After weeks of debate in Washington, the House and Senate finally came together to pass a bipartisan funding package that reopens the federal government. President Trump signed it into law Wednesday night, marking the end of the longest shutdown in American history.
More than 600,000 federal workers were furloughed. Air traffic controllers, federal law enforcement officers, Border Patrol and TSA agents, U.S. attorneys, and Capitol Police officers showed up to work each day — without getting paid. Federal courts had limited operations. SNAP benefits were only partially issued. Head Start grants — which serve low-income students — were put on hold. Small business loans were frozen. Every one of these examples represents real people — hardworking Americans who were harmed by this shutdown. Those who voted to keep the government shutdown should be ashamed.
Now that eight Democrat senators joined us in reopening the government, the bipartisan legislation – now law – includes three major funding bills: one for military construction and veterans affairs, another for agriculture and rural development, and a third for the legislative branch’s operations. I’m proud to say it delivers real results for Nebraskans. It also keeps the rest of the government funded through January 2026, ensuring vital services continue while Congress works toward longer-term solutions.
All told, I helped secure $72 million for community projects across Nebraska. These investments will strengthen Offutt Air Force Base, support our veterans, and boost agricultural research that keeps our state at the forefront of innovation.
As I wrote last week, our veterans have given so much for this country, and they deserve the best care possible. This bill provides nearly $1.4 billion for the VA’s major construction fund, which will support continued improvements at the Omaha VA hospital. I also worked to make sure the VA buys essential medical supplies — such as syringes and needles — from American or allied manufacturers, reducing our dependence on China for critical products. In addition, the bill directs the VA to expand its External Provider Scheduling program, which helps veterans see community doctors faster and shortens wait times for care.
Offutt Air Force Base is a cornerstone of both Nebraska’s economy and our national defense. I secured more than $54 million for key projects that will keep the base strong and modern. That includes $42.3 million to plan and design the new Survivable Airborne Operations Center — the next generation of “doomsday” aircraft that ensure national command and control in any crisis. The bill also includes $6 million to plan a new training and professional development complex, and another $6 million to begin design work on a new dormitory. These improvements will strengthen readiness and support the men and women who serve at Offutt every day.
Agriculture is the heart of who we are as Nebraskans, and this package continues to invest in our future. It provides $16 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Agricultural Research Service facility at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL)’s Innovation Campus — building on more than $56 million I’ve secured over the last five years to support this cutting-edge research center.
The bill also includes $1.5 million for the National Drought Mitigation Center at UNL, which helps communities plan for and recover from drought. And it prioritizes beef research at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center while streamlining USDA contracting so livestock research facilities can manage costs more efficiently.
This legislation is about supporting the people and communities that make Nebraska strong — our veterans, our service members, our businesses, and our farmers and ranchers. It was incredibly frustrating to watch the Democrats hold Nebraskans and Americans hostage during this shutdown, but I’m relieved to see the partisan gamesmanship come to an end. I’ll keep working to make sure Nebraska’s priorities are front and center in the U.S. Senate — because every dollar we invest at home strengthens our communities, supports our families, and builds a stronger future for our state.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.