{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"NE\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=580", "BACON VOTES IN FAVOR OF NDAA", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. -Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) released the following statement after voting in favor of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act:\n\n\"Last night I voted in favor of the Defense Bill that gives us the best deterrence capabilities against China and Russia, and invests in cyber, stealth, and a strong Navy. My measure that initiates making UNMC a national hub for pandemic readiness is also in the bill. Peace through strength is a conservative value and this bill delivers it.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E4D94CDE-5BA2-4301-9F9D-12749A564817", "Sasse Statement on New York Religious Liberty Win", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit struck down Governor Cuomo's discriminatory restrictions on religious gatherings, delivering a key win for the First Amendment.\nThe First Amendment is what America is all about, and that means heavy-handed politicians can't act like religious liberty is theirs to bestow or to withhold. Governor Cuomo's intentional targeting of religious New Yorkers has been slapped down in court, again. The Judicial branch is screaming from the rooftops: a pandemic doesn't rewrite the Constitution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/rural-radio-fortenberry-usda-ag-research-facility-unl-and-covid-relief", "Rural Radio: Fortenberry on USDA Ag Research Facility at UNL and COVID Relief", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rural Radio: Fortenberry on USDA Ag Research Facility at UNL and COVID Relief", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-merry-christmas", "Fort Report: Merry Christmas", "2020-12-25", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Please sign up here to receive my email newsletter or periodic text updates.You may cancel or unsubscribe at any time.\n*  marks required fields of data.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=579", "REP. BACON CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2020", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Omaha, Neb. \u2013 Today, Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement in observance of Christmas Day:\n\n\u201cMerry Christmas! It is true what they say\u2014it\u2019s the most wonderful time of the year! Time to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones. However, this year will look different than most. The coronavirus has turned our nation upside down, and along the way, we\u2019ve lost many friends and family, and my heart hurts for those who have suffered. On top of that, we\u2019ve not been able to go visit some in our families, and many are lonely.\n\n\u201cThat is why, this year, it is my hope that we keep the faith to move forward through these times of distress, and to remember the true meaning and gift of Christmas.\n\n\u201cOne of my favorite things about the holiday season is seeing how excited children get; especially on Christmas morning. They just can\u2019t wait to open the many presents under the tree. I remember one early Christmas morning around 6:00 a.m., while Angie and I tried to sleep peacefully, I heard my children wide awake, tearing into the wrapping paper a few rooms away. They told us they just couldn\u2019t wait any longer!\n\n\u201cOf course, I was no different at their age. I remember peeking through the stairwell as my mom wrapped presents until the early morning hours. I miss those Christmases 50 years ago when we would open presents in the morning, then one set of grandparents would visit and we\u2019d open more presents, and then we would go to our other grandparents\u2019 house and open even more.\n\n\u201cLike many families, we also enjoyed our classic Christmas dinner where the warm side dishes, ham, and turkey scents filled the entire house. Even today, Angie and I, grandparents to six little ones, enjoy cooking the big feast, just like my parents did. I will cherish these memories forever.\n\n\u201cThis year, however, will not be like the rest. There may not be a large crowd gathered, many presents under the tree, or a large feast prepared, but there will be the Christmas spirit and lots of love.\n\n\u201cWith all of the celebrations, it is easy to forget that the true gift of Christmas was not purchased from a store. It was a person. God loves us so much that He sent His son Jesus Christ to be the best gift we could ever receive. He was love and life all in one. Despite the trials, tribulations, and journey to Bethlehem nearly 2,000 years ago, Mary and Joseph were a on quest to bring Salvation to this world, and that is what we honor on Christmas. My favorite Christmas carol is \u201cO Holy Night\u201d and I love the special words, \u201cThe King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friend.\u201d\n\n\u201cSo, whether you\u2019re gathering with a small, intimate group, or meeting virtually, it is my hope that you create new memories of smiles and excitement for years to come.\n\n\u201cAs always, I wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and faith-filled Christmas. May God Bless you all.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=089F70A5-1159-4425-A673-412675E4F0CF", "Sasse Statement on Latest Round of Trump Pardons", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse released the following statement after President Trump exercised his constitutional power to issue pardons to another tranche of felons like Manafort and Stone who flagrantly and repeatedly violated the law and harmed Americans.\nThis is rotten to the core.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/time-rededication", "A Time of Rededication", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At Christmas each year, I like to share a portion of a Christmas speech from President Reagan - I would like to think the hope he shared 40 years ago matches the hope we can have as we enter 2021. After a year of unprecedented challenges, it can be difficult to look for the bright side of things. It is important to remember, although the COVID pandemic is unprecedented, we have been in difficult times before.\nIn 1981, President Reagan took office amidst high inflation, an energy crisis, low confidence, and a recession. At his Christmas address, President Reagan did not shy away from the issues America was facing. He spoke about other difficult times in our history and reminded us that we have always persevered. Finally, he asked us to remember our dedication to Christ and the miracle of Christmas.\nKnown to history as the Great Communicator, President Reagan had a special gift of speaking to Americans. Today, we can take the lessons he taught us about finding Christ, especially during difficult times, apply them to our fight against COVID, and get through this together.\nPresident Ronald Reagan\nRadio Address to the Nation\nDecember 23, 1981\nAt Christmas time, every home takes on a special beauty, a special warmth, and that's certainly true of the White House, where so many famous Americans have spent their Christmases over the years. This fine old home, the people's house, has seen so much, been so much a part of all our lives and history. It's been humbling and inspiring for Nancy and me to be spending our first Christmas in this place.\nWe've lived here as your tenants for almost a year now, and what a year it's been. As a people we've been through quite a lot -- moments of joy, of tragedy, and of real achievement -- moments that I believe have brought us all closer together. G. K. Chesterton once said that the world would never starve for wonders, but only for the want of wonder.\nAt this special time of year, we all renew our sense of wonder in recalling the story of the first Christmas in Bethlehem, nearly 2,000 year ago.\nSome celebrate Christmas as the birthday of a great and good philosopher and teacher. Others of us believe in the divinity of the child born in Bethlehem, that he was and is the promised Prince of Peace. Yes, we've questioned why he who could perform miracles chose to come among us as a helpless babe, but maybe that was his first miracle, his first great lesson that we should learn to care for one another.\nTonight, in millions of American homes, the glow of the Christmas tree is a reflection of the love Jesus taught us. Like the shepherds and wise men of that first Christmas, we Americans have always tried to follow a higher light, a star, if you will. At lonely campfire vigils along the frontier, in the darkest days of the Great Depression, through war and peace, the twin beacons of faith and freedom have brightened the American sky. At times our footsteps may have faltered, but trusting in God's help, we've never lost our way.\nJust across the way from the White House stand the two great emblems of the holiday season: a Menorah, symbolizing the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, and the National Christmas Tree, a beautiful towering blue spruce from Pennsylvania. Like the National Christmas Tree, our country is a living, growing thing planted in rich American soil. Only our devoted care can bring it to full flower. So, let this holiday season be for us a time of rededication.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/nebraska-today-fortenberry-achieves-11m-funding-usda-agriculture-research-facility", "Nebraska Today: Fortenberry achieves $11M in funding for USDA agriculture research facility at Nebraska", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, was successful in achieving $11.2 million in federal funding for the planning and design of aUSDAAgricultural Research Servicefacility.\nThe funding is included in the federal 2021 omnibus appropriations bill, which was approved by Congress yesterday. Fortenberry said the University of NebraskaLincoln will be the site of thefacility.\nCongressman Fortenberry has been a tremendous supporter of moving agriculture into the 21st century and continuing America's role as both the leading innovator and food producer in the world. He's also been an incredible supporter of the ground-breaking work being done at our university, Chancellor Ronnie Green said. This project wouldn't have happened without his hard work and diligence in obtaining funding. It's an incredible opportunity for partnership betweenUNLand theUSDA, fueling the future of agriculture and foodproduction.\nAs the ranking member on ag appropriations, and through tough negotiations, I am very pleased that a newUSDAbuilding forARSis slated for the Nebraska Innovation Campus atUNL, Fortenberry said. With this new funding,USDAwill expand its strategic research investments in areas such as agricultural innovation and precision agriculture. This effort aligns the needs of our country and the university's agricultural researchmission.\nNebraska is the nation's third-largest ag economy, with agricultural production contributing more than $21 billion annually. Nebraska is known for the scale and diversity of its crop and livestock commodities, as well as for the abundance of its natural resources. The university is consistently ranked among the top agricultural colleges in the United States, with respected, established research programs in food, agriculture, climate, water and natural resourcesciences.\nNebraska is the epicenter of agriculture in the United States, said Mike Boehm, vice president and vice chancellor for agriculture and natural resources at Nebraska. News of this facility is a bold step to ensure American agriculture remains the leader in feeding and fueling a growing world in a sustainableway.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/norfolk-daily-news-fortenberry-credits-norfolk-doctor-his-work-covid-vaccine", "Norfolk Daily News: Fortenberry Credits Norfolk Doctor for His Work on COVID Vaccine Development", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It was encouraging recently to see Congressman Jeff Fortenberry credit a Norfolk doctor for his work in helping to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. It was through the efforts of many people that the vaccine was developed, but Norfolkans should be proud of the hometown connection.\n\n\n\tFortenberry noted that part of the supplemental COVID funding in Congress included $20 billion for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to stimulate investment in vaccine development. Under Operation Warp Speed, over $2.5 billion was directed to Moderna for research, testing, and to purchase over 100 hundred million doses of its vaccine. Robust federal support was also provided to eight other drug companies with vaccines in efficacy trials and 30 others in the early phases of human studies.\n\n\n\tFortenberry wrote in part, Dr. Keith Vrbicky, a Norfolk doctor, has been working on two vaccine trials right here in Nebraska.The new science of this vaccine appears to be highly effective and safe, Vrbicky said. I had two patients who were pregnant at 18 and 26 weeks, respectively, who each became very sick from the virus. They were very healthy women, yet they were in the hospital. We still don't know what the long-term effects may be for their babies. Finding a vaccine is important. That's why I agreed to help do the research right here in Norfolk. In the Moderna trial, we randomized 300 patients 50-50 to a placebo or vaccine group. For the Pfizer trial, we did the same thing with 200 patients. We required weekly diaries and blood draws  some had a sore arm or a nighttime fever. These were among the worst side effects we saw. Not a single patient said they wished they had not entered the trial.\n\n\n\tBoth vaccines were successful in stimulating antibodies for COVID at very high levels. Also, patients in the placebo arm were much more likely to be later diagnosed with COVID than those who got the vaccine.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/taking-advantage-technology-2020", "Taking Advantage of Technology in 2020", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over the past two weeks, I have met via video conference with winners of the Third District Excellence in Innovation and Adaptation Recognition (EIAR), as well as the Third District's winner in this year's Congressional App Challenge. While I prefer meeting with Nebraskans in person, being able to recognize Nebraskans who innovated in the face of a pandemic while using technology seemed entirely appropriate.\nI rarely used video conferencing to host meetings before the pandemic. However, after being invited to participate in an online forum with the Kearney Chamber of Commerce in April, I decided to start hosting my own virtual outreach to provide timely COVID relief information to individuals and businesses in the Third District. Video technology was useful for hospitals and healthcare workers to talk about the CARES Act's provider relief funding, for banks and small businesses to ask questions about programs like the Payroll Protection Program, and for producers to learn about assistance from USDA.\nThis technology has allowed me to meet with Nebraskans throughout the district in the same way. In a typical year, I meet daily with constituents who are visiting Washington, D.C., whether they are in town with groups such as the Nebraska Farm Bureau or visiting as tourists. This year, I was able to connect with many of these groups via video, and discuss the important issues facing Nebraskans. One of my favorite parts of my job is meeting with students in the classroom. It was interesting to logon with student groups and see how they were utilizing online learning.\nI have found video meetings could be helpful in connecting Nebraskans with federal officials who may not typically find the time to get out to rural areas like the Third District on a regular basis. This benefit was on display when we were able to speak with United States Trade Representative Ag Negotiator Gregg Doud and USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce as part my online Agriculture Summit this summer, and when Ted McKinney, the USDA Under Secretary for Trade joined my small business webinar series in November. We were able to discuss many crucial topics, and technology made it possible.\nAlthough 2020 did not go the way many of us were expecting, Nebraskans always make the best of things. Positive developments like the rollout of multiple vaccines, which have been proven safe and effective through rigorous examination by the Food and Drug Administration, have me looking forward to seeing more Nebraskans in person again in 2021. However, I hope to continue taking advantage of online meeting technology, in addition to resuming in person meetings, to be even more accessible to Nebraskans in the future. I will also continue working to ensure better, faster access to broadband across rural Nebraska to ensure even more Nebraskans are able to connect in this way in the future. As we head into the new year, let's take the lessons learned of the past year, and move forward together.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/1011-news-fortenberry-speaks-house-passage-covid-relief-bill", "1011 News: Fortenberry Speaks on House Passage of COVID Relief Bill", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "1011 News: Fortenberry Speaks on House Passage of COVID Relief Bill", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=4D7CFB77-893D-44B2-B0C8-A8BB479B54B9", "Senate Passes COVID Relief Package with Fischer\u2019s Support", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed a package including additional COVID reliefand annual government funding:\r\nThis legislation will bring some relief to families and people who have been hit hard by this virus. It will send help to our schools, hospitals, and small businesses. It includes provisions I fought for, including an increase in assistance for people who are food insecure, relief for agriculture, and support for our local airports through this tough time.\r\nIn March, Congress was able to work to quickly pass critical pandemic relief. While it took too long to respond and provide this latest assistance, it is important we were finally able to pass this bill. It proves we can still work together for the American people.\r\nMore information:\r\nThe relief package includes some of Senator Fischer's key priorities and pieces of legislation, including:\r\n \r\nA temporary 15% increase in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help struggling families afford food after Senator Fischer called for its inclusion\r\n$13 billion for ag producers, including cow/calf producers and feeders who faced reduced prices as well pork producers who were forced to depopulate their herds during the pandemic. Biofuels producers are also eligible for payments\r\nThe AIR Act, which will provide Nebraska airports with greater certainty as they plan for future infrastructure products\r\nThe PIPES Act, which will reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) pipeline safety programs, ensure states have the resources they need for pipeline safety, examine new safety technology, and reform and update regulations\r\nA five-year extension of the paid family leave tax credit, the U.S.'s first ever nationwide paid family leave policy\r\n\r\nThis extension means businesses will be able to take advantage of this program and offer paid family leave to their employees who are caring for their families while juggling workplace responsibilities.\r\n\r\nTheAmerican COMPETE Act, which will advance American competitiveness in emerging next-gen technologies\r\nTheRailroad Employee Equality and Fairness (REEF) Act, which helps railroaders during the pandemic who have lost their jobs or missed work with an illness receive the unemployment and sickness benefits they deserve.\r\n$15 million to speed implementation of the medical surge capacity Senator Fischer introduced in the defense authorization bill, enhancing civilian-military partnerships to improve federal pandemic response and offering universities like UNMC the chance to participate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=7F4E7439-E758-4713-A048-24BB104B5F33", "Senator Fischer Pitches Offutt as SPACECOM Headquarters", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, helped present a final pitch for Offutt Air Force Base to serve as the location for U.S. SPACECOM's headquarters.\r\nI was proud to join Team Nebraska in making the case to Air Force leadership that Offutt should serve as the new home for Space Command. The patriotic men and women of Offutt as well as its strong support from the surrounding community make it an excellent candidate for such a critical mission,said Senator Fischer.\r\nLast month, Offutt Air Force Base was named as one of six finalists to host SPACECOM's headquarters. Senator Fischer was joined in today's pitch by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, University of Nebraska President Ted Carter, 55th Wing Commander Col. Gavin P. Marks, Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike, and Omaha Public Power District President & CEO Timothy J. Burke.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F5E2F7E5-6151-4A50-BCB9-B0E11C942B29", "Senator Fischer\u2019s AIR Act Passes Congress, Providing Relief for NE Airports", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement after her bipartisan AIR Act was included in COVID relief passed by Congress yesterday. The AIR Act will provide airports with greater certainty in planning future infrastructure projects:\r\nThe outbreak of COVID-19 led to significantly fewer flights out of many Nebraska airports, which put them at risk of receiving far less federal infrastructure formula funding. As such, I am pleased that my AIR Act was included in the COVID relief package that recently passed Congress. It will provide Nebraska airports with the certainty they need to plan for future projects,said Senator Fischer.\r\nAs airports in Nebraska continue to deal with the significant negative impact on aviation from the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill, including provisions from the AIR Act introduced by Senator Fischer, provides important stability for critical federal funding and welcome relief for airports, including Eppley Airfield, during this period of continued uncertainty,said Dave Roth, Executive Director of the Omaha Airport Authority which oversees Eppley Airfield (OMA).\r\nThis legislation is vital to small airports across the county who depend on the million dollar AIP appropriation from the FAA. This money allows Western Nebraska Regional Airport to continue to keep up with all the safety requirements required by the FAA for commercial service airports. Without this money, airports like WNRA would not be able to continue the high level of safety that is key to the nationwide air transportation network. Congratulations, Senator Fischer, on getting this legislation passed and thank you so much for all you do for WNRA and all the other airports in Nebraska. We could not keep our current levels of service without all your efforts,said Raul Aguallo, Director of the Western Nebraska Regional Airport in Scottsbluff.\r\nThe City of Kearney, similar to may airports has seen reduced passenger traffic and revenue related to the Covid pandemic and this important legislation provides much needed financial assistance moving forward to ensure airports are prepared for future increased passenger demand,said Michael Morgan, City Manager of Kearney.\r\nAirports continue to struggle as the Covid 19 virus persists. Protecting our future Federal funding despite our historic low passenger levels is paramount. Senator Fischer's leadership in protecting future capital investments for Nebraska's airports is very well received at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport. Her proposed Airport Infrastructure Readiness Act of 2020' was included in the stimulus plan approved by congress last night. We appreciate her leadership in protecting future federal grants for airports in Nebraska,said Michael Olson, Executive Director of the Hall County Airport Authority in Grand Island.\r\nLike so many businesses impacted by unprecedented declines in both demand and revenue as a result of COVID 19, the Lincoln Airport continues to look for ways to serve the needs of our patrons and community while simultaneously seeking to provide employment security for our team. I sincerely appreciate Sen. Fischer's efforts in helping to represent airports and the larger aviation community through the provision of vital revenue stability aimed at protecting both jobs and critical infrastructure,said from David Haring, Executive Director of the Lincoln Airport Authority.\r\nMore information:\r\nThe Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides funding to airports for projects related to aircraft operations, such as runways, taxiways, and project planning. AIP funding for primary airports is based on the total number of enplanements (also known as boardings) at the airport.\r\nThe AIR Act will require FAA to calculate AIP funding for FY 2022 and FY 2023 based on either 2018 or 2019 enplanement numbers, rather than 2020 and 2021 enplanement numbers which are expected to be significantly lower because of COVID-19.This will provide stability to primary airports in Nebraska regarding what they can expect for AIP funding over the next couple of years as they plan projects.The AIR Act also waives the benefit cost analysis for airports with contract towers, like the Central Nebraska Regional Airport, for FY 2020 and FY 2021.\r\nThe full text is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=575", "RELIEF COMING TO AMERICANS AS PART OF PACKAGE NEGOTIATED BY BACON AND PROBLEM SOLVERS", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and the Problem Solvers Caucus led the way in providing relief to Americans who are hurting because of COVID. The Bipartisan Emergency COVID relief Act of 2020 consists of $892billion of emergency assistance for American families, workers, and small businesses and uses $560billion in previously unspent CARES Act money.\n\nRepublicans stayed united and focused on targeted relief to small businesses, making Operation Warp Speed vaccines available, and reopening school and the economy and this package delivers on those goals. The final package does not include bailouts for states who were in financial trouble before COVID, checks for illegal immigrants, and federal prisoner release.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to be a part of the Problem Solvers Caucus that broke the logjam on this COVID supplemental,\u201d said Rep. Bacon. \u201cOur mission is to break the gridlock and we succeeded here, and Americans are better off for the efforts. The bill we voted on today was initiated by the Problem Solvers over a month ago.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere is real relief in the package, and I am especially pleased that our live entertainment venues will be able to receive assistance as they have been significantly hurt by lockdowns and other restrictions,\u201d added Rep. Bacon. \u201cI advocated for Omaha entertainment venue operators and am pleased to deliver these results.\u201d\n\nIn addition to the $15 billion for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums, other highlights include:\n\nCOVID Relief:\n\nExtends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and adds deductibility for PPP expenses; gives businesses experiencing severe revenue reductions an opportunity to apply for a second draw PPP loan, includes 501(c)(6) organizations, and codifies federal rules that ensure churches and faith-based organizations are eligible for PPP loans\n\nReopening America through the allocation of $20 billion for purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it; $8 billion for vaccine distribution; $20 billion to assist states with testing; $20 billion distribution from an existing provider relief fund\n\nEnds CARES Act emergency powers for the Federal Reserve rescinds $429 billion in unused funds provided by the CARES Act for the Federal Reserve\u2019s emergency lending facilities and terminates these facilities to ensure that Democrats cannot use these funds to bail out poorly managed blue states\n\nStimulus checks -- $600 for both adults and dependents with safeguards to prohibit illegal aliens from receiving payment\n\nProvide unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks from December 26, 2020-March 14, 2021and extends and phases-out PUA, which is a temporary federal program covering self-employed and gig workers, to March 14 (after which no new applicants) through April 5, 2021\n\n$10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen\n\n$82 billion in funding for schools and universities to assist with reopening for in-person learning that also includes $2.75 billion in designated funds for private K through 12 education\n\n$25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic and extends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021\n\n$45 billion for airlines, highways, transit, airports, Amtrak, intercity buses transportation\n\nIncreases SNAP benefits by 15% for six months but does not expand eligibility\n\n$13 billion to support our farmers and the agriculture sector.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/net-news-fortenberry-covid-relief", "NET News: Fortenberry on COVID Relief", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NET News: Fortenberry on COVID Relief", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-passage-2020-budget-and-covid-relief-package", "Fortenberry Statement on Passage of 2020 Budget and COVID Relief Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, DC) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1) made the following statement on the approval tonight by the U.S. House of Representatives of a roughly $1.4 trillion omnibus appropriations bill to fund the government through September 2021 and $900 billion in COVID relief.   The House bill advances national security, food security, environmental security, and health care security for Nebraska, America, and the world. A key component of the bill is a responsible COVID relief package for individuals, families, and small business. While we have made great progress in fighting through the pandemic, with large-scale vaccine distribution already in progress, many Americans are still hurting badly, necessitating additional federal support, Fortenberry said  Qualified persons will receive a $600 payment. Persons suffering unemployment will receive $300 in extra payments. And we continue funding the hugely successful Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP has been a lifeline for small business, saving over 300,000 jobs in Nebraska. We lead the nation in per capita PPP loans approved, Fortenberry added.  The omnibus appropriations bill and COVID relief package are expected to be quickly approved by the Senate, and then signed into law by the President, Fortenberry said.\n\nCongressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=9D8CDF43-AB21-45A3-AABF-1633FCD4AA6E", "Bipartisan BUILD Act Passes Senate", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill Would Help Ensure Non-profits, Habitat for Humanity  Can Build Homes for People in Need\r\n  WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) released the following statements after the Building up Independent Lives and Dreams (BUILD) Act passed the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would allow nonprofits to once again use forms that are less complex when they are issuing 0% interest loans. This will help ensure the organizations can continue to make these loans to borrowers.\r\nEvery family deserves a place to call home, and non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity provide a vital service helping toensurethat happens. Unfortunately, complicated mortgage loan forms have made doing so more difficult. The BUILD Actwillenablegroups like Habitat for Humanity to help even more Americans in need,said Senator Fischer.\r\nHabitat for Humanity and other nonprofit organizations offer help when the need is dire and families are struggling to put a roof over their heads  especially in tough times like these. The BUILD Act will ensure groups like Habitat for Humanity are not constricted by overly burdensome regulations, so they can get help where it's needed, fast. I'm glad to see the Senate pass our bipartisan legislation, and I hope the House will take action at once so these nonprofits are able to continue providing a vital service to families across Maryland and our country,said Senator Van Hollen.\r\nWe are grateful for Senator Fischer for leading the way on the BUILD Act. She is a true partner to Habitat for Humanity. Senator Fischer's work has removed government barriers that aren't applicable to non-profit organizations that provide loans to families who don't fit into a traditional lending model,said Amanda Brewer, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha CEO.\r\nMore information on the BUILD Act:\r\nRules require all mortgage lenders who make five or more loans per year to fill out complex and expensive disclosure forms designed to protect consumers. These forms replaced simpler ones that had existed for years.\r\nHabitat for Humanity (Habitat) issues 0% interest mortgages to its clients, who are often the families receiving Habitat homes. The goal of these loans is not just cost savings, it is to help families build credit and learn financial responsibility. Because the new forms are longer, more complicated, and expensive to complete, most volunteers are not able complete them.\r\nThe BUILD Act would allow nonprofits to use the old forms when issuing 0% interest loans, even if they make more than 5 mortgages. Staff and volunteers are familiar with these forms and they still have the adequate consumer protections needed for non-interest-bearing loans.\r\n\r\nClick hereto read bill text.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A398EEB6-5854-48C6-A9F3-142931CF925F", "Senate Passes Sasse, Van Hollen Bill to Punish Foreign Companies, Individuals for IP Theft", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisanProtecting American Intellectual Property Act, legislation authored by U.S. Senators Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to mandate strong economic penalties on firms and individuals involved in stealing American intellectual property. The Senators' bill requires sanctions on individuals and firms found to engage in, benefit from, or enable the significant and serial theft of U.S. intellectual property.\r\nThis is a big step forward. Senator Van Hollen and I have worked hard to get this passed in the Senate  and we urge the House to act quickly and take up this bipartisan legislation. We can't afford more delay. China's thieves and hackers have been robbing American companies of our intellectual property, and it's time we get serious about using our economic tools  like sanctions  to fight back,said Senator Sasse.\nForeign companies are working overtime to steal U.S. technology, damaging our economy and our national security in the process. The need to fight back could not be more urgent  especially after the series of cyberattacks we have witnessed aimed at the COVID-19 vaccine. The U.S. cannot sit idly by as these companies  and the governments enabling them  cheat their way to success,said Senator Van Hollen.This bill draws a line in the sand  outlining clear consequences these bad actors will face if they steal American innovation and technology. I was proud to work with Senator Sasse on this bipartisan effort, I'm glad to see the Senate act to hold these foreign entities accountable and protect American jobs. I urge the House to take up this bill immediately.\nBackground\nThe Protecting American Intellectual Property Act requires a report to Congress every six months identifying:\r\n \r\nAny individual or firm that has engaged in, benefitted from, or materially assisted the significant theft of U.S. trade secrets, if that theft constitutes a major threat to the national security, foreign policy, economic health or financial stability of the United States; and,\n\r\nThe chief executive officers and board members of the reported firms and whether those individuals have benefitted from the significant theft of U.S. trade secrets.\r\n \r\nSubsequently, the bill requires:  \r\n \r\nFor any firm identified in the report to Congress, the President must impose either property blocking sanctions or prohibit U.S. exports to that firm\r\nFor any individual identified in the report to Congress, the President must impose property blocking sanctions and must prohibit the individual's entry into the United States.\r\n \r\nThe economic penalties imposed terminate if the President certifies to Congress that the individual or firm is no longer engaged in the sanctionable behavior. The legislation also includes a national interest waiver.The text of the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=574", "BACON AND PROBLEM SOLVERS LEAD WAY TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR AMERICANS", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) announced tonight that the House will vote tomorrow on the Bipartisan Emergency COVID relief Act of 2020. It consists of $900 billion of emergency assistance for American families, workers and small businesses.\n\n\u201cI am proud of the work the Problem Solvers Caucus, that I am a part of, did to break the gridlock on the COVID supplemental and bring relief to all Americans. Our group of 50 House and eight Senate members, half Republican and half Democrat, broke the logjam with our $908 billion bipartisan plan introduced earlier this month. It served as the framework for the final plan we will be voting on tomorrow.\u201d\n\nDetails of the legislation will be released tomorrow.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C6C983A8-9D2B-4807-AE6E-E18DBF47C1B8", "Sasse, Merkley Unveil Urgently Needed Legislation to Crack Down on Online Sexual Exploitation", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Videos and photos posted without individuals' consent violate fundamental human rights and ruin lives \r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today introduced theStop Internet Sexual Exploitation Act, groundbreaking legislation that would require all online platforms that host pornography to put in place critical safeguards to protect Americans from sexual exploitation online.\nThe introduction followsdisturbing reportsof how videos and photos are uploaded to websites like Pornhub without the consent of individuals who appear in them haunting and traumatizing victims.\r\n\"Human dignity matters. A decent society has an obligation to fight sexual exploitation and human trafficking,said Sasse.For years, Pornhub and its parent company Mindgeek monetized rape, abuse, and child exploitation. While these suit-wearing traffickers got rich, their victims have lived with the pain and fear. That has to end now. Our bill is aimed squarely at the monsters who profit from rape. Washington ought to be able to come together to combat human trafficking and make this right.\"\n\"The posting of intimate photos and videos without participants' consent is a massive invasion of privacy that drives shame, humiliation, and potentially suicide,\"said Merkley.While some online platforms have recently announced steps to change some practices, much more needs to be done. We must ensure that not another single life of a child, man, or woman is destroyed by these sites.\"\nTheStop Internet Sexual Exploitation Actwould require platforms hosting pornography to verify the identity of users who upload videos, and require a signed consent form from every individual appearing in the video. The legislation would also prohibit video downloads, and would create a private right of action against an uploader who posts a pornographic image without the consent of an individual in the image.\nPlatforms would be required to create an expedited system in which victims can get videos deleted off websites. That system includes required deletion within two hours of a request and a 24-hour hotline on which individuals can make their request. Platforms would also be required to provide a notice on their website with information on how an individual can request the removal of a video, and to use software to block the re-upload of any removed videos.\nThe legislation would direct the Federal Trade Commission to enforce violations, and instruct the Department of Justice to create a database of individuals who have indicated that they do not consent to the posting of videos in which they appear. Platforms would then be required to check the database before new content could be uploaded, and any failure to do so would result in a civil penalty to the platform, with proceeds going toward services for victims.\nA summary of the legislation is availablehere. Full text of the legislation is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-getting-it-done-covid-relief", "FORT REPORT: Getting it Done, COVID Relief", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Please sign up here to receive my email newsletter or periodic text updates.You may cancel or unsubscribe at any time.\n*  marks required fields of data.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/baton-rouge-advocate-lifetime-ago-when-boy-learned-about-segregation", "Baton Rouge Advocate: A lifetime ago, when a boy learned about segregation", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When I was in third grade, I had a friend named Phillip Brown. My birthday party was nearing, and it was common at the time to invite all the boys in the class to a party. I did invite everyone, including Phillip, who was a particularly close friend.\nThe party was at a roller-skating rink in Baton Rouge. As I was opening presents, my father came up to me and whispered in my ear, Jeffrey, is Phillip a Black boy? I said, Yes. Then I didn't think about it anymore.\nOn the following Monday at school, I saw Phillip. I was somewhat hurt because he did not show up at my birthday party. I asked him, Phillip, why didn't you come? He said, I did. They wouldn't let me in.\nI was 8 years old. The year was 1968. It turns out my father had to go outside and awkwardly explain to Phillip's father that this establishment was apparently a disturbing remnant of the old ways. Black children were not allowed in.\nFast forward 50 years. I am now a member of the United States Congress, representing Nebraska. After business concludes each day in Congress, there is a period when representatives from each side of the political aisle take time to speak, with Democrats and Republicans taking turns.\nOne evening, Rep. Al Green, an African American Democrat from Houston, was speaking about Black History Month. Green spoke extensively of his difficult times as a young lawyer facing a segregated courthouse and about important progress on civil rights that had been made in the country, adding there was still a need for more understanding.\nAs I was preparing my thoughts for my own address next  listening closely as Green was wrapping up his speech  I kept thinking about Phillip. The thought occurred to me to ask if the congressman would yield  a courteous way of seeking time to interject something. In this circumstance, it would be unusual, but I couldn't let the thought go. I decided, Yes, this is important, and asked, Will the gentleman yield? A bit startled, Green said, I would be happy to yield to the gentleman.\nI thanked him for his words and told the story of Phillip Brown  but with one new detail: the reaction of my own children when I told them of this event from my childhood. You could see the anguish on their faces. My children were aghast that such a hurtful thing could happen. They said, Daddy, you have to find Phillip.\nIn the meanwhile, Texas Rep. Ted Poe had come onto the floor of the House to get ready for his speech. Poe also asked, Will the gentleman yield? And he began to talk about similar memories of the segregation at the courthouse and his sentiments about the progress made. He said to me, Jeff, you've got to find Phillip.\nUpon a recent visit to Baton Rouge, I decided to go back to Westdale Elementary, where Phillip and I attended. It was all-White school in my time, except, as I recall, for the Brown family. I met the principal, who is an African American woman. It is now a school for children with special talents in which most of the students are African American. She was kind enough to take me on a little tour.\nSome things had been added, like air conditioning, but much was the same. I walked into one of my old classrooms. Memories flooded over me. It even smelled the same! I asked the principal, Will you look in the records? Will you help me find Phillip Brown?\nAfter I wrote this story, my mother told me something else that I never knew about. After the birthday party, Phillip's mother called my mother, in what my mother describes as the most difficult conversation of her life. Phillip had come to the birthday party dressed in a suit and tie, with a book as a gift. It was John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage.\nI still haven't found Phillip Brown. Can you help me find him?\nJeff Fortenberry, of Lincoln, represents Nebraska in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=286B0CC3-BFBE-4A22-853D-38594D6A71FC", "Fischer on Cyber Breach of National Nuclear Security Administration", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, released the following statement today after learning that the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) was affected by a cyberattack:\r\nWASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, released the following statement today after learning that the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) was affected by a cyberattack:\r\nI have great confidence in the safety and security of our nuclear weapons. Nevertheless, I'm troubled by reports that hackers accessed the National Nuclear Security Administration's network.\r\nOur nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of our national security. The NNSA's infrastructure and computer systems play a vital role and must be protected.\r\nThisreportreinforces the need to modernize our nuclear enterprise in orderto ensure it remains safe, secure, and effectivein the face ofevolving threats. As the chairman of the subcommittee that oversees our nuclear forces, I have requested a briefing from the Department of Energy as soon as possible.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=55CCAD65-66F7-4FC0-B1A6-808398576E6D", "Senator Fischer Introduces Bipartisan American COMPETE Act", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), members of the Senate Commerce Committee, today introduced the AmericanCOMPETEAct, which would take steps to advance American global competitiveness in emergent next-generation technologies:\r\nIn order to strengthen our national security and grow our economy, the U.S. must remain a leader in deploying emergent technologies. That means generating research and innovation in areas like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. The American COMPETE Act would help maintain America's competitive edge and ensure we continue to lead in these key technology sectors,said Senator Fischer.\r\nArizona leads the way in developing and deploying innovative technologies supporting the jobs of the future. Our bipartisan bill boosts these technologies while harnessing their abilities to grow the economy and protect seniors from scams,said Senator Sinema.\r\nMore information:\r\nThe American COMPETE Act is a companion to legislation has passed the House of Representatives, which was sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) It would direct the Department of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct studies and submit reports on technologies including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, quantum computing, blockchain, advanced materials, unmanned delivery services, and 3-D printing. The studies include requirements to survey each industry, as well as recommendations to help grow the economy and implement the technology.\r\n\r\nFull text of the legislation is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/fort-floor-national-christmas-tree", "Fort from the Floor: The National Christmas Tree", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Fort from the Floor: The National Christmas Tree", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D8928F7E-62C8-4EFD-94E6-BC7284999B8C", "Sasse Praises Another Win for Religious Liberty", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Courtruledin favor of a Colorado church.\n\"The Supreme Court has smacked down another ham-fisted restriction specifically targeting religious liberty. We've seen this again and again and the answer is the same: a pandemic cannot rewrite the Constitution. The First Amendment is what America is all about and a public health crisis isn't going to undermine religious liberty.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DDEFD0DE-A4DF-4998-AA24-32D0BC6847B7", "Sasse: Chinas Blood Cotton Is An Unmitigated Evil", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"We should state this truth over and over again:Chairman Xi's dictatorship is enslaving more than half a million Uyghurs and they are being forced to pick blood cotton The Chinese Communist Party is convinced that the American people and that the institutions of the United StatesGovernmentwill simply look away.\" \r\n  \r\n\r\nVideo of Senator Sasse's remarks is availablehereor by clicking the image above.\r\n  Tonight on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, condemned the Chinese Communist Party's use of Uyghur slave labor in the cotton industry. More than half a million Muslim Uyghurs are enslaved in Xinjiang and forced to hand-pick blood cotton. Sasse's remarks follow a newreportfrom the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation's Dr. Adrian Zenz. \nA transcript of Senator Sasse's remarks is found below.\r\nMr. President, I rise because in a few minutes I must ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a new report released last night by Adrian Zenz of the Victims of Communism Foundation. Now, it isn't often that we enter into the Congressional Record reports that are really things that we want our constituents to read, but this report is different.\nThis report is a report that every American needs to know about because it makes clear two things.\nFirst, it makes clear that cotton from Xinjiang - which is about 20 percent of all the world's cotton, it's about 85 percent of all the cotton coming out of China, but it's about 20 percent of the global cotton, and it's a lot of the best cotton on the globe - is stained by slave labor.And the second thing that it makes clear is that a lot of this cotton is destined for the United States.\nWe are the ones demanding it and our people are making a market for this blood cotton.\nMr. President, under the guise of Orwellian terms like poverty alleviation, the Chinese Communist Party is for forcibly mobilizing minority labor, the Uyghurs, to replace the majority Han Chinese labor market that has traditionally picked some of the Xinjiang cotton. Very young and very elderly folks are often sent into facilities and everyone in between, everybody who has a body that can move into the fields is being sent into these cotton fields for the months long cotton-picking season.\nNow picking cotton is backbreaking labor and these Uyghurs that are being forced to do this as slaves are under constant surveillance, they're subjected to very long work hours, and they're forced to participate in political indoctrination sessions. Some of today's pickers have also done shifts and turns in CCP internment camps as well.\r\nWe should be very clear about what is happening here. What is happening here is an unmitigated evil.There isn't another interpretation for this slave labor that is producing the Xinjiang blood cotton.\nThis is an unmitigated evil and it is obviously far more comfortable to ignore evil than to confront it head on. And despite our many promises, it is easy to forget the human toil of totalitarianism.It is easier to just look away. And that is of course what the communist leadership in Beijing is counting on. They're counting on the fact that the U.S. citizens and corporate leadership and politicians will just be busy and will say, Well that would just be messy to have to confront so we should just look away. We said we would never forget, but let's just not notice.'\nSo, we should state this truth over and over again.Chairman Xi's dictatorship is enslaving more than half a million Uyghurs and they are being forced to pick blood cotton. That is what this report from the Victims of Communism Foundation last night clearly demonstrates. The Chinese Communist Party is convinced that the American people and that the institutions of the United StatesGovernmentwill simply look away. So, we need to say again and again that Chairman Xi's dictatorship is enslaving more than half a million Uyghurs, they're being forced into slavery in the cotton fields, much of that cotton is destined for U.S. markets, and Chairman Xi and his underlings are counting on the fact that though America raises a light of liberty in our rhetoric they are expecting that we will just look away in practice and in fact in our marketplaces.\r\nWe should not and we cannot give them that victory, Mr. President.\nBeijing's Communist Party does not care about basic human dignity. The genocidal leaders that are running the government in Beijing - and again we need to distinguish every time we talk about topics like this, we need to distinguish between the leadership of the Communist Party in Beijing and the regular 1.4 billion Chinese citizens, many of whom have nothing to do with these evils and wouldn't countenance them if they had the power. But the genocidal leadership of the Communist Party in Beijing is running systematically oppressive slave regimes against Muslims and against other ethnic minorities. Their cruelty is unmatched.They are ripping families apart. They are forcibly separating children from parents, they forcibly separate husbands and wives, they send goons in to rape the wives whose husbands have been sent away hoping that they can impregnate them with other ethnic children to sort of extinguish the Uyghur population in this region. They're brainwashing children. They have weaponized forced abortions and sterilization. They have systematically demolished mosques.\nWhat is happening in Xinjiang is not grey. What is happening in Xinjiang is evil.\nChairman Xi's underlings do not believe that the Uyghurs are human and the racistChinese Communist Party in Beijing believes that these men and women are little better than animals, and that they can be exploited asslaves. In Xinjiang, cotton is king.\nHow does Beijing try to explain this away? Well of course there are a whole bunch of lies that they try to use to cover it up. According to their propaganda, the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities are lazy people and they need help to overcome their laziness. They need to learn about work and they need to be helped out of poverty. These are the sort of the top-line versions of their disgusting lies, but they don't really think that anybody is persuaded by these lies. What they expect is that the money will do the persuading for them. They don't think that these lies are rolled out in a way that is really going to really be compelling to anyone. What they really expect is that they won't pay attention to where high-quality, cheap cotton often comes from and that we'll just look away.\nHere's the painful truth: The global supply chains that have benefited from this blood cotton have gotten some really good cotton at really cheap prices. In 2019 an estimated 70% of Xinjiang's cotton was picked by hand, making it some of the highest quality cotton in the world. Some of the most desirable cotton at any marketplace and its incredibly cheap because it's picked by salve labor. Xinjiang produces about 85% of China's cotton and about 20% of the world's cotton.It is impossible to separate blood cotton from the small minority that is not picked in these slave fields\nAnd here's what it means in America and around the world: it means that we are living in a sea ofhypocrisy, because we have a whole bunch of U.S. companies that celebrateindividuality, individualism, make some unbelievably good commercials, and talk about the expansion of human potential, at the same time being cosponsors of slave fields. That's what we're talking about here, and we can't and we shouldn't simply look away.\nThe extensiveness of the CCP's forced labor programs are such thatmany U.S. companies -- including at least 82 identifiable global brands -- have benefitted from the Xinjiang, slave-cotton labor. Gap and Nike are two of the companies that are most obviously singled out, and the CCP has helped them cut their costs and expand their market access. In exchange, what they ask for is a really polite see-no-evil policy. The commercials that are aired in the primetime in major sporting events of the U.S. are aired by companies that at the same time say, Please don't ask us about our supply chains. We don't want to have to give any account for that. These companies spend billions of dollars running ad campaigns touting values like self-determination, and yet they are quietly importing communist values, particularly about the lack of human dignity. We don't want those values imported into the United States. We don't want to look away. We don't want to be people who say, Never again and never forget. And then to just casually say, I'm never going to notice. We don't want to be those people.\nToday, I've written letters to both Gap and Nike asking them to help. Asking them to please help make transparent to the American people what they know about their supply chains and how we should clean them up. We need to tackle the problem of this blood cotton fromXinjiang, and we need to give the American public, the American consumer, a transparent look into what these supply chains look like, where they come from, and how much blood they are tainted with.\r\nIn the coming weeks, I and others will be reaching out to more companies than Gap and Nike, but those are the two letters I sent today. Americans in government and business, and even Americans as we go to the store with our wallets, and we as consumers in the retail marketplace, we need to be aware of what's happening. We need to be a people that believe in defending human rights.\nThe unjust status quo is very profitable and so many companies are fighting this change. They're fighting this transparency. As attention in Congress has turned towards supply chain integrity concerns in recent months, companies have begun to deploy high-paid lobbyists on Capitol Hill. Americans who believe strongly in human rights and fundamental freedoms have been justifiably confused about these efforts to weaken legislation that seeks to ban imported goods that's made with Chinese Communist Party's slave labor.\nBusiness that claim a fundamental respect for human dignityoughtto share with their consumers and with their shareholders how they ensure the integrity of their supply chains. Because again, 20% of the world's cotton comes from this part of China, and 85% of that cotton looks like it's tainted by blood cotton.\r\nCompanies need to come clean if they have been asked by the CCP to stay silent about the human rights abuses in China.Companies need to re-evaluate the costs and the benefits - and the costs are high - of partnering with a genocidal regime. They need to do it themselves. These companies need to do it themselves because it's right, and they need to be pushed to do it because it's hard, and because the competitive marketplace has many of their other peer companies and competitor companies also benefitting from this same slave cotton.\nThe United States Congress has become increasingly concerned about the Chinese Communist Party's pay-to-play shakedown of American companies. There is currently a bill under consideration in this body that forces a long overdue review of supply chains, and there are going to be many more bills and pieces of legislation like this coming. And companies, even if they don't want to do it for the right reason, should do it for the pragmatic reason of getting in front of this, because this attention is not going to go away. The concern in this body and in this congress is bipartisan about the blood in the slave supply chains in many of these industries.\nThe United States celebrates the ideals of universal human dignity. The Chinese Communist Party explicitly rejects these ideals. In this ideological competition, Beijing is working to exploit something. They are working to exploit the moral concessions of American CEOs. CEOs and boards, you need to do better. American consumers, you need to ask hard questions, and this congress needs to do some serious investigating.\nAmerican global companies that find their roots in the freedom-loving worlds and countries, and that express our public support for fundamental human freedoms that produce their success, must act now. There is more to do than maximize the bottom line. That is not the only value. The Senate is increasingly willing to act to ensure that American companies do not import misguided Chinese Communist Party values into these shores.\nRight now it is too easy, it is too comfortable, and it is too profitablefor many American and global companies to simply ignore the evil. We need to make the suffering in Xinjiang known. We need to speak about theUyghurs.These men, women, and children have God-given dignity, and we should not look away. Americans need to know about this evil so that we can together confront it. We need to dismantle the Chairman Xi's lies. We need to make it unconscionable for American businesses to profit from Chairman Xi's injustices.\r\nAnd so, Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that we would enter into the Congressional record this report from the Victims of Communism Foundation, released last night, about the blood slave labor in Xinjiang.\nSenatorRoberts: Without objection, it is so ordered.\nSenator Sasse: Thank you, Mr. President.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8C76005C-DA40-4C1F-B905-087BED050724", "Sasse Statement on Uyghur Slave Labor", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New report details CCP's use of Uyghur slaves in cotton industry. \r\nU.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement regarding a new report from the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation's Dr. Adrian Zenz thatdetailsthe Chinese Communist Party's exploitation of Uyghur slave labor in the cotton industry. \nChairman Xi's dictatorship is enslaving more than half a million Uyghurs in Xinjiang and forcing them to hand-pick blood cotton. The Chinese Communist Party is systematically oppressing the Uyghurs  enslaving them, ripping their families apart, and raping and forcibly impregnating women by non-Uyghur men. Americans cannot be corporate sponsors of slavery and genocide. We need to ban the importation of goods that depend on Uyghur slave labor.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-floor-national-christmas-tree", "Fort from the Floor: The National Christmas Tree", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Please sign up here to receive my email newsletter or periodic text updates.You may cancel or unsubscribe at any time.\n*  marks required fields of data.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-conservation-and-national-security-0", "FORT REPORT: Conservation and National Security", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I invite you to review an interview I did this week at a forum on Conservation and National Security. In it, I begin to unpack a new architectural paradigm for the 21st century in which we are safe, prosperous, and aligned with a healthy, clean environment. An ethos in which we move away from make, take, and waste, to one where we regenerate. That's how we protect our natural security in the 21st century.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-2020-election", "Fortenberry Statement on 2020 Election", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(LINCOLN, NE) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1) issued the following statement today on the 2020 election. The Electoral College has voted and affirmed Vice President Biden's victory. I wish to thank President Trump for his service, and I wish President-Elect Biden the best as he assumes the awesome responsibility of governing our great nation, Fortenberry said.\n\nCongressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-2020-election-0", "Fortenberry Statement on 2020 Election", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(LINCOLN, NE) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1) issued the following statement today on the 2020 election. The Electoral College has voted and affirmed Vice President Biden's victory. I wish to thank President Trump for his service, and I wish President-Elect Biden the best as he assumes the awesome responsibility of governing our great nation, Fortenberry said.\n\nCongressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-fda-approval-pfizer-covid-vaccine", "Fortenberry Statement on FDA Approval of Pfizer COVID Vaccine", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, DC) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-1) issued the following statement today on FDA approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.  \n\t  \n\tOn a call with the FDA and other leaders in Congress today about emergency use authorization of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA noted that this vaccine meets the gold standard for safety and efficacy, and that no corners were cut, Fortenberry said.  \n\t  \n\tThe FDA will continue to hold public meetings as additional vaccines are considered for approval. While this is an important milestone for America, our oversight role in Congress will continue with robust surveillance of vaccine safety and assurance that vaccines are administered fairly, Fortenberry added.  \n\t Please see the FDA fact sheet here: https://bit.ly/2Wbbap2 Fortenberry Tweet on FDA Approval: https://bit.ly/3oGGecs  Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=A22E0365-29A6-47D6-865D-74AB18F2F7B4", "Fischer Announces Lincoln Office Relocation", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) today announced the relocation of her Lincoln, Nebraska office. The new address and contact information can be found below.\r\nSenator Fischer's Lincoln Office:\r\n1248 OStreet\r\nSuite #1111\r\nLincoln, NE 68508\r\nPhone: (402) 441-4600  Fax: (402) 476-8753\r\nSenator Fischer also has state offices in Omaha, Kearney, and Scottsbluff with staff available to assist Nebraskans with federal casework and other issues at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=58BCE3A2-48DA-47E1-B853-B1CF8A40BF00", "Sasse Statement on Passage of 2021 NDAA", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after the passage of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.\n\"The uncomfortable truth is that we've been lagging behind when it comes to cyber and wars are already being fought with hackers. Here's the good news though: because of the Solarium Commission's work, this year's defense bill makes our cyber strategy stronger than ever before. We've got a whole lot more work to do, but this is real progress. Two dozen of our provisions are in this defense bill and that's exactly why I've been working on this front for years.\"\nBackground:\r\nThis year's NDAA includes 26 provisions that were led by Senator Sasse and the rest of the legislative commissioners appointed to Solarium. Most notably, they include:\r\n \r\nEstablishes a National Cyber Director and the Office of the National Cyber Director within the Executive Office of the President in a Senate-confirmed capacity.\r\nCreates a Continuity of the Economy Plan to ensure we have a recovery plan in place in the event of a major disruption.\r\nForms the Joint Cyber Planning Office under CISA to facilitate the planning of cohesive cybersecurity campaigns between federal agencies and the private sector.\r\nDirects the Executive Branch to submit a report to Congress that evaluates current Federal cybersecurity centers and areas for improvement.\r\nTasks DHS with conducting a Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Review on the ability of CISA to accomplish its current missions.\r\nEstablishes a Department of Homeland Security CISA Director.\n\r\nEstablishes a Cybersecurity Advisory Committee.\n\r\nGives administrative subpoena authority to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to identify vulnerable systems and notify both public and private system owners.\r\nAuthorizes CISA to perform threat hunting identification on federal networks.\r\nCodifies sector specific agencies as Sector Risk Management Agencies that will establish responsibilities and requirements for identifying and assessing risk for critical infrastructure sectors.\r\nCreation of a Biennial National Cyber Exercise that will be conducted every two years for ten years.\r\nRequires the DoD to assess Private-Public Collaboration in Cybersecurity.\n\r\nDirects the DoD to conduct a force structure assessment of the Cyber Mission Force.\r\nDirects the DoD to evaluate statutes, rules, regulations, and standards that pertain to the use of the National Guard for the response to and recovery from significant cyber incidents.\r\nImprovements relating to the Quadrennial Cyber Posture Review.\n\r\nCreates a Report on Enabling U.S. Cyber Command Resource Allocation that ensures Cyber Command has the necessary means and the budget needed to fulfill its mission.\r\nRequires an assessment from the DoD of non-traditional cyber support.\n\r\nCreates a Defense Industrial Base Participation in a Threat Intelligence Sharing and Mitigation Program.\r\nMandates a report on the risk to national security posed by quantum computing technologies.\r\nRequires the DoD to develop a comprehensive plan pertaining to the cyber defense of nuclear command and control systems.\r\nModification of Requirements Relating to the Strategic Cyber Security Program and the Evaluation of Cyber Vulnerabilities of Major Weapon Systems of the DOD: Tasks the DoD with developing an annual assessment of cyber vulnerabilities of Major Weapon Systems.\r\nAsks the GAO to conduct a study of Cybersecurity Insurance.\n\r\nEnhances the federal government's ability to recruit, develop, and retain a stronger cyber workforce.\r\nAuthorizes the Cybersecurity Education and Training Assistance Program.\n\r\nRenews the Cyberspace Solarium Commission.\n\r\nDirects DHS to develop a strategy to secure U.S.-based email providers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FB0F1390-1281-4AC0-9E2E-E200CF2C533B", "Sasse Statement on Supreme Courts Election Decision", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement after the United States Supreme Court rejected the Texas attorney general's lawsuit to overturn the presidential election results in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.\r\n\"Since Election Night, a lot of people have been confusing voters by spinning Kenyan Birther-type, Chavez rigged the election from the grave' conspiracy theories, but every American who cares about the rule of law should take comfort that the Supreme Court  including all three of President Trump's picks  closed the book on the nonsense.\"\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/protecting-second-amendment", "Protecting the Second Amendment", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At the end of November, Nebraska closed another successful deer hunting season. While hunting is a great benefit of our constitutional right to bear arms, it is not the primary reason our founders chose to specifically enumerate this protection in our Bill of Rights. Nationwide our Second Amendment rights continue to be under threat. In fact, ongoing attempts by the House majority to weaken our Second Amendment rights, not to mention possible future presidential actions, have destabilized the arms and ammunition markets causing widespread shortages and shocking prices for common hunting and self-defense firearms and ammunition.\nIn order to protect our Second Amendment rights, we must always be vigilant to ensure the government is upholding these rights. For this reason, I have cosponsored several bills and signed letters which seek to cement these rights, and to gain ground which has been unconstitutionally lost in the past.\nAlthough the Second Amendment is quite clear, a well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed, states continue to find ways to muddy the waters and pass laws effectively diminishing this right. One way anti-gun activists have been successful in undermining the Second Amendment is through restrictions on interstate travel and sales with firearms, even though they are not necessary due to the robustness of the FBI's current federal background check database.\nRemoving interstate sales restrictions does not hinder states' abilities to regulate gun purchasing. To address this, I have cosponsored the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act (H.R. 2443) which would reduce the burden on law-abiding citizens, including active duty military and their accompanying spouses, to allow them to buy firearms across state lines, as long as they meet applicable requirements at the point of purchase and in their home state of record. I have also cosponsored the Lawful Interstate Transportation of Firearms Act (H.R. 5935) which would expand upon existing law and protect law-abiding travelers who are carrying a legal firearm. H.R. 5935 includes specific language protecting ammunition and magazines as well because targeting these items has become another tool used by anti-gun activists.\nI am also concerned by some recent actions by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), including their refusal to accept e-signatures filed by third party processors despite no evidence of security risks or potential for exploitation. I cosigned a letter to Attorney General Barr expressing concerns regarding these ATF limitations and will continue working to ensure consumers can easily and securely comply with the National Firearms Act (NFA) eForms submission process.\nAnother recent tactic used by anti-gun activists has been targeting and pressuring businesses to cease their relationships with firearms manufacturers and dealers. Because of my concerns of this bias that could permanently shutter these businesses, especially during the rollout of CARES Act programs earlier this year, I signed a letter to the Treasury Department, Small Business Administration, and Federal Reserve asking them to ensure participating banks did not discriminate on this basis.\nComplacency regarding our rights is just as dangerous as efforts to undermine them. We cannot allow something as crucial as the Second Amendment to be eroded; we must actively support it. I will always be a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, ensuring Nebraskans have the ability to defend themselves, as well as enjoy rifle season every November.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=571", "Provision Renaming Bases Included in FY21 NDAA", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by Congress this week includes a process to renames military installations named after Confederate soldiers; the provision is similar to legislation drafted by Congressmen Don Bacon (NE-02), a retired brigadier general and nearly 30-year Air Force veteran, and Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), House Armed Services Vice Chair and 30-year Army veteran.\n\nThe provision forms the National Commission on Modernizing Military Installation Designations, composed of individuals appointed by service secretaries as well as members of Congress. The independent commission will review and make recommendations for renaming installations and department property which have designations not in line with the values of this country or the mission of the United States military.\n\nMilitary leaders, active-duty troops, veterans, civil rights organizations, and every day Americans have long called for changing the names of these installations. Recent instances of racial violence and racism have underscored the immediate need for change, and Reps. Bacon and Brown have been champions in making this a reality.\n\n\u201cOur military bases should bear the names of America\u2019s war heroes who went above and beyond to answer the call of duty, and who represent the best ideals of our Republic, such as Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients, or other national heroes,\u201d said Rep. Bacon. \u201cRight now, many of our military bases are named after Confederate leaders who betrayed their Constitutional oath and caused the death of over 600,000 people because of slavery. I thank my colleague Congressman Brown for his leadership in working across the aisle to reach consensus. This is the way we come together and move our country forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cWho our military honors and reflects our values. We cannot ask young servicemembers to live, train and raise their families on bases honoring men who betrayed their country to keep Black men, women and children in bondage,\u201d said Vice Chair Anthony Brown. \u201cThe United States does not lack for heroes we should honor and whose examples can serve as inspirations. For our values and military readiness, we will get this done. I want to thank my colleague Congressman Bacon for his support and advocacy on this important and historic change.\u201d\n\nThe U.S. Army currently has 10 bases and facilities named after leaders of the Confederacy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=572", "For Country Caucus Statement on NDAA", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 On Tuesday, For Country Caucus Chairs U.S. Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) issued the following statement urging the president to sign the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The House and Senate both adopted the bipartisan final NDAA conference report.\n\n\u201cAs members of the bipartisan For Country Caucus, comprised of veterans who have served in our nation\u2019s military, we call on the president to sign the NDAA before the end of the 116th Congress. Our government has a Constitutional responsibility to ensure that our national defense is funded and that the men and women in uniform have the resources they need to keep our country safe. For decades, Congress and the executive branch of the United States have consistently worked in a bipartisan manner to write, pass, and sign the annual NDAA into law and this year should be no different.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=A3F30EEC-0903-4A2C-8B88-CA9B22DA44E7", "Congress Passes Final FY 2021 Defense Authorization Bill", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate voted in favor of the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which now heads to the president's desk:\r\nCongress has united in a bipartisan manner to provide for our national security and give our service members a well-deserved pay raise. This bill will continue rebuilding and modernizing our military through strategic investments while also supporting both service members and their families.\r\nProvisions in the FY21 NDAA\r\n-Provides a total of $740.5 billion in funding to fulfill the requirements of the National Defense Strategy.\r\n-Supports our troops with the requested 3 percent pay raise  the second straight year of a pay raise above 3 percent.\r\n-Continues the effort to rebuild our military capacity by investing in the next generation of ships, planes, tanks, and weapons.\r\n-Improves the lives and livelihoods of military families by helping military spouses find and keep good jobs, guaranteeing access to quality, flexible child care and education, and ensuring families are living in healthy, safe housing.\r\n-Supports Senator Fischer's top priority of modernizing and sustaining our nuclear triad to serve as a strong deterrent to potential adversaries.\r\n-Protects our troops and supports military readiness by ensuring our troops have adequate diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and PPE, and supporting the whole-of-government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\n-Includes a version of Senator Fischer's language to make reaching at least 386 operation squadrons the policy of the U.S. Air Force.\r\n-Includes Fischer provision to implement a pilot program on civilian and military partnerships that will enhance medical surge capacity and improve federal response to pandemics and other threats. This initiative will also give institutions with established expertise in these areas, such as the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the opportunity to participate.\r\n-Provides significant investment for the 55th Wing, authorizing numerous modernization initiatives for the RC-135 and other fixed-wing ISR platforms headquartered at Offutt totaling nearly $200 million.\r\n-Authorizes $9.3 to construct a new National Guard vehicle maintenance facility in North Platte and authorizes millions in investment to support National Guard modernization priorities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-congratulates-sallie-and-alan-atkins-their-introduction-nebraska", "Smith Congratulates Sallie and Alan Atkins on their Introduction to the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after Sallie and Al Atkins were inducted into the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame on December 4, 2020.\n\nSallie and Al were innovators on their ranch near Halsey, Nebraska, where they raised commercial Angus crossbred cattle and served their community and state in many leading roles in the agriculture industry.\n\nSallie previously served as Agriculture Director in Smith's office, where she led engagement efforts on statewide agriculture issues and served as the liaison for Third District producers, agriculture groups, and other stakeholders.\n\nSallie has more than 30 years of experience in Nebraska agriculture, including having served as regional director of membership for the Nebraska Farm Bureau. She has also served as executive director and chairman of the Nebraska Beef Council, vice president of Nebraska Cattlemen, and board chairman of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council. Additionally, she has been active in Nebraska 4-H and FFA. Her work on the Nebraska State Fair earned her the 2011 Nebraska Volunteer of the Year award.\n\n\"Sallie and Al have been staples of Nebraska agriculture for a long time,\" said Smith. \"I have had the pleasure of visiting their \u2018AL Ranch.' It is an impressive operation. Few Nebraskans have had the impact on Nebraska agricultural that Sallie and Al have, and I couldn't think of a more fitting recognition than the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame. I thank them for all they have done for our great state.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-congratulates-sallie-and-alan-atkins-their-introduction-nebraska", "Smith Congratulates Sallie and Alan Atkins on their Introduction to the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE),released the following statement after Sallie and Al Atkins were inducted into the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame on December 4, 2020.\nSallie and Al were innovators on their ranch near Halsey, Nebraska, where they raised commercial Angus crossbred cattle and served their community and state in many leading roles in the agriculture industry.\nSallie previously served as Agriculture Director in Smith's office, where she led engagement efforts on statewide agriculture issues and served as the liaison for Third District producers, agriculture groups, and other stakeholders.\nSallie has more than 30 years of experience in Nebraska agriculture, including having served as regional director of membership for the Nebraska Farm Bureau. She has also served as executive director and chairman of the Nebraska Beef Council, vice president of Nebraska Cattlemen, and board chairman of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council. Additionally, she has been active in Nebraska 4-H and FFA. Her work on the Nebraska State Fair earned her the 2011 Nebraska Volunteer of the Year award.\nSallie and Al have been staples of Nebraska agriculture for a long time, said Smith. I have had the pleasure of visiting their AL Ranch.' It is an impressive operation. Few Nebraskans have had the impact on Nebraska agricultural that Sallie and Al have, and I couldn't think of a more fitting recognition than the Nebraska Cattlemen Hall of Fame. I thank them for all they have done for our great state.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/lincoln-journal-star-fortenberry-gathers-240-co-sponsors-bill-combat-als", "Lincoln Journal Star: Fortenberry gathers 240 co-sponsors for bill to combat ALS", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Jeff Fortenberry has gathered the signatures of 240 House co-sponsors for a bill to speed and expand access to critical and promising therapies for ALS patients while streamlining the drug review process that sometimes stands in their way.\nFor ALS patients, there is no time to waste.\nIt usually takes 2-5 years for ALS to destroy a body, Fortenberry said during a House floor speech.\nALS patients are currently trapped in \"an overly deliberative process that is killing hope\" by delaying access to critical therapies and investigational treatments, Fortenberry said, and they could be helped by \"a more consistent and streamlined drug review process.\" The legislation is designed to be \"more responsive to patients suffering right now,\" the 1st District Republican congressman said.\n\"We can act quickly if we want to,\" Fortenberry said. \"We can act quickly if we are determined. We can do this.\"\nALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal nervous system disease. \"There is no cure,\" Fortenberry said, but there are promising therapies. Earlier this year, he said, \"my wife's little brother\" died as a result of ALS at the age of 37, leaving behind his own wife and four small children.\nFortenberry's bill, titled Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, would establish a Center of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases at the Federal Drug Administration to accelerate development and approval of therapies. \"This is a full-court press,\" the congressman said. \"So many people of good heart have helped us build tremendous bipartisan momentum.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=570", "BACON CALLS 2021 NDAA A \u2018WIN\u2019", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013Today, Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) joined his House colleagues in adopting the conference report to accompany the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 by a veto-proof majority vote of 335 to 78. The report is the product of the NDAA Conference Committee, a select group of House Members and Senators who meet to reconcile differences in the defense bills passed by each chamber of Congress. Rep. Bacon was appointed to the NDAA conference committee for the fourth consecutive year.\n\n\u201cFor sixty consecutive years, Congress has passed the NDAA on a bipartisan basis for one simple reason: that politics must never stand between the American people and the security of the United States,\u201d said Rep. Bacon. \u201cThis record of bipartisan unity is unrivaled in our history and a testament to what we can do when we come together to ensure that the needs of the nation are met. As a conferee, I can proudly say this conference report wisely balances the differences between each chamber to produce a bill that truly puts America\u2019s security first.\u201d\n\nThe 2021 NDAA:\n\nAuthorizes $740 billion for national defense including significant investments in critical emerging technology areas like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and biotechnology.\n\nFully funds modernization of the nuclear weapons enterprise to replace aging systems and reverse the dangerous decline in the effectiveness and reliability of America\u2019s nuclear deterrent.\n\nContinues improvements in military readiness which began in 2018.\n\nAuthorizes a 3% pay increase and requires actions to improve childcare and support for military families with special needs.\n\nDirects the Pentagon to establish emergency medical surge partnerships with federal, state, local, universities and private health care providers with selection of the first two candidate locations by March 2021.\n\nEstablishes a national commission to rename federal installations and property named after confederate officers within three years.\n\nRequires all branches of the armed forces to implement a \u201cSafe to Report\u201d policy applicable to allegations of sexual assault.\n\nEstablishes requirements for the redeployment of US forces from Germany.\n\nMakes improvements to wind energy siting procedures for projects adjacent to military installations.\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA also includes numerous legislative provisions introduced by Rep. Bacon that support Baltic security; strengthen the military professional military education enterprise; restrict the use of Russian fuel for the new Army medical center in Europe; extend the prohibition on RC-135 aircraft retirement; and require the Air Force to assess the possible use of OC-135 aircraft for other Department of Defense missions.\n\n\u201cThis defense legislation provides our nation and service members the tools necessary to defend the American people and to ensure our future prosperity as a nation,\u201d added Rep. Bacon. \u201cOnce again, this year\u2019s NDAA is a win for the country, the state of Nebraska, and our local economy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D13F577-BB25-4C66-B64A-D6EE323708A6", "Fischer Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Americans\u2019 Data Privacy", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. ?U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and CatherineCortezMasto(D-Nev.) today introduced legislation to advance emerging data privacy technologies, which enable the economic benefits of data analysis while protecting Americans' personal data  using mathematical techniques that obscure or anonymize identifying information. The?Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act?would require the National Science Foundation (NSF) to promote research into privacy-enhancing technologies (PET)?and direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop resources for the integration of PETs into public and private sector data use.\r\nOur country relies on large-scale data analysis in everything from agriculture to transportation to pandemic response. While these datasets are critically important, it must be collected in ways that protect Americans' privacy. This bipartisan legislation will help keep Americans' personal information secure,said Senator Fischer.\r\nMore information:\r\nThe?Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act? would\r\nRequire the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support research into PETs, including:\r\n    oFundamental research on PET technologies.\r\n    oFundamental research into the mathematics that underlie PETs.\r\n    oFundamental research into technologies that promote data minimization principles.\r\nFacilitate research in coordination with other relevant agencies.\r\nIntegrate this mission with the NSF's Computer and Network Security Program.??\r\nRequire the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to work with?the?academic, public, and private sectors to develop resources for the integration of PET into business and governmental applications, including working with NIH and CDC to increase responsible public health research.\r\nSenator Fischer has been a leader on data privacy and has a record of working across the aisle policies to protect consumers' data. Last year, Senator Fischer joined Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) to introduce theDETOUR Act, which would protect consumers from manipulative online user interfaces known as dark patterns. She also joined other Commerce Committee leaders to introducelegislationproviding Americans with more transparency over the collection and use of their personal data.\r\nThe bill has been endorsed by Microsoft. Full text of the legislation is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=9144533D-0BC8-4346-B3AD-A32F4EA9375C", "*MEDIA ADVISORY* Fischer to Chair Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on  Logistics of Transporting a COVID-19 Vaccine", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety, will hold a hearing titled,The Logistics of Transporting a COVID-19 Vaccine, at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020.The hearing will examine transportation and logistics plans for ensuring COVID-19 vaccines are delivered across the country. Witnesses will have the opportunity to discuss supply chain issues within the transportation network and ongoing coordination in preparation to distribute the vaccine, as well as the near and long-term outlooks for vaccine distribution.\r\nWitnesses:\r\nDr. Rachel Levine, Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and President of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officers\r\nMr. Richard Smith, Regional President of the Americas and Executive Vice President, FedEx Express\r\nMr. Wesley Wheeler, President of Global Healthcare, United Parcel Service\r\nEVENT:\r\nFischer to chair Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety hearing on\r\nThe Logistics of Transporting a COVID-19 Vaccine\r\nTIME:\r\nTHURSDAY , December 10, 2020\r\nat 9:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. CT/ 7:30 a.m. MT\r\n253 Russell Senate Office Building\r\n\r\nClick hereto watch the hearing live", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=64E521BE-115F-46EE-AC1F-D72CBCF4EBAD", "Sasse Applauds 26 Cyber Solarium Recommendations in 2021 NDAA", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, creator of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, applauded the inclusion of 26 recommendations from the commission into the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.\r\n\"Modern wars are fought not just with bombs but also with bytes. The creation of the National Cyber Director and the inclusion of two dozen of our Solarium recommendations in this year's defense bill is great news. We've got a lot more work to do, but this is real progress today.\"\r\nBackground:\r\nThrough Sen. Sasse's legislativeinitiative, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission was signed into law as part of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. Sen. Sasse was appointed to serve on the Commission, which officially launched in April 2019. In March 2020, the Commissionreleasedtheir finished report.\nOf the 26 recommendations adopted in this year's NDAA, a number of provisions were led by Sen. Sasse and Sen. King, the Co-Chairs of the Commission:\n\r\n \r\nEstablishment of the National Cyber Director and the Office of the National Cyber Director within the Executive Office of the President to serve in a Senate-confirmed capacity as the President's principal cyber advisor and provide a nexus for cybersecurity leadership in the White House.\n\r\nCreation and maintenance of a Continuity of the Economy Plan to ensure the rapidreboot of national critical functions of the economy following a catastrophic cyberattack.\r\nSeveral recommendations to strengthen the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency including the establishment of a Joint Cyber Planning Officeto facilitate comprehensive planning of defensive cybersecurity campaigns and the review of federalcybersecurity centers for integration within CISA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-statement-passing-richard-everett", "Smith Statement on Passing of Richard Everett", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the passing of Richard Everett of Runza Restaurants.\n\n\"There is hardly anything more identifiably Nebraskan than Runza. Richard Everett carried forward his mother's entrepreneurial spirit while providing Nebraskans with high quality restaurant options and cities across our state with many a community gathering place.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/commonsense-health-care", "Commonsense Health Care", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When I meet with hospitals and health care providers around Nebraska, both prior to and during the current pandemic, the impact of unnecessary regulations on their ability to provide care in rural areas is always at the top of their list of concerns. Over the last four years I have appreciated working with the Trump administration on these issues because of their persistent willingness to listen to rural Americans, take these concerns seriously, and act. We cannot afford to go in the other direction.\nA commonsense, innovation-centric approach to health care has helped America take center stage in the fight against COVID. Operation Warp Speed, made possible by the CARES Act, has expedited the vaccine process, while maintaining the U.S.'s world class safety standards. The U.S. leads the world in vaccine development and millions of vaccine doses are expected to be ready to distribute to frontline health care workers in the coming weeks once the Food and Drug Administration affirms what we have seen in preliminary results from vaccine trials.\nThe pandemic has also renewed our focus on the critical need for flexibility and innovation in our health care system. When facing an unprecedented health crisis, we must be able to adjust and implement new ideas and solutions, not just place new limits. In high risk locations such as skilled nursing facilities, this is particularly important. For this reason, I have introduced the RUSH Act, legislation I was developing even before the pandemic, which would allow patients in these facilities to be treated in place using new technologies like telehealth, rather than risking a trip to the hospital. This potentially life-saving legislation creates incentives for skilled nursing facilities to use innovative technologies and improve rural health care.\nIn rural America we know what works in New York City, may not work in York, Nebraska. Regulations like Medicare's 96-hour rule, which requires small rural hospitals to take steps to discharge or transfer a patient to another hospital within four days, might make sense in more populous areas, but not in rural Nebraska where the nearest large, regional hospital could be many miles and several counties away. I have introduced legislation in the past to repeal this dangerous rule and was pleased when the Trump administration took regulatory action to end enforcement of the rule. I will continue fighting to implement this relief into law and ensure future administrations can't restore this disastrous, unnecessary rule. Health care providers, not the federal government, know best whether they can safely treat a patient in a rural setting or need to transfer them.\nWe cannot afford to stifle innovation and strangle our health care system with harmful regulations. We must build on the work from the last four years to spur innovation. I will continue my efforts to drive down health care costs, improve consumer access, and fight against socialized medicine.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-statement-passing-richard-everett", "Smith Statement on Passing of Richard Everett", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after the passing of Richard Everett of Runza Restaurants.\nThere is hardly anything more identifiably Nebraskan than Runza.Richard Everett carried forward his mother's entrepreneurial spirit while providing Nebraskans with high quality restaurant options and cities across our state with many a community gathering place. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-vaccine-development-safety-timing", "Fort Report: Vaccine Development, Safety, Timing", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As I have done throughout the pandemic, I want to provide you with the latest and best information from our nation's leading experts. Given my work as the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), I recently took the opportunity to converse with FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn on the development of COVID vaccines and continued testing.   Dr. Hahn and I spoke about the rigorous review process the FDA undertakes to ascertain the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and how he anticipates this process playing out over the coming weeks. As Dr. Hahn noted, the typical schedule will be compressed, but there will be no cutting corners in ensuring that vaccines are safe and meet the FDA's highest quality standards.   Dr. Hahn encouraged you to join the public FDA Advisory Committee meeting on December 10 to gain an in-depth understanding of the FDA's processes before releasing vaccines for general use. I will be sharing a link to that meeting on my social media pages.  For now, I invite you to review our enlightening and optimistic discussion about our fight against coronavirus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=569CFCF2-5A1E-492D-A9A9-595AB45011AD", "Sasse Statement on California Restrictions", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court handed a win to Harvest Rock Church which is fighting restrictions on worship in California.\r\n\"This is more good news for the rule of law and religious liberty. The Supreme Court is right: A pandemic doesn't rewrite our Constitution. States like California need to go back to the drawing board and figure out a way to be smart about fighting this nasty virus without trampling Americans' First Amendment freedoms.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/c-span-fortenberry-speaks-house-floor-behalf-act-als", "C-SPAN: Fortenberry Speaks on House Floor on behalf of the ACT for ALS", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "C-SPAN: Fortenberry Speaks on House Floor on behalf of the ACT for ALS", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/blog-post", "Blog Post", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/tribute-baba-sheikh", "Tribute to Baba Sheikh", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tribute to Baba Sheikh", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/als-patients-hope-congress-can-deliver-access-potential-therapies-bipartisan-bill", "ALS patients hope Congress can deliver access to potential therapies with bipartisan bill", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It's the fight of her life.\nMayuri Saxena is 36 years old, holds a double master's degreeand has lost the ability to use her body bit by bit.\nShe was diagnosed with ALS four years ago, and the progression of theneurodegenerative diseasehas been swift and relentless. She can no longer walk, stand, use her arms or legs, swallow unassistedor speak. As a New Yorker coming of age in a post-9/11 world, she once hoped to affect change through her work in international relations. But as a quadriplegic, she now relies on round-the-clock care for the most basic of necessities, and even a cough could prove fatal.\nMayuri is one of about 30,000Americans who are staring down a death sentence. The typical timeline from the onset of symptoms to death for an ALS patient is two to five years, and about 6,000Americans die each year with the disease, which affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.\nThe disease disproportionately affects those in the military; one in six people diagnosed is a veteran. Pat Quinn, co-founder of the popular ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that raised awareness about the illness,died fromit earlier this week. He was37.\nWhile there is no cure and few therapeutics on the market, pharmaceutical companies are developing drugs and therapies that might treat this terminal illness -- and the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, better known as the Act for ALS, would grant more patients access to those potential therapies currently in trials.\nMayuri's brother, Mayank Saxena, says this legislation could mean the difference between life and death for his sister.\n\"There's no word to describe the agony I feel that she's going through that, knowing there's biotechnology that exists on this planet that could have helped her and could help her still,\" he said. \"This will give [patients] a pathway. Even if it doesn't work for them, at least they're marching toward some type of hope.\"\nRep.Mike Quigley, D-Ill., who is co-sponsoring theHouse legislationalong with Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., echoes that sentiment.\n\"Hope may be the best thing,\"he said.\"I think it provides hope, and in these extreme times, that's very important,\"\nFor both Quigley and Fortenberry, this legislation is personal. Quigley's father suffered from a degenerative neurological condition, and Fortenberry's brother-in-law died from ALS. He was survived by a wife and four children.\n\"People are suffering, and we can help,\" Fortenberry said. \"I've met so many beautiful people who have come to my office to explain this story, who are of good heart, who are courageous, who are fighters, and have created a network of solidarity trying to think more creatively about how to attack this disease.\"\nIf the bill passes, it would provide a pathway to treatment for patients who don't qualify to participate in phase three clinical trials by allowing access to drugs and therapies at trial sites. It also would fund research for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases and create a collaborative of officials in the public and private spheres with the goal of speeding up development and approval of drugs for these types of illnesses.\nWith close to 200 co-sponsors, House legislators are optimistic about the bill's passage. A twin bill, co-sponsored by Sens.Chris Coons, D-Del.,and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is making its way through the Senate, and advocates are hopeful the legislation can land on President Trump's desk before the year's end.\n\"We have a movement across the country of people who have stepped up. ... There's a strong desire for real science, and real hope to stop the suffering,\" Fortenberry said. \"I think we can get this done.\"\nWith only a couple of weeks left in this legislative calendar, Fortenberry hopes the House can move quickly through a series of aggressive, end-of-year efforts.\n\"We've set this up purposely so if there is alignment, we can run this fast and get it through to the president's desk. We're not there yet, but that would be my desire,\" Fortenberry said.\nIn a bitter political climate, Quigley sees this legislation as a chance to show the American people that lawmakers can work together for the common good.\n\"It's hope for those who look at our country and see dysfunction but given an opportunity ... [will see] that we can accomplish something,\" he said.\nFor Mayuri, the bill's passage would be not only an accomplishment for the ALS community -- she believes it will give those trapped inside increasingly lifeless bodies the will to live.\n\"Other ALS patients come to me and ask whether it is worth fighting for their lives,\" she wrote, using a speech-generating device that operates with eye gaze technology, similar to the machine world-famous scientist Stephen Hawking used to speak. \"That answer depends on whether this bill gets passed or not.\"\nWith that in mind, her brother Mayank, advocate Michelle Lorenz and a team of grassroots groups have waged a tireless and highly organized campaign to raise awareness among congressional members and their constituents, including a letter-writing effort and website called HelpMayuri.com that helps mobilize supporters to email their local representatives. Lorenz has met with more than 200 legislators during the last five months and with 17 senators' offices this week.\n\"Death is not a partisan issue,\" she said.\"If you can agree on any bill, for God's sake, it should be this bill.\"\nIn the waning days of the lame duck session, Mayank is pleading with lawmakers to help his sister, who may die if action is put off until next year.\n\"She is my sister. She could also be your mother, who falls down the stairs. It could be your son who collapses on the soccer field,\" he said. \" If this were your loved one who was actively suffering and dying, and you knew there was a one percent chance of hope, what would you do to get that treatment in their dying bodies today?\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/fox-news-als-patients-hope-congress-can-deliver-access-potential-therapies", "Fox News: ALS patients hope Congress can deliver access to potential therapies with bipartisan bill", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It's the fight of her life.\nMayuri Saxena is 36 years old, holds a double master's degreeand has lost the ability to use her body bit by bit.\nShe was diagnosed with ALS four years ago, and the progression of theneurodegenerative diseasehas been swift and relentless. She can no longer walk, stand, use her arms or legs, swallow unassistedor speak. As a New Yorker coming of age in a post-9/11 world, she once hoped to affect change through her work in international relations. But as a quadriplegic, she now relies on round-the-clock care for the most basic of necessities, and even a cough could prove fatal.\nMayuri is one of about 30,000Americans who are staring down a death sentence. The typical timeline from the onset of symptoms to death for an ALS patient is two to five years, and about 6,000Americans die each year with the disease, which affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.\nThe disease disproportionately affects those in the military; one in six people diagnosed is a veteran. Pat Quinn, co-founder of the popular ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that raised awareness about the illness,died fromit earlier this week. He was37.\nWhile there is no cure and few therapeutics on the market, pharmaceutical companies are developing drugs and therapies that might treat this terminal illness -- and the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, better known as the Act for ALS, would grant more patients access to those potential therapies currently in trials.\nMayuri's brother, Mayank Saxena, says this legislation could mean the difference between life and death for his sister.\n\"There's no word to describe the agony I feel that she's going through that, knowing there's biotechnology that exists on this planet that could have helped her and could help her still,\" he said. \"This will give [patients] a pathway. Even if it doesn't work for them, at least they're marching toward some type of hope.\"\nRep.Mike Quigley, D-Ill., who is co-sponsoring theHouse legislationalong with Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., echoes that sentiment.\n\"Hope may be the best thing,\"he said.\"I think it provides hope, and in these extreme times, that's very important,\"\nFor both Quigley and Fortenberry, this legislation is personal. Quigley's father suffered from a degenerative neurological condition, and Fortenberry's brother-in-law died from ALS. He was survived by a wife and four children.\n\"People are suffering, and we can help,\" Fortenberry said. \"I've met so many beautiful people who have come to my office to explain this story, who are of good heart, who are courageous, who are fighters, and have created a network of solidarity trying to think more creatively about how to attack this disease.\"\nIf the bill passes, it would provide a pathway to treatment for patients who don't qualify to participate in phase three clinical trials by allowing access to drugs and therapies at trial sites. It also would fund research for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases and create a collaborative of officials in the public and private spheres with the goal of speeding up development and approval of drugs for these types of illnesses.\nWith close to 200 co-sponsors, House legislators are optimistic about the bill's passage. A twin bill, co-sponsored by Sens.Chris Coons, D-Del.,and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is making its way through the Senate, and advocates are hopeful the legislation can land on President Trump's desk before the year's end.\n\"We have a movement across the country of people who have stepped up. ... There's a strong desire for real science, and real hope to stop the suffering,\" Fortenberry said. \"I think we can get this done.\"\nWith only a couple of weeks left in this legislative calendar, Fortenberry hopes the House can move quickly through a series of aggressive, end-of-year efforts.\n\"We've set this up purposely so if there is alignment, we can run this fast and get it through to the president's desk. We're not there yet, but that would be my desire,\" Fortenberry said.\nIn a bitter political climate, Quigley sees this legislation as a chance to show the American people that lawmakers can work together for the common good.\n\"It's hope for those who look at our country and see dysfunction but given an opportunity ... [will see] that we can accomplish something,\" he said.\nFor Mayuri, the bill's passage would be not only an accomplishment for the ALS community -- she believes it will give those trapped inside increasingly lifeless bodies the will to live.\n\"Other ALS patients come to me and ask whether it is worth fighting for their lives,\" she wrote, using a speech-generating device that operates with eye gaze technology, similar to the machine world-famous scientist Stephen Hawking used to speak. \"That answer depends on whether this bill gets passed or not.\"\nWith that in mind, her brother Mayank, advocate Michelle Lorenz and a team of grassroots groups have waged a tireless and highly organized campaign to raise awareness among congressional members and their constituents, including a letter-writing effort and website called HelpMayuri.com that helps mobilize supporters to email their local representatives. Lorenz has met with more than 200 legislators during the last five months and with 17 senators' offices this week.\n\"Death is not a partisan issue,\" she said.\"If you can agree on any bill, for God's sake, it should be this bill.\"\nIn the waning days of the lame duck session, Mayank is pleading with lawmakers to help his sister, who may die if action is put off until next year.\n\"She is my sister. She could also be your mother, who falls down the stairs. It could be your son who collapses on the soccer field,\" he said. \" If this were your loved one who was actively suffering and dying, and you knew there was a one percent chance of hope, what would you do to get that treatment in their dying bodies today?\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3CA67445-9096-4E70-8252-D71441EB6236", "Sasse Statement on Supreme Courts Religious Liberty Ruling", "2020-11-26", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Lincoln, NE --U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Courtruled in favorof Religious Liberty andagainstGovernor Andrew Cuomo.\r\n\"This Thanksgiving, Americans should be grateful for our First Amendment and for this straightforward ruling that simply affirms that government cannot disregard religious liberty in a crisis. The beating heart of America is the First Amendment, and this nasty virus won't change that. This is good news.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=65C97A67-9744-4F64-877C-FE672487C485", "Sasse Statement on Thanksgiving", "2020-11-26", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement.\r\n\"This has been a gut punch of a year, but even in the middle of this nasty virus America has much to be thankful for. Especially in times of struggle and anxiety, it's important to take stock of our blessings  after all, President Lincoln established a national day of Thanksgiving when the Civil War was in full swing. This year, in the face of real health and economic hardship, Americans are grateful for the workers who have kept shelves stocked and lines moving, grateful for the doctors and nurses who have cared for the sick, and grateful for the Americans who have done what Americans always do  lend their neighbors a helping hand. We are blessed to live here  in this free country with a Constitution that preserves liberty through upheaval  and now  in this time of unparalleled opportunity. Let's commit ourselves to the hard work of choosing gratitude over grievance and building stronger communities for our kids and grandkids. Melissa and I thank God for His continued providence, ask for His blessing on all those suffering and all those searching for a cure, and pray that He sheds His grace on our nation.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=568", "BACON 2020 THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION", "2020-11-26", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Omaha, Neb.\u2014 Today, Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement in observance of Thanksgiving Day, which will be celebrated on November 26, 2020:\n\n\u201cOn this Thanksgiving, I reflect on the many blessings and freedoms we have today, and praise God that we live in the greatest country in the world. While this year\u2019s Thanksgiving may look different compared to previous holidays, one thing remains true: no matter where you reside or who you are with, our family, faith, and freedoms remain intact.\n\n\u201cThis holiday is special to me and my family, as it is for many Americans. Thanksgiving was my mom\u2019s favorite holiday of the year. She loved to cook the traditional Thanksgiving meal and also enjoyed adding some of our favorite Hungarian dishes. For the fruit portion she would put together pears, pineapples, and cherries in a way that each small plate looked like a turkey. All the kids and grandkids loved that. Even though she passed away 15 years ago, her spirit remains strong within our household. We will always miss her and continue to celebrate her traditions.\n\n\u201cEvery year, I look to the words of President Abraham Lincoln when he gave his 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation. He recognized a torn nation due to civil war and was quick to acknowledge the \u201cblessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies,\u201dand recognized that those blessings were \u201cgracious gifts of the Most High God.\u201d President Lincoln encouraged us to turn to our faith, despite the many trials and tribulations that come our way. These timeless words, spoken 157 years ago by one of our nation\u2019s greatest leaders, still ring true today.\n\n\u201cOn this day, and every day, I thank our nation\u2019s law enforcement, first responders, and military. We salute them for defending our nation and sacrificing their time with their loved ones in order to protect, care for, and serve ours. It is because of them that we live in this great country that values freedom, opportunity, and equality under the law.\n\n\u201cI also thank our medical professionals in Nebraska and across the United States who are working day and night, and who are constantly on the frontlines of this global pandemic. They continue to answer the call to care for the injured and sick, and for that we owe them a debt of gratitude. It is my hope that we remain cautiously optimistic as new medical developments arise.\n\n\u201cAs always, my prayers are with you and your families. I am thankful to have the opportunity to represent you. I wish you all a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-announces-2020-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Smith Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today announced the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for the Third District of Nebraska. The winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on www.House.Gov.\n\nThe winning app, titled \"Quick Mental Math,\" was created by Andy Vu, a junior at Kearney High School. According to Andy, he was inspired to create his app for his brother. During Coronavirus quarantine, he noticed his brother spending time learning math skills and using a lot of paper. He created Quick Mental Math to help his brother learn and do so through an environmentally friendly, convenient approach.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-announces-winners-excellence-innovation-and-adaptation-recognition", "Smith Announces Winners of Excellence in Innovation and Adaptation Recognition", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today honored nine individuals and businesses for receiving the Innovation and Adaptation Recognition. The award was created to acknowledge the contribution of individuals, organizations, and those who are working every day to improve and help their communities in the current environment.\n\nThe winners will be recognized by Smith before the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\"I'm proud to honor the recipients of the Innovation and Adaptation Recognition. Nebraskans know our communities grow when individuals step up: helping their neighbors, being involved, and creating opportunity,\" Smith said. \"To all Nebraskans who work tirelessly to create thriving communities, I will continue to support your efforts and pursue policies to get the federal government out of the way and empower your success.\"\n\nWinners\n\nBilly Estes is the Executive Director of the Midwest Theater of Scottsbluff. Midwest Theater's programming, which includes live performances, orchestras, and concerts, makes an important contribution to the cultural and social experiences of Nebraska's panhandle. When the Coronavirus pandemic reached western Nebraska, under the guidance of Mr. Estes, the Midwest Theater partnered with the Legacy of the Plains Museum to create the Skyview Drive-in Movie Theater. As the pandemic progressed, this venture proved so popular they outgrew their location and had to move to larger accommodations. Thanks to the creativity and leadership of Mr. Estes, in spite of the pandemic, the Midwest Theater has continued to thrive throughout 2020.\n\nGrand Central Foods of York is owned by the Warren Thomas family. Mr. Thomas prides himself on his commitment to the York community. In \"normal\" times, Warren and the Grand Central Team are the first to ask where they can help with a project or how can they partner on events. The selflessness shown by everyone at Grand Central is a testament to the example of the ownership. Within a few days of the pandemic's arrival to York, Warren purchased a second grocery delivery van, and expanded his service to the entire community. Because Warren believes in positive reinforcement, he encouraged his customers to wear a mask while in his store by offering a 5 percent discount on their purchases. He is an active member of many community groups, and his passion and commitment to his community is unmatched.\n\nAlyssa Cochnar of Crete is a leader of Gold Star Martial Arts of Crete and Seward. At 26 years old, she is already a 5th degree black belt, chief instructor, and co-owner of the martial arts facility. When directed health measures forced Gold Star to close in-person training classes, she spearheaded the process of creating online modules for her students to continue their training independently. Before long, she began offering Zoom Classes to provide her students with another safe and flexible option to continue their training and explore expanded experiences to encourage healthy eating habits and socialization while social distancing. I commend her positive attitude and commitment to an enriching educational experience for all her students, regardless of their experience level.\n\nBryce Jensen is the Director of the World Theatre of Kearney. His adaptability, especially during the pandemic, demonstrates his commitment to his community. Though the organization he operates, the World Theatre, was closed due to the pandemic, his outside of the box thinking inspired him to create, through strategic community collaborations, a World Theatre drive-in. Not only would this ensure the World Theatre could still bring respite to many during these trying times, but it restored a drive-in movie experience to the Kearney region, reminding many of the happy memories of their youth.\n\nKirk Zeller grew up in the community of Ravenna, Nebraska. After high school, he attended university and later worked in the medical field in Japan. Kirk returned to the United States, first living in California before returning to his hometown of Ravenna to raise his family. Since returning to Ravenna he has turned the former Carnegie library into an entrepreneurship center, purchased a downtown building and renovated the upper story apartments, and recently directed a movie in Ravenna and Los Angeles which premiered at the Kearney World Theatre's drive-in, all while working on bringing new medical products to the market. He is a great story of returning to small hometown Nebraska and reinvesting in his community.\n\nDick Cochran of Kearney founded the nonprofit Hot Meals USA in October 2017. By February 2018, he signed a memorandum of understanding with the American Red Cross to call on him for assistance in wildfires, floods, tornadoes and other disasters. Every time Dick and Hot Meals USA are called upon, no less than 150 volunteers have supported the program. Since their inception, the policy has been to feed anyone, no questions asked. In just over three years, they have provided more than 155,000 meals across the country.\n\nJohn McCoy is the CEO of Orthman Manufacturing of Lexington. He embraced the opportunity to help feed families that come from a poverty background in the Lexington region. When he first brought in Hot Meals USA to the community, his business, Orthman Manufacturing, partnered with the Lexington Community Foundation and others to provide over 1,000 hot meals on a weekly basis to families. He then made feeding the community a priority as he and his employees took the lead to distribute USDA food boxes. When schools reopened in August, John was there for the community again. He donated 3,700 masks to Lexington Public Schools to make sure no student was unprepared for their school experience. John's actions represent his commitment to all members of the Lexington community.\n\nAnthony May of Hastings is an entrepreneur. When the pandemic forced the taproom of Steeple Brewery, which Anthony co-owns to close, he quickly responded. Collaborating with Wave Pizza Company, the brewery's restaurant partner, he developed a community delivery program, which eventually offered their products to 21 communities in south-central Nebraska. This innovative program ensured many Nebraskans, whose communities either do not have a grocery or now lacked a local place to eat due to the pandemic, had ready access to an easy-to-use food delivery program.\n\nMatt Dennis and Michael Stepp are more than small town business owners; they are master story tellers with a dream. What began as two friends making copper mugs in an old shop has turned into an opportunity to reshape the meaning of community. When they purchased the building they now call Handlebend, their goal was to create a community of small businesses under one roof and welcome the community with open arms to come and enjoy a mule, coffee, or gather and with friends and family. Though the Coronavirus pandemic has caused the Handlebend community to adapt their approach, the dreams of these men to create an innovative experience for the O'Neill community continue.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/let-s-keep-trade-rolling", "Lets Keep Trade Rolling", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over the last four years, we have updated our trade relationships and trade agreements at a historic pace. We secured updated comprehensive trade agreements with Canada, Mexico, and South Korea; entered into Phase One agreements with China and Japan that address many significant impediments to U.S. exporters in these major markets; and achieved important progress to remove trade barriers faced by particular sectors in several other countries. Together, these nations purchase almost 50 percent of the United States' current exports. These agreements facilitated increased opportunities and fairer treatment for American producers and consumers struggling during the pandemic, and they are important platforms to open additional opportunities for U.S. exporters in the future. In part as a result of these agreements, we have seen exports increase 27 percent from the May low. While these agreements continue to bear fruit, it is vital we treat them as the first steps of a long journey toward more open markets and equitable treatment for U.S. goods and services, not an excuse to relax when there is so much more work to be done.\nWhile the President is empowered to conduct U.S. foreign policy and has been delegated authority to address some trade issues through executive action, our Constitution empowers Congress to write and pass trade policy. First on Congress' agenda must be reauthorizing the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB)  two key programs which improve our competitiveness. Both programs will expire at the end of the year absent prompt action by Congress. Renewing these programs, which have enjoyed bipartisan support, will reduce costs and uncertainty for American businesses as they continue to grapple with the effects of COVID.\nGSP benefits all Americans by promoting economic growth in developing countries while also providing a tool for the U.S. to encourage good practices like protecting intellectual property, providing reasonable market access to U.S. exports, and treating U.S. investors fairly. Letting GSP lapse would raise the average tariff by 3.5 percent for small businesses in Nebraska while decreasing our leverage to ensure developing nations are raising standards and playing fairly in the global marketplace.\nMTB allows for a process to waive tariffs on inputs for domestic manufacturing which cannot be sourced domestically. This helps our manufacturers and promotes American competitiveness. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, renewal of a comprehensive MTB by the end of this year could eliminate more than $1.5 billion worth of tariffs on products not made or available in the U.S. That is money which U.S. manufacturers can invest in their facilities and workforce.\nWe also know American businesses and agriculture depend on foreign markets to grow. President Trump understands that and has made it a priority by negotiating and signing the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA), and Phase One deals with China and Japan. His administration also is making significant headway in comprehensive negotiations with the United Kingdom and Kenya, and has agreed to mini deals which address barriers we face in other markets. As a result, entire sectors of the U.S. economy, including agriculture, gained access to markets they had been barred from for years.\nThe significant progress we made in the past four years should be a blueprint for future trade opportunities that benefit American businesses, agriculture, and consumers. Moving forward, we need to continue the outstanding work President Trump and his administration have done on trade. We must take advantage of this momentum and not leave anything on the table. Through my position on the Ways and Means Committee, I will always continue searching for new markets for Nebraska products and pushing to reduce barriers our exporters face in foreign markets so U.S. farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and service providers can compete and win around the world.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-announces-2020-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Smith Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today announced the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for the Third District of Nebraska. The winning app will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and featured on www.House.Gov.  \n\t  \n\tThe winning app, titled Quick Mental Math, was created by Andy Vu, a junior at Kearney High School. According to Andy, he was inspired to create his app for his brother. During Coronavirus quarantine, he noticed his brother spending time learning math skills and using a lot of paper. He created Quick Mental Math to help his brother learn and do so through an environmentally friendly, convenient approach.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-announces-winners-excellence-innovation-and-adaptation-recognition", "Smith Announces Winners of Excellence in Innovation and Adaptation Recognition", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today honored nine individuals and businesses for receiving the Innovation and Adaptation Recognition. The award was created to acknowledge the contribution of individuals, organizations, and those who are working every day to improve and help their communities in the current environment.\nThe winners will be recognized by Smith before the U.S. House of Representatives.\nI'm proud to honor the recipients of the Innovation and Adaptation Recognition. Nebraskans know our communities grow when individuals step up: helping their neighbors, being involved, and creating opportunity, Smith said. To all Nebraskans who work tirelessly to create thriving communities, I will continue to support your efforts and pursue policies to get the federal government out of the way and empower your success.\nWinners  Billy Estes is the Executive Director of the Midwest Theater of Scottsbluff. Midwest Theater's programming, which includes live performances, orchestras, and concerts, makes an important contribution to the cultural and social experiences of Nebraska's panhandle. When the Coronavirus pandemic reached western Nebraska, under the guidance of Mr. Estes, the Midwest Theater partnered with the Legacy of the Plains Museum to create the Skyview Drive-in Movie Theater. As the pandemic progressed, this venture proved so popular they outgrew their location and had to move to larger accommodations. Thanks to the creativity and leadership of Mr. Estes, in spite of the pandemic, the Midwest Theater has continued to thrive throughout 2020.\nGrand Central Foods of York is owned by the Warren Thomas family. Mr. Thomas prides himself on his commitment to the York community. In \"normal\" times, Warren and the Grand Central Team are the first to ask where they can help with a project or how can they partner on events. The selflessness shown by everyone at Grand Central is a testament to the example of the ownership. Within a few days of the pandemic's arrival to York, Warren purchased a second grocery delivery van, and expanded his service to the entire community. Because Warren believes in positive reinforcement, he encouraged his customers to wear a mask while in his store by offering a 5 percent discount on their purchases. He is an active member of many community groups, and his passion and commitment to his community is unmatched.\nAlyssa Cochnar of Crete is a leader of Gold Star Martial Arts of Crete and Seward. At 26 years old, she is already a 5th degree black belt, chief instructor, and co-owner of the martial arts facility. When directed health measures forced Gold Star to close in-person training classes, she spearheaded the process of creating online modules for her students to continue their training independently. Before long, she began offering Zoom Classes to provide her students with another safe and flexible option to continue their training and explore expanded experiences to encourage healthy eating habits and socialization while social distancing. I commend her positive attitude and commitment to an enriching educational experience for all her students, regardless of their experience level.\nBryce Jensen is the Director of the World Theatre of Kearney. His adaptability, especially during the pandemic, demonstrates his commitment to his community. Though the organization he operates, the World Theatre, was closed due to the pandemic, his outside of the box thinking inspired him to create, through strategic community collaborations, a World Theatre drive-in. Not only would this ensure the World Theatre could still bring respite to many during these trying times, but it restored a drive-in movie experience to the Kearney region, reminding many of the happy memories of their youth.\nKirk Zeller grew up in the community of Ravenna, Nebraska. After high school, he attended university and later worked in the medical field in Japan. Kirk returned to the United States, first living in California before returning to his hometown of Ravenna to raise his family. Since returning to Ravenna he has turned the former Carnegie library into an entrepreneurship center, purchased a downtown building and renovated the upper story apartments, and recently directed a movie in Ravenna and Los Angeles which premiered at the Kearney World Theatre's drive-in, all while working on bringing new medical products to the market. He is a great story of returning to small hometown Nebraska and reinvesting in his community.\nDick Cochran of Kearney founded the nonprofit Hot Meals USA in October 2017. By February 2018, he signed a memorandum of understanding with the American Red Cross to call on him for assistance in wildfires, floods, tornadoes and other disasters. Every time Dick and Hot Meals USA are called upon, no less than 150 volunteers have supported the program. Since their inception, the policy has been to feed anyone, no questions asked. In just over three years, they have provided more than 155,000 meals across the country.\nJohn McCoy is the CEO of Orthman Manufacturing of Lexington. He embraced the opportunity to help feed families that come from a poverty background in the Lexington region. When he first brought in Hot Meals USA to the community, his business, Orthman Manufacturing, partnered with the Lexington Community Foundation and others to provide over 1,000 hot meals on a weekly basis to families. He then made feeding the community a priority as he and his employees took the lead to distribute USDA food boxes. When schools reopened in August, John was there for the community again. He donated 3,700 masks to Lexington Public Schools to make sure no student was unprepared for their school experience. John's actions represent his commitment to all members of the Lexington community.\nAnthony May of Hastings is an entrepreneur. When the pandemic forced the taproom of Steeple Brewery, which Anthony co-owns to close, he quickly responded. Collaborating with Wave Pizza Company, the brewery's restaurant partner, he developed a community delivery program, which eventually offered their products to 21 communities in south-central Nebraska. This innovative program ensured many Nebraskans, whose communities either do not have a grocery or now lacked a local place to eat due to the pandemic, had ready access to an easy-to-use food delivery program.\nMatt Dennis and Michael Stepp are more than small town business owners; they are master story tellers with a dream. What began as two friends making copper mugs in an old shop has turned into an opportunity to reshape the meaning of community. When they purchased the building they now call Handlebend, their goal was to create a community of small businesses under one roof and welcome the community with open arms to come and enjoy a mule, coffee, or gather and with friends and family. Though the Coronavirus pandemic has caused the Handlebend community to adapt their approach, the dreams of these men to create an innovative experience for the O'Neill community continue.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=567", "Bacon Announces Offutt Selected as Finalist for New Space Command HQ", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) today announced that the U.S. Air Force has informed him that Offutt Air Force Base has been selected as one of the six finalists to be home to the United States Space Command.\n\n\u201cAs one of the earliest advocates for the Space Command, I applaud this announcement,\u201d said Rep Bacon, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Space Force Caucus. \u201cAmerica\u2019s national security and economic prosperity depend on our access to space and this reliance will only increase over time. It\u2019s great to see the Pentagon recognize that Nebraska and Offutt Air Force Base are ideal locations for the missions that matter most.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-viral-hope", "Fort Report: Viral Hope", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As our state and nation continue to fight through the global pandemic, we've received some good news. In the last two weeks, two pharmaceutical companies reported that their experimental vaccines to prevent COVID-19 infection were roughly 90% (Pfizer) and 94% (Moderna) effective. In developing what is being called messenger RNA vaccines, the companies deployed the same novel approach: injecting a portion of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic code to generate antibodies and T-cells to fight off the virus.\nWhile each company's clinical trials are still ongoing, and more rigorous evaluations are forthcoming from the federal government, the breathtaking speed of the initiativedubbed Operation Warp Speed by the Department of Health and Human Serviceshas far surpassed the usual three-year window for vaccine development. While more needs to be done, including vigorous ongoing surveillance of adverse effects to ensure a high degree of product safety, this man-on-the-moon effort is impressive and unprecedented.\nIt did not happen by accident. In the Appropriations Committee on which I serve, we have worked to advance drug trials faster. For example, new generic drug approvals increased to 107 in 2019, up from 73 in 2016. The FDA has also enabled more creative non-placebo drug trial testing design, resulting in a near doubling of approval of novel therapies in the two-year period of 2017-2019 compared to the previous five.\nPart of our supplemental COVID funding in Congress included $20 billion for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to stimulate investment in vaccine development. Under Operation Warp Speed, over $2.5 billion were directed to Moderna for research, testing, and to purchase over 100 hundred million doses of its vaccine. Robust federal support was also provided to eight other drug companies with vaccines in efficacy trials and thirty others in the early phases of human studies.\nDr. Keith Vrbicky, a Norfolk doctor, has been working on two vaccine trials right here in Nebraska. The new science of this vaccine appears to be highly effective and safe, he said. I had two patients who were pregnant at 18 and 26 weeks respectively who each became very sick from the virus. They were very healthy women, yet they were in the hospital. We still don't know what the long-term effects may be for their babies. Finding a vaccine is important. That's why I agreed to help do the research right here in Norfolk. In the Moderna trial, we randomized 300 patients 50-50 to a placebo or vaccine group. For the Pfizer trial, we did the same thing with 200 patients. We required weekly diaries and blood drawssome had a sore arm or a nighttime fever. These were among the worst side effects we saw. Not a single patient said they wished they had not entered the trial. Both vaccines were successful in stimulating antibodies for COVID at very high levels. Also, patients in the placebo arm were much more likely to be later diagnosed with COVID than those who got the vaccine. \nThis positive news on vaccines does not mean we are out of the corona woods yet. Final safety data, mass production of the vaccines, and transportation and distribution logistics are still being worked out. Additionally, researchers do not conclusively know how long the immunity provided by the vaccine lasts, let alone how much protection the vaccines provide to those most at risk of dying from COVID-19the elderly and non-elderly with major preexisting conditions. It is also not yet fully understood whether the vaccines simply prevent recipients from becoming dangerously sick or whether they also stop virus spread.\nStill, if all goes well, as many as 20 million Americansmostly first responders and front-line health workerscould get the vaccine by year's end. In the next phase of the rollout, in early 2021, about 40 million Americans, including the elderly and those with significant underlying health conditions, are expected to get the vaccine.\nWe are not home yet, but this viral hope signifies we are moving quickly towards a sense of normalcy. As with the Huskers first victory of the season, it puts us one step closer to order restored.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/fort-floor-week-washington", "FORT FROM THE FLOOR: The Week in Washington", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FORT FROM THE FLOOR: The Week in Washington", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/ketv-7-omaha-offutt-named-finalist-space-command-hq", "KETV-7 Omaha: Offutt Named Finalist for Space Command HQ", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KETV-7 Omaha: Offutt Named Finalist for Space Command HQ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/kmtv-3-omaha-offutt-named-finalist-space-command-hq", "KMTV-3 Omaha: Offutt Named Finalist for Space Command HQ", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KMTV-3 Omaha: Offutt Named Finalist for Space Command HQ", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E9DF7720-FDF0-4051-A7C3-4EB8A2EA1378", "Statement on Tyson Virus Betting Allegations", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse released the following statement after Tyson Foods suspended officials at an Iowa plant following allegations that plant managers bet on the number of workers that would be infected by Coronavirus.\r\n\"These are some horrific allegations, and Tyson is right to launch an investigation. There appears to be systemic and cultural failures that allowed mismanagement  and the virus  to run rampant. The hardworking men and women on these lines deserve better because they're doing work that literally helps feed the world.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-offutt-air-force-base-being-named-finalist-spacecom", "Fortenberry Statement on Offutt Air Force Base Being Named a Finalist for SPACECOM Headquarters", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, DC) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) issued the following statement today after Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska was named one of six finalists to host United States Space Command Headquarters. We received some very exciting news today. Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue is one of six finalists to host United States Space Command Headquarters, Fortenberry said.\nOffutt is a critical piece of America's national security infrastructure and host to U.S. Strategic Command, the 55th Wing, and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Space Command would be a natural complement to Offutt's existing missionto protect U.S. military assets, dominate the battlespace, and support our heroic war fighters, Fortenberry added. It is premature to know if Offutt will be ultimately chosen, but the consideration alone shows how important Offutt now is to our nation and the world, Fortenberry said. Audio of Fortenberry Statement:https://youtu.be/JyxQbPfddP8 Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) is a Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=78CFB689-544F-4078-A5CC-676E6BC9A1EB", "Sasse Statement on Pfizer Vaccine", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement after Pfizer announced its vaccine is 95% effective in the final results of their study and they are moving to ask health regulators to authorize use.\n\"This is great news. The folks over at Pfizer have been working around the clock to develop this vaccine and they deserve our thanks and praise. American innovation and creativity are going to beat this nasty virus.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=566", "BACON NAMED TO NDAA CONFERENCE COMMITTEE FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) was named by the House of Representatives as a conferee to the fiscal year (FY) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference committee. A conference committee resolves the differences between Senate and House versions of the same bill, and this is Rep. Bacon\u2019s fourth consecutive appointment. Rep. Bacon previously served on the FY18, FY19, and FY20 NDAA conference committees.\n\n\u201cI want to thank Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy for selecting me as a conferee to the NDAA conference committee as this is one of Congress\u2019 most important constitutional responsibilities,\u201d said Rep. Bacon. \u201cAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft bi-partisan, defense legislation that restores America\u2019s military readiness.\u201d\n\nTo do this, Rep. Bacon believes in modernizing nuclear deterrence, including the TRIAD and replacing 400 ICBMs. With 20 percent of the United States Air Force\u2019s budget going to non-Air Force related programs, Rep. Bacon is committed to creating more transparency and informing wise investment of taxpayer dollars. He also believes we need to be prepared for future pandemics by improving medical surge capacity and making our nation\u2019s top health care facilities such as UNMC a global leader. Another top priority of his is to focus on reconstruction efforts at Offutt Air Force Base which is a top employer for Nebraska\u2019s Second District. This will strengthen the base to be more resilient than it was prior to the 2019 spring floods.\n\n\u201cI am grateful for this opportunity and believe we must protect our service members and equip them with the necessary resources and assistance,\u201d added Rep. Bacon. \u201cI plan to work with the Senate and do everything in my power to get this to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe experience Don brings to the conference committee is truly unparalleled. He served three decades in the Air Force, served multiple overseas tours, rose to the branch\u2019s highest ranks, and earned numerous decorations for his leadership. We are grateful for his service. Since coming to Congress, he has championed a stronger military and fought to empower troops and their families. Don understands America is worth fighting for and never forgets the sacrifices associated with service. Based on his distinguished record, Don will deliver a strong NDAA to President Trump\u2019s desk to be signed into law,\u201d said Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FB956A7B-181C-419B-AFB4-A2E986F08397", "Sasse Statement on Retreat from Middle East", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after it was reported that the U.S. is withdrawing thousands of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.\"Headlines about bringing the boys home' sound good, but that's not what's happening. After this retreat, there will still be American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The most important question is whether those remaining troops will be able to prevent al-Qaeda, the Islamic State, Iranian proxies, and others from plotting attacks that can spill American blood, or if they will be exposed as jihadis gain ground. Terrorists will exploit vacuums  President Obama's 2011 withdrawal from Iraq opened the door for ISIS. I fear this weak retreat is not grounded in reality and will make the world a more dangerous place.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/small-business-and-community-roundtables-recap", "Small Business and Community Roundtables Recap", "2020-11-16", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "While votes are still being counted and recounted, there are other things we must focus on as well  like getting our economy back on track. Through the use of tools like Zoom, I am able to meet with Nebraskans about our economy without skipping a beat.\nMany of my meetings center on our local economy. I enjoy hearing and speaking with organizations such as Hayes County Economic Development and Chambers of Commerce for North Platte, Dundy, and the State of Nebraska. In addition, it was great to hear from the Nebraska Farm Bureau about the harvest concluding successfully. Each meeting brings a different perspective and new ideas.\nThis week, I hosted a series of Small Business & Community Roundtables to talk with small business owners directly. In each session, special guests, including hospitals CEOs, Third District entrepreneurs, economic development leaders, and local, state, and administration officials, shared effective approaches to grow and strengthen small businesses during the pandemic. A consensus view of the sessions was safely keeping our economy going and adapting to the current environment while taking steps to fight the virus.\nI particularly appreciated hearing from panelists like Janell Anderson Ehrke, of GROW Nebraska, about the focus they have put on helping more businesses go digital by creating a web presence to market and sell their products online as COVID has accelerated existing online selling trends. In the face of the challenges such as reduced foot traffic and less demand for certain products, Nebraskans have been hard at work finding solutions. Andrew Vrbas, Co-founder of Hastings-based Pacha Soap, saw the pandemic and its shutdowns as a major obstacle to his wholesale and retail business. Pacha Soap then pivoted to making hand sanitizer and other products they will now sell long-term.\nDespite disruptions to travel, we should not lose sight of the importance of exporting Nebraska products to consumers around the world as well. In the final session of my roundtable series we heard from Ted McKinney, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Services, about the importance of international trade during this time. By expanding opportunities, we can improve our economy by selling great Nebraska products to new markets. The administration has been in overdrive on trade since its existence and we have seen unprecedented results. By keeping this pace, we will be able to exceed all expectations and recover the economy we were seeing before COVID. Online meeting technology can also improve our ability to sell internationally more efficiently.\nI thoroughly enjoyed listening to the unique points of view from each of the panelists during the roundtables, and the feedback we got from those watching the sessions. Although we have important issues we are dealing with as a nation, it is our small businesses and communities who move us forward. Thank you to everyone who participated and I look forward to hearing from you again soon!\nTo view a recording of any sessions from this week, please visit my YouTube Channel here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1935FC26-FDD1-4FF1-ACDF-43B9FA98FEC5", "Sasse Statement on Vaccine Cyber Attacks", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after three actors from Russia and North Korea continually attempt to disrupt the development of a COVID-19 vaccination throughrepeated cyber-attacks.\n\"The future of war is no longer solely physical combat  it will also be in cyberspace. We cannot mistake that these cyber-attacks are an act of aggression towards the United States and the greater health of our citizens and economy. These Russian and North Korean actors are attempting to steal American IP and delay vaccine development. The folks in the private sector are doing a great job exposing and combatting these malicious attacks, and our government must find better ways to leverage this kind private sector work and bring our cyber defenses into the future.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-talk-veteran", "Fort Report: Talk to a Veteran", "2020-11-13", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In December of 1944, it was thought that WWII may be beginning to near its end. Through a surprise offensive known as the Battle of the Bulge, the German army shattered the illusion. The 40-day engagement was the bloodiest single battle of the war for U.S. troops; over 19,000 Americans lost their lives in the bitter, winter cold. On the 75th anniversary of the battle I was asked by the Speaker of the House, along with a small congressional delegation, to honor our remaining veterans and participate in remembrance ceremonies in Bastogne, Belgium. A cold, misty rain blanketed the landscape at the battle site made famous by the Band of Brothers. I stood next to a very old veteran as we quietly peered into the remnants of a fox hole. He kept whispering through his tears, nineteen years old, nineteen years old...\" Here's why I'm relating this story: -If you are starting to feel overwhelmed by our nation's struggles, talk to a veteran. -If you see our policy battles as impossible to solve, talk to a veteran. -If you want to reconnect with those things that bind us, talk to a veteran.  We live in an age of fearful urgency. As social media continues to find its way deeper into the fabric of our lives, it attempts to convince us that every bit of information coming our way requires our immediate attention. For the first time in history, a constantly updated news cycle is at our fingertips. While it has always been the goal of the media to capture a larger share of audience attention, the tools needed to accomplish this task are much more pervasive in our personal lives. Every communication coming our way is vying for our direct attention in an over-saturated market of tweets, breaking news stories, and commentary. In this environment, fear can easily become ever-present in our local and national conversations driving us to places of anxiety, alienation, and mistrust of one another. I find that when I spend meaningful time around those who have served in our military, the noise fades, and a right perspective returns to my spirit. I am reminded of the greater ideal of self-sacrifice and I am drawn into unity with other Americans by connecting with those who selflessly and dutifully served simply because it wasnoble and good. Given the pandemic and the post-election dynamics, this year Veteran's Day passed without our nation's fuller focus. This quieter remembrance does not diminish the gift their sacrifice has given us. If the noise becomes too loud, talk to a veteran.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AC28C876-E0D9-4CCD-876E-B35C17501521", "Sasse Statement on DOJs Epstein Investigation", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"Americans ought to be enraged.\" \r\nToday, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Oversight Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding the completion of the Department of Justice's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's sweetheart deal. The investigation merely concluded that U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta exercised poor judgment.\"\n\"Letting a well-connected billionaire get away with child rape and international sex trafficking isn't poor judgment'  it is a disgusting failure. Americans ought to be enraged. Jeffrey Epstein should be rotting behind bars today, but the Justice Department failed Epstein's victims at every turn. The DOJ's crooked deal with Epstein effectively shut down investigations into his child sex trafficking ring and protected his co-conspirators in other states. Justice has not been served. The full report needs to be released to the public. OPR might have finished its report, but we have an obligation to make sure this never happens again.\"\nBackground:\nSince 2018, Sasse has repeatedly pushed the DOJ toinvestigatethe sweetheart deal that Epstein received.\nIn February 2019, at Sasse's insistence, the Department of Justiceopenedan investigation into its handling of Epstein.\nOnJanuary 15, 2019, during his confirmation hearing, William Barr, the President's nominee for Attorney General, publicly committed to making sure that the DOJ responded to Senator Sasse's questions into the Epstein case and that they would prioritize the prosecution of sex-trafficking.\nOn August 10, the day of Epstein's death, Sasse wrote to Attorney General Barrdemandingthat heads must roll and asking transparency questions to make sure DOJ answers for the miscarriage of justice.\nOn November 11, 2019, Sassedenouncedthe Bureau of Prisons' refusal to provide public answers about the events surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's death.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3989A0D1-87F1-4C72-98E7-662AB0CB9E7B", "Sasse Statement on Death of Hong Kongs Legislature", "2020-11-11", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after pro-democracy Hong Kong lawmakers were disqualified from holding office shortly after Beijing passed a bill that allowed Hong Kong's government to unseat elected politicians deemed a threat to China's national security.\n\"Chairman Xi's reign of terror in Hong Kong has now gutted the remnant of the city's elected democratic opposition. Xi cannot tolerate a political system in Hong Kong that is anything less than an unblemished rubber stamp for his despotic policies. Those continuing to fight for democracy in Hong Kong should know the free world stands with them.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EF19037D-C996-4B8F-B294-66E958F5F717", "Sasse Statement on Veterans Day", "2020-11-11", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement in observance of Veterans Day.\n\"The safety and freedom we enjoy are not guaranteed. Brave Americans fight day in and day out to protect and defend our country. These men and women, and their families, make great sacrifices so we live freely. Our service members and their families ought to be celebrated today and every day for their heroic work.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=AF9DC6DE-F6BD-48AB-ABC8-5C44978C3DBE", "Fischer Commemorates Veterans Day 2020", "2020-11-10", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day:\r\nVeterans Day is a time for all Americans to express our deep gratitude for the men and women who selflessly served our nation. It is a time to show appreciation for those who have fought to protect the freedoms that make this country great. I encourage every Nebraskan to find the time to thank a veteran for his or her service.Veterans Day is a time for all Americans to express our deep gratitude for the men and women who selflessly served our nation. It is a time to show appreciation for those who have fought to protect the freedoms that make this country great. I encourage every Nebraskan to find the time to thank a veteran for his or her service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D150B792-4871-42E7-BAD9-479F7F21CAAB", "Sasse Statement on Vaccine and Cuomo", "2020-11-09", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse issued the following statement regarding the good news that Pfizer announced a possible coronavirus vaccine and the bad news that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo immediately politicized it.\nWhat on earth is Governor Cuomo talking about? This is great news and everyone - Republicans and Democrats and apolitical folks - should all be jointly thrilled about the possibility of an effective vaccine. After this nasty virus has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans and put millions out of work, it is beyond disgusting that Governor Cuomo would use a glimmer of hope for another worn-out Trump is bad' talking point. When we get a vaccine, we're going to need all hands on deck distributing it as fast as possible - shamelessly politicizing this is dangerous and stupid.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=31D7221E-D0DC-4D53-943D-061FD6543B27", "Fischer Joins Bipartisan Bill to End Cut to Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits", "2020-11-09", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety, joined theRailroad Employee Equality and Fairness Act, which would end the sequester on the Railroad Retirement Board's (RRB) Unemployment Insurance Account.\r\nLike many Americans, railroaders are facing significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges are worsened by a harmful reduction of their regular unemployment and sickness benefits no other industry faces. This bipartisan legislation rights that wrong and makes sure railroaders receive these critical benefits they deserve in full,said Senator Fischer.\r\nMore information:\r\nTheRailroad Employee Equality and Fairness Actwas introduced by Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)\r\nRailroad unemployment and sickness benefits are funded solely by railroads' and railroad workers' contributions. The Budget Control Act of 2011 and subsequent implementation mandates require railroad unemployment and sickness benefits to be reduced by a certain percentage each year. All other regular unemployment benefits are exempt from sequestration. Without this legislation, sequestration will likely result in a 5.7 percent reduction in railroad unemployment and sickness benefits through fiscal year 2030. This is particularly concerning during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) received 35,030 unemployment claims. As of September 2020, the RRB has received 133,899 claims, nearly a fourfold increase.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/remembering-and-assisting-our-veterans", "Remembering and Assisting our Veterans", "2020-11-06", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After a contentious election, it is important we come back together and take stock of the unifying values and liberties which make our country great. While we have been endowed by our Creator with the freedom to self-govern, which we exercise through free and democratic elections, this freedom has endured because of the sacrifices of our veterans, as well as the men and women currently serving in our military who put their lives on the line so that we may enjoy these rights. Each year on November 11, the anniversary of the armistice ending World War I, we observe Veterans Day to commemorate our men and women who fought for us to have this freedom. It is up to us to show our veterans the respect and admiration they deserve, and to remember their legacy and give them the appreciation and the resources they need.\nThis year is the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. With each passing year, fewer members of our greatest generation remain with us to be honored for their roles in defeating fascism and ending the Holocaust. Only 300,000 World War II veterans remain with us today. This sobering fact makes it all the more important to learn from them and hear their stories. On Veterans Day in 1985, President Reagan said, all we can ever do for our heroes is remember them and remember what they did. We should all try to heed these powerful words and their message.\nIn September, I hosted a Virtual Veterans History Project Training for constituents interested in volunteering to interview and record veterans' stories for the Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress. It is so critical to remember our veterans, take their lessons, and learn from their courage. I encourage all those interested in participating in the VHP to visit the Library of Congress' website at: https://www.loc.gov/vets/\nIn addition to remembering the deeds of our veterans, it is also important we continue providing support for those who need our help. Today, there are 150,000 veterans who live in Nebraska and are vital members of our community. There are also 17,000 veteran-owned businesses in Nebraska, however, the veteran unemployment rate is historically higher than the rest of the population. We must do more. Fortunately, there are resources available specifically for veterans. If you are a veteran who owns a small business or is interested in starting one, be sure to check out SBA's website, who may be able to offer some assistance: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses\nMy office also offers assistance for veterans who may be having issues with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Please do not hesitate to contact my Grand Island office if you need help.\nOur veterans have already given us so much; it is our turn to show our appreciation. Be sure to thank a veteran not only on November 11th, but always. To every veteran  we appreciate your sacrifice and God bless America!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=565", "Bacon Says We Must Defend Constitution in Election Process", "2020-11-06", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Omaha, Neb. - Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) issued an updated statement concerning the 2020 Presidential Elections:\n\n\u201cGoing forward, our guiding light must be to defend and enforce the Constitution and uphold our rule of law. To support that, we must count all of the submitted legal votes; expand transparency and allow both sides to monitor ballot-counting activity; respect the will of the voters; respect our legal processes to sort out disputes; hold accountable anyone who breaks the law, and be calm and respectful to each other.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/columns/small-business-community-roundtables", "Small Business & Community Roundtables", "2020-11-04", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Small businesses are staples of our communities and the backbone of rural America. However, small businesses have also taken the hardest hit from COVID's impact and we must continue doing all we can to help them as we continue to fight this disease. In order to hear from small businesses directly while providing the latest in innovative ideas, I will be hosting a series of Small Business & Community Roundtables on November 9, 10, 12, and 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST).\nBefore the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy was at record highs, and businesses small and large were prospering. Now, due to unforeseen circumstances, our communities are faced with significant obstacles, but we know it will be our small businesses which bring us back. Efforts such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)  created by the CARES Act have saved over 51 million jobs, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).\nWhile programs such as the PPP have been able to help many small businesses stay afloat during the pandemic, it is the knowledge and hard work of our employers and workforce which have made a huge difference in our economic comeback and our communities. In order to help small business owners further, the four panels will focus on issues I deal with daily in my work on the Ways and Means Committee  health, creating opportunities for economic growth, and trade. Here is a list of the dates, times, topics, and special guests:\nCreating a Healthy Community Roundtable\n Monday, November 9\n\t8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\tSpecial Guests:Michelle Wineinger, Representative, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Leslie Marsh, CEO, Lexington Regional Health Center; Jim Ulrich, CEO, York General Health Care Services\n Growing a Small Business Roundtable\n Tuesday, November 10\n\t8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\tSpecial Guests:Dell Gines, Senior Community Development Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City-Omaha Branch; Janell Anderson Ehrke, CEO, GROW Nebraska Foundation; Andrew Vrbas, CEO, Pacha Soap; Kevin Griffith, CEO, Amplifi Capital\n Developing Your Local Economy and Workforce Roundtable\n Thursday, November 12\n\t8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\tSpecial Guests:Leon Milobar, Nebraska District Director, Small Business Administration; Starr Lehl, Economic Development Director, City of Scottsbluff; Oscar Gomez, Assistant City Administrator, City of South Sioux City\n Innovating Opportunity Through Trade Roundtable\n Friday, November 13\n\t8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\tSpecial Guests:The Honorable Ted McKinney, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Services; Norm Krug, Founder/CEO, Preferred Popcorn; Kirk Zeller, DBA, Founder, Silicon Prairie Center\n In order to provide these panels in a safe, socially-distanced format, they will be held online. To participate constituents must pre-register for each individual session through links available athttp://adriansmith.house.gov/SBCRoundtable2020.\nI am confident that if we open up our economy safely and securely, we will be able to bring it back to where it was before the pandemic. Individuals like you have important ideas worth sharing and I ask that you please join me at our Small Business & Community Roundtables. I look forward to hearing from you!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-epa-reapproval-herbicide-dicamba", "Fortenberry Statement on EPA Reapproval of the Herbicide Dicamba", "2020-11-02", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(LINCOLN, NE) Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) issued the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reapproved use of the herbicide dicamba by America's ag producers.\nWe have been working on a resolution to dicamba for farmers for many months now. I am pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency has reached a reasonable conclusion, Fortenberry said.\nEarlier this year, I worked with the EPA Administrator, the Secretary of Agriculture, and several bipartisan colleagues to ensure that ag producers who had purchased dicamba could continue using it through the end of July. This week, the EPA announced a five-year registration for use of the herbicide starting in 2021, Fortenberry added.\nI am pleased that farmers will now have certainty as they begin making their planting decisions for the coming year, Fortenberry said.\n  Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).   \n\t\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/press-releases/fortenberry-statement-house-and-senate-reintroduction-his-accelerating-access", "Fortenberry Statement on House and Senate Reintroduction of His Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (ACT for ALS)", "2020-11-02", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, DC)Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) offered the following statement upon the reintroduction of an updated version of ACT for ALS, Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, in the United States House and Senate.\nThe two new pieces of legislationH.R.8662 in the House and S.4867 in the Senatecreates new pathways for faster and broader access to therapies for those most in need, including those facing a fatal disease like ALS.\nThis new legislation represents a monumental shift for those suffering from ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.It breaks the paradigm of disease research and creates a new pathway to deliver promising treatments.With this new law, we can break through faster for those who have suffered so much, Fortenberry said.\nThe revised ACT for ALS addresses several challenges associated with ALS therapeutic development. First, ALS clinical trials do not always employ expanded access programs that facilitate access to experimental treatments outside of the trial. This legislation tackles the financial barrier for therapies being tested from small biopharmaceutical companies by creating a grant program that funds access to investigational ALS treatments to patients not participating in the clinical trial. Additionally, the grant will fund a research project as part of providing expanded access to people living with ALS, adding to the understanding of how treatments impact the disease.\nThe revised legislation also invests in neurodegenerative disease research through a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grant Program. With this investment, Congress prioritizes making progress in the development of treatments and cures for ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases.\nFinally, ACT for ALS would establish an HHS Collaborative for Neurodegenerative Diseases jointly led by the FDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the first federal effort explicitly charged with the responsibility to speed the development and approval of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. This collaborative is charged with coordinating efforts across the public and private sector to accelerate therapeutic development and regulatory review of treatments and cures for ALS and neurodegenerative diseases, including:\n Coordination among the centers of the Food and Drug Administration to achieve the goals specified in the draft guidance entitled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Developing Drugs for Treatment Guidance for Industry,'' published in September 2019;\n\tFacilitation of access to investigational drugs for ALS;\n\tDefinition or development of the regulatory and translational pathway for emerging therapeutic categories; and\n\tDevelopment and implementation of an ongoing mechanism to share feedback and information and develop strategies with the neurodegenerative disease community, including patients, treating physicians, national organizations that facilitate provision of care services, access and research, researchers, drug sponsors, drug manufacturers and Federal agencies.\n The bills have the full support and coordination of three leading ALS organizations in I AM ALS, The ALS Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The revised ACT for ALS addresses several challenges associated with ALS therapeutic development.\nLink to House Bill: https://bit.ly/37POqlG\nLink to Senate Bill: https://bit.ly/34GW6ou\nCongressman Jeff Fortenberry is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1B0088B5-7697-4CA9-A74A-DF17C9B22846", "Sasse Statement on American Hostage Rescue in Nigeria", "2020-10-31", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after U.S. intelligence and military forces rescued an American citizen abducted last week in Niger. No U.S. military personnel were injured during the mission.\"This is the type of stuff that makes America's military a force for good around the world. The men and women who helped plan and execute this rescue mission are heroes, and we are grateful their work to free an American citizen.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-hold-virtual-small-business-and-community-roundtable-series", "Smith to Hold Virtual Small Business and Community Roundtable Series", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) will host a Virtual Small Business and Community Roundtable series, with online sessions each morning, November 9, 10, 12, and 13. Those interested in attending must pre-register for each session individually at the links provided below.\n\nThe Virtual Small Business and Community Roundtables will provide Third District constituents an opportunity to share their thoughts with the panelists while hearing from Smith and his special guests about the latest innovative small business ideas and policy.\n\nIn addition to Smith, officials such as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Ag. Services Ted McKinney, Nebraska SBA District Director Leon Milobar, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Senior Community Development Advisor Dell Gines, and a representative of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will join in the discussion on the following dates.\n\nCreating a Healthy Community Roundtable\n\nMonday, November 9\n\n8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\nSpecial Guests: Michelle Wineinger, Rural Health Coordinator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Leslie Marsh, CEO, Lexington Regional Health Center; Jim Ulrich, CEO, York General Health Care Services\n\nRegistration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VGP3thi6QZicvTNKYfMWaw\n\nGrowing a Small Business Roundtable\n\nTuesday, November 10\n\n8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\nSpecial Guests: Dell Gines, Senior Community Development Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City-Omaha Branch; Janell Anderson Ehrke, CEO, GROW Nebraska Foundation; Andrew Vrbas, CEO, Pacha Soap; Kevin Griffith, CEO, Amplifi Capital\n\nRegistration link:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AkYACu_oTZOOjxD92FZdkw\n\n\u200b\n\nDeveloping Your Local Economy and Workforce Roundtable\n\nThursday, November 12\n\n8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\nSpecial Guests: Leon Milobar, Nebraska District Director, Small Business Administration; Starr Lehl, Economic Development Director, City of Scottsbluff; Oscar Gomez, Assistant City Administrator, City of South Sioux City\n\nRegistration link:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h-b_s38BQhSu8XBYQrYZzw\n\n\u200b\n\nInnovating Opportunity Through Trade Roundtable\n\nFriday, November 13\n\n8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\nSpecial Guests: The Honorable Ted McKinney, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Services; Norm Krug, Founder/CEO, Preferred Popcorn; Kirk Zeller, DBA, Founder, Silicon Prairie Center\n\nRegistration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R_kwq7JfRuWiFuKRQVSlfg\n\n\u200b\n\nFor more information about these events, please contact Smith's Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smiths-bill-protecting-seniors-included-package-fighting-covid-19", "Smith\u2019s Bill Protecting Seniors Included in Package Fighting COVID-19", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", "adriansmith", "https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after his bill, the Reducing Unnecessary Senior Hospitalization (RUSH) Act, was included in the Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act (H.R. 14), a package of bipartisan provisions designed to aid Americans in addressing the impact of COVID-19 by promoting policies which incentivize innovation and supports healthy workplaces.\n\nThe RUSH Act, introduced by Smith in March, brings much needed technological innovation to Medicare through expanded access to telehealth. The transfer of a skilled nursing facility resident to the emergency room has always been complicated and expensive, carrying serious risks to patients already dealing with complex health needs. The COVID pandemic dramatically increased this risk as a trip to the hospital now also carries a serious risk of COVID exposure and subsequent infection.\n\nThis language pairs telehealth technologies with trained onsite providers in skilled nursing facilities to safely treat certain patients in place, such as those experiencing falls, delirium, infections, or adverse medication interaction, rather than transferring them to a hospital. In addition to reducing the risk of COVID exposure, treatment in place can provide for quicker diagnoses and treatment and avoids costly ambulance trips.\n\n\"During COVID, seniors have taken extra steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. Avoiding unnecessary trips and allowing them to be treated in place will help tremendously. I am grateful this critical language to protect our seniors has been included in this package.\"\n\nSmith is a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over both the RUSH Act and H.R. 14.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/smith-s-bill-protecting-seniors-included-package-fighting-covid-19", "Smiths Bill Protecting Seniors Included in Package Fighting COVID-19", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after his bill, the Reducing Unnecessary Senior Hospitalization (RUSH) Act, was included in the Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act (H.R. 14), a package of bipartisan provisions designed to aid Americans in addressing the impact of COVID-19 by promoting policies which incentivize innovation and supports healthy workplaces.\nThe RUSH Act, introduced by Smith in March, brings much needed technological innovation to Medicare through expanded access to telehealth. The transfer of a skilled nursing facility resident to the emergency room has always been complicated and expensive, carrying serious risks to patients already dealing with complex health needs. The COVID pandemic dramatically increased this risk as a trip to the hospital now also carries a serious risk of COVID exposure and subsequent infection.\nThis language pairs telehealth technologies with trained onsite providers in skilled nursing facilities to safely treat certain patients in place, such as those experiencing falls, delirium, infections, or adverse medication interaction, rather than transferring them to a hospital. In addition to reducing the risk of COVID exposure, treatment in place can provide for quicker diagnoses and treatment and avoids costly ambulance trips.\nDuring COVID, seniors have taken extra steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. Avoiding unnecessary trips and allowing them to be treated in place will help tremendously. I am grateful this critical language to protect our seniors has been included in this package.\nSmith is a senior member of the Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over both the RUSH Act and H.R. 14.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-beer-and-axes", "Fort Report: Beer and Axes", "2020-10-30", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Please sign up here to receive my email newsletter or periodic text updates.You may cancel or unsubscribe at any time.\n*  marks required fields of data.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://adriansmith.house.gov/SBCRoundtable2020", "Smith to Hold Virtual Small Business and Community Roundtable Series", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Adrian Smith", "S001172", "adriansmith.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) will host aVirtual Small Business and Community Roundtable Series, with online sessions each morning on November 9, 10, 12, and 13. Those interested in attending must pre-register for each session individually at the links provided below.\nThe Virtual Small Business and Community Roundtable Seriesprovides Third District constituents an opportunity to hear from Smith and his special guests discuss the latest in innovative small business ideas and policy and share your thoughts during the discussion opportunity.\nIn addition to Smith, officials such as USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Ag. Services Ted McKinney, SBA District Director Leon Milobar, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Senior Community Development Advisor Dell Gines, and a represntative of CMS - Kansas City will join in the discussion on the following dates.  \n\t\nCreating a Healthy Community Roundtable\nGrowing a Small Business Roundtable\n Tuesday, November 10\n\t8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\tSpecial Guests: Dell Gines, Senior Community Development Advsior, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Janell Anderson-Ehrke, CEO of the GROW Nebraska Foundation, Andrew Vrbas, CEO of Pacha Soap, Kevin Griffith, CEO of Amplifi Capital\n\tRegistration link:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AkYACu_oTZOOjxD92FZdkw\n Developing Your Local Economy and Workforce Roundtable\n Thursday, November 12\n\t8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\tSpecial Guests:Leon Milobar, Small Business Administration District Director, Starr Lehl, Development Director for the City of Scottsbluff, Oscar Gomez, Assistant City Administrator & Economic Development Director for South Sioux City\n\tRegistration link:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h-b_s38BQhSu8XBYQrYZzw\n Innovating Opportunity Through Trade Roundtable\n Friday, November 13\n\t8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (CST) / 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (MST)\n\tSpecial Guests: USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Ag Services Ted McKinney, Norm Krug, Founder and CEO of Preferred Popcorn, Kirk Zeller, DBA, Founder of the Silicon Prairie Center\n\tRegistration link:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R_kwq7JfRuWiFuKRQVSlfg\n For more information about these events, please contact Smith's Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=563", "Bacon Has History of Combatting Military Sexual Assault", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Omaha, Neb. \u2013 When Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) took on the assignment of Commander for Ramstein Air Base in Germany in 2008, he knew he would have to tackle head-on the high number of sexual assault allegations at the base. He immediately instituted a program to address the crimes, and it was later ranked by the Air Force as the number one sexual assault response program. Rep. Bacon continues to combat military sexual assault through his legislative work with Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and as a member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.\n\nIn February of 2020, Rep. Bacon teamed with Rep. Speier to introduce bipartisan legislation to establish a \u201cSafe to Report\u201d policy across the military. This legislation would empower survivors of sexual violence to report these incidents by ensuring that they will not be charged with minor included offenses such as underage drinking or violating curfew, unless aggravating circumstances exist.\n\nRep. Bacon was inspired by an Airman stationed at Offutt Air Force Base who had reached out to him during his first term to discuss the punishment she received for underage drinking, when she reported being the victim of sexual assault.\n\n\u201cDuring my first year in the House, a constituent reached out to share with me how she had been sexually assaulted by a fellow Airman and had received a collateral misconduct charge for drinking while a minor,\u201d said Rep. Bacon. \u201cI was outraged to hear that she had been re-victimized and offered to reach out to the new base commander for her, to ask him to review the case. He agreed it was an improper charge and rescinded it.\u201d\n\nThe legislation, H.R. 5738, was amended into the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which passed the House in July and is now being reconciled with the companion bill in the Senate.\n\nAs a member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, Rep. Bacon was also vocal about the need for this policy. In 2018 the Academy instituted a similar directive to encourage sexual assault reporting by reducing the fear of retaliation and ostracism for victims of criminal misconduct. After extensive discussions with Academy leadership, Rep. Bacon believed this policy should be standardized across the armed forces.\n\nPrevious pieces of legislation tackling military sexual assault co-sponsored by Rep. Bacon include H.R. 4203, the Combat Online Predators Act, H.R. 1035, the Extending Justice for Sex Crime Victims Act of 2017, H.R. 909, the Pet and Women Safety Act of 2017, and H.R. 2052, the PRIVATE Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:34:36Z"], ["https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-and-senate-introduce-accelerating-access-critical-therapies-als-act-act", "House and Senate introduce Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (ACT for ALS)", "2020-10-29", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Jeff Fortenberry", "F000449", "fortenberry.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, DC)Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)introduced an updated version of ACT for ALS,Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act,in the United States House and Senate. The two new pieces of legislation,H.R.8662in the House andS.4867in the Senate, create new pathways for faster and broader access to therapies for those most in need, including those facing a fatal disease like ALS. \"This new legislation represents a monumental shift for those suffering from ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.It breaks the paradigm of disease research and creates a new pathway to deliver promising treatments.With this new law, we can break through faster for those who have suffered so much,said Congressman Jeff Fortenberry. \"We must do all we can to support thetens of thousandsof Americansimpacted byALS, aterrible diseasewithout a cure. TheACTfor ALS will expand early treatment options and support the cutting-edge research needed to improve quality of life and find a cure. Weshouldtake steps to facilitate access to new therapies, drug treatments, and medical breakthroughsto aid Americans who sufferfromALS orotherforms of neurodegenerative disease,said Senator Chris Coons, co-chair of the Senate ALS Caucus. \"For too long, ALS and diseases like it have gone under researched and under resourced at the federal level. That changes today. The new ACT for ALS bill is the product of intense engagement over many months and is our best opportunity in decades to disrupt the status quo, move the ball forward, and expedite treatment options for those living with terminal illnesses like ALS. I've been so proud to work alongside a diverse group of stakeholderspatients, advocates, scientists, researchers and doctors, both in and outside of government to produce a bold, bipartisan piece of legislation that offers new hope to those suffering from ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases with few treatments and no cures. I want to thank my partner in this effort, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, and all those who worked with us to improve this legislation, and I am honored to give voice to the ALS patient community, without whom this effort would simply not be possible,said Congressman Mike Quigley. For years I've been working with the ALS community to help increase research opportunities and ensure those living with this deadly disease have the support they need. We've made progress, but even with promising treatments in clinical trials, patients unable to enroll in those research studies unfortunately have very few options for treatment. Through a new pilot grant program, as well as other additional funding, this bipartisan legislation will help address barriers to utilizing the current expanded access pathway, while also broadly supporting the development of ALS treatments. As someone whose family has been personally impacted by ALS, I'm proud to help Senator Coons lead this effort,said Senator Lisa Murkowski. The revised ACT for ALS addresses several challenges associated with ALS therapeutic development.First, ALS clinical trials do not always employ expanded access programs that facilitate access to experimental treatments outside of the trial. This legislation tackles the financial barrier for therapies being tested from small biopharmaceutical companies by creating a grant program that funds access to investigational ALS treatments to patients not participating in the clinical trial. Additionally, the grant will fund a research project as part of providing expanded access to people living with ALS, adding to the understanding of how treatments impact the disease. The revised legislation also invests in neurodegenerative disease research through a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grant Program. With this investment, Congress prioritizes making progress in the development of treatments and cures for ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, ACT for ALS would establish an HHS Collaborative for Neurodegenerative Diseases jointly led by the FDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the first federal effort explicitly charged with the responsibility to speed the development and approval of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. This collaborative is charged with coordinating efforts across the public and private sector to accelerate therapeutic development and regulatory review of treatments and cures for ALS and neurodegenerative diseases, including:\nCoordination among the centers of the Food and Drug Administration to achieve the goals specified in the draft guidance entitled Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Developing Drugs for Treatment Guidance for Industry,'' published in September 2019;\nFacilitation of access to investigational drugs for ALS;\nDefinition or development of the regulatory and translational pathway for emerging therapeutic categories; and\nDevelopment and implementation of an ongoing mechanism to share feedback and information and develop strategies with the neurodegenerative disease community, including patients, treating physicians, national organizations that facilitate provision of care services, access and research, researchers, drug sponsors, drug manufacturers and Federal agencies. The bills have the full support and coordination of three leading ALS organizations in I AM ALS, The ALS Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The revised ACT for ALS addresses several challenges associated with ALS therapeutic development. We made a commitment at the start of 2020 to firmly stand behind this legislation and the drive to make it a reality for ALS patients waiting for critical, needed treatments. This bill will provide additional opportunities to access promising ALS therapies and create a collaborative focused squarely on expediting development and approval of new ALS treatments and cures. We now look forward to working with the community and Congressional leaders to take one more step toward changing the course of history as we end ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases,I AM ALS CEO Danielle Carnival, PhD.,said. \"The strengthenedAccelerating Access to Critical Therapies (ACT) for ALS Actcould betransformativefor the ALS community. It will help provide effective treatments for everyone living with ALS today, and expanded access to experimental ones. Itcreates thefirst federalentityexplicitlychargedwith finding effective treatments for ALS as quickly as possible. We thank Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE),Mike Quigley (D-IL)and Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE) and LisaMurkowski (R-AK)for introducing this bill to meet these goals,stated Neil Thakur, Ph.D., The ALS Association Chief Mission Officer. \"The introduction of a strengthened ACT for ALS represents a substantial step forward in the effort to bring safe, effective, and innovative new treatments to the ALS community. We are proud to endorse this bill, and in coordination with the ALS patient community, we call on Congress to pass this legislation as soon as possible,saidKristin Stephenson, EVP, Chief Advocacy and Care Services Officer, Muscular Dystrophy Association. Link to House Bill:https://bit.ly/37POqlG Link to Senate Bill:https://bit.ly/34GW6ou Congressman Jeff Fortenberry is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration. Senator Chris Coons is the founder and co-chair of the Senate ALS Caucus and a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Congressman Mike Quigley is Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. Senator Lisa Murkowski is one of the original members of the Senate ALS Caucus, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.sasse.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=577B8056-2241-405F-9700-46CA3EAA5CC8", "Sasse Statement on DOJs Case Against CCP Thugs", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Ben Sasse", "S001197", "www.sasse.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement regarding eight individuals charged with conspiring to act as illegal agents to harass, stalk, and coerce certain residents of the United States to return to China.\"Here's what paranoid totalitarianism looks like: Chairman Xi is so terrified that Chinese citizens enjoy freedom here in the United States that he sends repatriation squads trying to coerce them back to China. The Chinese Communist Party's goons should be thrown behind bars. The Department of Justice is doing good work. Americans have to hold the line against Chinese aggression.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=562", "Office of Rep. Bacon Responds to Misleading Article By the Intercept", "2020-10-28", "2020", "2020-10", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Don Bacon", "B001298", "bacon.house.gov", "bacon", "https://bacon.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Omaha, Neb. \u2013 Congressman Don Bacon\u2019s (NE-02) Communications Director, Danielle Jensen, released the following statement in regard to the misleading article released by The Intercept, concerning his use of Double Bogey Strategies for official communication pieces:\n\n\u201cWe retained the services of a small minority-owned business to produce crisis communications in accordance with House Franking and Ethics, in order to share information related to the pandemic with constituents of the 2nd District. No taxpayer dollars were used for campaign-related activities. And the vendor offered the lowest, most competitive price. House Administration says it is an acceptable activity to use these types of vendors, and these materials were reviewed and approved by House Franking. This is yellow journalism.\u201d\n\nFurthermore, the House Committee Administration also released a statement:\n\n\u201cThe official communications paid for by Rep. Bacon\u2019s MRA funds were approved by the bipartisan Communications Standards Commission, were not campaign related, and did not break any rules. The member handbook, which governs members\u2019 official spending, allows offices to contract with outside vendors to communicate on issues related to their official work,\u201d said Ashley Phelps with the Committee on House Administration Minority Office.\n\nIt should be noted that according to the most recent comparative numbers from the last year, Rep. Bacon\u2019s office was in the bottom 10 percent when it came to spending money on Franking among all Republican Member offices. In addition, his total spending on Franking has been below average since he arrived in Congress. 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