iran and its proxies from attacking our forces in the region. Strong deterrence is essential to preventing further regional escalation.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/11/fischer-statement-on-growing-iranian-aggression-attacks-on-u-s-troops", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5B5DC743-2363-49C3-866F-48E64492742C", "Fischer Statement on Veterans Day", "2023-11-10", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement ahead of Veterans Day:\n\n\u201cOn Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who answered the call to serve our nation. They exemplify the best our country has to offer: courage, honor, integrity, and patriotism. We are forever grateful for their sacrifices to defend our freedom. I invite every Nebraskan to thank a veteran for all they have done to safeguard the American way of life.\u201d\n\nClick here for Senator Fischer\u2019s Veterans Day Column.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=C38084D3-89D0-4957-B700-204F64FB3778", "VIDEO: Fischer Presses Homeland Security Secretary on National Security Crisis at the Southern Border", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Senator Also Slams HHS Secretary on Administration\u2019s Push to Extend Temporary, Partisan Priorities: \u201cCOVID Emergency Funding Was Never Intended to be Indefinite.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the historic crisis at the U.S. southern border. During the hearing, Senator Fischer urged the Biden administration to enact substantive policy changes to address the border crisis, like tightening asylum standards or limiting the use of parole. As Senator Fischer noted, 169 migrants with positive terrorism watchlist matches were arrested between ports of entry on the southern border in Fiscal Year 2023.\n\nSenator Fischer also questioned U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on the administration\u2019s attempts to extend a temporary program that was included in the partisan American Rescue Plan and expired on September 30, 2023. Senator Fischer stressed the need to address America\u2019s important childcare challenges through the regular appropriations process \u2014 including amendments and open debate \u2014 instead of inconsistent year-end supplemental packages.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E950AC28-6047-46D6-B3A2-2E2627676E98", "Fischer Welcomes Groundbreaking for Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island, which will be held on Friday, November 10.\n\n\u201cWe owe so much to those who have served our country and sacrificed in defense of our freedoms. The Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island will provide a fitting location to honor these heroes and stand as a solemn tribute to their patriotism and service. I was pleased to secure funding for this project, and I want to thank the many who have been fighting to make this a reality,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Fischer commended the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) announcement that it had awarded up to $8,391,524 for the establishment of a Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island. The VA also announced it would reimburse the state of Nebraska $577,495 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project.\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Fischer secured funding in the Senate\u2019s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act to continue honoring Nebraska\u2019s fallen veterans through the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program. The program provides funding to establish, expand, and improve veteran cemeteries, ensuring that veterans in Nebraska and across the U.S. are buried with the honors they deserve.\n\nAccording to the VA, the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island will serve more than 13,000 veterans and their eligible family members. The grant will fund 506 pre-placed crypts, 548 cremains gravesites, 640 columbarium niches, an administration building, a maintenance facility, a committal service shelter, and landscaping.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=4EAC29E7-A48D-4EA3-BAFA-6EB346EF2901", "Fischer, Colleagues Urge Blinken to Bring New Suite of UN Sanctions Against Iranian Regime", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently joined 12 of her Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken demanding that the Biden administration press for a broader, more permanent framework of sanctions on Iran from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The letter was led by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska).\n\nOn October 18, the United Nation\u2019s (UN) sanctions on Iran\u2019s ballistic missile and drone programs expired, and in October 2020, the UN\u2019s conventional arms embargo against Iran expired. Both expirations are delayed consequences of the Obama administration\u2019s Iran Nuclear Deal.\n\n\u201c[Iran\u2019s] systemic support of terror merits broader, permanent treatment by the UN Security Council. If the Russian Federation and the People\u2019s Republic of China wish to demonstrate their opposition to the UN Charter\u2019s call to advance peace and security, it would provide important clarity to other nations suffering from Iranian terror threats of their true allegiances,\u201d wrote the Senators.\n\n\u201cA new UNSC resolution should target the same activity the UN permanently sanctioned prior to the 2015 enactment of Resolution 2231, including \u2026 involvement in Iran\u2019s enrichment, reprocessing, and heavy water production; assistance with its ballistic missile testing, development, and launches; transfer of nuclear and missile technology to Iran; transfer of conventional weapons, rockets, and drones to and from Iran. It should also add a multilateral prohibition on the import of Iranian oil, petroleum products, metals, or investment in its energy sector, essentially multi-lateralizing the objective of American secondary sanctions in these areas,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nThe Senators argued that Iran\u2019s material support for terrorist organizations poses a significant threat to the world and merits strong sanctions, just like Iran\u2019s nuclear program \u2014 especially following the recent Hamas attack on Israel.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Sullivan, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Thune (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nThe Honorable Antony Blinken\n\nSecretary of State\n\nUnited States Department of State\n\n2201 C Street, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20520\n\nDear Mr. Secretary:\n\nWe were dismayed to witness the October 18, 2023 expiration of UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2231 sanctions on Iran\u2019s ballistic missile and drone programs. We urge you to table a new comprehensive framework for Iran-related sanctions that supersedes UNSC Resolution 2231 and lays the groundwork in advance of the resolution\u2019s slated termination in October 2025.\n\nIran\u2019s nuclear program remains the number one long-term threat to stability and security in the Middle East and beyond. However, this is not the only threat the Iranian regime poses. Iran\u2019s material support for terrorist organizations like Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and other proxy forces in the Middle East are front and center in the current crisis in Israel, as is Tehran\u2019s assistance for Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine. Iran, according to the State Department\u2019s own \u201cCountry Reports on Terrorism,\u201d is the world\u2019s \u201cleading sponsor of state terrorism\u201d, \u201cinvolved in supporting terrorist recruitment, financing, and plots across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America.\u201d\n\nThis systemic support of terror merits broader, permanent treatment by the UN Security Council. If the Russian Federation and the People\u2019s Republic of China wish to demonstrate their opposition to the UN Charter\u2019s call to advance peace and security, it would provide important clarity to other nations suffering from Iranian terror threats of their true allegiances.\n\nIn addition to the expiry in October 2020 of the UN\u2019s conventional arms embargo against Iran, the most recent expiration of sanctions on ballistic missiles and drones leaves the world with a rapidly evaporating UN framework for multilateral sanctions on Iran at precisely the time the threat from Iran has become so menacingly clear.\n\nA new UNSC resolution should target the same activity the UN permanently sanctioned prior to the 2015 enactment of Resolution 2231, including the following:\n\nInvolvement in Iran\u2019s enrichment, reprocessing, and heavy water production.\n\nAssistance with its ballistic missile testing, development, and launches.\n\nTransfer of nuclear and missile technology to Iran.\n\nTransfer of conventional weapons, rockets, and drones to and from Iran.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=159D3F35-9120-49E6-833A-71850F8885BC", "Fischer Introduces Bill to Return Improperly Seized Army Corps of Engineers Land Back to Nebraska\u2019s Winnebago Tribe", "2023-11-07", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 This week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) led the introduction of the Winnebago Land Transfer Act. The legislation would transfer approximately 1,600 acres of land back to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska that were illegally seized in the 1970s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a proposed recreation project that was never started.\n\nIn addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).\n\n\u201cThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was wrong to seize this land through eminent domain in the 1970s. After decades of inaction, it\u2019s time for us to make this right. My legislation will return this land to the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, and I look forward to getting this bill to the President\u2019s desk,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cThe Army Corps of Engineers\u2019 decision to condemn and seize land from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska was a classic case of government overreach. My colleagues in the Nebraska and Iowa delegations and I want to see this wrong corrected, and the land returned to the Winnebago people,\u201d said Senator Ricketts.\n\n\u201cThe introduction of the Winnebago Land Transfer Act by Senators Fischer, Ricketts, Grassley, and Ernst is a historic and beautiful moment for the Winnebago people. We have been waiting for this wrong to be made right, and we are grateful for the leadership demonstrated by our congressional delegation. We look forward to the passage of this important legislation,\u201d said Winnebago Tribal Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan.\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Treaty of 1865 established the Winnebago Reservation in northeastern Nebraska along the Missouri River. Due to westward shifts in the river, portions of the reservation are now in Iowa.\n\nIn 1970, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) was performing stabilization efforts on the Missouri River\u2019s banks and condemned land on both the Nebraska and Iowa sides of the river for a proposed recreation project. The condemned land included tracts of reservation land in Iowa. The Corps filed eminent domain proceedings to acquire the land, triggering years of legal challenges.\n\nUltimately, the Nebraska tract of land was returned to the Tribe. However, both tracts of land in Iowa that were illegally taken remain under the Corps\u2019 jurisdiction today and are maintained by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Neither the Iowa DNR nor the Corps has objection to the Tribe regaining control of the land. The latest renewal agreement of the license between the Iowa DNR and the Corps includes a provision that anticipates the return of the land to the Tribe.\n\nSenator Fischer\u2019s Winnebago Land Transfer Act would transfer administrative jurisdiction of the approximately 1,600 acres from the Army Corps of Engineers to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to hold in trust for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.\n\nU.S. Representative Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) introduced the House version of this legislation in February. In addition to Congressman Feenstra, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (R-Neb.), Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Zachary Nunn (R-Iowa), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), and Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=A999885C-9E64-441C-99A7-A5C10DC8D102", "Senate Unanimously Approves Fischer\u2019s Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Vets\u2019 Access to CDL Schools", "2023-11-06", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate unanimously approved her Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act.\n\nThe legislation, which was co-led by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), ensures that veterans\u2019 GI benefits can be utilized at new branches of commercial driving program (CDL) schools whose primary institutions have already received regulatory approval.\n\nCurrently, if an approved trucking school opens a secondary facility in a new location, existing laws require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and state regulators to deny the branch\u2019s ability to receive GI benefits for two years.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see our bipartisan legislation to support veterans pass the Senate with unanimous support. Trucking is a vital part of our economy, yet unnecessary red tape continues to prevent some veterans from utilizing their GI benefits in the industry. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to get this legislation to the President\u2019s desk,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nSenator Fischer led the introduction of the legislation in March. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives, where it is being led by U.S. Representative Chuck Edwards (NC-11).\n\nThe bill has received endorsements from:\n\nVeteran Service Organizations: American Legion, Moving Veterans Forward, Student Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Great Plains Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Nebraska Military Officers Association of America\n\nLabor: International Brotherhood of Teamsters\n\nIndustry: Werner Trucking, American Trucking Association, Commercial Vehicle Training Association, Nebraska Trucking Association, North Carolina Trucking Association, American Road and Transportation Builders Association, and Home Depot\n\nBackground The trucking industry is currently facing a shortage of 80,000 drivers, with some estimates showing that number could reach 160,000 by 2030. Trucking shortages have a ripple effect across our nation\u2019s supply chains, worsening bottle necks and delaying delivery times.\n\nIt is estimated that 8,400 commercial driving programs are approved for use by eligible veterans under the GI bill.\n\nThe Fischer-Padilla legislation would ensure CDL schools that offer courses at new branches do not have to wait two years if the primary institution has been approved by the VA and State Approving Agencies to receive GI benefits. By clarifying this two-year moratorium statute, the bill will allow veterans more accessibility to nearby CDL schools and ultimately to high-paying careers in the industry.\n\nCDL schools must still comply with state and VA rules regarding curriculum standards to ensure that programs are not exploiting veterans or offering fraudulent courses.\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=6B3B6979-5410-4B54-9027-3335E6B78656", "VIDEO: Fischer Urges Continued Support for Israel, Stresses Need to Expand U.S. Defense Production Capacity", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cWe\u2019ve Been Asleep to Changes in the Global Threat Environment for Too Long \u2014 Now Is the Time to Wake Up.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke on the Senate floor this week about the Biden administration\u2019s national security supplemental funding request and the importance of U.S. military aid for Israel.\n\nDuring her remarks, Senator Fischer emphasized the need to expand domestic defenseproduction capacity to better address the changing global threat environment. Senator Fischer also cited a recent bipartisan report, which found that the current U.S. strategic posture will not effectively deter America\u2019s two peer nuclear competitors, China and Russia.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nWe\u2019ve heard story after story this past month about Hamas\u2019s brutal ground attacks on Israel. Hamas militants murdered Israelis and Americans alike as they stormed places from border towns to music festivals.\n\nHamas didn\u2019t just attack from the ground. They continue to rain rockets upon Israel. These rockets have destroyed people\u2019s homes, ruptured their livelihoods, and taken their lives.\n\nThroughout this conflict, Israel\u2019s Iron Dome defense system has played a crucial role. The Iron Dome acts as a shield, detecting rockets and firing missiles to intercept them before they hit the ground.\n\nThe United States has stood by Israel \u2014 our closest ally in the Middle East \u2014 since the country\u2019s inception. We\u2019ve always pledged our support in times of crisis.\n\nSo it\u2019s critical that my colleagues and I on the Senate Appropriations Committee work together to ensure that Israel receives the defensive and offensive capabilities it\u2019s requested from the United States.\n\nThat includes replenishing the Iron Dome system so that Israel is able to protect its people from rocket attacks by terrorist groups.\n\nIt includes replenishing Israel\u2019s David\u2019s Sling system and investing in the development of the Iron Beam system. These defensive systems set Israel up for an effective response to the havoc Hamas and Hezbollah continue to wreak.\n\nWe must provide Israel with the time and resources its government needs to eliminate these threats.\n\nBut as we consider the aid we will provide to Israel, we also consider the question: how do we better position the United States to support our allies, as well as bolster our own defense amid escalating global threats?\n\nA few days after the heinous attacks on Israel, a bipartisan, bicameral congressional commission released its report on the strategic posture of the United States.\n\nThis report \u2014 based on the consensus of respected national security experts from across the political spectrum \u2014 concluded that the United States will be woefully underprepared for the threats we\u2019re facing.\n\nOur two peer nuclear adversaries, Russia and China, have dramatically expanded their nuclear forces over decades. They continue to develop novel nuclear weapons and delivery systems.\n\nMeanwhile, the United States is barely keeping up with modernizing our nuclear forces.\n\nThe report emphasized the need to grow our nuclear and conventional forces, and above all else, to expand our production capacity \u2014 including our workforce, supply chain, and infrastructure.\n\nAs Senators, we regularly receive briefings and intelligence reports that clearly outline the threats we face from actors like Russia and China.\n\nI\u2019ve often said that if the American people had access to more of this information themselves, they would better understand the nature and severity of the threats we face. Investment in national security would move to the top of their priority list.\n\nThese events \u2014 the release of a disquieting defense report and the assault against our ally Israel \u2014 should serve as a wake-up call for the United States.\n\nWe must expand our production capacity to meet the needs of our country. And if we don\u2019t expand our production capacity, we also won\u2019t be able to effectively support our allies and partners or supply them with the lethal aid they desperately need.\n\nBuilding out our capacity, so we can meet future threats \u2014 that will take time and resources. But we can start now by making targeted investments in munitions production.\n\nThe administration\u2019s supplemental request includes $25 billion just to replenish our own weapons stockpiles and expand critical munition production capacity \u2014 initiatives that, frankly, should already have begun.\n\nIncluding this funding in the supplemental will be a step in the right direction.\n\nThe supplemental request must bring together our goals of strengthening our own military readiness, supporting our troops in Europe and the Middle East, and providing our allies and partners with lethal aid.\n\nI look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that the supplemental includes these priorities.\n\nWe\u2019ve been asleep to changes in the global threat environment for too long \u2014 now is the time to wake up.\n\nThank you, M. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=06BF36FC-DA64-40D4-9C18-D1C9C87A2CEA", "VIDEO: Fischer Highlights Need to Replenish U.S. Weapons Stockpiles, Boost Domestic Munitions Production at Senate Appropriations Hearing", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cWe Simply Do Not Have the Workforce, Supply Chain, or Infrastructure Necessary to Meet the Coming Threats.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 At a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) questioned Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin about the administration\u2019s national security supplemental funding request and spoke about the urgent need to replenish U.S. weapon stockpiles and boost domestic munitions production.\n\nIn her remarks, Senator Fischer highlighted a recent report from the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, which found that the nation\u2019s current strategic posture is not sufficient to effectively deter America\u2019s two peer nuclear competitors: China and Russia.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=A09B0F15-1536-4CE9-81F5-9E015165414F", "VIDEO: Fischer Joins \u201cFox Report\u201d to Discuss U.S. Support for Israel, Anti-Semitism on College Campuses, and Key Upcoming Hearing", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Senator Calls on Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas to Testify Before Key Appropriations Hearing: \u201cHe Needs to Be There.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined \u201cFox Report\u201d with Jon Scott on Sunday to discuss the latest national security news including Israel\u2019s response to Hamas\u2019s brutal attacks and the importance of U.S. aid to Israel. During the interview, Senator Fischer called on every Member of Congress to recognize Hamas as a terrorist group.\n\nSenator Fischer expressed concern about reports of pro-Hamas activities and demonstrations on college campuses in the United States. Recently, Senator Fischer joined a letter urging U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to review and remove visa holders who participated in, or encouraged the spread of, pro-Hamas, pro-terrorist activity.\n\nIn addition to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Fischer serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which will hold a hearing this week to question Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken about President Biden\u2019s national security supplemental request.\n\nDuring the interview, Senator Fischer called on Secretary Mayorkas to appear before the Appropriations Committee to defend the Biden administration\u2019s funding request and outline its plans to address the border crisis. The annual number of encounters at the southern border set an all-time record during Fiscal Year 2023 at 2,475,669. September set the all-time monthly record at 269,735 encounters.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s interview\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s interview:\n\nJon Scott: Let's bring in Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer. She is a member of the Armed Services Committee. How would you assess, Senator, what the administration has provided Israel so far? And, in your view, is it enough?\n\nSenator Fischer: Well, first of all, I think that we all need to make sure that we continue to support what Israel is doing. They suffered a tremendous attack, over 1,400 people were killed. If you compare that to the United States on 9/11, we would have lost over 40,000 people. And, we've seen horrific events take place by these terrorists. And Israel needs to have the time and the resources to be able to step forward and address Hamas\u2014the terrorists that continue to attack them and take hostages, have them in their tunnels. So, I think the administration, first of all, came out\u2014President Biden\u2014with a strong statement of support. That's good. I think the administration has also stepped forward by putting those two carrier strike groups in the Mediterranean to send a strong message to Iran and to their proxies that we are there as a friend, as a supporter to provide Israel with the resources they need. But it's up to Israel now to be able to implement a plan that they are clear about, that we have a full understanding of, and that takes into account the threats that they face.\n\nJon Scott: There have been more and more pro-Palestinian protests across the country, and that seems to be splintering Democrats on Capitol Hill. There are many who are overtly in favor of the Palestinians. Do you think that that's going to cause the president to wobble at all in his support of Israel?\n\nSenator Fischer: I think every Member of Congress needs to step forward and declare that Hamas is a terrorist group, and they need to be gone. They committed atrocities. They butchered babies. They burned people. They raped. They kidnapped. They murdered. That was something that they were proud of. They were videoing it while they were doing it. This is a terrorist organization that's a proxy of Iran. And, if Members of Congress have a problem in standing up and saying that, I think the American people need to be able to make their views known to those members. I am very concerned as I watch what's happening on college campuses. For example, with these demonstrations where, while they're supportive of Palestinians, in many cases, they're also supportive of Hamas. That cannot continue. We need to look at addressing that. And college campuses need to step forward and address that as well. We've said, you know, after the Holocaust, \"never again.\" The Jewish people and Jewish Americans, especially on these college campuses, should not be afraid.\n\nJon Scott: The President is asking for $106 billion from Congress: much of it for Israel, also aid for Ukraine, and supposedly some money to go to the southern border, and a couple of other things. Is that going to be split up, do you think? Are senators okay with the idea of voting on individual packages of aid, as the House Speaker seems to want to do?\n\nSenator Fischer: I'm the second ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, and I'm also the only Republican who serves on that committee and also on the Appropriations Committee. On the Appropriations Committee, we're going to have a hearing on the supplemental package on Tuesday. And, at that time, we'll be able to meet as a full committee, bipartisan, have our Secretary of Defense Austin there, Secretary of State Blinken, be able to question them. I would hope Secretary Mayorkas would be there as well. He needs to be there when we address the southern border. This is a package that's been presented by the administration. We have members on our side of the aisle and on the other side as well that are looking at possibly addressing that step by step. What I think the American people need to know is that we face a number of threats as a nation. And those threats come from Russia. They come from China. They come from Iran. When we see what's happening in Ukraine by the Russians feeling emboldened to invade a sovereign country, that's testing us. The tipping point was Afghanistan in my mind, where we had a botched withdrawal. So now, we see countries that are emboldened to invade Ukraine. We see action by Iran with their proxies, whether it's Hamas or Hezbollah, and the Chinese are watching this as well. They have ambitions towards Taiwan. They are not shy about that. And, that's another front that America has to look at. All the while, looking at our southern border\u2014and not having a border at all. There's chaos there, national security risks, humanitarian crisis. So, we are facing threats across the board. And, we have to make sure that a supplemental package will address those threats, building up our own munitions programs that we need as a country, being able to provide for our allies and being able especially to control our own border.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=6E7FD47F-A522-443D-BA20-B98962CA51D4", "Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Recognize Benefits of Biofuels, Promote Efficient Farming", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill Would Require EPA to Apply Argonne National Lab\u2019s GREET Model\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently co-led the reintroduction of the Adopt Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Act. The legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for all renewable fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).\n\nSpecifically, the bill would require EPA to apply the Argonne National Lab\u2019s GREET Model to any fuel for which EPA has approved a pathway and deemed qualified for the RFS. EPA would then be required to update its modeling every five years or report to Congress to affirm its modeling is current or otherwise explain why no updates were made. U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led the introduction of the legislation.\n\n\u201cThe biofuels industry is on the frontlines of innovation, and it\u2019s critical that the EPA\u2019s modeling is updated to reflect the latest science and technology \u2014 including in the biofuels industry. Our bipartisan legislation would ensure that the EPA is using the GREET Model to more efficiently and accurately recognize how biofuels can be a source of clean, homegrown energy,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer, Thune, and Klobuchar, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).\n\nThe legislation is supported by Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, POET, the National Corn Growers Association, Gevo, and the National Oilseed Processors Association.\n\nClick here to view the legislation.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn June, Senator Fischer co-led the introduction of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023. The legislation would require the federal government to use the most up-to-date lifecycle emissions models, including the GREET model, for sustainable aviation fuels.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=34D66194-CA78-4B40-852A-7F46E6B9A9D4", "VIDEO: Fischer Outlines Devastating Impact of Barbaric Hamas Attack, Reaffirms U.S. Support for Israel in Senate Floor Speech", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cWe Must Send a Clear Message to Hamas, Hezbollah, and Their State Sponsor Iran: We Will Not Equivocate in Our Support for Israel.\u201d\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nEighteen days ago, terror shook the Middle East. Eighteen days ago, Hamas tore children from their parents, tore mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters from their families. Eighteen days ago, terrorism swept across Israel, destroying everything in its path.\n\nWe all know this. We\u2019ve heard about these attacks repeatedly with every news cycle. Even as we continue reading articles, hearing analysis, and seeing new information, let\u2019s not forget the reality of these terrorist attacks \u2014 the seriousness of such a massive loss of human life.\n\nHamas killed over 1400 people, over 1400 innocent civilians, in its attacks this month. Death touched thousands of friends and family members, and its aftereffects are still rippling across Israel and across the world.\n\nLet\u2019s resist our modern impulse to leave this tragedy behind in favor of the next headline. Let\u2019s allow the abuse, torture, and murder of Israelis and Americans alike to strike a fresh sense of grief and anger in our hearts every time we hear of them.\n\nThat grief and anger must drive us to respond to the horror of terrorism. Israel is responding, yes. But the response to terrorism should not be bound by Israel\u2019s national borders. Because terrorism itself is not bound by national borders.\n\nHamas killed American citizens in its assaults on innocent people across Israel. Terrorists are still holding American citizens hostage in Gaza. Hamas has American blood on its hands.\n\nOne American, Hayim Katsman, hid in a closet with his neighbor as Hamas militants rained gunfire on an Israeli village. A neighbor told CNN that Katsman covered him with his body and saved his life by absorbing the bullets.\n\nAmerican Deborah Matias and her husband sacrificed themselves for their 16-year-old son, acting as human shields against Hamas\u2019s fire.\n\nTwo American brothers, Igal and Amit Wachs, died together \u2014 both trying to save those around them. Amit, who volunteered as head of the village\u2019s self-defense unit, ran outside to help his neighbors at the beginning of the attack. In the process, he was killed. Igal was killed as he searched for a weapon to defend himself and his family.\n\nThese are real people \u2014 real Americans \u2014 whose lives were extinguished far too early by the terror in Israel.\n\nIt\u2019s critical that we see the return of every American stranded in Israel or held hostage in Gaza. Every American must be accounted for and safely brought home.\n\nFollowing the cold-blooded slaughter of both Americans and Israelis, the United States must stand firmly with Israel. We must send a clear message to Hamas, Hezbollah, and their state sponsor Iran: we will not equivocate in our support for Israel. We will stand with them and provide the assistance they need as they make difficult decisions to defend their sovereign nation.\n\nCongress and the administration must work together to gather all of our diplomatic and economic strength against Iran. We must work together to aid Israel \u2014 whether through economic support, lethal aid, or increased intelligence sharing.\n\nWe know Israel will need more defensive capabilities, including Tamir interceptors for its Iron Dome air defense system \u2014 the backbone of its missile defense architecture. I support the Department of Defense\u2019s plans to send our two Iron Dome batteries to Israel to bolster their security. My colleagues and I introduced a bill to reallocate aid funding to Israel\u2019s Iron Dome that could have ended up in Hamas\u2019s pockets. This legislation would be an important first step in defending Israel against further attacks.\n\nWe know Israel will need more offensive capabilities, including precision guided munitions to hit specific ground targets. We know Israel will need our intelligence on the Middle East so it can eliminate the Hamas threat completely.\n\nAnd we know standing with Israel against terror will buttress and fortify our own national defense.\n\nOur support of Israel will help it triumph over terrorism. And our support of Israel will help us show strength and deter our adversaries. By protecting Israeli interests, we will promote American interests as well.\n\nThank you, M. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=DE496BEA-E023-492F-AA9E-8CDAE621A08E", "Fischer, Rubio, Colleagues Push for Removal of Terrorist Supporters", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently joined four of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas urging him to review and remove those who participated in, or encouraged the spread of, pro-Hamas, pro-terrorist activity. The letter was led by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).\n\n\u201cYou have an opportunity\u2013and the obligation\u2013to use the tools Congress has already provided to you to protect the safety of the United States during this critical time. We urge you to work hand-in-hand with the agencies of DHS, the U.S. Department of State, state and local law enforcement, and institutions of higher education to ensure that aliens who support terrorism are quickly removed from our country,\u201d the Senators said.\n\nSince the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas, an Iranian-backed Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), protests and demonstrations have spewed hateful and antisemitic messages across the United States.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Rubio, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here or below.\n\nWe write with regard to recent demonstrations supporting Hamas, a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), on American soil. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal terrorist attack on the State of Israel. This attack included the raping, mutilating, and kidnapping of innocent Israeli civilians, including children, as well as several Americans. Support for this attack is vile, and sadly, American universities have caved to terrorist sympathizing students by allowing rampant antisemitism and support for Hamas to pervert their grounds. Unfortunately, this abhorrent support could also be shared by those who are in the United States on a myriad of visa categories.\n\nThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is tasked with protecting America from those who seek to do us harm. Section 101 of the Homeland Security Act states that DHS\u2019s \u201cprimary mission \u2026 is to ... prevent terrorist attacks within the United States\u201d and \u201creduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism.\u201d This core responsibility was born from lessons learned on September 11, 2001, when terrorists, many of whom were studying in the United States or had overstayed visas, carried out the deadliest attack on American soil. Sadly, twenty-two years later, our country is witnessing public displays from terrorist sympathizers taking to the streets and condoning Hamas\u2019 brutal attacks against the State of Israel.\n\nAs you know, 8 U.S.C. \u00a7 1182(a)(3) mandates that, in addition to those who engage in terrorist activity or material support thereof, anyone who \u201cendorses or espouses terrorist activity or persuades others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization\u201d is inadmissible into the United States and ineligible for a visa. As an FTO, support for Hamas and calling for others to join in Hamas\u2019 \u201cDay of Rage\u201d fits squarely into this criteria. Further, under 8 U.S.C. \u00a7 1201, the U.S. Department of State has the authority to revoke visas. Under these authorities, you must immediately perform a full review and coordinate with the Department of State to revoke the visas of those who have endorsed or espoused Hamas\u2019 terrorist activities and then deport them. Aside from identifying and deporting jihadist supporters, DHS should also be proactively working to ensure these aliens cannot obtain any additional immigration benefits.\n\nThe Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) serves as a valuable tool for both DHS and universities, and you must ensure that you use it to protect Americans, particularly on our university and college campuses. Under current regulations, institutions of higher education, via their designated school official (DSO), are tasked with maintaining accurate records for the students in their programs. This includes those students who have completed their course study, transferred, received a change in status as well as those whom have been terminated due to violations \u201cto school policy, standards or requirements; the student\u2019s nonimmigrant status; or civil or criminal law.\u201d In addition to current requirements, DSOs should be required to immediately report pro-Hamas, or related activity, whether on campus or not, into SEVIS as a disqualifier for continued possession of a visa or lawful status as a student or exchange visitor. This type of hatful, anti-Semitic behavior should not be tolerated anywhere in the United States, and we should certainly not permit it from guests to our country who are studying at the greatest colleges and universities in the world.\n\nAdditionally, revising DHS\u2019s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) eligibility requirements to clarify that no educational institution can qualify for SEVP eligibility if that institution has officially supported, endorsed, or espoused Hamas or its recent activities, whether by issuing official statements, allowing pro-Hamas demonstrations on campus, or officially recognizing or providing financial assistance to student groups that support Hamas is crucial and timely. Support for terror should have no place on America\u2019s campuses, and we should not be inviting foreign students into our country to study at any institution that supports Hamas\u2019s reprehensible acts.\n\nAlso, we note the provisions of 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 2339A et sq, prohibits material support for Hamas and other designated foreign terrorist organizations. We ask that you coordinate with the U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division and the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence to take action against any institution of higher education that recognizes, or provides financial assistance, to student groups, including but not limited to \u201cStudents for Justice in Palestine,\u201d and other similar front organizations.\n\nFinally, we urge you to respond quickly and appropriately when a university or college in the United States reaches out regarding potential national security concerns about individuals in their student body. We know from the past, terrorism can occur when the signs, sometimes subtle and sometimes blatant, are ignored. We fully anticipate that some universities and colleges will use the tools at their disposal to ensure potential terrorists are not wandering their campuses. We expect DHS and the federal personnel under your control to also respond appropriately.\n\nYou have an opportunity\u2013and the obligation\u2013to use the tools Congress has already provided to you to protect the safety of the United States during this critical time. We urge you to work hand-in-hand with the agencies of DHS, the U.S. Department of State, state and local law enforcement, and institutions of higher education to ensure that aliens who support terrorism are quickly removed from our country.\n\nThank you for your attention for this important matter.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F27C5B7F-CE7B-4945-928E-5205A285BC22", "VIDEO: Fischer Calls for Additional Enforcement to Protect Consumers Against Illegal Robocalls", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cWe Must Be Able to Empower Consumers with the Knowledge of Who Is Actually Calling Them and the Ability to Block Illegal Callers\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, delivered remarks at a hearing this week highlighting the urgent need to improve enforcement and protect consumers from illegal and spoofed robocalls. In her remarks, Senator Fischer discussed the damaging impact of unlawful scam calls and texts that can lead to devastating financial losses and personal identity theft.\n\nIn 2019, Senator Fischer cosponsored the TRACED Act to advance solutions that would reduce illegal robocalls. Senator Fischer also introduced the Spoofing Prevention Act in 2016 to close existing legal loopholes allowing fraudulent caller ID information to be conveyed through texts, certain IP-enabled voice services, and calls originating outside the United States. Both bills are now law.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s opening remarks:\n\nGood morning,\n\nThank you, Chairman Luj\u00e1n, for holding this hearing. The persistent issue of illegal robocalls has been a long-standing concern of mine. Nationwide illegal and spoofed robocalls continue to be the number one consumer complaint. I want to ensure that we have the right tools in place to protect consumers from these calls that prey on them. As we all know, our phones give us a connection to the world around us. Whether it's calling family, friends, or colleagues, scheduling appointments, or summoning emergency services, they are integrated into our daily lives.\n\nOur phone numbers are a very personal part of our identities as well. We use them to verify who we are, and we hold on to them for decades \u2014 sometimes for a lifetime. But, as we know too well, this allows scammers to reach directly into our homes and into our pockets. Bad actors are increasingly savvy in the technologies they use to defraud consumers. This can result in devastating financial losses.\n\nCriminals are engaging in more targeted calls and impersonating businesses like banks to steal personal data or commit financial fraud. Phone scams are still yielding the highest reported fraud losses per person, despite the rapid growth of scammers on social media platforms. In fact, fraud losses due to phone scams are higher than ever. According to a recent report, over 68 million Americans lost approximately $40 billion to phone scams in 2021 alone.\n\nIn many ways, it feels like we have had this conversation so many times over so many years. But crucially, in 2019, Congress passed the TRACED Act to put wide-ranging solutions in motion that would reduce illegal robocalls. I commend my colleague, Senator Thune, for leading this legislation and I was glad to be a cosponsor of it.\n\nPreviously, I also led the Spoofing Prevention Act with Senator Bill Nelson, which passed into law in 2018. This law was a foundational effort to increase penalties and boost enforcement tools that fight illegal spoofing. Deterrence through fines for illegal robocall activities is a key part of cracking down on nuisance calls that endanger consumers. On this front, federal agencies \u2013 particularly the Justice Department \u2013 must improve how they work together to ensure that unpaid fines are collected.\n\nThere are no silver bullets to eradicate the scourge of illegal scam calls and texts. Lawmakers have to remain vigilant and monitor how illegal robocall schemes are evolving. We must be able to empower consumers with the knowledge of who is actually calling them and the ability to block illegal callers. We all share the goal of being able to pick up our phone safely, trusting that we know who's going to be on the other end of the line. But we are not there just yet. The industry has made commendable efforts to reduce the prevalence of these illegal calls, including through advancements in call authorization and traceback technology.\n\nNew statistics from the federally designated Traceback Consortium \u2013 ITG \u2013 indicate that certain common robocall scams have started to decline over the last couple of years. Continuing this trend will take the united cooperation of all voice service providers. As lawmakers, we need to maintain this momentum and ensure that traceback efforts are fully supported.\n\nI urge the FCC to spend its time and resources to prevent genuine criminal activity and create meaningful safe harbors for businesses acting in good faith compliance with the law. I look forward to hearing from today's witnesses about where we are in this effort and where additional assistance may be needed. Thank you for being here. And thank you, Chairman Luj\u00e1n.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=2677F555-175D-4C12-9082-FDF22A46C4F1", "Fischer, Colleagues Demand Biden Expand Border Wall Construction", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) recently joined 12 of her Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to President Joe Biden encouraging the administration to resume and expand construction of the border wall. The letter was led by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).\n\n\u201cDespite the administration\u2019s messaging on this issue, construction of a border wall is sorely needed as communities and elected officials across the country demand a more robust response to illegal immigration,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cYour administration\u2019s decision to continue construction of the Trump Administration\u2019s physical border wall is a step in combating \u2018high illegal entry\u2019 rates. With that, more must be done,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nIn August, the administration sought funding from Congress to address the migration crisis on the border, but did not request resources to construct a border wall. After the Senators\u2019 letter was sent, the Biden administration submitted a supplemental budget request that failed to include additional funding for border wall construction.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Rubio, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.).\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nPresident Joe Biden\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write with regard to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) notice of determination to begin construction of the border wall along the U.S. southern border. This acknowledgement of the law will help deter illegal immigration. However, less than 24 hours after the posting of the notice, this administration has sought to walk back this common-sense initiative. While technology can be deployed as a useful tool on our southern border, it does not act as a physical deterrent that is required, both under the law and in the full reality of the crises that continue. Despite the administration\u2019s messaging on this issue, construction of a border wall is sorely needed as communities and elected officials across the country demand a more robust response to illegal immigration. We hope that this decision signals the beginning of a bipartisan consensus on the need for more physical deterrents on our southern border.\n\nIn light of Secretary Mayorkas\u2019 announcement, we write to urge your administration to ensure that more land mass is covered by the border wall and for you to rescind and resubmit your August 2023 supplemental funding request to Congress to specifically include additional resources for construction. Under the current proposal, approximately 20 miles of border wall will be established. However, more must be done to deter unfettered illegal immigration, which is continuing at a record-breaking pace. If we are to ensure the safety of American communities, more miles of border wall must be constructed.\n\nIn August, your administration sought supplemental funding for a variety of purposes, including to \u201cmanage [the] Southwest border safely and effectively.\u201d This funding request specifically cited the need for additional resources as it relates to, among other things, \u201cmigration surges,\u201d \u201cShelter and Services Program grants,\u201d \u201cnon-intrusive inspection technology,\u201d and \u201ccounter-drug activities related to fentanyl.\u201d This funding request did not include funds for border wall construction along the U.S.-Mexico border, despite the Secretary\u2019s subsequent decision to ramp up construction after years of inaction and reports of the Secretary auctioning off parts of the border wall that went unused during the prior administration.\n\nYour administration\u2019s decision to continue construction of the Trump Administration\u2019s physical border wall is a step in combating \u201chigh illegal entry\u201d rates. With that, more must be done. We urge you to expand border wall construction efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border. Further, we additionally urge you to resubmit your August 2023 supplemental funding request to Congress to specifically include additional resources for physical border deterrents, taking into account the need for more land mass to be covered.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=BDE6970A-ECE5-4A3F-96F9-0894B9EEC10B", "Senate Passes Fischer, Ricketts Resolution to Honor \u201cVolleyball Day in Nebraska,\u201d Celebrate Women\u2019s Collegiate Athletics", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) to honor the record-setting \u201cVolleyball Day in Nebraska\u201d event on August 30 and celebrate the importance of women\u2019s collegiate athletics in Nebraska.\n\nAhead of the bill\u2019s passage, Senators Fischer and Ricketts delivered remarks on the Senate floor to support the resolution and honor the historic occasion.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Senator Ricketts\u2019 remarks", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D7ACB90-E60B-401E-AF95-AC42C06B5169", "VIDEO: Fischer Joins \u201cMornings with Maria\u201d to Talk U.S. Aid to Israel, Threats from Iran, and Jack Lew\u2019s Nomination", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business today to discuss the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas and the importance of providing lethal aid to Israel. Senator Fischer also discussed the need to replenish U.S. weapons stockpiles and bolster domestic munitions production.\n\nDuring the interview, Senator Fischer pushed back against President Biden\u2019s failed Iran policy, including the administration\u2019s attempts to release $6 billion to Iran. Senator Fischer announced she would oppose Jack Lew\u2019s nomination to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Israel given his previous appeasement of Iran and his work to promote the Obama administration\u2019s flawed Iran nuclear deal.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s interview\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s interview:\n\nMaria Bartiromo: Joining me right now is Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer. She's a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Senator, thanks very much for being here. Assess the situation as you know it.\n\nSenator Fischer: Well, we have a really horrible situation that the Israelis are facing. And our part of this: we need to be able to give them the time that they need to really defend their nation and to wipe out Hamas. We also need to give them the resources that they need. They are a strong partner for us. This is a strategic relationship that we have with them, and we need to make sure that we stand with them.\n\nMaria Bartiromo: Well, I mean, for the last two and a half years, this administration has been trying to get an Iran deal done with the Iranians and appeasing the Iranians \u2014 sanctions, enabling the Iranians to generate billions of dollars in revenue on the oil money, so that they could sell the oil money. Do you think that's going to reverse course anytime soon?\n\nSenator Fischer: Well, I would hope it would. Obviously, I was not in favor of that Iran deal to begin with. But now, we're looking at, as you said, the appeasement of this administration, whether it's with Iran and their movement to release that $6 billion, which I'm glad they are talking about walking that back. That should be frozen permanently. And I'm on different bills and letters to push that that happens. But we also saw the horrible, misguided withdrawal from Afghanistan, which I think really was a tipping point. And it showed the world that things had changed with the leadership here in the United States that was coming from the White House.\n\nMaria Bartiromo: Well, the Pentagon is now vowing to hold Iran responsible for rocket attacks on American troops in the Middle East. They also expect a, \u201csignificant escalation of attacks against our troops.\u201d Senator, your thoughts on that?\n\nSenator Fischer: We've seen a number of attacks already on our troops with no response by this administration for the vast majority of those attacks. So, it's good that the administration is standing up and saying it, but I want to see the action that follows it. We have to be able to have a strong response when our men and women overseas are being attacked by a state-sponsored terrorists and their government that is constantly promoting attacks on the United States, on our allies. And we need to make sure that we do have a firm, strong response to that.\n\nMaria Bartiromo: Let me get your take on some of the business in Washington this week. First of all, Jack Lew\u2019s confirmation hearing, where does that stand? The administration would like Jack Lew to be the next ambassador to Israel.\n\nSenator Fischer: Well, he had his hearing before the Foreign Relations Committee. I have a strong response to that nomination. I will not support it. I believe that Jack Lew is not the person to be an ambassador from the United States to Israel when he was such a strong promoter of the Iran deal. He has a relationship with Iran that has been, I would say, on more friendly terms than I want to see from our ambassador to Israel. There are others that I think the administration should be looking at. And I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are going to take this nomination seriously, are going to really, really question it and look at the type of person that should be in that position. And it is not Jack Lew.\n\nMaria Bartiromo: And then there is this packaging of money that Biden wants. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says he supports packaging aid to Ukraine and Israel together. Biden, as you know, requesting $61.4 billion for Ukraine, $14.3 billion for Israel. Senator, where do you stand on that?\n\nSenator Fischer: Well, the administration, they send over a supplemental package \u2018suggestion\u2019, I would take it. But let's remember, it's Congress who's going to pass the bill. We are going to decide what is included in that supplemental package. There is a lot under what has been classified as aid to Ukraine. I would point out that much of the money in there is to replenish our own stocks, which is necessary. On the Armed Services Committee where I'm second in seniority, we had a hearing last week from the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, and it was a wakeup call for this country and how unprepared we are.\n\nMaria Bartiromo: Are we running out of ammunition?\n\nSenator Fischer: We are behind in being able to produce the things that we need. So, while we are providing Ukraine with Javelins and Stingers and GMLRS, what is part of that package also reinforces our capability to produce what we need.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=63E63E95-6601-413E-9FA0-639CAD8D0CCB", "Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Resupply Israel\u2019s Iron Dome", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently co-led the introduction of the Emergency Resupply for Iron Dome Act of 2023.\n\nThe legislation would require the Executive Branch to transfer the U.S. foreign assistance that the U.S. Department of State plans to send to Hamas-controlled Gaza and redirect it to resupply Israel\u2019s highly effective missile defense interceptors. U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) led the introduction of the bill.\n\n\u201cIsrael has the right and the responsibility to defend itself against unconscionable assaults from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Our bill would reallocate aid funding that could have ended up in Hamas\u2019s pockets to Israel\u2019s Iron Dome air defense system \u2014 the backbone of its missile defense architecture. The United States will stand by our ally,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Hagerty, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).\n\nClick here for bill text.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/10/fischer-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-resupply-israel-s-iron-dome", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=1D40E574-87DE-4413-A298-45235B09ED81", "Fischer Questions Officials on Program Supporting Service Members During Military to Civilian Transition", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00ad\u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned officials from the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs about the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at a joint hearing this week with the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. TAP is a cooperative interagency effort that provides important resources and tools to service members transitioning from military to civilian life.\n\nDuring the hearing, Senator Fischer stressed the importance of ensuring TAP offices can specifically tailor their curriculum to an individual\u2019s needs. Senator Fischer also pressed officials regarding a 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) study that found nearly 25% of service members who needed maximum support did not attend a mandatory two-day class.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s questioning\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s questioning:\n\nSenator Fischer: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Vazirani, within the [Transition Assistance Program], how much leeway is given to individual TAP offices to teach the curriculum so they can tailor it to their needs? For example, if you have a service member who's going to sign up again, but that doesn't show in their records yet, they still have to attend the weeklong class. Is that correct?\n\nUnder Secretary Vazirani: Senator, if I can clarify your question, if a service member has gone through TAP, transitioned, and then come back into service? Is that the question? I\u2019m sorry.\n\nSenator Fischer: No, No. If they are still in the service, but with the requirements and the timeline that's there, they have to start the process. But yet, their records haven't kept up with their intentions that they plan to reenlist, for example. Are the programs given any kind of flexibility there to be able to tailor it to certain instances?\n\nUnder Secretary Vazirani: Senator, the program is designed to tailor to each individual. Each individual goes through an individual assessment. They are tiered. They then have a separation counseling to help them understand which elements of the TAP program will be beneficial for them. At the end of the program, there's also a capstone which the commander will sign off on completion. If during that time period, the service member decides they want to stay in service, then there would not be a need to complete the program.\n\nSenator Fischer: Okay. Do you think you have the program appropriately staffed to handle the current number of military personnel?\n\nUnder Secretary Vazirani: Senator, we do believe we have the current level of staffing correct. I think, as we continue to learn more about the program, we'll continue to evolve that and determine whether or not additional authorizations are required to fulfill the program. But, at this point, we do believe that we have the right staffing.\n\nSenator Fischer: We've seen a GAO study from December of 2022, and it found that nearly 25% of service members who needed that maximum support didn't attend the mandatory two-day class. So, what steps do you see the department needs to take, or are you taking now that would address that?\n\nUnder Secretary Vazirani: Senator, we are taking steps to get a better understanding of why service members are electing not to participate. There are service members who, as I indicated earlier, the personal decisions why they wouldn't. So, we're trying to get a better understanding of that. We\u2019re also ensuring that \u2014\n\nSenator Fischer: What specifically are you doing?\n\nUnder Secretary Vazirani: Through the TAP assessment, we're digging into that and understanding those barriers. And then, the other thing. Through the commander's capstone, getting a better understanding of why that service member would not want to participate in that program.\n\nUnder Secretary Jacobs: Senator Fischer, if I might add, one of the things that we're doing is we\u2019re recognizing that TAP is a commander\u2019s program. We're creating a visual management tool so that commanders have greater visibility of their transitioning service members. It's work that Mr. Boerstler is leading through human design element. We're prototyping that tool. If it\u2019s appropriate, I'd love for him to share a little bit about it.\n\nSenator Fischer: That would be great. When you say you're prototyping it, do you have a pilot program in place? Are you using it?\n\nMr. Boerstler: Yes, Senator, we're currently actually testing it this week with command teams. So, this can not only include the commanders themselves with the senior enlisted personnel that are supporting the commanders\u2019 decisions. It will grow give them much greater visibility, as Mr. Jacobs mentioned, to actually see which units that they oversee are in compliance with the 12-month or 24-month requirements. This is a decision that's been co-designed from all of our agencies, plus a few more, including all six service branches. And, it has been taken through our governance process. So, it's underway, and it should be available next year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=4C3B0CB7-F0AC-4E37-A0DE-09BD17CBE1AA", "Fischer, Colleagues Press Buttigieg on Grants Favoring New York City Rail Projects Over Rest of Country", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Senators Express Concern Over Ballooning Costs, Excess Grant Funding for NY-NJ\n\nGateway Program\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, joined five fellow Republican committee members this month in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) pressing Secretary Pete Buttigieg about the decision-making behind certain grants to the Amtrak NY-NJ Gateway Program.\n\nIn the letter, the Senators asked the department to commit to giving fair consideration to the whole country for grants, rather than favoring the Northeast Corridor. The letter was led by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas).\n\n\u201cDOT\u2019s lack of transparency with Congress and potential misadministration of grant programs, particularly with respect to the billions of dollars in DOT funding for the Gateway Program, are deeply concerning. We request that you rectify the inadequate responses to our past letters,\u201d the Senators said.\n\nThe letter highlights the project\u2019s ballooning costs over the last decade from $13 billion (2012 estimate) to $37 billion (2022 estimate). In addition, the Senators requested the DOT provide a number of answers related to how the funding for the Hudson Tunnel project was awarded and how much could ultimately be awarded to the Gateway Program overall.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Cruz, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nWe write to follow up on letters to the Department of Transportation (DOT) earlier this year. In February, Senators Cruz, Thune, and Fischer sent a letter (\u201cthe February letter\u201d) asking the administrators of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) about those agencies\u2019 support and oversight of the Amtrak-New York-New Jersey Gateway Program (\u201cthe Gateway Program\u201d). In April, Republican senators of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation wrote asking you to amend funding notices for a major rail grant program that had been drafted to unfairly favor the Northeast and the Gateway Program to the detriment of projects elsewhere in the country (\u201cthe April letter\u201d).\n\nYou did not respond to the April letter, instead tasking the FRA administrator to respond. Moreover, the agency\u2019s responses failed to either fully answer the questions posed or commit to improving DOT\u2019s approach. DOT\u2019s lack of transparency with Congress and potential misadministration of grant programs, particularly with respect to the billions of dollars in DOT funding for the Gateway Program, are deeply concerning. We request that you rectify the inadequate responses to our past letters by personally answering this letter, and including (1) a description of how DOT will use its authorities to provide oversight and (2) the commitments that we have requested or an explanation why you are refusing to make those commitments.\n\nIn February 2022, Amtrak\u2019s Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report finding that Amtrak lacked a comprehensive framework to manage its commitments to the Gateway Program. Among other concerns, Amtrak lacked an integrated master schedule; a program management plan; and mechanisms to collect and provide information regarding the program\u2019s status, including its budget and schedule. The report indicated a risk to Amtrak\u2019s ability to \u201cmeet its commitments in scope, on time, and in budget,\u201d warning that \u201cassessments of prior complex construction and acquisition programs found that when [Amtrak] did not put this framework in place early enough, it experienced cost increases, schedule delays, and stress on its partner relationships as projects matured.\u201d\n\nDOT has awarded more than $8?billion in federal funding to the Gateway Program, despite the Amtrak OIG\u2019s serious concerns about potential cost overruns and schedule delays. Based on the latest estimates from the Gateway Development Commission, the nine projects that comprise the Gateway Program will cost $37?billion over the next 15 years. Grants that DOT has awarded to the Gateway Program include an unprecedent single grant of nearly $7 billion for the Hudson Tunnel project via a Capital Investment Grant (\u201cCIG\u201d), as well as:\n\n$91.5?million via a Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (\u201cFed-State\u201d) grant for the Portal North Bridge and Substation 41, awarded May 2020;\n\n$766.5?million via a CIG for the Portal North Bridge, awarded January 2021;\n\n$45?million via a Fed-State grant for the Sawtooth Bridges, awarded August 2022;\n\n$292?million via a National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) grant for the Hudson Tunnel, awarded January 2023; and\n\n$25 million via a Local and Regional Project Assistance (RAISE) grant for the Tonnelle Avenue bridge and utility work (for the Hudson Tunnel), awarded June 2023.\n\nIn this period of historically high inflation, it is especially important that you be judicious with taxpayer dollars and resist political pressure to simply cut checks to this or any other project. Both the law and simple prudence demand a real evaluation of the huge cost estimates and verification that Gateway Program grantees have the capacity to deliver the planned infrastructure timely and on budget. The February letter inquired about the Gateway Program\u2019s budget and readiness, but DOT failed to respond meaningfully. For example, FRA stated it would employ a \u201crisk-based approach to targeted engagement\u201d with Amtrak, without indicating what aspects of the Gateway Program, if any, would get independent review. Awarding billions of taxpayer dollars to projects that Amtrak and other grantees may not be capable of delivering is financially irresponsible\u2014opening the door to fraud, waste, and abuse.\n\nThis recent string of awards reflects what appears to be a troubling effort to prioritize the Gateway Program above deserving projects elsewhere in the country. Indeed, your Department seems to be maximizing the funding for the Gateway Program in many grant programs, whether a good fit or not. As pointed out in the April letter, DOT and FRA manipulated the massive Fed-State grant program to ensure the absolute maximum amount of funding from the 2021 infrastructure law will go to the Northeast (and Gateway), effectively depriving projects from the rest of the country of the opportunity to compete for as much as $7?billion under that program. In his response, FRA Administrator Amit Bose refused to correct this.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=3B59129C-B28B-4859-8EF4-514C4B3816D8", "VIDEO: Fischer Highlights Urgent Need to Update U.S. Strategic Posture Following Alarming Bipartisan Report", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cUnless We Change Our Strategy, We Will Not Be Able to Deter Both China and Russia\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, delivered remarks at a hearing today to highlight the urgent need for the United States to comprehensively update its strategic posture, including by modernizing its nuclear deterrent. The hearing focused on the findings from a recent bipartisan report on the long-term strategic posture of the United States.\n\nDuring her remarks, Senator Fischer noted that the current U.S. strategy is not sufficient to effectively deter America\u2019s two peer nuclear competitors, China and Russia. Senator Fischer also emphasized the importance of turning the Commission\u2019s recommendations into legislation.\n\nThis week, Senator Fischer released a joint statement with the Chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee in support of the bipartisan report.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick to download audio\n\nClick to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\nI do want to begin by thanking the commissioners for your work on this report. The report is thoughtful, clear-eyed about the threats, and honest about how underprepared we are to address these threats. And we are woefully underprepared.\n\nSince the Second World War, the United States\u2019 national security strategy has been predicated on having one major nuclear adversary. And we now face two major nuclear adversaries for the first time in history. Russia and China have rapidly modernized their strategic nuclear forces. They have dramatically expanded their theater nuclear forces, and they are developing novel nuclear weapons and delivery systems. Meanwhile, we have barely begun to modernize our strategic nuclear forces, and only plan to replace them on a one-for-one basis \u2013 a plan that was developed on outdated assumptions.\n\nAs you say in your report, our nuclear force modernization program of record is \u201cabsolutely essential, although not sufficient to meet the new threats posed by Russia and China.\u201d\n\nAnd, as your report also conveys, the United States has no strategy to address this threat. We cannot effectively deter two nations with a national defense strategy that has a \u2018one major war\u2019 sizing construct. Unless we change our strategy, we will not be able to deter both China and Russia. If our adversaries believe that we lack capacity or lack the will to respond to an attack and to defend our allies and partners, they will act accordingly.\n\nYour report had 131 findings and 81 recommendations which, if acted upon, will provide the United States with the capacity and capability necessary to maintain our place in the world. These recommendations include changes to the planned size and composition of our nuclear forces, including the development of new theater nuclear delivery systems. They include overhauling the NNSA, dramatically expanding our domestic industrial base \u2014 including the establishment of a third nuclear shipyard, developing a comprehensive homeland missile defense architecture and a resilient space architecture that includes both offensive and defensive elements.\n\nAnd we must do this with a sense of urgency \u2014 Senator Kyl, urgency \u2014 which has, frankly, been utterly lacking from the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5993AFDF-E530-4BDD-B8D6-58656F6DF8A8", "VIDEO: Fischer: U.S. Must Stand With Israel After Brutal Hamas Attack", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "On Israel\u2019s Right to Defend Itself:\n\n\u201cHamas's cold-blooded attack last week, it was loathsome, and it was obscene. And what we see when we look at terror of that proportion: We have to have a response. Israel has to have a response. We stand with Israel. They have the right, and they have the responsibility to do what needs to be done.\u201d\n\nOn Israel\u2019s Defense Needs:\n\n\u201cWe know that Israel will need more defensive capabilities. They will need interceptors for the Iron Dome. We know that Israel will also need more offensive capabilities like precision guided munitions. And we know that Israel is going to need medical equipment to help their troops, to help their citizens, to help them recover from these vicious attacks by Hamas, who is backed by Iran. The United States and Israel have long partnered and have a special relationship. We share intelligence with the Israelis on terrorism that happens in the Middle East. And that must continue.\u201d\n\nOn U.S. Assistance to Israel:\n\n\u201cThey have to defend themselves, and we are there to offer them assistance. We need to provide the Israeli Government with the support that it needs to defend its own territory and to defend its people. And this will allow Israel the resources to make difficult decisions that it's going to have to make in the days and the weeks and the months ahead.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=50772407-2474-4FFD-836F-6A8E8393BCC4", "Fischer Praises Introduction of Senate Resolution to Stand with Israel Against Terrorism", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in support of a bipartisan Senate resolution introduced this week to support Israel against terrorism. The resolution was led by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.).\n\n\u201cThe relationship between the U.S. and Israel is unbreakable, and Israel has the right to defend itself against this brutal, barbaric attack from Hamas. Our strong, bipartisan resolution is a powerful sign of the American people\u2019s support for Israel. The United States stands by our ally,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nThe resolution secured the support of nearly every member of the U.S. Senate. In addition to Senators Fischer, Risch, and Cardin, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), John N. Kennedy (R-La.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ben Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).\n\nA copy of the resolution can be foundhere.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/10/fischer-praises-introduction-of-senate-resolution-to-stand-with-israel-against-terrorism", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=95E8DD35-233F-4EE5-97B3-F8910AC76596", "Fischer, Colleagues Oppose Biden FCC\u2019s Internet Takeover", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, recently joined more than 40 of her colleagues in sending a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to abandon her proposal to reinstate the failed, heavy-handed Obama-era regulations on the internet. This letter was led by U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).\n\n\u201cRe-imposing heavy-handed, public-utility regulations on the internet would threaten the progress our country has made since 2017, and it would steer our country out of the fast lane and into a world of less competition, less choice, less investment, slower speeds, and higher prices,\u201d the Senators said.\n\n\u201cFurther, the FCC lacks this statutory authority over broadband internet access. Any attempt by the FCC to reinstate net neutrality regulations and the onerous rules of Title II on internet service providers will not survive judicial review. The FCC has pushed net neutrality and already lost in court \u2013 more than once \u2013 and two of President Obama\u2019s former solicitors general have warned that reclassification by the FCC cannot survive the major questions doctrine,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer, Thune, and Cruz, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nThe Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel\n\nChairwoman\n\nFederal Communications Commission\n\nWe write regarding our strong opposition to the Federal Communication Commission\u2019s (FCC\u2019s) proposal to reinstate the heavy-handed, public-utility regulations of Title II of the Communications Act on the internet. Doing so would be an historic mistake.\n\nWhen the FCC rescinded the Obama-era Title II order almost six years ago, partisans argued that it was the \u201cend of the internet as we know it,\u201d that \u201cyou\u2019ll get the internet one word at a time,\u201d that consumers would have to pay by the tweet, and that online access would slow to a crawl. All such hyperbolic claims have proven false, as even FCC Democrat commissioners have admitted.\n\nThe growth of the internet continues to be a great American success story. Broadband investment has increased, deployment has increased, speeds have increased, and high-speed internet access has become more affordable than ever. American networks, freed from obtrusive regulations, easily handled the surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, Europe\u2019s heavily regulated internet providers were forced to actively slow down speeds to maintain connectivity. Indeed, America is now a leader in adopting next-generation telecommunications services like 5G and Wi-Fi 6e while Europe struggles to keep pace.\n\nRe-imposing heavy-handed, public-utility regulations on the internet would threaten the progress our country has made since 2017, and it would steer our country out of the fast lane and into a world of less competition, less choice, less investment, slower speeds, and higher prices.\n\nFurther, the FCC lacks this statutory authority over broadband internet access. Any attempt by the FCC to reinstate net neutrality regulations and the onerous rules of Title II on internet service providers will not survive judicial review. The FCC has pushed net neutrality and already lost in court \u2013 more than once \u2013 and two of President Obama\u2019s former solicitors general have warned that reclassification by the FCC cannot survive the major questions doctrine.\n\nGiven the lack of any policy or legal rationale for moving forward with such a proposal, the FCC should not pursue a hyper-partisan, politicized rulemaking.\n\nOur country faces real challenges. A lack of public-utility regulations for the internet is not one of them. Instead, the FCC and the Biden administration should be focusing on bipartisan efforts to address real problems, such as addressing rampant waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government\u2019s broadband subsidy programs, and regulatory and permitting obstacles to broadband deployment, both of which divert funds and resources from the goal of connecting unserved Americans.\n\nWe urge you to end this charade and shelve this fifth attempt to adopt so-called \u201cnet neutrality\u201d regulations.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=D2C51929-A40B-40B7-A23D-DC6E82D55090", "VIDEO: Fischer Condemns Brutal Hamas Attack, Urges Support for Israel in Senate Floor Speech", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cIf We Can\u2019t Stand Up Against This, What Can We Stand Against?\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke on the Senate floor this week about the brutal Hamas attack against Israel and the importance of America\u2019s continued support for the people of Israel. In her remarks, Senator Fischer stressed the importance of deterring Iran and other countries seeking to take advantage of the situation and further destabilize the region.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nAlong with Americans all across our country, I am appalled at what has happened in Israel over the past week. It\u2019s hard to watch the brutality of Hamas\u2019s attack on Israel. It\u2019s hard to believe that the terror Hamas perpetrated is something human beings are capable of doing.\n\nLast week, Hamas militants stormed the Israel-Gaza border in a despicable, deadly attack against Israeli civilians. Men and women, children and the elderly, Israelis and foreigners, Americans \u2014 Hamas killed person after person with no regard for human dignity.\n\nThe militants seized and kidnapped almost 200 hostages, including many of our own American citizens.\n\nWhen civilians in small Israeli towns came out of hiding \u2014 sheltering for their lives and praying that they would be spared \u2014 they came out to find corpses in their streets. Doors riddled with bullet holes. The ground stained with human blood. Houses burning and collapsing.\n\nThey\u2019ve told journalists the horror they felt when they stepped out into the wreckage and were met with the smell of decaying flesh.\n\nThis is obscene. This is hideous. We can and should all agree on that. Secretary of State Blinken, on his visit to Israel, said he saw images of a baby covered in bullet holes, soldiers who\u2019d been beheaded, and people burned alive in their cars.\n\nHe said: \u201cImages are worth a thousand words. These images may be worth a million.\u201d\n\nHow do we respond to such a tragedy? Not only are these actions depraved and inhumane \u2014 they\u2019ve been perpetrated against one of our closest partners in the world.\n\nHamas\u2019s goal in this attack, its goal in kidnapping babies and elderly women, was to shock Israel to the core, bring it to its knees, so that vicious terrorist groups could get the upper hand \u2014 Hamas from the west, and now Hezbollah from the north.\n\nM. President, Hamas and Hezbollah will not get the upper hand. Israel will defend its sovereignty and its people \u2014 standing tall \u2014 and we will support them.\n\nNow is not the time for the United States to shrink back from the world stage and let Israel stand in isolation.\n\nWe must stand up against terror. We must stand up against the kidnapping of little babies. We must stand up against the rape and torture of innocent civilians. We must stand up against those who would grasp at political power by committing war crimes.\n\nIf we can\u2019t stand up against this, what can we stand against?\n\nAnd in response to this terror, we must stand with Israel. In response to a brutal attack on its sovereign territory, we must stand with Israel. In response to the heinous massacre of its citizens, we must stand with Israel. In response to violations of the laws of war, we must stand with Israel.\n\nIsrael has the right and the responsibility to defend itself against this unconscionable aggression. We must provide its government with the support it needs to defend its territory and its citizenry. We must take steps that allow Israel to regain its footing and make the difficult decisions it needs to make as a sovereign nation.\n\nThe United States and Israel are bound by shared values and strategic interests. And we are now further bound by shared tragedy. Hamas has American blood on its hands after this attack. Some of our own citizens are being held hostage underground in Gaza. We must act to show terrorist groups, and their close friend Iran, that we will not abide the slaughter and kidnapping of Americans.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am working with my colleagues and the administration to ensure that the United States is able to provide Israel with the support and resources it needs to eliminate this threat.\n\nOur allies and partners, as well as our adversaries, are closely watching how our country will respond to Hamas\u2019s loathsome attack. Our actions should encourage allies and partners to follow suit in supporting Israel and denouncing this terrorism. And our actions must deter our adversaries from taking advantage of the volatility in the Middle East and to further destabilize the region.\n\nOur focus in the region must turn to one adversary in particular: Iran. The Iranian regime bankrolls terrorist activity throughout the Middle East. Iran has provided Hamas with the weapons it uses against Israel. The regime directly supports Hezbollah, the group barraging Israel from across the border in Lebanon.\n\nFor the time I have served in the Senate, I\u2019ve supported efforts to curb Iran\u2019s incessant attempts to sow chaos in the Middle East. Today, those attempts are coming to a head. We need to gather all of our economic and diplomatic strength to send a strong message to Iran.\n\nCountering Iran will help Israel, but it will advance American interests as well. Iran is hellbent on destroying the United States. Its proxy forces continue to attack our forces regularly in Iraq and Syria. The risks are too great to allow Iran to accelerate this conflict.\n\nMy Republican colleagues and I sent a letter last week urging President Biden to immediately convene the G7 nations and take coordinated action to isolate Iran using severe sanctions.\n\nOur letter also called on the president to reverse a decision allowing Iran access to a six-billion-dollar fund, which had previously been frozen under sanctions. We urged President Biden to instead lead America\u2019s partners and allies in securing agreements from as many nations as possible \u2014 agreements to take the most severe economic and diplomatic action possible under the law against Iran.\n\nThe U.S. must lead in imposing multilateral sanctions against Iran, and continue to lead in making certain these sanctions are enforced.\n\nThis week, my colleagues and I introduced legislation that would revoke that six billion-dollar fund. The United States must not allow funding to flow to state sponsors of terrorism.\n\nAs Americans, we must come together in a bipartisan manner to keep terrorism in check and stand with our ally Israel. I call on my colleagues in Congress, as well as the administration and people across our country, to continue to unequivocally condemn the evil acts committed by Hamas, Hezbollah, and their primary sponsor, Iran.\n\nWe must stand together to support Israel and protect both Americans and Israelis being harmed by the conflict and bloodshed in the Middle East.\n\nThank you, M. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=ADED0CC2-158D-4F96-BC21-0A37E15DCE1F", "Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Permanently Freeze $6 Billion Payment to Iran Immediately", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently joined her colleagues in introducing legislation that would block Iran from accessing a $6 billion fund released in August by the Biden administration. These actions respond to the attacks against Israel committed by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists. The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).\n\n\u201cIran is an adversary of the United States and the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism. It funds, trains, and equips terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, advancing its malign influence across the region. Our legislation will permanently prevent this $6 billion from flowing to the government of Iran,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nText of the bill may be found here.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/10/fischer-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-permanently-freeze-6-billion-payment-to-iran-immediately", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=C17FE629-B7BF-472A-8DCA-2355DF181A51", "Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Freeze $6 Billion to Iran, Probe Additional Iranian Assets", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined her colleagues in introducing the Revoke Iranian Funding Act. The legislation would rescind the general licenses that enabled the release of the $6 billion to Iran and prevent the Iranian regime from accessing and using the funds held in Qatar to finance terrorist attacks against Israel or any other nation.\n\nIn addition, the bill would direct the Treasury Secretary to study all high-value Iranian assets around the world that are currently blocked by U.S. sanctions. This information would be provided to Congress to ensure it has the information necessary to enact further targeted legislation, if necessary. U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) led the introduction of the bill.\n\n\u201cHamas couldn\u2019t have planned or carried out its attack against Israel without support from Iran, the world\u2019s number one state sponsor of terrorism. Our legislation will halt efforts to provide billions of dollars to Iran. It will also increase transparency by providing Congress with more information about Iran\u2019s high-value assets around the world that are currently subject to U.S. sanctions,\u201d said Senator Deb Fischer.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Scott, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).\n\nClick here for an overview of the bill. Click here for bill text.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=D972A900-E8CF-4700-9C76-E710246C7494", "Fischer, King Welcome Key Report on U.S. Strategic Posture", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Senators Highlight Need to Address Changing Global Threat Environment\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Angus King (I-Maine), the Ranking Member and Chair of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, released the following statement after the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States released its final unclassified report:\n\n\u201cAs the top members of the Strategic Forces subcommittee, we understand the need for a nuclear force posture that can successfully deter adversaries in a worsening global threat environment. We appreciate the bipartisan Commission\u2019s work to develop and unanimously endorse this report. We look forward to continuing conversations with the Commissioners on their findings and options to strengthen our national defense.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 2022) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) established the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States (Commission) and tasked it with examining the long-term strategic posture of the United States. The Commission\u2019s report includes a comprehensive review of the current and projected threat environment; an assessment of our current nuclear weapons policies and strategic posture; and recommendations for the most appropriate strategic posture and nuclear weapons strategy.\n\nThe bipartisan Commission is led by Madelyn Creedon, who most recently served as Principal Deputy Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) from 2014 to 2017, and former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona.\n\nThe Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing on the findings of the Commission\u2019s report at 9:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, October 19th.\n\nClick here to read the report.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=55A34716-E1C3-4D5B-84AD-15A5A22985C8", "Fischer Highlights Resources for Nebraskans Impacted by Crisis in Israel", "2023-10-14", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) highlighted the following resources from the U.S. Department of State to assist Nebraskans affected by the crisis in Israel.\n\nStarting Friday, October 13, the U.S. government began facilitating departure assistance for U.S. citizens and their immediate family members seeking a safe means of departing Israel who have been unable to book commercial transit. Chartered transportation will be by air or sea to nearby safe locations. From these locations, individuals will be able to make their own onward travel arrangements to the destination of their choice. Access to departure assistance information can be found here.\n\nThe State Department has a team communicating around the clock with U.S. citizens impacted by the situation in Israel. U.S. citizens in need of assistance should complete the crisis intake form or call 1-833-890-9595 (toll-free), 1-606-641-0131 (U.S. local), or 03-519-7426 (Israel local).\n\nU.S. citizens in Gaza who need assistance should complete the crisis intake form or call 1-833-890-9595 (toll-free), 1-606-641-0131 (U.S. local), or 03-519-7426 (local).\n\nFor the most up-to-date information, visit the State Department\u2019s webpage on Israel, West Bank, and Gaza here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=4A1437F2-D6F4-4AA1-AAC0-B9BF668AF4C6", "Fischer Statement on Passing of Jim Jensen", "2023-10-13", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, Neb. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today after learning of the passing of former Nebraska State Senator Jim Jensen:\n\n\u201cI was honored to know and serve with Jim Jensen in the Nebraska legislature and was saddened to hear of his passing. Jim was a thoughtful man with a wonderful laugh who loved his family, his community, his state, and his country. Bruce and I send our prayers to his wife Joan, his children, his grandchildren, and many friends.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=428C126F-1689-41B1-9886-BBF2E9F17F7F", "Fischer: Administration Must Officially Freeze $6 Billion Payment to Iran", "2023-10-12", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, this week joined nine of her Senate Republican colleagues in a letter calling the Biden Administration to take action against Iran following the Hamas attack on Israel. Today reports emerged that the White House reversed course and intends to deny Iran access to $6 billion that the administration released in August. These reports, if true, are a first step; but the President must confirm this as the official position of the United States.\n\nIn their letter, the Senators called on President Biden to immediately convene the G7 nations and take coordinated action to further isolate Iran with severe sanctions that would strike directly at the wealth it contributes to regional terrorist groups. The letter was led by U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.).\n\n\u201cWe urge you to immediately reverse your decision regarding [the $6 billion payment to Iran] and, as the leader of the free world, lead America\u2019s partners and allies in securing agreements from as many nations as possible to take the most severe economic and diplomatic action against Iran possible under law,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Scott, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.).\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nThe Honorable Joe Biden\n\nPresident\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nThe terror and devastation unleashed on Israel over the last 72 hours by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists has rightly horrified the world. Innocent families were murdered in their homes. Teenage girls have been raped and then burned alive. An elderly wheelchair-bound woman, who was later identified as a Holocaust survivor, was brutally dragged through the streets of Gaza and killed. Children who witnessed the murders of their parents have been kidnapped and are now being held hostage by Hamas. More than 250 youths were mowed down while attending a music festival in Southern Israel. At least 14 Americans have been killed. The atrocities are too numerous to fully recount here, but the images seen will never leave our memories.\n\nNow, our great ally Israel is in a fight for its very existence. From 1948 until now, six wars and thousands of terrorist attacks have been launched against Israel simply because it exists. The Israelis have not instigated a single war, much less a terrorist attack, against any state or anyone. Every Israeli military action has been launched against its enemies in retaliation for violence against Israel and its citizens, much of which has been directly funded and supported by the evil Iranian regime.\n\nWhile we appreciate the willingness of the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany to stand in support of Israel as expressed in your joint statement yesterday, the statement failed to direct any action toward the evil behind these attacks: Iran. We know that the Iranian regime is behind the brutal attacks on innocent civilians being carried out by terrorists from Hamas and Palestinian Jihad. The United States and our allies cannot ignore this reality for a second longer. We the undersigned senators urge you to immediately convene the G7 nations and take coordinated action to further isolate Iran with severe sanctions and action that will strike directly at the wealth that this evil brings to the Ayatollah and the Iranian mullahs.\n\nIran is not a normal country. It is not a negotiating partner nor does it pretend to follow the rules based order of the civilized world. Every dollar within the grasp and control of the Iranian regime is used to fund terrorism and fuel its power. That is why we must isolate Iran and cut it off economically. Without sources of revenue, Iran will be unable to fund the mass terror it supports around the globe.\n\nWe have seen the responses from your administration regarding your decision to unfreeze $6 billion of Iranian oil revenue. Mr. President, money is fungible and if you truly believe that this decision did not play a role in the brutality Hamas unleashed on Israel last weekend, you are gravely mistaken. We urge you to immediately reverse your decision regarding these funds and, as the leader of the free world, lead America\u2019s partners and allies in securing agreements from as many nations as possible to take the most severe economic and diplomatic action against Iran possible under law.\n\nThis is an incredibly important moment for Israel, the United States of America, and all nations that support the Jewish State and freedom and democracy both within their own borders and across the world. The United States has made clear that we fully support Israel and its right to do what it must to defend its homeland and citizens. We must also be clear that Iran is behind this terror.\n\nNow, it falls on you as President of the United States to lead the freedom-loving world. We must punish the evil Iranian regime, which remains the world\u2019s largest state sponsor of terror, and deny its ability to continue supporting the brutality witnessed in Israel from ever occurring again.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=0926B13C-3416-4B37-904E-BCD213AD935F", "Fischer Commends $8.39 Million VA Grant Announcement to Establish Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island", "2023-10-10", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)announcedit has awarded up to $8,391,524 for the establishment of a Nebraska VeteransCemeteryinGrand Island.The VA will also reimburse the state of Nebraska $577,495 for the cost of fabrication and delivery of outer burial receptacles used for the project.\n\n\u201cAs Americans, we owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who have served. Establishing a cemetery in Grand Island will honor the service and sacrifice of those who fought to defend our freedom. This announcement reflects the hard work of so many who have been fighting to make this project a reality,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Fischersecuredfunding in the Senate\u2019s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Act to continue honoring Nebraska\u2019s fallen veterans through the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program. The program provides funding to establish, expand, and improve veteran cemeteries to ensure veterans in Nebraska and across the U.S. are buried with the honors they deserve.\n\nAccording to the VA, the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island will serve more than 13,000 veterans and their eligible family members. The grant will fund 506 pre-placed crypts, 548 cremains gravesites, 640 columbarium niches, an administration building, maintenance facility, committal service shelter, and landscaping.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/10/fischer-commends-8-39-million-va-grant-announcement-to-establish-veterans-cemetery-in-grand-island", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=8741519D-6D8A-4B73-AE80-8B3FDBE2F3B5", "Fischer: Hamas Attack on Israel \u201cDespicable and Shocking to the Core\u201d", "2023-10-10", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after President Biden delivered remarks at the White House regarding Hamas\u2019s attack against Israel:\n\n\u201cAs President Biden said today, the atrocities carried out by the Iran-backed terrorist group Hamas are \u2018sheer evil.\u2019\n\n\u201cThe butchering of babies, the burning of human bodies, the kidnapping, rape, beating, and murder of Israelis is despicable and shocking to the core.\n\n\u201cThe relationship between the United States and Israel is unbreakable, and Israel has the right to defend itself against this brutal, barbaric attack.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s support will serve as an important deterrent against countries seeking to take advantage of the situation and further destabilize the region.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/10/fischer-hamas-attack-on-israel-despicable-and-shocking-to-the-core", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=200F8D48-3C46-4253-B0B0-15485BF1D2C9", "Fischer Welcomes NHA and NeRHA Announcement on Rural Veteran Referral Program", "2023-10-05", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Fischer Led Delegation Letter in April Urging VA to Establish Pilot Program in NE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today after the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) and the Nebraska Rural Health Association (NeRHA) announced a new pilot program aimed at helping rural Nebraska veterans access health care.\n\n\u201cI voted for the VA MISSION Act to provide veterans with more options to seek treatment when and where it makes sense for their needs. This announcement from NHA and NeRHA is welcome news for veterans across Nebraska, especially in our rural areas. In the Senate, I will continue leading efforts to advance the Rural Veteran Referral Program nationwide, starting here in Nebraska,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nAccording to a news release, NHA and NeRHA have received onboarding commitments from over 20 Nebraska critical access hospitals, and are in early discussions with other statewide health systems.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Fischer-backed VA MISSION Act created the Community Care Program, which enables veterans who meet certain requirements, such as living more than a 60-minute drive from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility, to receive care in the community paid for by the VA.\n\nHowever, because this care is received at non-VA providers, it can often be difficult for community providers to effectively and efficiently communicate with the VA about the health care needs of a veteran and provide them with timely referrals for care in their community.\n\nIn March, Senator Fischer led all five members of the Nebraska congressional delegation in sending a letter urging the VA to create a new rural veteran referral pilot program in Nebraska to improve care coordination between the VA and rural providers.\n\nThe Rural Veterans Health Access Program works to expand the reach of the VA MISSION Act by increasing the number of hospitals and clinics Nebraska veterans will have access to use for their healthcare needs. The program will help link Nebraska\u2019s hospital across the state directly to VA care coordination teams in Omaha.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=EB690BA6-CBB4-4868-9ED8-9CB6BBD249B4", "Fischer, Colleagues Demand Accountability on Iran-Linked DoD Official", "2023-10-04", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently joined 30 of her Senate Republican colleagues in a letter demanding a full accounting of actions taken by a senior Pentagon official who has close links to the Iranian government. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) led the letter.\n\nAriane Tabatabai, the chief of staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, was reportedly engaged in an Iranian government-linked initiative to bolster the Iranian government\u2019s image and reinforce Tehran\u2019s national security views. Leaked emails show Tabatabai asking the Iranian government for input on her speaking engagements and offering to consult with the Iranian government on a congressional briefing that she was invited to give.\n\nIn the letter, the Senators suggested that it is \u201cunconscionable\u201d for Tabatabai to continue holding a sensitive national defense-related position and called for the immediate suspension of her security clearance.\n\n\u201cIran continues to threaten U.S. military personnel in the Middle East and remains intent on assassinating American citizens here in the United States. Given these facts, we find it simply unconscionable that a senior Department official would continue to hold a sensitive position despite her alleged participation in an Iranian government information operation,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cWhile we note that Assistant Secretary of Defense for SOLIC Christopher Maier, who is Ms. Tabatabai's current supervisor, testified before the House on Thursday that the Department is \u2018actively looking into whether all law and policy was properly followed in granting my chief of staff top secret special compartmented information,\u2019 we urge you to suspend Ms. Tabatabai's security clearance immediately pending further review, as the State Department did with her former supervisor, Robert Malley,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nThe Senators also posed a range of questions related to the nature and extent of Tabatabai\u2019s involvement with the Iran-backed initiative, demanding answers within a week of transmitting the letter.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Wicker, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and John Thune (R-S.D.).\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nHonorable Lloyd J. Austin II\n\nSecretary of Defense\n\n1000 Defense Pentagon\n\nWashington, DC 20301-1000\n\nDear Mr. Secretary:\n\nWe are concerned that an individual who allegedly served as part of an Iranian Foreign Ministry information operation is currently serving in a senior Department of Defense position. We urge you to take immediate action to ensure that the Department has not been compromised.\n\nOn Tuesday, September 26, Semafor reported that Ariane Tabatabai, who currently serves as chief of staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (SOLIC), was part of a so-called Iran Experts Initiative that \u201csenior Iranian Foreign Ministry officials initiated [in] a quiet effort to bolster Tehran's image and positions on global security issues - particularly its nuclear program.\u201d\n\nAccording to communications that Semafor reviewed, Ms. Tabatabai agreed to join the Iranian government-linked Initiative in early 2014, after meeting a Germany-based Iranian diplomat in Prague. On at least two occasions, Ms. Tabatabai \u201cchecked in with Iran's Foreign Ministry before attending policy events.\u201d The report details one occasion in which an Iranian think tank chief, who acted as an apparent liaison to the Iranian Foreign Minister, dissuaded Ms. Tabatabai from participating in a conference in Israel when she asked for his feedback. The report also indicates that Ms. Tabatabai potentially sought the Iranian government's input on a congressional briefing that she was invited to give in July 2014.\n\nConcerns about Ms. Tabatabai are not new. In March 2021, shortly after Ms. Tabatabai was appointed senior adviser in the Office of the Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Iranian dissidents noted Ms. Tabatabai's long history of echoing the Iranian regime's talking points. In April 2021, several House members requested a review of Ms. Tabatabai's security clearance. In response, the Biden administration dismissed these allegations as \u201csmears and slander.\u201d\n\nThe latest allegations reported in Semafor, however, indicate that Ms. Tabatabai may have been engaged in a relationship with the Iranian regime well beyond what even her strongest critics alleged. The fact that the Department initially responded to these latest allegations by rushing a full-throated defense of Ms. Tabatabai, rather than taking the time to ensure that our national security has not been compromised, suggests that you are protecting hiring missteps rather than prioritizing national security.\n\nIran continues to threaten U.S. military personnel in the Middle East and remains intent on assassinating American citizens here in the United States. Given these facts, we find it simply unconscionable that a senior Department official would continue to hold a sensitive position despite her alleged participation in an Iranian government information operation. While we note that Assistant Secretary of Defense for SOLIC Christopher Maier, who is Ms. Tabatabai's current supervisor, testified before the House on Thursday that the Department is \u201cactively looking into whether all law and policy was properly followed in granting my chief of staff top secret special compartmented information,\u201d we urge you to suspend Ms. Tabatabai's security clearance immediately pending further review, as the State Department did with her former supervisor, Robert Malley.\n\nIn addition, we ask that you provide answers to the following questions no later than October 6:\n\nOn what date did the Department of Defense learn that Ms. Tabatabai had served as part of the Iranian government-linked Iran Experts Initiative?\n\nOn what date was Ms. Tabatabai granted a security clearance, and what was the sponsoring agency that made the determination to grant Ms. Tabatabai a security clearance?\n\nHas Ms. Tabatabai\u2019s security clearance been subjected to a periodic reinvestigation and, if so, on what date was Ms. Tabatabai\u2019s most recent periodic reinvestigation completed?\n\nWas Ms. Tabatabai subjected to any additional counterintelligence screening, to include a polygraph investigation, as part of her security clearance investigation or any subsequent review of her eligibility to hold a security clearance or access restricted or special access information?\n\nOn her Standard Form-86, did Ms. Tabatabai list her contacts with:\n\nFormer Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif;\n\nAcademic Adnan Tabatabai;\n\nMostafa Zahrani, the head of the Iran think tank IPIS; and/or\n\nFormer Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh?\n\nWas Ms. Tabatabai read into any special access programs (SAPs)?\n\nIf so, was she subjected to enhanced security vetting, per SAP security policy, or was she granted a waiver?\n\nIf she was granted a waiver to be read into SAPs, which DoD official approved the waiver?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=32E8EB94-904B-4106-97C1-9775D2A8B6A1", "Fischer Joins Legislation to Pay Armed Forces During a Government Shutdown", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, cosponsored the Pay Our Military Act of 2023. The legislation would ensure that members of America\u2019s military \u2014 Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard,and Space Force \u2014 are paid in the event of a government shutdown in Fiscal Year 2024. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) led the introduction of the legislation.\n\n\u201cOur dedicated military men and womenshouldn\u2019t miss a paycheck because of political fights in Washington. Congress needs to take action to protect this nation\u2019s military readiness and ensure that our Armed Forces receive the pay they have rightfully earned,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Pay Our Military Act of 2023 would appropriate funds to pay members of the Armed Forces, including reservists, if a temporary or full-year federal funding bill is not passed and signed by October 1. The Pay Our Military Act would also fund the pay of civilian Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel and contractors whom each department\u2019s respective secretary determines are \u201cproviding support to members of the Armed Forces.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Sullivan, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/9/fischer-joins-legislation-to-pay-armed-forces-during-a-government-shutdown", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=9816E139-7F5C-45C6-A884-DD6B28AE69C1", "VIDEO: Fischer Questions USDA Official on Foreign Ownership of U.S. Farmland, Need to Protect Sensitive U.S. Military Installations", "2023-09-28", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 At a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing this week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Gloria Monta\u00f1o Greene about foreign ownership in U.S. agriculture and possible threats to sensitive American military installations, including ICBM sites in Western Nebraska.\n\nIn February, Senator Fischer joined legislation to protect America\u2019s agricultural industry from improper foreign investment. The Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act bolsters the U.S. agriculture industry\u2019s role on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the governmental body that oversees the vetting process for foreign investment and acquisition of American companies.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s questioning\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s questioning:\n\nSenator Fischer: In addition to serving on the Agriculture Committee, I also serve as a senior member on the Senate Armed Services Committee. And I am the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, which is responsible for our nuclear deterrent, space systems, and our missile defense. It is no secret that many critical weapons systems are located in rural America near agricultural land. For example, in western Nebraska, that is home to the Minuteman III ICBMs, and it will soon be replaced by the Sentinel ICBMs. These weapons systems and the airmen operating them keep Americans safe every day. We cannot let military installations hosting sensitive missions like these in Nebraska become vulnerable by allowing adversaries to purchase land nearby from which they can then conduct espionage or other nefarious activities. The Chinese Communist Party will actively seek and exploit any opportunity they see to do so. And so, I believe we have to have a process in place to prevent them from doing that. Ms. Greene, while foreign investments in ag land should be reported, we also need to ensure that the information is communicated to all relevant stakeholders. Does the USDA currently have any process in place for reporting to DoD if there is foreign investment in proximity to national security assets?\n\nDeputy Under Secretary Monta\u00f1o Greene: Thank you, senator, for your service on both committees. We agree with you at USDA that agriculture is part of national security and very important to that role. And we do not have the authority to be able to approve or to decline purchases by foreign or domestic lands. With regard to, I'm sorry \u2014\n\nSenator Fischer: To reporting to DoD.\n\nDeputy Under Secretary Monta\u00f1o Greene: Yes.\n\nSenator Fischer: Do you currently have the tools needed to do that? Or does this committee need to look at something?\n\nDeputy Under Secretary Monta\u00f1o Greene: So, with regard to reporting, I know there's been a lot of conversation about the role within CFIUS. It is not within the purview of FPAC. It has been raised to the Secretary. The Secretary has shared his intention that it would be a good idea for us to serve there. With regards to reporting, even though we're not members of CFIUS, we serve in an ad hoc role. So, when they call upon information to share and we're able to share that information, we do provide that with them. And so, throughout the year, they look at our reports that we provide annually. And so, we do know that that report is available publicly and individuals have been leveraging it. And if there are needs, they will seek additional information.\n\nSenator Fischer: Also, you had mentioned that USDA is updating the FSA-153 form currently being used for AFIDA database. Can you expand on what questions will be added to the form? For example, currently, is there any way to know how much foreign-owned land U.S. farmers can be renting?\n\nDeputy Under Secretary Monta\u00f1o Greene: So, the questions that are going to be updated in the 153 form, we've been gathering a group to be able to better understand the statute where information can be added that we're not seeking, as has been shared by my colleagues. Right, this is 45 years ago that it was passed. 44 years ago, that it was written in regulation. And so, agricultural land has been very different. Some of the information is not a requirement that we can have. If we want to be able to ask for their FSA farm records, that cannot be required to be put in there. We are going to be putting it as an optional to help us better track information. That is something that we do not have authority to be able to provide. But most of the requests and everything that we do is going to have to be an authority to better reflect leases and better reflect some of the land ownership in agriculture communities.\n\nSenator Fischer: As you know, people in agriculture are pretty individualistic, and they don't like a lot of reports. So how \u2014 I'll ask any of you. Do you have suggestions on how we can make sure \u2014 to get the information we need. I think we are all looking at foreign-owned land, foreign renters of land. And I specifically am looking in certain vulnerable areas across this country. Do you have any ideas how we can differentiate on the reporting requirements, so we're not putting undue burdens on citizens in this country? Anyone have an \"a-ha\" moment here?\n\nDeputy Under Secretary Monta\u00f1o Greene: You know, senator, I think the issue is very complex here. It is self-reporting. It's on the books. It should also be known we've been doing a lot of robust education with the realtor associations, various individuals that are within knowledge of deeds, making sure that our county offices, our state offices would be more than willing to work with senators to be able to provide a toolkit if you want to be able to provide it to your respective communications to be able to report. I don't know if there's a system that is not self-reporting. The complication is the multiple county recorders, the clerks, the multiple state systems that don't actually have an automated flag that then reports it up for us to be able to then scoop into this. So, as we're moving forward to be able to, you know, to ad lib what the Secretary said, there's not necessarily a foolproof way to be able to go. So, we can do the work that we need to do at USDA in one part of the system, but the other systems throughout the country and the infrastructure for us to be able to pull a report, and we can rely on colleagues such as Mr. Pittman and Dr. Ortega and other entities. But we do have multiple structures and a complex system that needs to be created to be able to address this.\n\nSenator Fischer: I just don't think the government needs to interfere in people's private businesses by requiring more reporting. In Nebraska, we have 97% private ownership of land. So, I understand the challenges that we're facing here, as we do try to figure out how we can get a better handle on, have more information on, the foreign ownership, which I think is a concern for all of us. Thank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=BA0257EA-2CE7-4EC3-8B0C-DD4B6BA3DEF2", "Fischer Introduces \u201cStop EV Freeloading Act\u201d to Support Infrastructure Investments, Promote Fairness", "2023-09-25", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, recently led U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) in introducing the Stop EV Freeloading Act. The legislation would ensure that electric vehicles (EVs) pay into the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to support the construction and maintenance of U.S. roads and bridges.\n\nUnlike gasoline-powered cars, the sale or charging of EVs does not contribute to the HTF. The average EV is significantly heavier than its gas-powered counterpart because of the weight of large EV batteries. This legislation would require additional investment in the HTF from heavy EVs that can damage the road and increase maintenance costs.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s not fair to force the millions of Americans who don\u2019t drive EVs to foot the bill for those who do. Our legislation will stop EVs from freeloading and force them to pay into the Highway Trust Fund like other vehicles. If the Biden administration plans to continue pushing EVs on the American people, the least Congress can do is require EVs to support the upkeep of our nation\u2019s infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s patently unfair that EVs increase the wear and tear on roads and bridges without paying their fair share for maintenance. Citizens fueling up their vehicles should not be forced to subsidize the costs incurred by EV drivers,\u201d said Senator Ricketts.\n\n\u201cEvery car that drives on our federal highways is responsible for paying into the Highway Trust Fund, and electric vehicles should be no exception.This legislation would ensure EVs pay their fair share and can\u2019t cheat the system,\u201d said Senator Cornyn.\n\n\u201cThe Highway Trust Fund is used to pay for repairs and maintenance on federal highways and right now EVs are contributing to wear and tear on these roads without contributing to this important upkeep. This administration cannot continue to favor the liberal elite and their expensive electric vehicles over the rest of American motorists; EV drivers use highways just as much as gas-powered cars. They should be forced to pay their fair share,\u201d said Senator Lummis.\n\nThe bill has been endorsed by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTB), Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), National League of Cities (NLC), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), National Association of County Engineers, and National Association of Counties.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe HTF supports over 90 percent of federal highway aid to states. The HTF was meant to be funded primarily by the federal gas tax. However, since the gas tax was last raised in 1993, the HTF faces insolvency due to more fuel-efficient vehicles leading to reduced fuel use.\n\nEVs are not subject to the gas tax and do not contribute to the HTF. Furthermore, their greater battery-related weight (up to triple) leads to more extensive road wear with more maintenance and greater costs.\n\nSenator Fischer\u2019s legislation would fix this discrepancy by implementing a fee at the manufacturer level on the production of EVs. This ensures that every vehicle on the road is paying into the HTF and supporting critical repairs to America\u2019s infrastructure.\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\n\nClick here for a one-pager on the legislation.\n\nStakeholder Support:\n\n\u201cHighway and bridge users supporting the system from which they directly benefit has been the foundation of federal surface transportation investment for nearly 70 years. Senator Fischer\u2019s proposal is a commendable step toward restoring integrity and equity to that time-honored practice,\u201d said David Bauer, President and CEO of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.\n\n\u201cWhile electric vehicles enjoy the benefit of our nation\u2019s transportation system, they do not pay into the highway trust fund, which supports both highway and transit construction projects nationwide. Senator Fischer\u2019s legislation adds much-needed funding to the trust fund, which will help close its chronic funding deficit, and preserves the important user fee-based principles on which our transportation system is based,\u201d said Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO of the Associated General Contractors.\n\n\u201cIt is critically important to protect the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund as we embrace a sustainable clean energy future that includes a much greater market share of electric vehicles. This bill provides a sensible way to ensure that all of us who use the nation\u2019s transportation network help fund its maintenance and modernization. We look forward to working with Sen. Fischer\u2019s office as this legislation progresses,\u201d said Tom Smith, Executive Director of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).\n\n\u201cThe Highway Trust Fund has long been insolvent. This legislation will ensure that all vehicles contribute to the Fund into the future, ensuring safe and viable transportation infrastructure at a time when it is needed most. We applaud Senator Fischer for introducing this measure and look forward to its passage by Congress,\u201d said Kevan P. Stone, Executive Director of the National Association of County Engineers.\n\n\u201cCounties own and operate more roads and bridges than any other level of government. The Highway Trust Fund is intended to function as a consistent source of transportation funding and is vital to maintaining our county infrastructure. While we need a long-term fix for the Highway Trust Fund, a user-pay approach continues to be the cornerstone of federal transportation policy where all users of the road pay a fair share. We thank Senator Fischer for her leadership on this issue and look forward to working with our bipartisan congressional partners to ensure passage of this important legislation,\u201d said Matthew Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E08F043D-E16D-40AD-A16E-5631B7BFCB9E", "VIDEO: Fischer: Bidenomics Is Making Life Harder for Nebraska Families", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) spoke on the Senate floor today about the failures of President Biden\u2019s economic agenda and its devastating impact on children, families, and small business owners across Nebraska. Senator Fischer cited recent data from the Census Bureau to emphasize how high inflation is continuing to strain Americans\u2019 budgets.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nWhen it comes to the economy, we hear a lot of statistics. Since President Biden took office and put his Bidenomics plan into action, prices have risen by 17.37 percent. Rent is up by 17 percent, grocery prices by 25 percent, and energy costs by 43 percent. Gas prices have risen by an unbelievable 65 percent.\n\nAs alarming as those percentages are, I\u2019m most concerned about the individuals who are hurting because of these increases. That\u2019s why I was struck by new numbers I saw last week from the Census Bureau.\n\nBidenomics is making life harder for children in Nebraska. The number of children living in poverty in my home state increased by almost 5,000 from 2021 to 2022. Five thousand more kids.\n\nThat\u2019s thousands more families who are living below the poverty line. Thousands of families who are struggling to pay bills, buy food, and afford a place to sleep. Some of these 5,000 children are from families who can\u2019t afford any of these things \u2014 they\u2019re going hungry, couch surfing, or worse.\n\nThat\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nBidenomics is making life harder for the more rural parts of Nebraska. Soaring prices caused by inflation are especially affecting those areas of my state. They\u2019re especially affecting kids in more rural areas, according to an analysis by an Omaha nonprofit.\n\nFrom 2021 to 2022, there was a 25 percent increase in the number of kids below the poverty line who are located in nonmetro areas of Nebraska. A quarter more kids living outside urban areas come from families that are barely getting by.\n\nSome of these children live in sparsely populated areas where it can take hours to get to the grocery store, the pharmacy, or the hospital. When gas is 65 percent more expensive and groceries will break the bank, families are going to struggle with those long trips. They\u2019re in dire need of resources \u2014 but inflation is ripping away their ability to access those resources.\n\nThat\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nBidenomics is making life harder for anyone who pays rent, mortgage, or utilities in Nebraska. The most basic of necessities \u2014 affording a place to live \u2014 is now a huge financial strain. Close to half the renters in Nebraska are spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Almost 20,000 more renting households are considered \u201cfinancially burdened\u201d \u2014 that\u2019s 20,000 more in just one year.\n\nThat\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nBidenomics is making life harder for businesses and their employees. As rent encroaches on a larger percentage of people\u2019s incomes, the incomes themselves are getting smaller.\n\nNebraska\u2019s median income declined by 3.6 percent in 2022. Businesses can\u2019t pay their employees as much when all their money is being spent on rising utility and rent prices. Rising inflation means higher costs, lower salaries, and a harder time earning a living.\n\nThat\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nM. President, I\u2019m thankful that my home state of Nebraska has many nonprofits that are ready to help those struggling from inflation. These organizations make a real difference in people\u2019s lives, and they\u2019re part of a rich tradition of charity in our state.\n\nCharities can do good work to minimize damage, but they can\u2019t do surgery on an injured economy.\n\nThe only way to stitch our economy back up is to get rid of this administration\u2019s suffocating regulations once and for all.\n\nThe Biden administration must hear: it\u2019s time for a new approach to the economy.\n\nHow do we heal our economy? We roll back the regulations that are still poisoning it \u2014 including those from the ironically named Inflation Reduction Act. We unleash American energy, which will lower the gas prices that have climbed by 65 percent.\n\nWe can heal our economy by turning the page on Bidenomics and adopting a new economic strategy \u2014 one focused on getting rid of wasteful policies and bringing down costs for everyday Americans.\n\nNebraskans are experiencing Bidenomics. The American people are experiencing Bidenomics. Bidenomics is an economic plan that inflates prices and hurts real families, real children, real businesses, and real employees. M. President, the American people don\u2019t want to experience Bidenomics anymore.\n\nThank you, M. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F1068BC6-D700-4241-A3E3-1B90412686D1", "VIDEO: Fischer Outlines Need for Federal Data Privacy Law, Additional Transparency at the FTC", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned three of President Biden\u2019s nominees to serve on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at a hearing today. During her questioning, Senator Fischer highlighted the continued need for a federal data privacy law and the importance of restoring transparency and accountability at the FTC.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s questioning\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s questioning:\n\nSenator Fischer: Thank you, Madam Chair. And thank you to the nominees for being here today. I really appreciate your desires to continue with your public service. If confirmed, you will be tasked with vital responsibilities protecting Americans' personal safety. Fulfilling these responsibilities will also allow free enterprise and innovation to thrive, whether it's identifying monopoly misconduct or market-oriented safety solutions. Mr. Ferguson, I wanted to focus on how Congress provides resources and guidance for Commission activities. In our conversation, I really thought your insights on this were really helpful, and I'd like all of our colleagues to hear this. So, from your perspective, is there a key policy that lawmakers should be focusing on right now to provide better guidance or authority to the Commission?\n\nCommissioner Ferguson: Thanks, Senator Fischer. I enjoyed our conversation as well. Like we discussed and like we just discussed with Senator Hickenlooper, from the perspective of a state law enforcer, I think sort of the critical question for Congress to address is data privacy. Largely because, in the absence of congressional action on what I think is uniquely an interstate commercial question, the states have had to act. That's good. That's how the Constitution was designed. But as the states act and as they experiment and as they come up with unique solutions, we end up with this patchwork problem, which can be very difficult for regulated entities. It can be very difficult for consumers. I think that, of all of the sort of like commercial activity that takes place in the country today, this so clearly falls within the interstate commerce power that the founders gave to Congress. I think this is precisely the sort of thing that Congress should take the lead on. I agree with Commissioner Slaughter, that insofar as these issues touch on the FTC's existing authority, I think it's critically important for the FTC to be doing what it can with the authority that it has. But this issue is new. It's complicated, and it affects people in a way the Commission simply aren't going to be able to grapple with the way that the Senate can with its constituents. And so, I think this really, really cries out for congressional leadership in a unique way.\n\nSenator Fischer: You know, when you're looking at the states that are moving forward in this area, it's fairly new. But there still are a couple that are moving forward. Do you have any that you would hold up? Some of their \u2014 I\u2019m going to put you on spot \u2014 some of their practices where they have been this laboratory? And they're experimenting, basically, so we can watch and see what works. So, what works?\n\nCommissioner Ferguson: Well, I'm the principal vindicator of Virginia's laws and of its sovereign interests \u2014\n\nSenator Fischer: You think they're the best?\n\nCommissioner Ferguson: So, you know, I certainly am going to say good things about Virginia's law. But I recognize that, you know, balancing these issues, defining the harm that arises in a privacy violation, deciding, you know, where to lodge enforcement authority in Virginia. We've given it to the Attorney General. You know, I think that that works very well in Virginia. But there are all sorts of, you know, contrary approaches other states are trying. The experimenting is good. That's part of the constitutional design. It's a feature, not a bug. But, you know, when you wind up with potentially 50 different approaches to a truly interstate commercial question, I think that's exactly when Congress needs to step in.\n\nSenator Fischer: Thank you. Ms. Holyoak, for many years, the FTC consistently ranked among the very best federal agencies to work at, with very high employee morale. But I'm disappointed to see that morale is taking a nosedive. For an agency that must attract talent with technical skills, workplace satisfaction is critical. It doesn't matter how much funding Congress is going to throw at the agency. So, if you're confirmed, how do you plan to engage with experienced career staff to advance your goals and also to advance really the missions and responsibility of the Commission?\n\nCommissioner Holyoak: Oh, thank you for that question. As Solicitor General, I oversee proximately 40 attorneys, but I work with many more in other divisions that I do not oversee on other cases in which I have a leadership role. With all of them, I think it's very important to come in and understand their perspectives, understand their recommendations. And so, if confirmed, I would want to, just day one, meet with all of the offices. I want to listen to them, understand what their perspective on these issues, understand their concerns in the best way that I could support them.\n\nSenator Fischer: Thank you very much. Commissioner Slaughter, I'm concerned that the FTC has lost all capacity for bipartisanship. I really appreciate hearing all of you and your comments today. When Commissioner Wilson resigned, she said nice things about you, very nice things. She noted that you provided transparency and robust lines of communication with all Commissioners, in addition to constructive debate on policy issues, respect for the agency's experienced and knowledgeable staff. Do you think that there is a way forward at this point in time for the Commission to be able to instill these basic principles again?\n\nCommissioner Slaughter: Absolutely. I think working with people who have different views from you is not only important, it's an incredible opportunity. It's an opportunity to learn. It's an opportunity to build consensus. It's how I felt when I worked in the Senate, and it's one of the great privileges of working at an agency like the FTC. So, yes, I believe there is a way forward, and I am fully committed to it.\n\nSenator Fischer: Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5A5BF340-5BF0-4317-B442-5B528A086DAD", "ICYMI: Fischer and King Respond to WaPo Editorial Board: \"The Essence of Our National Defense Strategy is Deterrence\"", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "In Case You Missed It\u2026\n\nThe Nuclear-Force Structure of the Past Will Not Suffice Now\n\nBy U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Angus King\n\nThe Washington Post\n\nThe Aug. 10 editorial on sea-launched cruise missiles (SLCM), \u201cThe weapon the warriors don\u2019t want,\u201d didn\u2019t provide key information on why a bipartisan coalition in Congress agrees that this program is necessary.\n\nThe essence of our national defense strategy is deterrence \u2014 both conventional and nuclear. The realization by potential adversaries that we have the capacity and the will to impose unacceptable costs on them should they use nuclear weapons has constrained the use of these terrible weapons for almost 80 years. But for our deterrent to be effective, it must also be credible. The adversary must believe that we can and will respond; if they do not believe this, deterrence has failed and an unthinkable nuclear conflict becomes more likely.\n\nWe have a strong strategic nuclear capability today, but it is just that: strategic, not tactical. The danger is that an adversary might believe that we would not respond to the use of a low-yield tactical nuclear weapon because our only tool is massive retaliation. Indeed, this almost certainly is part of President Vladimir Putin\u2019s calculation as he continues to threaten the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine.\n\nThe nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missile fills this gap and can be a critical part of maintaining the credible deterrent that has protected us all these years.\n\nThe decision to remove cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads from our military vessels occurred more than 30 years ago, when Russia participated in negotiations.\n\nThe world has changed. Russia has unilaterally pulled out of New START, and China expresses no interest in arms-control agreements. Russia has modernized and expanded its nuclear arsenal; China is on pace to triple its own by 2035 and already possesses more intercontinental ballistic missile launchers than the United States.\n\nFor the first time, we are facing two peer nuclear adversaries. The nuclear-force structure of the past will not suffice in the 2030s.\n\nProjecting strength against our adversaries \u2014 maintaining a credible deterrent \u2014 will require targeted investments in advanced military capabilities. The Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes continued research and development funding for SLCMs so that our military has the option to field this capability, if needed, when it can be most effective in managing nuclear risks.\n\nAs leaders of the Senate Armed Services subcommittee on strategic forces, we\u2019ve heard concerns from the chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, multiple combatant commanders and former Democratic and Republican administration officials about this capability (and credibility) gap \u2014 one that needs to be filled by a low-yield, non-ballistic nuclear weapon that can respond without visible generation.\n\nSLCMs are our best option for filling this capability gap within the next 10 years, which is why the Senate NDAA supports the continued development of the system. Meanwhile, we encourage other nuclear nations to enter into talks aimed at reducing tensions, improving transparency and building frameworks for effective arms-control efforts in the future.\n\nDeb Fischer\n\nThe writer, a Republican, represents Nebraska in the U.S. Senate.\n\nAngus King\n\nThe writer, an independent, represents Maine in the U.S. Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=6E006080-E17B-40E0-8537-AB7FA148948C", "Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Senate Companion to House-Passed Secure the Border Act", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) recently co-led the introduction of the Secure the Border Act of 2023 in the Senate. The legislation, which is the most comprehensive border security legislation in decades, was already passed by the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 2.\n\nThe Secure the Border Act will resume construction on the wall, tighten asylum standards, criminalize visa overstays, increase the number of Border Patrol Agents, defund NGOs receiving tax dollars to help traffic illegal aliens throughout the heartland, and prohibit DHS from using its app to assist illegal aliens. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) led the introduction of the legislation.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been to the southern border and seen the chaos there. It is nothing short of a humanitarian and national security crisis. Our legislation will force this administration to finally take steps to secure the border \u2014 like resuming construction of the border wall, ending catch-and-release, and reinstating President Trump\u2019s Remain in Mexico policy. If President Biden won\u2019t act to fix the crisis he has created, Congress must,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Cruz, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and John Kennedy (R-La.).\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Secure the Border Act enacts effective border security solutions, including:\n\nRequiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume border wall construction\n\nIncreasing the number of Border Patrol Agents\n\nTightening asylum standards by restricting asylum to only aliens who present at ports of entry and by requiring aliens to prove they are \u201cmore likely than not\u201d to qualify for their asylum claim\n\nNarrowing DHS\u2019s power to unilaterally grant parole to illegal aliens\n\nCriminalizing visa overstays by making the first offense a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and the second offense a felony punishable by up to a $2,000 fine and up to two years imprisonment\n\nStopping NGOs from using tax dollars to transport or lodge illegal aliens and provide illegal aliens with lawyers\n\nRestricting DHS from using its CBP One app to welcome illegal aliens into the country\n\nRequiring employers to use E-Verify\n\nReversing the Biden administration\u2019s adverse wage rule that would increase costs and create administrative burdens for American farmers using the H-2A\n\nEnsuring U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has access to the criminal history databases of all countries of origin and transit so that CBP is aware of the criminal history of illegal aliens encountered at the southern border\n\nThe full text of the Secure the Border Act is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=EFCC740A-E6A5-4FC6-B432-C02D387136CF", "VIDEO: Senior Defense Nominee Reaffirms Need for Fischer-Backed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile Program", "2023-09-15", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, questioned President Biden\u2019s Chief of Naval Operations nominee, Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, at a hearing this week about the importance of nuclear deterrence and the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) program.\n\nDuring the hearing, Admiral Franchetti publicly endorsed the SLCM program, which the Biden administration has attempted to cancel multiple times.\n\nSenator Fischer secured a provision in the Senate\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 that codifies SLCM as a program of record.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s questioning\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is an edited transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s questioning:\n\nSenator Fischer: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you, Admiral, for providing your insight in our meeting last week. I wanted to follow up on that discussion. As we discussed, the Columbia program is on a tight timeline to deliver the first submarine to the Navy in 2027. What actions is the Navy taking to ensure that we can meet this schedule, given the residual workforce and the supply chain challenges that we discussed?\n\nAdmiral Franchetti: Senator Fischer, again, it was nice to meet you the other day. And, you know, the Columbia program has been the Navy's number one priority. And if confirmed, that will remain my number one priority. It's essential that we recapitalize the incredible deterrent capability that we have. Columbia started out on an accelerated schedule. We are no longer on the accelerated schedule, but we are meeting the contracted delivery schedule for Columbia. We are continuing to work closely with industry, again, against all those challenges that have described earlier and continuing to provide the right level of oversight - so we understand where we are. It is an all hands on deck effort to ensure that we stay on time. Separately, we have developed a mitigation strategy to extend some of our Ohio-class submarines in the event that Columbia does not deliver on time. But I am fully committed, if confirmed, to ensuring Columbia delivers on time.\n\nSenator Fischer: How important do you think it is that Congress include the requested anomaly in the upcoming stop-gap spending bill to allow the Navy to begin construction on the second Columbia-class submarine?\n\nAdmiral Franchetti: Well, it's absolutely critical. We have nine ships in the budget request, and we won't be able to start on four of them under a CR. So, Columbia is one of them. And we would essentially need an anomaly to be able to not get behind on our commitment to deliver on this strategic deterrent for our nation.\n\nSenator Fischer: A number of the technologies are available now. And there's a lot under development, I think, that are going to enhance an operational gap that we see in a number of platforms and a number of programs, in trying to address the threats that we face from our adversaries. Can you explain to this committee what role you assess unmanned platforms to play in a future navy?\n\nAdmiral Franchetti: Well, thank you, Senator. You know, I think it will really take a mix of all our platforms. It's a big ecosystem of warfighting between our conventional platforms, definitely see a future for unmanned platforms under, on, and above the sea, in working in concert with the joint force. You know, we've had an unmanned task force in the Navy for the last two years. If confirmed, I want to continue that work or evolve it into a Disruptive Capabilities Office that looks beyond just unmanned, but at other capabilities that we can leverage from the Defense Innovation Base to get after some of these challenges that we have.\n\nSenator Fischer: Do you think establishing that office is going to help the Navy be able to reach a balance in the unmanned and the manned programs?\n\nAdmiral Franchetti: I think through our analysis and wargaming, we're going to understand what that balance looks like. And I think this office will speed to the fleet the things that it sees. It needs to fill gaps right now, leveraging work in the replicator program, and using funds that have already been allocated for this. I think we're going to be able to get after that. We're demonstrating it now in Task Force 59, in the Middle East with many of our allies and partners there. And we've also scaled that to Fourth Fleet, using them to do maritime domain awareness and other missions that will be really important going forward.\n\nSenator Fischer: For the first time in history, the United States will face two adversaries who are peer nuclear powers. And this fundamentally changes nuclear deterrence dynamics, particularly with respect to the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons. So, if Russia or China believe that they can gain advantage over the United States and our allies from the threat of limited nuclear strikes because they perceive the President is lacking a viable response option, then deterrence could fail. And that plays right into the escalate to de-escalate strategy that they have. We've heard from a number of leaders within the military -- General Milley, Admiral Grady, the STRATCOM commanders and also former Democrat and Republican officials -- about that capability gap. And that's why this committee and the House Committee, in the NDAA's that we have passed here in Congress, both have the Sea Launch Cruise Missile as a program of record in the NDAAs, and we expect the President's signature to make that law. Do you agree with that assessment, that this president or any president deserves to have multiple options to deal with national security situations?\n\nAdmiral Franchetti: Yeah, I agree with the view of other senior leaders that this is a tailored option that the president should have \u2014 a Submarine Launched Cruise Missile.\n\nSenator Fischer: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=253F00C1-790C-4103-998D-53B60B0CA4CA", "VIDEO: Fischer Sets Record Straight, Knocks President Biden for Downplaying Nuclear Threats", "2023-09-13", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, pushed back against President Biden\u2019s recent comments suggesting climate change is a bigger threat to global security than nuclear war. In her remarks on the Senate floor, Senator Fischer called on the administration to more seriously address the existential threat posed by China.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nChina is on track to triple its nuclear arsenal by 2035. Russia continues its nuclear saber-rattling in Ukraine. North Korea is hell-bent on developing the capability to deliver nuclear weapons at longer-ranges, conducting dozens of missile tests in the last year. And Iran is weeks away from obtaining nuclear weapons.\n\nBut on Sunday night, President Biden said \u2014 and I\u2019m quoting him:\n\n\u201cThe only existential threat humanity faces even more frightening than a nuclear war is global warming going above 1.5 degrees in the next 10 years.\u201d\n\nThe leader of the free world believes that global warming is a bigger threat to global security than nuclear war.\n\nNow, I\u2019m not dismissing the importance of our climate. We should continue to take responsible, common-sense action to address climate change, and we should support an all-of-the-above energy strategy. We should promote policies to ensure that we have clean air and water, and we should do that without hindering economic prosperity or burdening hardworking Americans and their families.\n\nBut the president\u2019s claim that global warming is more frightening than nuclear war sends the wrong signal to our adversaries and allies. It demonstrates a total ignorance of the instability of today\u2019s global threat environment.\n\nThe strategic forces subcommittee, where I\u2019m ranking member, specifically oversees our country\u2019s nuclear forces. And based on the hundreds of official hearings, briefings, and documents we\u2019ve analyzed, I can tell you with all confidence that the most frightening threat to global security today is the Chinese Communist Party.\n\nThe CCP has made it crystal clear that it wants to fundamentally alter global deterrence dynamics. China\u2019s relentless military buildup has outpaced anything we could have imagined.\n\nLike I said earlier, China wants to triple its nuclear arsenal over the next decade \u2014 and it\u2019s well on its way to meet that goal, if not exceed it. U.S. Strategic Command, or STRATCOM \u2014 located in my home state of Nebraska \u2014 confirmed earlier this year that China possesses more intercontinental ballistic missile launchers than we do here in the United States.\n\nChina is developing a subsonic stealth bomber that\u2019s essentially a copycat of our B-2 bomber. It\u2019s continuing work on Jin-class submarines capable of carrying up to 12 nuclear missiles at a time.\n\nTo the people of the United States, let me say this:\n\nFor the first time in history, the United States will face two adversaries who are peer nuclear powers: China and Russia. And that is the biggest national security threat we face. And when the president says that climate change is more frightening than nuclear war, he is downplaying the serious, terrifying possibility that China puts its nuclear weapons to use.\n\nThis administration neglects our nuclear arsenal while our adversaries prioritize theirs. This administration has done things like try to cancel the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile program, or SLCM. SLCM would fill a known capability gap. It would allow us to more effectively deter China or Russia from using a nuclear weapon \u2014 part of their \u201cescalate-to-deescalate\u201d strategy.\n\nCongress has pushed back on the president in a bipartisan, bicameral way when it comes to him canceling SLCM. It is past time for this administration to get serious about the existential threat China poses. The president should tackle this issue head-on, not trivialize it.\n\nOne way President Biden can do this is by signing this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act. The Senate successfully passed this year\u2019s NDAA by a significant bipartisan majority \u2014 86 to 11. I led provisions to accelerate the modernization of our nuclear triad \u2014 our land, air, and sea-based nuclear weapon systems. These military capabilities are essential to keeping adversaries like China in check \u2014 China will be less likely to use its weapons if it believes we can and will hit back harder.\n\nOnce the NDAA gets to the President\u2019s desk, he should sign this legislation without hesitating for a moment. Let\u2019s not put nuclear war on the backburner \u2014 let\u2019s show China that it has no chance against the United States of America.\n\nThank you, M. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=9E93A3D8-B0F5-4471-81E7-F74791FEE8D7", "Fischer Highlights Upcoming VA Health Care Enrollment Deadline for Veterans Who Deployed to Combat Zones", "2023-09-13", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement ahead of an upcoming deadline for veterans who deployed to combat zones and who are seeking to enroll in VA Health Care under the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Senator Fischer voted in favor of the PACT Act.\n\n\u201cLast year, I stood with our nation\u2019s veterans and voted in favor of the PACT Act. It is critical that we continue to raise awareness about this important law and how veterans can access the benefits they have earned,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nEligibility and Deadlines:\n\nThere is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).\n\nHowever, veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between September 11, 2001, and October 1, 2013, are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care, as long as they enroll before 11:59 pm local time on September 30, 2023. This special enrollment period gives veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones an opportunity to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.\n\nFor more information on the PACT Act and about eligibility for the special enrollment period, please visit www.VA.gov/PACT.\n\nLegislative Background:\n\nNamed after Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson who died in 2020 from toxic exposure as a result of his military service, the PACT Act is comprehensive legislation to expand health care for post-9/11 combat veterans, create a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure, expand VA\u2019s list of service presumptions, and improve resources to support VA\u2019s claims processing.\n\nSince the PACT Act was signed into law on August 10, 2022, more than 361,000 veterans have enrolled in VA health care and more than 4.3 million enrolled veterans have been screened for toxic exposures.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=195D1A87-56E4-4F3A-B96C-547AD9A83744", "ICYMI: The 2023 Farm Bill: Supporting New Frontiers of Agriculture", "2023-09-12", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Over a century and a half ago, pioneers from every background streamed westward in search of a better life. It\u2019s the American story: We dream big, and we follow those dreams wherever they take us. For many pioneers, that place was my home state of Nebraska.\n\nNebraska\u2019s history was driven by the pioneer spirit, and that\u2019s true of our present, too. The agriculture industry remains at the core of our state, and it continues to discover new frontiers. Our state is paving the way for the future of agriculture, and I\u2019m committed to supporting that innovation as a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.\n\nAgriculture legislation that empowers Nebraska\u2019s producers will benefit our farmers and ranchers, but it won\u2019t stop there. Every state in our union is populated by agricultural producers who put food on the table for millions across our country and the world. That\u2019s why it\u2019s critical that the Senate deliver a robust farm bill this fall.\n\nOne way we can empower producers is by expanding their access to innovative tools. The farm bill will last through 2028, so it needs to propel the agriculture industry into the future. And the future of agriculture is precision agriculture. Precision agriculture technologies help producers use more precise amounts of pesticides, seed, water, and other resources. Farmers and ranchers waste fewer resources and less money and energy when they have access to precision technology. But it can be difficult for small and midsize producers to make initial investments in expensive precision technologies.\n\nOur farm bill could alleviate that difficulty. My Precision Agriculture Loan Act would give smaller farmers and ranchers the opportunity to apply for Department of Agriculture loans to fund precision agriculture purchases. My Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act would expand existing USDA programs to cover precision agriculture technologies. Both of these bills would make strides toward expanding access to precision agriculture, which will benefit producers and consumers.\n\nA second way to empower producers is by providing them with the broadband access they need to operate critical agriculture technology. I introduced the LAST ACRE Act this summer to give more of our farmers and ranchers across the country access to high-speed broadband. This bill would create the Last Acre Program at the USDA\u2019s Office of Rural Development to expand network connectivity across farmland and ranchland. We are making good progress expanding broadband access to the \u201clast mile\u201d of our country, but we have a ways to go to reach networks across the \u201clast acre.\u201d This new program would contribute to closing that gap for producers, ensuring that they remain connected from the barn to the field.\n\nTo empower producers to innovate, we need to maintain a strong safety net. Farmers and ranchers have high-risk jobs. Their livelihoods are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Every single time I meet with a Nebraska producer, I hear more about the need for crop insurance, and I know this need isn\u2019t limited to my home state. Farmers and ranchers across the country need assurance that they will be supported in difficult situations. Crop insurance should be coupled with quicker, more efficient disaster relief. This Congress, I introduced the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, which would reform the Emergency Conservation Program to provide producers affected by disasters with advances on cost-sharing relief. That way, farmers and ranchers won\u2019t have to wait months or years for help.\n\nOur nation\u2019s agricultural producers sustain this country and the world. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so critical that we deliver for them in the 2023 farm bill. Just as the first Nebraskans moved into new frontiers in search of the American dream, so our farmers and ranchers are moving into new frontiers of agriculture. That pioneer spirit will help them achieve their own dreams of safe, productive, and innovative agriculture work, but it will also propel our national American dream: continued prosperity, fed and fueled by farmers and ranchers across the country.\n\nDeb Fischer is the senior senator from Nebraska. She was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012 and again in 2018. Senator Fischer serves on the following six Senate committees: Armed Services, Appropriations, Commerce, Agriculture, Rules, and Ethics. On Armed Services, she is the top Republican on the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. This subcommittee directly oversees two unified combatant commands: U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Space Command.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=977FBB30-70D8-4EBC-9E0D-B1B72E452BF7", "VIDEO: Fischer on How Bidenomics Is Failing Nebraska Families", "2023-09-07", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) spoke on the Senate floor this week about President Biden\u2019s failing economic agenda and the damaging impact of \u201cBidenomics\u201d on Nebraska families and small businesses. During her remarks, Senator Fischer also spoke about her stops across Nebraska during the August work period.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nTwenty-two years ago, Apple released the first desktop version of its Mac OS operating system. The first Harry Potter movie and the first Lord of the Rings movie both came out. Alicia Keys and Destiny\u2019s Child were topping the charts. And Bill Clinton left office.\n\nTwenty-two years ago was also the last time mortgage rates were as high as they are now \u2014 yes, they\u2019re higher now than they were during the 2008 financial crisis.\n\nMortgage hit its lowest rate in American history in January 2021. Then, Joe Biden became president.\n\nOver the past two-and-a-half years, mortgage rates have almost tripled. In the meantime, inflation rates are still climbing higher.\n\nThis past month, as I traveled Nebraska during the Senate\u2019s state work period, I visited with dozens and dozens of middle-class Americans. It\u2019s truly the best part of my job \u2014 meeting small business owners, ag producers, schoolteachers, nurses, students, and employees around my home state. But this year, aside from the fun, I was sad to hear about the economic struggles Nebraskans are facing.\n\nMiddle-class Nebraskans are scraping by financially. And what\u2019s ironic is that they\u2019re doing it on the watch of a president who calls himself \u201cMiddle Class Joe.\u201d\n\nPresident Biden\u2019s line recently has been: \u201cWhen the middle class does well, everyone does well.\u201d\n\nI agree with him. I\u2019d just add that right now, everyone is not doing well. That\u2019s especially true for the middle class. And it\u2019s because this administration\u2019s ill-advised policies keep pumping air into an economy that\u2019s already bloated.\n\nThe so-called \u201cBidenomics\u201d agenda is poison disguised as a cure for middle-class Americans. M. President, that\u2019s not an exaggeration. Last month, I saw Bidenomics up close in Nebraska \u2014 so let me tell you how it\u2019s going.\n\nOne Saturday this August, I visited a small town in Western Nebraska. That afternoon, a small business owner told me that his electricity bills have shot up exponentially over the past couple years, both for his home and his business.\n\nElectricity, groceries, you name it \u2014 these essentials are tough to afford, if not impossible to afford, for the average middle-class American.\n\nThat\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nBusiness owners and families alike shared that they could hardly pay skyrocketing rent and mortgage rates. In fact, all year, an increasing number of middle-class Nebraskans have resorted to asking the Salvation Army for money so they can pay their utilities.\n\nThat\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nAs I traveled the state, the issue of child care affordability popped up repeatedly. Child care costs have skyrocketed, and dads and moms are at a loss for how to afford rising rates.\n\nThat\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nThe Bidenomics agenda has made many promises, but I haven\u2019t seen the administration keep a single one. Remember the president\u2019s American Families Plan? Almost two-and-a-half years ago, the president promised that low- and middle-income families would spend no more than seven percent of their income on child care.\n\nBut leading up to the fourth year of Biden\u2019s presidency, here\u2019s what family life looks like:\n\nNebraskan families are already struggling due to inflation \u2014 they\u2019ve seen price increases on bills, groceries, and almost everything in between. In many cases, both parents need to work so they can make enough to pay off debt or afford those sky-high mortgage rates.\n\nBut when child care costs are through the roof, it\u2019s impossible for both parents to work. According to the Economic Policy Institute, child care costs 24.4% more per year than average rent and 53.5% more than in-state college tuition. Did you get that? 53.5% more per year.\n\nThat means parents are stuck between a rock and a hard place financially \u2014 either they live off one income rather than two, or they pay an arm and a leg for child care.\n\nAgain, that\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nFrom the American Families Plan to the Inflation Reduction Act, this administration\u2019s efforts to grow our economy from the middle class out have totally failed.\n\nMy message to the president is this: When the middle class does badly, everyone does badly.\n\nSo we\u2019d better start undoing the harmful, excessive regulations that are making middle-class Americans suffer. We need to put the priority on reducing costs for everyday Americans.\n\nWe need to unleash American energy to lower our gas prices. We need to support an economic plan that will lower inflation. And we need to pull the plug on wasteful policies that don\u2019t help anyone.\n\nLet\u2019s spend more time listening to real Americans\u2019 concerns than coming up with political slogans.\n\nBidenomics isn\u2019t working in Nebraska. And it\u2019s not working in the other 49 states either. Our administration needs to hear this \u2014 it\u2019s two-and-a-half years past time to make a change.\n\nThank you, M. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=CA7B32CD-07B0-428D-B9F2-867C41E62F0D", "Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Stop President Biden\u2019s Attack on School Hunting, Archery Programs", "2023-09-07", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined 24 of her Senate Republican colleagues in introducing the Allowing for Recreational Resources for Outdoor Wellness (ARROW) Act. The bill would stop the Biden administration from blocking funding for elementary and secondary schools with hunting and archery programs. U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) led the introduction of the legislation.\n\n\u201cBasic archery and hunter education programs teach Nebraska students important safety skills. They also provide our youth with a valuable athletic outlet. I\u2019m pleased to co-lead this legislation because President Biden\u2019s Department of Education has no business disrupting Nebraska schools and blocking funding for these critical initiatives,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Barrasso, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Kennedy (R-La.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).\n\nBackground:\n\nThe ARROW Act would clarify that the prohibition of the use of federal education funds for certain weapons does not apply to the use of funds for sports clubs, teams, trainings, or related activities provided for students.\n\nLast month, Senator Fischer joined a letter to President Biden urging the administration to withdraw any plans to block funding for schools with hunting and archery programs.\n\nEvery year, more than 500,000 students participate and are certified through hunter education courses. These programs have decreased hunting accidents by over 50 percent.\n\nAccording to the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP), 1.3 million students in over 8,000 schools across the country participate in archery programs each year. Nearly 40 percent of these students who participate have reported being more engaged in the classroom.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=9299924D-8863-4F63-8177-EDB4012267EB", "Fischer, Armed Services Republicans Call for Halt to Border Wall Material Auctions", "2023-08-23", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, NEB. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) recently joined her fellow Republican members of the Senate Armed Services Committee in demanding the Department of Defense halt the sale of border wall construction materials. Recent reports revealed the Department was moving quickly to dispose of the parts. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, led the letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply disappointed to learn that rather than using construction materials that were purchased to secure the southwest border for that purpose, the Department of Defense has begun auctioning these materials off for other purposes,\u201d the senators wrote in the letter. \u201cThese auctions represent a brazen attempt to circumvent the FINISH IT Act, which was included in both the House and Senate FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act.\u201d\n\nThe FINISH It Act would force the administration to allow the materials to be used to complete sections of the southern border wall in this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed the Senate with a broad bipartisan majority, and the provisions of the FINISH It Act were also included the House-passed version of the NDAA.\n\nIn addition to halting all further auctions of border wall materials and requesting detailed information on the current sales, the letter calls for the administration to direct the Department of Defense Inspector General to investigate Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs Melissa Dalton for her failure to provide Congress accurate and timely information about the use of these border wall construction materials.\n\nThe Senate Armed Services Committee Republicans pledge not to consent to a confirmation hearing for the nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy until the senators\u2019 concerns are addressed.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Wicker, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).\n\nRead the full letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin here or further below.\n\nDear Secretary Austin:\n\nWe are deeply disappointed to learn that rather than using construction materials that were purchased to secure the southwest border for that purpose, the Department of Defense has begun auctioning these materials off for other purposes. These auctions represent a brazen attempt to circumvent the FINISH IT Act, which was included in both the House and Senate FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act. The FINISH IT Act requires the Department to use these construction materials to secure the southwest border as originally intended, or to transfer them to border states for that purpose.\n\nWhile we gather more facts about the Department\u2019s disposal, and apparent plans to dispose, of approximately $260 million worth of border wall construction materials, we demand that you take the following steps immediately:\n\n1. Suspend all auctions of border wall construction materials, including those that have been scheduled for August 23 and 30, 2023, according to media reports; and\n\n2. Direct the Department of Defense Inspector General to investigate Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs Melissa Dalton\u2019s failure to provide Congress accurate and timely information about the Department\u2019s plans regarding the use of these border wall construction materials, despite multiple inquiries about the border wall construction materials from both Senate Armed Services Committee members and staff.\n\nFinally, no later than September 5, 2023, we expect you to provide:\n\n1. A full account of the Department\u2019s disposal of border wall construction materials thus far. For each sale of materials, the Department should include: the price that the U.S. Government originally paid to procure the materials, the price for which they were sold by the Department of Defense to a third party, the identity of the third-party purchaser of those materials, and the purchaser\u2019s intended use of those materials.\n\n2. A full account of the Department\u2019s payments thus far to store the border wall materials, including the total amount that the Department has paid for storage, the precise locations where they were stored and/or are still being stored, and a full list of individuals and entities that received payment to store the materials.\n\nPlease be advised that Senate Armed Services Committee Republicans will not consent to a confirmation hearing for the nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy until this letter is answered appropriately.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:31:44Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=702C004A-C39E-45B4-94BD-8F75FEC55A16", "Fischer Thanks University of Nebraska President Ted Carter for Years of Service to State", "2023-08-22", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, NEB. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement thanking current University of Nebraska President Walter \u201cTed\u201d Carter Jr. for his leadership and service to Nebraska over the last four years. President Carter today announced he will be transitioning to President of the Ohio State University in January 2024.\n\n\u201cSince 2019, Ted Carter has led the University of Nebraska with distinction. Thanks to his leadership and vision, he\u2019s put our exceptional university on a path to even greater success and ensured that its students are well-prepared for the workforce. He leaves behind a lasting legacy, and I wish him all the best in this new endeavor. Nebraska has a long history 0f providing America\u2019s future leaders with quality educations, and I look forward to working with the next NU President to support that proud tradition,\u201d Senator Fischer.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:31:44Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=10FEDEC6-2A54-4AFB-8A06-C6FCBAA05BBC", "Fischer, 18 GOP Senators Urge President Biden to Withdraw Funding Block on School Hunting, Archery Programs", "2023-08-18", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, NEB. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined 18 of her Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden urging his administration to withdraw its plans to block funding for elementary and secondary schools with hunting and archery programs. U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) led the letter.\n\n\u201cWhile the administration claims to be eliminating dangerous activities, this guidance will, in fact, have the opposite effect. These programs provided thousands of students with the opportunity to learn proper instruction for firearm and archery safety,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\nThe letter condemns the Biden administration\u2019s purposeful misinterpretation of last year\u2019s gun control bill to justify blocking funding for schools with these outdoor recreation programs. In Nebraska, more than 275 Nebraska schools offer archery programs through the National Archery in Schools Program. More than 30,000 Nebraska students from 4th through 12th grades participate each year.\n\n\u201cBy including hunter education in schools, students are given the tools to be safe and responsible hunters. It is now clearer than ever that the Biden Administration will use the bill to attack the constitutional rights of Americans,\u201dthe Senators continued.\n\nIn the letter, the senators urge President Biden to withdraw this guidance immediately and support hunter education and archery programs in schools across the country. These important programs help students learn how to handle firearms safely \u2014 in turn, decreasing firearm-related injuries and accidents.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Barrasso, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here or below.\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nWe write to express our deep concern about the Biden Administration\u2019s attempt to use the gun control bill passed last year to block funding for elementary and secondary schools. In April, the U.S. Department of Education provided a guidance prohibiting Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funds for hunter education and archery programs. Since the guidance was issued, there have been reports of schools canceling plans to include archery or hunting education in their curriculum. We write to urge the administration to immediately reverse this misguided decision and ensure funding for these vital programs is not withheld.\n\nWhile the administration claims to be eliminating dangerous activities, this guidance will, in fact, have the opposite effect. These programs provided thousands of students with the opportunity to learn proper instruction for firearm and archery safety. Over 500,000 students participate and are certified through hunter education courses each year. Learning to safely handle firearms results in a decrease in firearm-related injuries and accidents. In fact, hunter education programs have decreased hunting accidents by over 50% since the program\u2019s development over 50 years ago. By including hunter education in schools, students are given the tools to be safe and responsible hunters.\n\nWe voted against the gun control legislation. It is now clearer than ever that the Biden Administration will use the bill to attack the constitutional rights of Americans. Hunting and archery are strongly connected to the traditions and heritage of America. This outrageous overreach is an attack on hunters and outdoor recreation that must be addressed.\n\nThe Biden Administration\u2019s purposeful misinterpretation of the gun control bill is attempting to take away valuable programs from students across the country. Hunter education and archery programs are beneficial to students both in rural and urban areas. We call on the Biden Administration to immediately withdraw the guidance and support these essential programs.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:31:44Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=58AA231E-15FF-4E88-81FA-731F56F85728", "Fischer Statement on Latest USTR Action Against Mexico\u2019s Misguided Ban on GMO Corn", "2023-08-17", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, NEB. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it has formally requested the formation of a dispute resolution panel under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The panel of trade experts will decide whether Mexico\u2019s ban on GMO corn is consistent with the USMCA Agreement, and its findings will be binding.\n\n\u201cI welcome USTR\u2019s decision to move forward with a dispute resolution panel under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.\n\n\u201cThis much-needed step will hold Mexico accountable and prevent its blatant trade violation under the USMCA.\n\n\u201cWe must continue using every available option to stop this unscientific and economically damaging ban on genetically modified corn from coming into effect. It would harm Nebraska producers, hurt consumers in Mexico, and sabotage international trade.\n\n\u201cAs I have said before, there can be zero compromise with Mexico on this issue.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn June, Senator Fischer commended USTR\u2019s decision to formally request dispute settlement consultations with Mexico concerning the country\u2019s ban on genetically modified corn. Under the USMCA, member countries can request dispute settlement consultations to resolve trade compliance issues.\n\nIn March, USTR requested and held technical consultations with Mexico. Technical consultations for biotechnology issues are required before any dispute settlement can be pursued.\n\nIn December, Senator Fischer led 25 of her bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling for the administration to hold Mexico accountable, including by pursuing a dispute settlement process through USMCA.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:31:44Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=1A6C0839-5A68-4EA0-B600-5521FD262D57", "Fischer, 38 Other Senators Call on EPA to Withdraw Harmful Power Plants Regulations", "2023-08-14", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and 38 fellow Republican Senators recently sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan requesting the withdrawal of the Clean Power Plan 2.0 proposed rule.\n\nIn the letter, the Senators state that the EPA has overstepped its authority, is acting counter to Congressional intent, and is disregarding a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in order to pursue burdensome regulations on America\u2019s power sector. The EPA\u2019s proposal would increase consumer energy prices, decrease energy grid resiliency, and strain America\u2019s electric grid. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led the letter.\n\n\u201cIn direct conflict with West Virginia v. EPA, this proposal requires generation shifting from fossil-fuel power to other types of energy. While the Agency falsely claims this does not run afoul of the Supreme Court\u2019s decision, it is undeniable the proposal would require generation shifting that the Court has definitively found Congress has never granted EPA the authority to require under the Clean Air Act,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThe proposed rule would force source transitions and require energy generators to implement carbon capture and sequestration technologies to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new and existing fossil fuel powered electric generating units. Specifically, the rule would require coal plants that expect to continue to operate past 2040 to implement a 90% carbon dioxide capture rate by 2030, which is not feasible and would eventually force them to close their doors. Additionally, it establishes clean hydrogen as the best system of emission reduction for natural gas plants, which is not based on sound science.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Capito, the letter was signed U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\n\nBackground\n\nIn June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the EPA in the West Virginia v. EPA case, solidifying that EPA overstepped its legal authority on a \u201cmajor question\u201d without direction by Congress. However, in May 2023, the EPA disregarded this ruling and proposed another rule requiring a generation shift from fossil-fuel power to other types of energy. The proposed rule identifies a \u201cbest system of emission reduction\u201d and imposes strict carbon capture and sequestration initiatives that are not feasible or maintainable. It would deteriorate electricity reliability at a time when our energy grid is already struggling to meet demand.\n\nRead the full letter here or further below.\n\nDear Administrator Regan:\n\nWe write to request that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdraw the unlawful \u201cClean Power Plan 2.0\u201d that was proposed in May. The EPA has again grossly misinterpreted the scope of authority Congress granted under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act by proposing a rule that would require generation shifting and transform our nation\u2019s power sector with neither a clear and explicit congressional authorization nor adequate process as required under the Administrative Procedure Act.\n\nSimilar to the first iteration of the Clean Power Plan, the EPA again overstepped the legal authority Congress provided it in the Clean Air Act with this new rule. This proposal flagrantly runs counter to the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in West Virginia v. EPA, 597 U.S. (2022). The major questions doctrine dictates \u201ca clear statement is necessary for a court to conclude that Congress intended to delegate authority of this breadth to regulate a fundamental sector of the economy.\u201d There is no \u201cclear congressional authorization\u201d for the Agency to point to with respect to this rule. As Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation Joe Goffman has stated, nothing since the ruling in West Virginia v. EPA has conferred upon the EPA any new authority to require generation shifting as the best system of emission reduction, as EPA seeks to do under this proposal.\n\nThe Best System of Emission Reduction in the Proposed Rule Is Not Adequately Demonstrated as Required by the Clean Air Act.\n\nThere are fundamental flaws within the proposal, including sweeping claims about the future availability of the proposed emissions control technologies that are considered the best systems of emission reduction. Under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act, the best system of emission reduction is required by the law to be \u201cadequately demonstrated.\u201d This proposal, however, assumes adoption of control technologies \u2013 including the use of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and low greenhouse-gas hydrogen (hereinafter \u201cclean hydrogen\u201d) \u2013 that are still nascent and have not yet been adequately demonstrated. In fact, Congress recognized the lack of demonstrated capacity of these technologies by directing the Department of Energy to fund multiple carbon capture demonstration projects, large-scale carbon capture pilot projects, and regional hydrogen hubs as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Congress\u2019s recent provision of billions in funding for research, development, and demonstration for these technologies demonstrates the technologies are not adequately demonstrated and not sufficiently mature for use in regulatory mandates such as best system of emission reduction.\n\nBy requiring the best system of emission reduction for coal plants to install and operate CCS technology at a 90-percent carbon dioxide capture rate by 2030, the EPA is effectively requiring these plants to shut down. Prior to public release, the proposed rule was also arbitrarily changed by the White House to require coal plants to capture carbon dioxide even more quickly than what was originally proposed by the Agency \u2013 a clearly political move meant to accelerate the retirement of coal plants. When the EPA sent the rule to the White House for review, the Agency did not include any requirements for existing natural gas plants, which were seemingly added by the White House\u2019s Office of Climate Policy. Career EPA staff did not include this indefensible addition in the original proposal. The rushed addition of a separate generation source into the proposal essentially mimicked the requirements proposed for new natural gas plants, regardless of the feasibility of these control technologies for existing plants.\n\nToday, CCS is not commercially operational for any coal or natural gas plant in the United States and, even with the 45Q tax credit, CCS is not viable at commercial scale yet. The Agency cites five \u201csuccessful applications\u201d of carbon capture for fossil-fuel fired power plants in the proposal\u2014one located in Canada, one proposed in Scotland, and three located in the United States. Of the projects cited in the proposal, none would meet the EPA\u2019s requirement in the proposal for 90 percent of emissions to be captured. In fact, the two successful applications on domestic coal plants that the EPA cites are closing and the Agency readily admits the referenced natural gas plant is no longer capturing carbon dioxide off the slipstream. Even Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry recently stated, \u201cBut we don't have that at-scale yet. And we can\u2019t sit here and just pretend we\u2019re going to automatically have something we don\u2019t have today. Because we might not. It might not work.\u201d\n\nIn addition to the cost and feasibility of the capture technology itself, CCS is not adequately demonstrated when considering the lightning-fast capacity buildout of related infrastructure needed to deploy CCS at the scale of the proposal by the timeline the proposal would require. In the proposal, EPA assumes any coal plants still operating in 2040 will be able to install technology and the associated infrastructure to have carbon capture operational by 2030. It is doubtful that all engineering and design work could be completed and the necessary permits issued by 2030. For example, the EPA\u2019s record on approving Class VI wells is all but nonexistent, with the two prior examples taking approximately six years each to issue. The Agency has not directly approved a single Class VI well to store carbon dioxide since the Obama Administration, and there are more than 70 applications pending. In responses to written questions submitted for the Congressional Record, EPA Assistant Administrator Radhika Fox stated the goal is to make a Class VI permit determination within 24 months of an administratively complete application. A permit determination cannot be made until a project already has a full and complete application, a geological site to store the carbon dioxide, and even then, a facility operator would still have to undergo the construction to actually build out the necessary infrastructure to transport the carbon dioxide. In addition to permitting for the capture and storage facilities themselves, the buildout of the requisite pipelines would be even more daunting due to federal and state permitting issues and the likelihood of litigation. The EPA acknowledges the required build out of carbon dioxide pipelines would be \u201cin line with the historical maximum deployment of natural gas transmission pipelines.\u201d The EPA has been slow to approve primacy over the Class VI program for states, despite congressional direction to accelerate that process, which in any event would not alleviate these other regulatory issues related to CCS facilities and pipelines.\n\nRequiring the use of clean hydrogen as the best system of emission reduction for natural gas plants is similarly unlawful and based on implausible assumptions. The clean hydrogen definition that the EPA proposes is the most emission-constrained version of hydrogen: that produced only by renewable energy-powered electrolysis. That definition is tied to the Internal Revenue Code\u2019s section 45V tax credit for the production of clean hydrogen, which Congress has neither authorized nor directed for use in environmental regulation. The Treasury Department has yet to even release its final guidance on how to qualify for this tax credit. As America\u2019s Clean Power CEO Jason Grumet noted, \u201cThis is a conversation about an industry that does not yet exist, [but] that we all have great ambitions for.\u201d Despite the nascent status of the technology, the EPA is proposing for baseload natural gas plants to use 96-percent clean hydrogen co-firing for natural gas plants by 2038. The EPA acknowledges that a \u201cviable hydrogen infrastructure requires that hydrogen be able to be delivered from where it is produced to the point of end use, such as an industrial facility, power generator, or fueling station.\u201d This type of infrastructure is not available and will face years to decades of permitting and investment before it could be even built, further indicating that this technology has not been adequately demonstrated.\n\nBeyond the EPA\u2019s fundamental flaws in its projections for the technology, it has included unrealistic assumptions about the cost of hydrogen to make the rule appear less expensive. In modeling released just last month, the EPA estimates that clean hydrogen will be available at a delivered price of $0.50 per kilogram. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the average cost of producing clean hydrogen today is \u201cUSD 3.5?7.5/kg\u201d which drops to \u201caround USD 1.5?3.5/kg in 2030 and USD 1?2.5/kg in 2050.\u201d While EPA claims this $0.50 per kilogram includes the cost of transportation, the IEA states, \u201c[l] long-distance transport of hydrogen, however, is difficult and costly because of its low energy density, and can add around USD 1-3/kg of hydrogen to its price.\u201d\n\nThe Proposed Rule Requires Fuel Switching Counter to West Virginia v. EPA.\n\nIn direct conflict with West Virginia v. EPA, this proposal requires generation shifting from fossil-fuel power to other types of energy. While the Agency falsely claims this does not run afoul of the Supreme Court\u2019s decision, it is undeniable the proposal would require generation shifting that the Court has definitively found Congress has never granted EPA the authority to require under the Clean Air Act.\n\nThe rule proposes to mandate coal and natural gas to \u201cco-fire\u201d with other types of energy, including requiring base load natural gas turbines to co-fire with 30-percent clean hydrogen in 2032. These plants would be required to ramp up to 96-percent co-firing of clean hydrogen by 2038 \u2013 a scant six years to fundamentally change their energy source. Even at 30-percent co- firing, this is shifting electricity generation from natural gas as a fuel to hydrogen. For coal-fired power plants that continue to operate beyond 2032 but plan to close before 2040, the Agency is demanding 40-percent natural gas co-firing. A best system of emission reduction option for power plants to curb operations and only provide peaking power as a way to avoid installing expensive, nascent technology is yet another form of generation shifting. Requiring plants to run less often does not lower the demand for electricity. Those megawatts will be needed, whether or not the EPA has chosen arbitrary limits on how often they can run. Coal plants that the EPA assumes will operate at capacity factors as low as 10-percent will not be economically viable and forced to retire.\n\nThe Proposed Rule Reflects Rushed Decision-making that is Arbitrary and Capricious and Subverts Public Participation.\n\nThe underlying model that the EPA has used to justify this proposal is also faulty, arbitrary, and opaque. The model, called the Integrated Planning Model (IPM), is downplaying the overall costs of the proposed rule and makes stunning assumptions that do not align with reality or the regulations EPA is currently promulgating. In addition to the assumptions about prices of hydrogen described above, the EPA\u2019s model assumptions do not account for the new electricity load that will be needed because of additional rules pushing for increased electricity demand being promulgated by the Agency, including the new tailpipe standards that expect 67 percent of new light-duty vehicles sold will be battery electric by model year 2032. By using this model, the EPA is assuming, without adequate\u2014or really any\u2014facts or evidence, the costs will be \u201cnegligible.\u201d Similarly, the IPM assumes that new renewable resources and transmission assets will be constructed and providing electrons to the grid essentially instantaneously and at no cost, which flies in the face of the realities of the permitting process and basic economics.\n\nMaking matters worse with respect to public scrutiny of the IPM modeling for this proposal, the EPA provided updated modeling in July without notice or additional time for comments. Prior reasonable requests for a 60-day comment period extensions were denied. Without an extension in the current comment period, the American people and regulated community will not have adequate time to review and comment on the proposal including the updated modeling, which fundamentally changes the EPA\u2019s predictions for its implementation. This appears to be a willful attempt to subvert the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act.\n\nThe Proposed Rule Will Negatively Impact Electric Reliability Across the Country.\n\nFinally, we have serious concerns about our electric reliability if the proposed rule is finalized resulting in shut downs of the affordable, reliable baseload electricity powering our nation. This proposed rule will drastically increase costs and reduce electricity supplies. These effects will not only be borne by the regulated community, but by every American, manufacturer, and small business that relies on the electricity grid. Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioners, as well as the Chief Executive Officers of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Regional Transmission Organization PJM, and one of America\u2019s largest electric cooperatives all warned about increasing risks to the stability of the electric grids in the United States and agree that we are heading towards a reliability crisis that will be exacerbated by policy-driven plant retirements. As you know, the power plants being targeted by this rule are not only having to comply with this regulation. They are also being targeted by the agency\u2019s overarching power plant strategy, called the Electric Generating Unit (EGU) Strategy, as a way to shutter fossil-fuel power plants and bolster President Biden\u2019s climate goals. If the proposed Clean Power Plan 2.0 is finalized along with the rest of the EGU Strategy, our country will face a crisis in electricity supply that will dwarf the regional outages that we have seen in California, Texas, and New England in recent years.\n\nWe request the EPA expeditiously withdraw this unlawful proposal.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:31:44Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=B0BDEE4B-AF62-4F20-B70D-136F65C642B4", "Fischer Highlights Benefits for Eligible Veterans Under the PACT Act", "2023-08-09", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, NEB. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act being signed into law. Senator Fischer voted in favor of the PACT Act, which became law on August 10, 2022.\n\n\u201cLast year, I was pleased to vote in favor of the PACT Act. We need to keep raising awareness about this important law so that every eligible veteran can access the benefits they have earned,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nEligibility and Deadlines:\n\nThere is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, veterans and survivors who apply for benefits before August 9, 2023, may be eligible to receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022\u2014when the PACT Act was signed into law.\n\nRecently, some veterans submitted intent to file applications related to the PACT Act and received error messages. The VA announced that veterans who received these error messages will have their applications honored as meeting the August 9th deadline, and may be eligible to receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.\n\nLegislative Background:\n\nNamed after Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson who died in 2020 from toxic exposure as a result of his military service, the PACT Act is comprehensive legislation to expand health care for post-9/11 combat veterans, create a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure, expand VA\u2019s list of service presumptions, and improve resources to support VA\u2019s claims processing.\n\nAs of July, the VA has received more than 744,000 PACT Act-related claims. More than 103,000 veterans with PACT Act-related eligibility have also enrolled in VA health care since October 1, 2022.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:31:44Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=189BDDC0-0E37-448B-A9F7-3D6D15CEBD74", "ICYMI: Fischer Secures Over $20 Million for Critical Nebraska Water Infrastructure Projects in Funding Bill\u2019s Key First Step", "2023-07-31", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured over $20 million for water infrastructure priorities across Nebraska in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.\n\nThe bill, which must still be voted upon by the Senate and House, was advanced Thursday by the Senate Appropriations Committee by a vote of 28-o as a first key step.\n\n\u201cThis funding bill will keep Nebraskans healthy and safe by investing in crucial water infrastructure projects across our state. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I fought to secure measures that support the construction of water treatment plants, the replacement of aging water towers, and the continued removal of dangerous lead pipes throughout our state. I look forward to the full Senate taking up and passing this important legislation,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nNebraska Bill Highlights\n\nRecipient Name: Lewis and Clark NRD\n\nProject Name: Cedar Knox Rural Water Project\n\nProject Description: Funds used for the construction of a water source, treatment plant, and distribution system\n\nProject Location: Cedar and Knox Counties, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $10,000,000\n\nRecipient Name: Village of Platte Center\n\nProject Name: Village of Platte Center for Collection System Improvements\n\nProject Description: Improve collection system through CCTV inspection and make repairs\n\nProject Location: Platte Center, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $200,000\n\nRecipient Name: City of Henderson\n\nProject Name: City of Henderson for Sanitary Sewer Improvements\n\nProject Description: Construct and rehabilitate sanitary sewer facility\n\nProject Location: Henderson, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $480,000\n\nRecipient Name: Village of Taylor\n\nProject Name: Village of Taylor for Sewer Collection System Project\n\nProject Description: Funding will be used to replace connection mains, upgrade manholes, and connect existing lift stations and lagoons\n\nProject Location: Taylor, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $80,000\n\nRecipient Name: City of Hebron\n\nProject Name: City of Hebron for Well and Water Tower Improvements\n\nProject Description: Replace existing well and refurbish existing water tower\n\nProject Location: Hebron, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $176,000\n\nRecipient Name: Metropolitan Utilities District\n\nProject Name: Metropolitan Omaha Area for Lead Service Line Replacement\n\nProject Description: Funds would be used to replace 625 lead service lines in high need areas\n\nProject Location: Metro Omaha\n\nAmount Appropriated: $4,000,000\n\nRecipient Name: Village of Denton\n\nProject Name: Village of Denton Public Water System Improvements\n\nProject Description: Replace lead service lines and water meters\n\nProject Location: Denton, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $360,000\n\nRecipient Name: Village of Malcolm\n\nProject Name: Village of Malcolm for Water Meters Project\n\nProject Description: Replace water meters\n\nProject Location: Malcolm, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $72,000\n\nRecipient Name: Village of Staplehurst\n\nProject Name: Village of Staplehurst Water Tower Replacement\n\nProject Description: Replace 100-year-old water tower\n\nProject Location: Staplehurst, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $720,000\n\nRecipient Name: City of Cambridge\n\nProject Name: City of Cambridge for Rehabilitation of Wastewater Treatment Plant\n\nProject Description: Rehabilitate existing wastewater treatment plant\n\nProject Location: Cambridge, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $148,000\n\nRecipient Name: Village of Alda\n\nProject Name: Village of Alda for Lift Station Project\n\nProject Description: Rehabilitate two lift stations\n\nProject Location: Alda, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $320,000\n\nRecipient Name: City of Lexington\n\nProject Name: City of Lexington for Biosolid Sludge Facility\n\nProject Description: Develop new biosolids dewatering facility and sludge drying beds\n\nProject Location: Lexington, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $2,400,000\n\nRecipient Name: City of York\n\nProject Name: City of York Wastewater Rehabilitation\n\nProject Description: Upgrade and rehabilitate existing wastewater treatment plant and collection system\n\nProject Location: York, NE\n\nAmount Appropriated: $1,500,000\n\nAdditional Measures:\n\nSenator Fischer also secured language in the FY24 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=31920335-5E63-40C3-9339-1909D8D39711", "ICYMI: Fischer Advances Defense Funding Bill in First Key Step", "2023-07-28", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Includes Over $170M in Funding for Nebraska Military Equities & Key National Security Priorities\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured over $170 million for critical Nebraska and national defense priorities in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Defense Appropriations bill.\n\nThe bill, which must still be voted upon by the Senate and reconciled with the House bill, was advanced Thursday by the Senate Appropriations Committee by a vote of 27-1 as a first key step.\n\n\u201cThis important legislation will provide a 5.2% pay raise for our troops and ensure that the United States is better able to meet the changing global threat environment. Nebraska\u2019s military installations are vital to our national defense, and I was proud to secure provisions to support STRATCOM and Offutt. I\u2019m also glad this legislation fully funds key components of our nuclear triad and expands munitions procurement. As the only Republican Senator who serves on both the Appropriations and Armed Services Committees, I\u2019ll continue to be a strong champion for measures that keep our nation safe,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nThe legislation includes a number of Fischer-backed provisions, including $90 million for the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM) program, which the Biden administration previously attempted to cancel. Senator Fischer continued her legacy of spearheading efforts to modernize America\u2019s nuclear triad by introducing additional funding.\n\nThe defense appropriations bill also supports funding for multi-year munitions procurement contracts, which Senator Fischer has long supported. Senator Fischer secured provisions in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would obtain multi-year procurement authority for certain munitions.\n\nProvisions secured by Senator Fischer in the funding legislation include:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=426D7ECA-00E9-40C7-A9A5-D6C6389613B0", "Senate Passes NDAA With Fischer National Security Provisions, Support for Nebraska Military Equities", "2023-07-28", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, today voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. The annual legislation, which authorizes defense spending and sets the policy priorities for our military, passed the Senate by a vote of 86-11\n\nSen. Fischer successfully secured a series of national security provisions in the Senate\u2019s NDAAthat:\n\nStrengthen the U.S. nuclear deterrent\n\nExpand domestic munitions production capacity\n\nContinue to block China\u2019s propaganda efforts in Hollywood\n\nA more detailed breakdown of the FY24 Senate NDAA and how it supports Nebraska military equities can be found here.\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s Senate NDAA is a strong package that will ensure the United States is prepared to tackle the challenges China, Russia, and other adversaries pose to our nation. I\u2019m pleased that my provisions to modernize our nuclear triad, expand munitions production, and stand up to China\u2019s propaganda efforts were all included in this bipartisan bill. We will continue to work to get the NDAAacross the finish line and to the President\u2019s desk in the coming months,\u201d said Sen. Fischer.\n\nStrengthening Nuclear Deterrence\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s floor remarks on nuclear deterrence\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nSLCM\n\nSen. Fischer has long spearheaded the effort to modernize our nuclear triad, despite efforts by the Biden administration to cancel initiatives like the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) program. Because of her continued leadership, the FY 24 Senate NDAA codifies SLCM as a program of record. It also authorizes over $75 million to continue the NNSA\u2019s research and development of the W80-4 ALT-SLCM warhead, and $190 million for the Navy\u2019s development of the SLCM missile body.\n\nSentinel\n\nThe U.S. Air Force will be replacing the LGM\u201330G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system with the LGM\u201335A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system. This project is the most significant and complex weapon system in recent U.S. history.\n\nSen. Fischer secured provisions to provide Sentinel with multiyear procurement authority, stabilize key supply chains, and increase program efficiency.\n\nExpanding Domestic Munitions Production\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s questioning on munitions\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nSen. Fischer has repeatedly raised concerns about the importance of expanding munitions production capacity. This is especially critical when considering the rate at which Ukraine and Russia are running through munitions, as well as China\u2019s dramatic military buildup.\n\nThe FY 24 Senate NDAA includes Fischer provisions to extend waivers for streamlined munitions acquisitions and authorizes additional munitions to be eligible for multiyear procurements.\n\nCombating China\u2019s Propaganda Efforts in Hollywood\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks on CCP propaganda efforts\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nThe Chinese Communist Party often looks to leverage its economic ties to Hollywood to pre-emptively censor \u201cthreatening\u201d content and promote pro-China propaganda. Last year, Sen. Fischer fought for a provision to prohibit the Department of Defense from participating in entertainment projects with ties to the Chinese government. This year, Sen. Fischer secured a provision extending that prohibition through FY 24.\n\nBecause of these provisions, the Dept. of Defense is now prohibited from assisting with entertainment projects that censor the content of the project in a material manner to advance the national interest of the People\u2019s Republic of China.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=1AAC6891-CE1B-4248-9B0A-46D9F61C38E1", "PASSED: Senate Unanimously Passes Fischer Legislation to Boost Law Enforcement Hiring and Retention", "2023-07-27", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "The Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senator Deb Fischer\u2019s (R-Neb.) bipartisan Recruit and Retain Act on Wednesday, which will support law enforcement agencies grappling with recruitment issues. U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) co-led the introduction of the legislation. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cPolice departments nationwide are struggling with a staffing crisis that threatens community safety. It\u2019s why I introduced the Recruit and Retain Act, which will allow law enforcement to use federal resources to reduce hiring costs and create local career pipelines. I want to thank my colleagues for their unanimous, bipartisan support of my bill, and I look forward to getting the legislation passed in the House of Representatives,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cAs co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I know the critical role that our law enforcement officers have on the front lines of our communities in Delaware and across our nation. The Recruit and Retain Act would provide staffing assistance to these agencies and help build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. I\u2019m glad my Senate colleagues unanimously passed my bipartisan legislation to ensure our police departments recruit qualified officers who reflect our communities,\u201d said Senator Coons.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Recruit and Retain Act would primarily boost the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants to make them more responsive to onboarding costs and hiring challenges. This would help law enforcement agencies across the country hire new officers more easily, as many continue to face staffing shortages and struggle to attract new applicants. This includes the creation of a new program to encourage voluntary partnerships between schools and police departments to foster a stronger local pipeline for law enforcement careers.\n\nThe Recruit and Retain Act has received national endorsements from the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Major County Sheriffs of America, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs Association, R Street Institute, and the Peace Officers Research Association of California.\n\nThe legislation also has received state support from the Nebraska Sheriffs Association, Police Chiefs Association of Nebraska, Kearney Police Department, Omaha Police Department, and Scottsbluff Police Department.\n\nClick here to read more about stakeholder support.\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\n\nThe bill contains five key initiatives:\n\nSupporting Officer Onboarding\n\nMakes the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s COPS grants more flexible to reduce to reduce the financial costs of hiring new law enforcement officers (ex: background checks, psychological evaluations, etc.).\n\nReducing Administrative Burdens\n\nAllows up to 2% of grant funding to alleviate the administrative costs of implementing COPS grants. Many law enforcement agencies have noted this would offset the paperwork burden associated with COPS grants.\n\nAuthorizing New Pipeline Recruitment Program\n\nAuthorizes the Pipeline Partnership Program within COPS to encourage collaboration between agencies and local elementary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher education for students interested in future careers in law enforcement. Qualifying partnership activities would include: dedicated programming for students, work-based learning opportunities, project-based learning, mentoring, community liaisons, career or jobs fairs, work site visits, job shadowing, and skills-based internships.\n\nProviding Better Grant Guidance for Understaffed Agencies\n\nCreates new guidance for COPS hiring grants to clarify the lack of consistent application procedures for understaffed agencies. This will ensure more eligible police departments are able to access COPS grants.\n\nShining a Light on Recruitment and Retention Challenges", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=9BF24858-F58A-439A-BEF2-7425B86FE09D", "Fischer Leads Bill to Address \u201cLast Acre\u201d Connectivity, Expand Broadband Access Across Farmland and Ranchland", "2023-07-27", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture and Commerce Committees, this week introduced the Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments (LAST ACRE) Act. This legislation would create a new Last Acre Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Office of Rural Development aiming to expand network connectivity across farmland and ranchland. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.) co-led the introduction of the legislation.\n\nExisting Rural Development programs support \u201clast mile\u201d broadband deployment, which connects broadband networks to rural households or businesses. USDA lacks a program focused on extending connectivity across rural acreage, reaching the \u201clast acre.\u201d This last acre connectivity is critical for farmers and ranchers looking to use precision agriculture technologies in their operations.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time for us to connect the last mile to the last acre. Producers looking to adopt precision agriculture technologies need network connectivity that extends far past their residences. They need to be able to make real-time decisions that increase yields and employ resources more efficiently. Our LAST ACRE Act will ensure that USDA has the strategy and resources needed to support last acre connectivity,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cSmall farms in remote zip codes should not preclude folks from access to high-speed internet. With nearly one-fourth of zip codes in New Mexico classified as \u2018remote,' the LAST ACRE Act will help farms and ranches in remote areas connect to broadband to provide precision agriculture and next generation farming technology. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join Senator Fischer in this effort to close the digital divide in all communities, regardless of zip code,\u201dsaid Senator Luj\u00e1n.\n\nNational Stakeholder Support:\n\n\u201cEquipment manufacturers are proud to provide American farmers and ranchers with innovative tools that will keep our agriculture sector competitive for generations to come. Farmers and ranchers cannot take advantage of the benefits of technology such as precision agriculture without reliable and affordable connectivity. We applaud Senators Fischer and Lujan for championing legislation that ensures all aspects of rural America are connected, from the hospital to the school and from the farmhouse to the field,\u201dsaid Kip Eideberg, Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.\n\n\u201cThis bill will play a critical role in securing America\u2019s rural communities and ensuring America\u2018s continued leadership in agriculture. Thank you to Senator Fischer and Senator Luj\u00e1n for their dedication and deliberate action for America\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and the communities they support,\u201d said Julie Bushell, CEO of Ethos Connected, LLC.\n\n\u201cWe thank Senators Fischer and Lujan for their leadership in ensuring America\u2019s dairy farmers have meaningful access to high-speed broadband and wireless network technology. The LAST ACRE Act harnesses USDA\u2019s efforts to expand high-speed broadband in rural communities and the recommendations developed by the Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force to provide farmers and ranchers with the connectivity and infrastructure that will help their hard work and innovation continue to drive agricultural production and advancement,\u201dsaid Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.\n\n\u201cCompetitive Carriers Association commends Senators Fischer and Luj\u00e1n on the bipartisan introduction of the \u2018Last Acre Connection Act of 2023.\u2019 This bill recognizes the critical role wireless connectivity plays in rural America and provides opportunities to expand and augment those networks. The precision agriculture applications increasingly relied on in rural farmland, ranches, forests, and other areas require enhanced mobile and wireless connectivity. The Last Acre Connection Act of 2023 can help federal USDA support programs provide the ubiquitous wireless connectivity our country\u2019s agriculture community\u2019s diverse needs demand. I thank Senators Fischer and Luj\u00e1n for their unwavering commitment to fully connecting rural communities,\u201d said Tim Donovan, President and CEO of the Competitive Carriers Association.\n\nThe full list of bill endorsements includes: The American Farm Bureau, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Competitive Carriers Association, Ethos Connected, Farmers Union, John Deere, NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association, National Milk Producers Federation, and the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe LAST ACRE Act would establish the Last Acre Program at USDA to expand high-speed broadband internet access. This access would support ubiquitous last acre coverage across eligible agricultural land, including farmland, ranchland, and farm sites.\n\nThe bill would also direct USDA to update the Census of Agriculture to include questions that would discover insights into producers\u2019 adoption of broadband internet access services. These updates would provide USDA with additional information about service speed and broadband usage purposes, including its use for precision agriculture technologies.\n\nClick here to read a one-pager summarizing the LAST ACRE Act.\n\nClick here to read the full text of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=B32738B5-0664-4A6B-92A8-540D30685696", "VIDEO: Fischer Outlines Her NDAA Provision to Fight Threats of Chinese Propaganda in Hollywood", "2023-07-26", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cThis New Policy Will Ensure That Taxpayer Dollars Are Never Involved in Anti-American Messaging Efforts\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke on the Senate floor today about the importance of pushing back against the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the entertainment industry. During her remarks, Senator Fischer highlighted instances of potential Chinese propaganda in prominent films like the new Barbie movie and the pervasiveness of China\u2019s authoritarian agenda in seemingly innocent messages.\n\nSenator Fischer also discussed how she successfully secured language in the last two National Defense Authorization Acts to prevent the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) from participating in entertainment projects with ties to the CCP.\n\nBecause of these provisions, the DoD is now prohibited from assisting with entertainment projects that censor the content of the project in a material manner to advance the national interest of the People\u2019s Republic of China.\n\nClick here to watch Senator Fischer's remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nEarlier this month, the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s relentless propaganda efforts rose to the forefront of international discussion yet again.\n\nChina\u2019s authoritarian government squashes opposition at home without hesitation, but its censorship and propaganda spreads far beyond Chinese borders. The CCP uses an array of insidious means to push its messages across national boundaries.\n\nConcerns that the CCP\u2019s influence is seeping into Hollywood continue to grow. This issue flared up once again this month. Why? Well, in a word, Barbie.\n\nYou heard me right, M. President. A movie about a plastic doll is the last place you\u2019d expect national security questions to arise. But it was.\n\nOne trailer for the Barbie movie depicted a cartoon map of the title character\u2019s world travels. On the map is a roughly-drawn continent of Asia. But it might be more than just a cartoon character\u2019s doodle. The map includes a dotted line extending out from the east shore of China.\n\nThat line is curiously similar to what\u2019s known as the nine-dash line. Everyone in the defense space is familiar with this line \u2014 it\u2019s a Chinese-drawn boundary in the South China Sea.\n\nChina uses this boundary to claim ownership of maritime territory \u2014 even though the United Nations\u2019 International Court of Justice rejected its claims on that territory in 2016. The country\u2019s neighbors, including Vietnam and the Philippines, certainly contest these claims as well.\n\nChina appeals to this false boundary when its naval presence creeps into new areas of the South China Sea, and it intimidates boats, fishermen, and others from neighboring countries who cross that invisible line.\n\nNow Barbie the movie is a great movie \u2014 Americans loved it this past weekend, but the Barbie movie treads far too closely to depicting what looks like the nine-dash line. Hollywood must become more aware of the ways the CCP tends to push its propaganda.\n\nUse of the line is a trigger for geopolitical sensitivities. Including its likeness on a map \u2014 even as part of a child-like drawing \u2014 has real global ramifications.\n\nYou may say, come on, it\u2019s just a movie \u2014 but Vietnam\u2019s authorities banned Barbie from playing in theaters because of its offensive alleged depiction of nine-dash line. And members of the Philippines\u2019 government raised concerns as well, eventually deciding to blur the map line in showings across the country.\n\nDespite the Barbie movie\u2019s content, allegations of Chinese propaganda in Hollywood aren\u2019t child\u2019s play. China continues to take advantage of our unprecedented global media network to do real damage.\n\nIt\u2019s no accident that China is financing some of the biggest films. And China runs the second largest box office in the world, second only to North America. When a movie doesn\u2019t play in China, Hollywood loses literally billions of dollars.\n\nRemember the controversy around Top Gun\u2019s sequel last year? The Department of Defense worked with Paramount Pictures to make that movie happen. But when Top Gun: Maverick\u2019s first trailer was released in 2019, viewers noticed that the Japanese and Taiwanese flags on Tom Cruise\u2019s bomber jacket had been replaced in an attempt to appease China. The studio wisely reversed course on that decision after public outcry \u2014 but that\u2019s not where the CCP\u2019s influence ended.\n\nThe film made no mentions, or even implications, of the United States\u2019 primary adversary: China. Any movie related to our national defense that doesn\u2019t bring up China \u2014 well, it must be set in an alternate universe, because that is the biggest defense challenge facing our country.\n\nThis isn\u2019t a conspiracy theory \u2014 it\u2019s China\u2019s strategy. The defense world is well aware that China maintains a well-oiled propaganda machine that\u2019s enmeshed in modern media.\n\nYou may say, come on, it\u2019s just a movie. No, this is a serious problem \u2014 so serious, that it\u2019s one our government should address. We can\u2019t allow our federal agencies to help elevate messages that support the CCP\u2019s goals. And we certainly cannot involve our own defense department \u2014 and taxpayer dollars \u2014 in entertainment projects beholden to Chinese propaganda.\n\nAs a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I\u2019ve successfully secured language in the last two National Defense Authorization Acts \u2014 or NDAAs \u2014 to prevent our government\u2019s Department of Defense from participating in entertainment projects with ties to the CCP.\n\nThanks to our persistent efforts, the Department of Defense recently released new regulations around how the Department of Defense can provide assistance to entertainment projects. Pursuant to these NDAA provisions, the Department is now prohibited from assisting with entertainment projects that censor the content of the project in a material manner to advance the national interest of the People\u2019s Republic of China.\n\nIt\u2019s my hope that this new policy will ensure that taxpayer dollars are never involved in anti-American messaging efforts \u2014 as well as send a clear signal to the CCP that we will no longer turn a blind eye to its sinister propaganda efforts.\n\nThis is just one example of the many provisions in this year\u2019s NDAA that stand up to China and advance our national security. I encourage my Senate colleagues to vote yes on the NDAA so that we can deliver a strong package that keeps China in line.\n\nThank you. I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=796F9ED7-9736-4838-BED0-5EC97128DB7C", "Fischer and Smith Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Create Mental Health Dashboard", "2023-07-25", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) recently reintroduced the Achieving Thorough Transparency & Accessibility for Information Navigation (ATTAIN) Mental Health Act. This bipartisan legislation would create a user-friendly online dashboard to assist applicants in identifying federal grants that support mental health and address substance abuse.\n\n\u201cOur country is experiencing a serious mental health crisis \u2014 especially in more rural areas where resources can be limited. By creating a streamlined online dashboard of federal mental health programs, our legislation will make it easier for communities to access critical grants,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cRight now, too many people don\u2019t have access to the mental or behavioral health care they need. This bipartisan legislation will improve access to mental health care by making it easier for organizations to apply for mental health grant funding. I'll be working to move it forward with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle,\u201d said Senator Smith.\n\nSupport for the ATTAIN Mental Health Act:\n\n\u201cThere is a dire lack of mental health resources in our communities. Senator Fischer\u2019s ATTAIN Act will help ensure that our schools and local communities are aware of federal and state mental health grants that may be available to them. NAMI is proud to support the ATTAIN Act to help our communities receive the mental health resources they desperately need,\u201d said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).\n\n\u201cThe ATTAIN Mental Health Act will allow a diverse group of stakeholders within community-based settings, such as clinics, schools, and nonprofit organizations, to have improved awareness of federal mental health grant funding availability and the guidelines to access those funds. This web-based resource will assist mental and behavioral health service providers with ease of access to information and help to get funding to the communities who are most in need,\u201d said Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Social Workers.\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. However, officers are often expected to be therapists, addiction specialists, and mental health experts \u2014 which they are not trained to do. Sadly, county jails, tribal detention centers, and state prisons are the nation\u2019s largest providers of mental health services, and many rely on federal resources to access mental health resources for their incarcerated. The ATTAIN Mental Health Act will establish an online dashboard that will allow the public to see federal grant information related to mental health programs and provide law enforcement agencies as well as state and local prisons access to information about federal mental health grants and resources faster and more efficiently to better serve their community. We applaud the work of Senators Fischer and Smith on this bill and for their outreach to the FOP on this important issue,\u201d Fraternal Order of Police President Patrick Yoes.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe ATTAIN Mental Health Act would establish an interactive, web-based dashboard for potential applicants from a variety of sectors across our communities \u2014 such as state and local educational agencies, nonprofits, faith- and community-based organizations, mental health treatment facilities, municipal governments, tribal governments, and first responders. The dashboard would provide organizations with the ability to review eligibility and status information for mental health grant funding across multiple federal agencies. The legislation would task the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with developing this online tool in a collaborative interagency effort.\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the First Responders Foundation, At Ease USA, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the American Psychiatric Association (APA).\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2023/7/fischer-and-smith-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-create-mental-health-dashboard", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E1C7E43B-FFFF-4370-9029-7760B41A3E9F", "Fischer Introduces Legislation to Improve Highway Safety, Implement Motor Carrier Selection Standards", "2023-07-25", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, recently introduced the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act. The bill would improve highway safety by requiring the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a Safety Fitness Determination test for shippers and brokers to ensure trucking companies are licensed, registered, and insured. U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) co-led the introduction of the legislation.\n\n\u201cOur legislation is a common-sense measure to improve highway safety and end the confusion over motor carrier selection standards. Implementing a single, simplified federal rule will also strengthen America\u2019s supply chain and provide much-needed clarity for the transportation sector. I want to thank Senator Crapo for his support to push this legislation forward,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cThe entire nation benefits when our interstates and highways are made safer. The Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act directs the Department of Transportation to establish new safety standards for motor carriers, and sets interim requirements to help ensure shippers and manufacturers hire safe, reliable drivers that are properly licensed, registered and insured,\u201d said Senator Crapo.\n\n\u201cTIA applauds Senator Fischer on the introduction of the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act in the United States Senate. TIA thanks Senator Fischer for her continued support to address highway safety and confusion in the supply chain as it relates to motor carrier selection. Senator Fischer is a leader on policy issues in the transportation and supply chain and continues to be a champion on major issues that impact motor carriers, brokers, the motoring public, and highway safety,\u201d said Anne Reinke, President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association.\n\n\u201cSenator Fischer has consistently been a champion of common-sense safety reform, and she demonstrates that again with the introduction of the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act. Without a clear federal standard, the result is a confusing patchwork of standards that threaten the nation\u2019s economy and public safety. Some companies have already begun excluding motor carriers from their logistics networks based on their own assessment of who is \u2018safe\u2019 and who is not. This harms small carriers with five trucks or fewer who make up 90% of the market. Congress established the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and their trained safety experts to keep the motoring public safe. With this bill, Senator Fischer will improve safety and increase access to freight for small motor carriers, which will improve the nation\u2019s supply chains,\u201d said Ben Campbell, Chief Legal Officer of C. H. Robinson.\n\nBackground:\n\nCurrently, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) lack a reliable national standard to determine the safety of a truck carrier. The Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act provides clarity to shippers and 3PLs by establishing a national motor carrier hiring standard.\n\nThe standard requires motor carriers to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), meet at least the minimum insurance requirement, and not have an unsatisfactory safety rating. If this standard is followed, a 3PL would be considered to have selected a carrier in \u201ca reasonable and prudent manner.\u201d\n\nClick here to view text of the legislation.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=17A24D6F-F073-4863-9429-28DF024B0204", "Fischer Advances Over $45 Million for Critical Nebraska Transportation Priorities in Funding Bill\u2019s First Key Step", "2023-07-24", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured over $45 million for critical Nebraska transportation priorities in the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.\n\nThe bill, which must still be voted upon by the Senate and House, was advanced last Thursdayby the Senate Appropriations Committee in a unanimous, bipartisan vote as a first key step.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m committed to ensuring Nebraska communities receive the resources needed to keep our transportation systems up to date. The committee\u2019s vote is a crucial first step. Infrastructure has always enjoyed bipartisan support here in the Senate, and this year\u2019s legislation builds on that consensus \u2014 providing critical funding to strengthen our nation\u2019s roads, bridges, highways, and water infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nThe Transportation-HUD legislation prioritizes safety and includes increases for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire air traffic controllers, and funding to enhance rail safety. It also includes Senator Fischer\u2019s language to improve the federal government\u2019s vehicle safety testing practices, specifically around crash test dummies. It would also ensure the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is submitting data to the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s (FCC) Broadband Funding Map in compliance with Senator Fischer\u2019s provision in the bipartisan infrastructure law.\n\nLast Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee also approved the FY2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill, including a Fischer provision to advance nuclear modernization.\n\nAdditional details on the provisions secured by Senator Fischer are listed below:\n\nTransportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:\n\nNebraska Bill Highlights\n\nNebraska Department of Transportation\n\nProject Name: Heartland Expressway Four Lane Expansion\n\nProject Description: Expand the existing two-lane highway to a four-lane expressway.\n\nProject Location: Scotts Bluff and Morrill Counties, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $12,865,000\n\nCity of Ogallala\n\nProject Name: Ogallala Airport Runway Reconstruction\n\nProject Description: Reconstruct pavement of the runaway and replace lighting and visual approach aids.\n\nProject Location: Ogallala, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $6,570,00\n\nAirport Authority of the County of Scotts Bluff\n\nProject Name: Western Nebraska Regional Airport Taxiway Extension\n\nProject Description: Extend the taxiway to improve safety operation.\n\nProject Location: Scottsbluff, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $3,500,000\n\nCity of Kearney\n\nProject Name: Kearney Regional Airport Terminal Apron Rehabilitation\n\nProject Description: Reconstruct critical portions of the Kearney Regional Airport apron and rehabilitate public use areas of the apron to maintain access to hangars and service other airport tenants.\n\nProject Location: Kearney, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $4,950,000\n\nHall County Airport Authority\n\nProject Name: Hall County Airport Authority Snow Removal Equipment Building\n\nProject Description: Construct a snow removal equipment building\n\nProject Location: Grand Island, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $3,150,000\n\nChadron Volunteer Fire Department\n\nProject Name: Chadron Fire District New Ladder Truck\n\nProject Description: Replace a 25-year-old 75 foot ladder truck with a new 100 foot ladder truck.\n\nProject Location: Chadron, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,400,000\n\nNorth Platte Airport Authority\n\nProject Name: North Platte Airport Authority Passenger Terminal Replacement\n\nProject Description: Construct and replace the airport's passenger terminal.\n\nProject Location: North Platte, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $7,000,000\n\nCity of Beatrice\n\nProject Name: Beatrice Municipal Airport Hangar Upgrade\n\nProject Description: Construct a new hangar.\n\nProject Location: Beatrice, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $2,850,000\n\nJefferson County\n\nProject Name: Jefferson County Roadway Reconstruction\n\nProject Description: Rehabilitate 7 miles of roadway in Jefferson County\n\nProject Location: Jefferson County, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,500,000\n\nAirport Authority of the City of Omaha\n\nProject Name: Eppley Airfield Terminal Modernization and Federal Inspection Services Facility\n\nProject Description: Construct a new Federal Inspection Service facility that would allow security screening operations to facilitate international aircraft and passenger arrivals.\n\nProject Location: Omaha, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,865,000\n\nAdditional Measures:\n\nSenator Fischer also secured language for:\n\nFAA Regulatory Process Improvements\n\nDirects the FAA to improve timeliness and transparency to their regulatory review process, given the current regulatory approval backlog\n\nFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration\u2019s (FMCSA) Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP) \u2014 No Inward Facing Cameras\n\nPrevents funding for inward facing cameras for FMCSA\u2019s Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program\n\nFMCSA SDAP \u2014 No Registered Apprenticeship Requirement\n\nPrevents a requirement that motor carriers be approved for the U.S. Department of Labor\u2019s (DOL) Registered Apprenticeship Program to participate in FMCSA SDAP\n\nNew Car Assessment Program\n\nDirects the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to adopt crash test technology for both male and female drivers\n\nFAA Processing\n\nAsks the FAA to dedicate resources to clearing Part 135 certification backlog\n\nU.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s (USDOT) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R)\n\nSupports funding for the deployment of resiliency technologies that prevent unwanted interference and provide resilient backup\n\nFCC\u2019s Broadband Deployment Locations Map\n\nRequires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide an update for the Broadband Deployment Locations Map\n\nUSDOT Cybersecurity\n\nRequires USDOT to include cyber security, and positioning, navigation, and timing services (PNT) as part of the standard Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) language\n\nEnergy and Water Development Appropriations Act:\n\nNebraska Bill Highlights\n\nU.S. Army Corps of Engineers\n\nProject Name: Lower Missouri Basin-Nemaha and Atchinson Counties\n\nProject Description: Conduct a feasibility study in the Lower Missouri River near the Cooper Nuclear Station\n\nNebraska Stakeholder: Nebraska Department of Natural Resources District\n\nProject Location: Nemaha County, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $500,000\n\nU.S. Army Corps of Engineers\n\nProject Name: Papillion Creek Basin, Omaha NE\n\nProject Description: Construct two flood control reservoirs\n\nNebraska Stakeholder: Papio Missouri Natural Resources District\n\nProject Location: Sarpy County and Douglas County, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $400,000\n\nU.S. Army Corps of Engineers\n\nProject Name: Offutt Ditch Pump Station\n\nProject Description: Construct a stormwater pump station to protect Offutt AFB\n\nNebraska Stakeholder: Papio Missouri Natural Resources District\n\nProject Location: Sarpy County, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $200,000\n\nAdditional Measures:\n\nSenator Fischer also secured language that:\n\nProvides $35 million for the development of the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM) warhead program\n\nThe Biden administration has tried to cancel this program and did not include any funding for SLCM in its FY24 budget request", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=3F1CFA62-2585-4788-9773-31F482DB4BFF", "Fischer Introduces Bill to Stop Burdensome Ag Odor Reporting Requirement, Ensure First Responders Aren\u2019t Unnecessarily Overwhelmed", "2023-07-24", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently introduced legislation to stop a burdensome reporting requirement on family farmers and ranchers by President Biden\u2019s Environment Protection Agency (EPA). The legislation would clarify that the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) is not intended to regulate manure odors, which pose no threat to public safety. It would also ensure that emergency first responders are not inundated with unnecessary reporting.\n\n\u201cThe last thing producers need are more government regulations. And first responders, who deal with real public safety emergencies every day, don\u2019t need to be inundated with irrelevant reports. My bill would make permanent the previous administration\u2019s reporting exemption under EPCRA for animal waste emissions. Rural America doesn\u2019t need Washington bureaucrats pushing through more rules that burden producers and provide no value to local emergency planning commissions,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, United Egg Producers, National Pork Producers Council, National Turkey Federation, National Chicken Council, and National Association of SARA Title III Program Officials (NASTTPO).\n\n\u201cThe Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act is an important tool in keeping communities safe in times of emergency, but it was never designed to require farmers to report the normal odors of a farm to first responders. We appreciate Sen. Fischer for her work to formally exempt farms from EPCRA, which will enable authorities to focus on responding to real disasters when they threaten neighborhoods,\u201d said American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Director Courtney Briggs.\n\n\u201cUnited Egg Producers is very grateful to Senator Fischer for leading this legislative effort to eliminate a reporting requirement that would impose on egg producers a pointless burden that serves no legitimate purpose and would only create risk and liabilities,\u201d said United Egg Producers President Chad Gregory.\n\n\"Routine emissions from farms do not constitute an emergency. Animal rights extremists' efforts requiring farmers to overwhelm local first responders with unnecessary reports is dangerous. Burdening emergency response with false alarms can pull valuable resources away from a real crisis. America's pork producers applaud Senator Fischer for bringing common sense to this long-running debate,\u201d said National Pork Producers Council CEO Bryan Humphries.\n\n\u201cThe National Turkey Federation (NTF) commends Senator Fischer for introducing a bill to make clear once and for all that air releases from animal manure are exempt from reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). Previous administrations and Congresses believed they had settled this matter, first in 2009 and again five years ago. Congress should approve Senator Fischer\u2019s bill swiftly so that this issue finally is resolved,\u201d said National Turkey Federation President Joel Brandenberger.\n\n\u201cNASTTPO over the past several years has had the opportunity to work with various animal agriculture associations on emergency preparedness related rulemaking programs at EPA. These experiences have taught us that the most important thing to LEPCs and first responders is not detailed regulatory requirements for a facility\u2019s relationship to these groups, but rather the simple act of open dialog and coordination. That cannot be regulated, but rather must be nurtured through the goodwill of facilities, emergency planner and responders all of whom wish to improve community safety,\u201d said Timothy Gablehouse, Past President/Director of Government Affairs at the National Association of SARA Title III Program Officials (NASTTPO).\n\nIn addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=759EF20C-6D4F-4CD1-9928-F47DE364A5E2", "VIDEO: Fischer Outlines Need to Modernize America\u2019s Nuclear Deterrent", "2023-07-13", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, spoke on the Senate floor this week to discuss the urgent need to update America\u2019s aging nuclear deterrent.\n\nSenator Fischer successfully secured a series of provisions in the Senate\u2019s FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that strengthen our nuclear deterrent and ensure the U.S. can properly address the challenges adversaries like China and Russia pose.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nLast week, we celebrated the birth of our nation. The first Americans took long, dangerous journeys across the Atlantic Ocean in search of better lives \u2014 far away from a regime that stripped away their God-given rights and freedoms all too often.\n\nOur founders fought a revolution against absolute power. They chafed against the control of the British Empire. Americans united against encroachments on liberty and emerged victorious, just as we\u2019ve done many times since then \u2014 from Great Britain to the Soviet Union.\n\nM. President, as we look back on our history, we should consider our future as well. The United States faces a threat environment growing more dangerous by the day. Authoritarian adversaries including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are accelerating their efforts to chip away at global stability and undermine America\u2019s national security.\n\nA couple weeks ago, a radio host asked me an important question: what\u2019s the point of modernizing our nuclear deterrent? Don\u2019t we already have the capabilities we need to defend ourselves? And if we build up a stronger arsenal of nuclear weapons, doesn\u2019t that just increase the risk of nuclear war? My answer was related to the history I\u2019ve just discussed.\n\nFrom the Revolutionary War to the World Wars to the Cold War, Americans have prioritized a strong national defense and the tools we need to achieve that when faced with existential threats. The character of war changed after the advent of nuclear weapons, and during the Cold War, the United States recognized that we needed to have a strong nuclear deterrent to preserve the hard-fought peace we had won. We worked overtime to ensure that our Commander-in-Chief had every option to deter, and if necessary, fight back against threats.\n\nAnd we were successful. We deterred the Soviet Union from using its nuclear weapons destructively \u2014 because its leaders knew we could hit back harder with the push of a button. It\u2019s comparable to a game of chess: you\u2019re never going to make a move that leaves your king threatened on all sides. If the Soviet Union had deployed a nuclear weapon, it would\u2019ve quickly been surrounded on all sides by a retaliatory strike Moscow knew it might not survive.\n\nA diverse and effective nuclear deterrent gives our country the ability to say \u201ccheckmate\u201d \u2014 not today \u2014 and makes other nations think hard about what moves they want to make. In other words, it deters authoritarian regimes from attacking the United States and our allies.\n\nDuring the Cold War, we prioritized the production of nuclear weapons and delivery systems because we recognized their essential role in deterring nuclear conflict. We must return to that mindset if we want to get ahead of today\u2019s looming national security challenges.\n\nOur adversaries understand this. Earlier this year, U.S. Strategic Command \u2014STRATCOM \u2014 publicly confirmed that China possesses more intercontinental ballistic missile launchers than we do here in the United States. China\u2019s on track to triple its nuclear arsenal by 2035 \u2014 that\u2019s just a decade away.\n\nStated plainly: one of the most ominous authoritarian regimes in modern history is building a nuclear force that is fundamentally altering global deterrence dynamics. And they\u2019re doing it at a pace faster than anyone imagined.\n\nAs our adversaries race to expand their nuclear arsenals, what are we doing here in America?\n\nWell, since the fall of the Berlin Wall, our nation has sidelined our nuclear enterprise. We\u2019ve underinvested in the modernization of our nuclear triad.\n\nThat word \u201ctriad\u201d refers to the three military fronts of land, sea, and air. The land-based \u2018leg\u2019 of the triad is comprised of our intercontinental ballistic missile fleet; the sea-based \u2018leg\u2019 of the triad refers to our ballistic missile submarines; and the air-based \u2018leg\u2019 of the triad refers to our bomber fleet and certain fighter aircraft.\n\nA full triad expands the number of options our Commander-in-Chief has at his disposal. Each leg of the triad presents unique advantages. Military planners need diverse capabilities to ensure that our nation can act decisively in any scenario. If we can strike from anywhere at any time, our adversaries will hesitate before taking aggressive action.\n\nThe problem is that we\u2019ve been too slow to replace and upgrade these systems. As former STRATCOM Commander Admiral Richard testified before the Armed Services Committee last year, we have, \u201csubmarines built in the '80s and '90s, an air-launched cruise missile built in the '80s, intercontinental ballistic missiles built in the '70s, a bomber built in the '60s \u2014 part of our nuclear command and control that predates the internet, and a nuclear weapons complex that dates back to the Manhattan Project.\u201d\n\nOur nuclear deterrent only serves to deter our adversaries if it safe, reliable, and effective. To ensure it remains so in the future, it must be modernized. Underinvesting is a huge mistake. We need to tip the scales back in our favor by bringing our systems rapidly into the 21st century.\n\nThe good news, M. President, is that there\u2019s bipartisan support for modernization.\n\nI\u2019m the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Service Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. Our subcommittee oversees STRATCOM, which is headquartered in my home state of Nebraska. STRATCOM does indispensable work at the helm of our nation\u2019s strategic nuclear deterrent.\n\nOver the last ten years, I\u2019ve worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get key modernization provisions supporting nuclear modernization into the annual National Defense Authorization Act. We\u2019ve continued this vital support in the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA, which the Senate will consider this month.\n\nThis year, I also fought to keep the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile program, or SLCM, fully funded by the NDAA. The Strategic Forces Subcommittee held multiple hearings and briefings, classified and open, with senior military and civilian leaders, as well as outside experts. We concluded \u2014 on a bipartisan basis \u2014 that the Biden administration\u2019s attempts to cancel this program would make our nuclear deterrent less effective in the 2030s and beyond. We included a provision in the bill to create a program of record for SLCM. This will prevent the premature cancellation of the program without future Congressional consent.\n\nI also fought to secure provisions that would support the Sentinel program \u2014 which will replace our aging ICBMs across the country. This is the most significant and complex weapon system in recent U.S. history and will cover an aggregated land area almost as large as the state of South Carolina.\n\nBoth chambers of Congress are considering their versions of the NDAA this month. I\u2019m proud of the work my colleagues and I have accomplished with this legislative package. And I urge my fellow lawmakers, as well as the President, to support the vital measures we\u2019ve included in the bill. I will continue to support modernization efforts, and I am confident we will produce a strong final NDAA to send to the President\u2019s desk.\n\nBut our work in the Senate isn\u2019t done when the NDAA passes. We\u2019ll still have to back our defense priorities up with real dollars through the appropriations process. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am committed to working with my colleagues so we can allocate all the funds necessary to maintain our national defense.\n\nThe world has changed since the fall of the Berlin Wall \u2014 and we are now, for the first time in history, facing two peer adversaries with significant nuclear arsenals. Now is not the time to shortchange our national security; it\u2019s time to work together to strengthen it. This means that President Biden needs to cooperate with Congress to get our NDAA passed.\n\nAmerica was born by uniting in defiance of outside threats, and we\u2019ve done it many times since then. I\u2019m hopeful that we will live up to our history as new challenges loom. As a member of Congress, I will continue working with colleagues from across the aisle to strengthen our national security. For the sake of our safety, our legacy, and our freedom, I urge my fellow members \u2014 and the President himself \u2014 to do the same.\n\nThank you. I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=6FAD7AE2-BAF0-4ACF-9176-84FB133840BE", "VIDEO: Fischer Highlights Devastating Impact of Bidenomics on Nebraska", "2023-07-12", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) spoke on the Senate floor today about the devastating impact of President Biden\u2019s economic agenda. During her remarks, Senator Fischer discussed how \u201cBidenomics\u201d is driving up costs for working families and hurting small businesses.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nWhen it comes to the economy, we hear a lot about numbers \u2014 the inflation rate, how much more groceries cost, or how many businesses are struggling to find employees.\n\nThose numbers are important \u2014 they tell us the big picture story of where our economy is and where it\u2019s going. And right now, it\u2019s not a pretty picture.\n\nBut as elected representatives, we work for our people. It\u2019s critical that we listen to the voices of the people who live in our states and who are being deeply affected by the numbers we read in Bloomberg or The Wall Street Journal.\n\nIn a speech he made last week, President Biden promised that his economic policy is helping across the board, \u201cin rural America, the heartland, all across America.\u201d\n\nHe claimed that Bidenomics is the silver bullet for financial struggles among middle-class Americans around the country.\n\nI don\u2019t know who the President\u2019s talking to, but my experience hearing from Americans in the heartland is a lot different than what he said in that speech. Many Nebraskans are struggling under an unforgiving load of inflation, kickstarted by this administration\u2019s almost two trillion-dollar stimulus package in 2021.\n\nSo today, let\u2019s zoom in on Nebraska. When I\u2019m back in my home state, I\u2019m constantly hearing stories of hardship from my fellow Nebraskans \u2014 whether they\u2019re farmers, teachers or small business owners. It\u2019s truly painful to hear about some of the experiences people are having due to inflation.\n\nSo let me tell you about Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nWhen I stopped by a coffee shop in 2022, the owner told me his electric bill had skyrocketed from $40 a month to over $300 a month. That coffee shop owner is now gone. He couldn\u2019t afford Bidenomics and closed his shop. That\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nA year later, not much has changed. As one of our Nebraska farmers told me a few weeks ago, \u201cPrices take the elevator up, but the stairs down.\u201d\n\nInflation causes costs to rise quickly, and they stay up there for a long time. One big economically irresponsible move from the administration sets the stage for years of struggles. That\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nSeveral rural businesses in the state shared their struggles with a local newspaper earlier this year. Many of these business owners feel \u201cat a loss\u201d for what to do as their livelihoods crumble under pressure.\n\nA honey farmer shared that consistently rising prices squeeze his family into a difficult position when doing things as simple as putting their honey in jars. Sometimes they could only afford to get containers or lids for their honey \u2014 but not both.\n\nHe said, \u201cWe\u2019re kind of forgotten about way out here.\u201d\n\nThat\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nThat doesn\u2019t line up with the President\u2019s boasts of an economy that works for middle-class Americans in the heartland.\n\nInstead, while the Biden administration chatters about its support for the middle class, thousands of people in that category are pulling out all the stops to pay their necessary expenses.\n\nThe Salvation Army of Lincoln reported a couple months ago that it\u2019s seen a 50% increase in service requests in just a year. People are going to charities to get help paying rent and utilities as the economy suffers.\n\nA Salvation Army officer said, \u201cFor people who are on medical equipment, having their electricity on is a very important aspect.\u201d\n\nThat\u2019s Bidenomics in Nebraska.\n\nThe president has a middle class problem. Average Americans are hollowing out their savings and taking on record debt just to keep up with stunning levels of inflation \u2014 or as the White House calls it, Bidenomics.\n\nThe President said last week, \u201cBidenomics is just another way of saying restoring the American Dream.\u201d\n\nWrong.\n\nSince when does the American Dream include taking a second job just to be able to afford rent? Or having to choose between containers and lids for honey jars? Or racking your brain for ways to catch up with an electricity bill that won\u2019t stop rising?\n\nThe President should step off the podium, stop delivering empty promises, and actually get down to business fixing the bloated economy he\u2019s created.\n\nNebraskans aren\u2019t listening to the administration\u2019s inflated claims about helping the middle class, but they are listening to mortgage increases and dwindling savings accounts. Americans know what Bidenomics looks like, M. President \u2014 and it looks like failed leadership.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=ED3BB22A-56ED-4C70-BCB9-5B44ECE9E772", "ICYMI: Fischer Joins Your World with Neil Cavuto to Talk Artificial Intelligence, Ukraine, and Domestic Munitions Production", "2023-07-12", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined Your World with Neil Cavuto on Fox News yesterday to discuss artificial intelligence and the importance of boosting domestic munitions production.\n\nAt an Armed Services Committee hearing yesterday, Senator Fischer questioned President Biden\u2019s nominee to serve as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., about America\u2019s munitions supply and the need to expand domestic munitions production.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s interview\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a partial transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s interview:\n\nOn Artificial Intelligence:\n\nNeil Cavuto: What do you think of this, Senator \u2014 the back-and-forth as to artificial intelligence? Some people are thinking there's got to be a pause, including some of the biggest boosters of it. China isn't pausing. So, what do we do?\n\nSenator Fischer: You know, Neil, what we were looking at today and listening to from our defense and intelligence people were really the threats that we face to our national security. Now, we have to understand what our adversaries, what kind of capabilities they're exploring that are a threat to our homeland. And then, we also have to be able to figure out how are we going to defend against those. So, to get the basic knowledge there \u2014 to be able to listen, learn from the experts, from our defense, as I said, and our intelligence communities. I think that gives us a really good basis to be able to move forward on this.\n\nOn Ukraine:\n\nNeil Cavuto: Well, you know, Senator, seeing as you sit on the Armed Services Committee \u2014 very influential in foreign policy matters \u2014 I wonder what you make of the president's decision right now to hold off on pushing NATO membership for Ukraine, the gist of it, because we're in the middle of a war, and now is not the time to be doing that? How do you feel about that?\n\nSenator Fischer: We are in the middle of a war. We're providing munitions, which is a whole 'nother issue that I have a deep interest in and deep concerns about. But we're helping Ukraine with their war. Now is not the time to offer them membership in NATO. When we see a conclusion to these hostilities, when Russia withdraws from the sovereign land of Ukraine, that's the time then to talk about admission into NATO.\n\nOn Munitions:\n\nNeil Cavuto: What about some of these more dangerous weapons, these cluster munitions and the type that the president could be considering? Others say that actually goes too far. What are your thoughts?\n\nSenator Fischer: The Russians have been using the cluster bombs since the beginning of this conflict. The Ukrainians also have used cluster bombs as well. That's one thing that we can send them. But, Neil, we have to look deeper into our own production capacity of munitions. We have been sending over a lot of things to help the Ukrainians help themselves in conducting their defense against the Russians. We don't want to lose our capacity to defend our country. We want to make sure we have production lines up and running, that we are able to have a budget that recognizes the needs that we have for our own country, for our own security. We had a hearing this morning with General Brown, who is nominated for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. I brought up those concerns to him, and that's something I'm going to continue to focus on. One thing we have seen with Ukraine is, you can really move through a lot of munitions in a short period of time. And we don't want to be caught flat-footed here. We need to make sure our production lines are up and running.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5DBA55E6-4161-4C31-9302-9BF4622EF17A", "VIDEO: Fischer Presses Joint Chiefs of Staff Nominee on Ramping Up Domestic Munitions Production", "2023-07-11", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned U.S. Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., President Biden\u2019s nominee to serve as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, today about America\u2019s munitions supply and the need to expand domestic munitions production by modifying or removing unnecessary red tape.\n\nSenator Fischer has repeatedly discussed the importance of boosting munitions production. Senator Fischer secured a provision in the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to expand domestic munitions production capacity.\n\nDuring the hearing, Senator Fischer highlighted a recent Wall Street Journal Editorial calling on President Biden to expand U.S. weapons production and stocks. During a recent interview, the President acknowledged the topic of low munitions stockpiles for the first time.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Sen. Fischer\u2019s questioning\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s questioning:\n\nSenator Fischer: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you, General, to you and your wife and your family for your service to this country. I took note of a comment you made in your opening statement. You said, \"having led warfighters abroad has shaped my thinking.\" As you know, I remain deeply concerned about our munitions production capacity. And, in the Wall Street Journal a couple of days ago, they wrote an editorial about \"America Is Running Out of Ammo \u2013 Biden Admits the Problem, But Then Why Not Do Something About It?\" I remember hearing the President make a passing comment on that a couple of days ago, and I was struck by it because it's the first time I had heard from the administration concern about munitions for our security and our defense here in this country. So, frankly, after years of under-investing in munitions production, we now find ourselves, I think, in a very precarious position. While this committee has generally been supportive of providing aid and transferring excess munitions from our stockpiles, we also have a clear expectation that the department will work with us to ensure that we produce more munitions -- as many as we can and as fast as we can -- to backfill our stockpiles, increase our margins, and support our allies and partners. Do you agree that we need to increase our munitions production capacity?\n\nGeneral Brown: I do. And one of the areas I would highlight is for all the services in this year's budget submission, we asked for multi-year procurement. And that multi-year procurement was designed to help increase our stocks, but it also\u2014what it does for us is help provide predictability to the Defense Industrial Base, to their supply chains, and to their workforce.\n\nSenator Fischer: Yes, this committee has led Congress in giving more tools to the department to address these shortages. And that includes providing multi-year procurement authority, modifying older and unnecessary contracting requirements so that we can get contracting officers to move faster. We need them to move faster. I understand the department is reviewing its total munitions requirements amid the worsening geopolitical environment. As new stockpile levels are determined, particularly for precision guided munitions, will you work with this committee to identify any emerging gaps in our stockpiles?\n\nGeneral Brown: Yes, I will.\n\nSenator Fischer: Thank you. Do you believe the tools that we have given the department, those contracts multi-year, is that going to continue to help you meet those requirements as well?\n\nGeneral Brown: Senator, I think it will. And one of the areas, as we work through the contracting aspect, is how we incentivize our contractors, contracting officers, and how we build those contracts to make sure they're moving in the right direction to change the culture of how we've done things in the past.\n\nSenator Fischer: Right. To be clear, I think there's much more that can be done in Fiscal Year 2024 to address the munitions production challenges than what was in the President's budget request. For example, for $67 million, the Army could expand the capacity of the GMLRS from 120 per year to 1,000 per year by 2025. This is a key, long-range fires line that could be relevant in multiple theaters. And I'm frequently asked what can we do to help Taiwan help themselves more. Well, for around 70 million more dollars, we could expand the Harpoon production capacity such that we accelerate the final deliveries to Taiwan from 2029 to 2027. And that 2027 is an important date that we hear from Xi himself as a goal that he hopes to reach to be able to invade Taiwan. But it's not in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget request. We could have 150 million more dollars that buys us another Patriot launcher battery this year alone. These are some of the examples of what we could be doing, and I would say what we should be doing. But we aren't doing it because of budget constraints. They've all been confirmed by industry and by the department that it can happen, and I hope that you will be an advocate to be able to help us push for what we need to address threats that we face as a country and as a world, in any emergency spending package or supplemental that comes up. Would you be willing to put yourself forward? We talk about this all the time, you and I. I always say if the American people hear about the threats that we have, we will see tremendous support for our military and for the needs that we have to be met, for the resources that we must have to defend this country.\n\nGeneral Brown: Senator, I will definitely work with you, be very candid about the threat, and then also be willing to make the tough calls if confirmed as the chairman.\n\nSenator Fischer: Thank you, sir.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=0EE2CAC7-F62C-4628-A739-6A23D89BA8F5", "Fischer, Colleagues Demand Answers on Chinese Intel Centers Inside U.S.", "2023-07-10", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined nine of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding answers regarding reports of Chinese intelligence outposts operating inside the United States, including Nebraska. The letter was led by U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.).\n\n\u201cWe write to express our grave concerns regarding reports of \u2018Overseas Chinese Service Centers\u2019 (OCSCs) operated by an intelligence service of the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) in conjunction with the PRC\u2019s national police force,\u201d the Senators wrote.\n\n\u201cThe ongoing discovery of additional OCSCs raises the question of whether DOJ\u2019s response sufficiently addresses the threat, particularly because OCSCs have openly operated for several years and their activities have been reportedly documented in Chinese state media and social media posts. The DOJ must ensure that our adversaries such as the CCP are not operating intelligence operations or engaging in repression on U.S. soil,\u201d the Senators continued.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Budd, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Mitt Romney (R-Utah).\n\nRead the full letter here or below.\n\nWe write to express our grave concerns regarding reports of \u201cOverseas Chinese Service Centers\u201d (OCSCs) operated by an intelligence service of the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) in conjunction with the PRC\u2019s national police force. One such OCSC is reportedly housed at the Carolinas Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the other centers are collocated with nonprofits in San Francisco, California; Houston, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; St. Paul, Minnesota; Salt Lake City, Utah; and St. Louis, Missouri. These seven OCSCs have reportedly been openly operating for several years and were established throughout the U.S. during this past decade; for example, the Charlotte OCSC was first announced in 2017.\n\nAccording to this report, OCSCs are run by the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s (CCP) United Front Work Department (UFWD), which the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has identified as a \u201cChinese intelligence service\u201d in its annual report to Congress. Further, the report states that U.S.-based OCSC representatives met with officials of the PRC\u2019s national police force, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), on a trip to China to discuss the use of technology to conduct \u201ccross-border remote justice services\u201d overseas. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has warned that MPS conducts covert \u201cintelligence and national security operations far beyond China\u2019s borders,\u201d including \u201cillicit, transnational repression schemes\u201d on U.S. soil.\n\nFurther, the ongoing discovery of additional OCSCs raises the question of whether DOJ\u2019s response sufficiently addresses the threat, particularly because OCSCs have openly operated for several years and their activities have been reportedly documented in Chinese state media and social media posts. The DOJ must ensure that our adversaries such as the CCP are not operating intelligence operations or engaging in repression on U.S. soil.\n\nDue to the serious nature of this issue, we request that DOJ brief the undersigned Senators or their staff, and to respond to the following questions by July 31, 2023:\n\nDoes DOJ assess that any of the seven aforementioned OCSCs is engaging in any illegal activity? If so, please describe this illegal activity.\n\nWhat action, investigative or otherwise, is DOJ taking in relation to the seven aforementioned OCSCs?\n\nIs DOJ aware of additional OCSCs or similar PRC facilities operating in the U.S. that have not been previously acknowledged by DOJ? If so, please identify and describe them.\n\nWhat actions will DOJ undertake to ensure that it has identified every OCSC or similar PRC facility in the U.S.?\n\nWhat actions will DOJ take to ensure that the PRC does not establish additional OCSCs or similar facilities in the U.S.?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:25:20Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=50C301EA-1B98-480C-A5BB-24AA7B0A888E", "Fischer Statement on SCOTUS Ruling in Biden v. Nebraska", "2023-06-30", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, NEB. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court released its ruling in Biden v. Nebraska. The decision overturned President Biden\u2019s student loan cancelation scheme, which would transfer up to $20,000 in student loan debt per borrower onto taxpayers, costing an estimated $400 billion.\n\n\u201cToday, the Supreme Court delivered a victory for common sense. The millions of hard-working Americans who paid their debts or did not go to college shouldn\u2019t be forced to bear the burden of others\u2019 debt.\n\n\u201cFrom the beginning, I\u2019ve said President Biden didn\u2019t have the legal authority to pursue such a reckless loan transfer. I commend Nebraska Attorney General Hilgers for spearheading this effort and protecting Nebraskans from a deeply unfair proposal.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time the administration work with Congress on policies that address the root causes of high tuition and provide the public with better access to more educational opportunities.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=65455044-B2FA-405F-A556-848947C83D65", "Fischer, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act", "2023-06-27", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "LINCOLN, NEB. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) recently co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize the program and raise the authorized funding level.\n\nThe registry, which was enacted in 2018 and officially went online earlier this year, is the largest effort undertaken to understand the risk of cancer among U.S. firefighters. The original legislation directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a database of firefighters diagnosed with cancer and to study the relationship between career-long exposure to dangerous fumes and toxins and the incidence of cancer in firefighters. The registry can be used to develop better protective gear and prevention techniques. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) led the introduction of the legislation.\n\n\u201cOur firefighters always have our backs when we need them the most. We need to do our part here in Congress to continue supporting them. Reauthorizing the Firefighter Cancer Registry will further shine a light on solutions to protect first responders from the risk of cancer,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nIn 2019, Senator Fischer joined a bipartisan letter requesting $2.5 million to fully fund the Firefighter Cancer Registry.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act will reauthorize the program for an additional five years and increase the annual authorization level to $5.5 million, in line with the program\u2019s current appropriation. The additional funding level will support critical cybersecurity and encryption measures to protect sensitive personal data, as well as help expand enrollment and outreach efforts. This extension and funding increase will allow the CDC to be able to continue to collect the data necessary to study the occupational risks of firefighters.\n\nIn addition to Senators Fischer and Menendez, the legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Marco Rubio (R-Fla), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).\n\nSpecifically, the Firefighter Cancer Registry:\n\nStores and consolidates epidemiological information submitted by health care professionals related to cancer incidence among firefighters.\n\nMakes de-identified data available to public health researchers to provide them with robust and comprehensive datasets to expand groundbreaking research.\n\nImproves our understanding of cancer incidences and contributes to the development of more sophisticated safety protocols and safeguards as more data is collected.\n\nRequires administrators to consult regularly with epidemiologists, public health experts, clinicians, and firefighters in order to ensure the effectiveness of the registry.\n\nThe National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Congressional Fire Services Institute, First Responder Center of Excellence, the International Association of Firefighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs support this legislation.\n\nClick here for the full text of the legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=75D82A6B-4F6B-4597-86EC-F2539C668DAB", "Fischer Announces $405 Million in Broadband Funding for Nebraska", "2023-06-26", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Funding Made Possible by 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law\n\nLINCOLN, NEB. \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, today announced that Nebraska will receive $405,281,070 in broadband funding through the BEAD program within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The funding for this program was made possible by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, which Senator Fischer supported.\n\n\u201cFor far too long, our state has lacked the broadband infrastructure communities need to unlock new economic opportunities and access critical services. This once-in-a-generation investment will do much to close the digital divide and provide more Nebraskans with the connectivity they deserve. I am pleased to see my work on the infrastructure law continue to deliver real results for our great state,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nBackground:\n\nSen. Fischer has been a steadfast advocate of increasing broadband access. This includes introducing legislation to improve broadband mapping to benefit unserved, rural areas. Her Broadband Funding Map amendment, which was part of the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, has ensured better coordination between federal agencies on broadband programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 142, "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": "Senate", "p1": "NE", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 142, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2023&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 142, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NE&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "NE", "label": "NE", "count": 142, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 142, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-06-26,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Efischer~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fnews~3FID~3D75D82A6B-4F6B-4597-86EC-F2539C668DAB", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2023&_next=2023-06-26%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Efischer~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fnews~3FID~3D75D82A6B-4F6B-4597-86EC-F2539C668DAB&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 149.48133891448379, "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"}