Manufacturing is a driving force behind the economy of Nebraska’s Third District. From agricultural equipment and heavy machinery to aerospace components, medical supplies, and critical minerals, manufacturers across our district produce the goods and materials Americans rely on every day. These businesses support good-paying jobs, strengthen our local communities, and help keep American industry strong.
During National Manufacturing Month, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the work being done at two operations in Nebraska. In Holdrege, I joined Becton Dickinson (BD) to celebrate 60 years in the community. In southeast Nebraska, I joined Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Chairman John Jovanovic and Energy Secretary Chris Wright to mark a milestone in the development of the NioCorp Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project. Both visits offered a look at the businesses and resources contributing to Nebraska’s economy.
For six decades, BD has been part of the Holdrege community, providing local jobs while supporting healthcare nationwide. Products manufactured in Broken Bow or sterilized at BD’s Holdrege facility reach hospitals all across the country. The company’s longstanding presence in Nebraska reflects its commitment to the state and support for local workers.
I am also encouraged by newer projects taking shape across our state such as the NioCorp Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project. This project has the potential to bring billions of dollars in investment and more than 1,000 jobs to southeast Nebraska while producing materials essential to advanced manufacturing and national defense. Developing these resources here at home could strengthen domestic supply chains, create new opportunities for Nebraska workers, and bolster our national security by reducing reliance on foreign sources. EXIM’s recent letter of support marks an important milestone in making this critical project a reality.
Helping Nebraska manufacturers grow—whether by strengthening established operations or encouraging new investment—requires the right policies. That’s why I introduced my Critical Minerals Investment Tax Modernization Act to encourage domestic critical mineral production and help make more projects like Elk Creek a reality.
I also fought to pass the Working Families Tax Cuts, which delivers a pro-business, pro-growth tax code that gives business owners the certainty they need to invest, expand, and create jobs. But none of that matters if we do not have markets to sell our products. That’s why as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, I am fighting to address unfair trade barriers so Nebraska businesses can compete on a level playing field all the while having access to the markets they need to sell their products.
From established employers like BD to emerging projects like NioCorp, our district has the people, resources, and work ethic to help strengthen American manufacturing. I will continue working in Congress to support Nebraska businesses, strengthen domestic supply chains, and ensure our communities remain places where businesses can grow and families can thrive.