The remarkable character of the people of the Third District was unmistakable as I traveled around Nebraska during August. From a 102-year-old in McCook, to whom I presented a Congressional Gold Medal as one of World War II’s “Rosie the Riveters,” to the sharp and eager high school student members of my Youth Advisory Council, we are blessed with passionate citizens dedicated to service.
Their love for this country and desire to serve their neighbors are what America is all about. The challenges they have overcome and obstacles to peace and prosperity they recognize are reminders there is always work to be done. The communities they represent are what make our future worth fighting for.
My meetings with local law enforcement this month were great opportunities to thank them for all they do to keep Nebraskans safe. Despite their watchfulness and commitment to protecting us each day and night, law enforcement officers often find themselves in a thankless job. They deserve our respect and appreciation.
Discussions with Nebraska Agriculture Cooperatives at Ag Processing Inc., with local growers hosted by Box Butte County Economic Development, and with Guided Rock Farms near Hemingford all emphasized the diverse agricultural profile of the Third District. Policies coming out of Washington are too often one-size-fits-all and fail to take into account the uniqueness of different communities. At the federal level, our greatest concern must be with avoiding the unintended consequences of heavy-handed mandates which do more harm than good.
This week, I enjoyed taking my family to the Nebraska State Fair. To beat the August heat, we refreshed ourselves with lemonade, beef hot dogs, and prime rib sandwiches at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Beef Pit. At a forum organized by Sen. Pete Ricketts, I had a great discussion with former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for Food and Agriculture Agencies Kip Tom and President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Milk Producers Association Gregg Doud, who previously held an ambassadorship as chief agriculture negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, on the need for an aggressive trade agenda which stands up for American farmers and ranchers.
I also spoke this week at the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce Federal Legislative Summit about what we need to do to grow industry in Nebraska and support our agriculture producers. To create more opportunity for Nebraskans, we must focus on economic growth and extending the successes of proven tax policy such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into the future. To be more competitive in global markets, we need an environment here in America which fosters research and development and maintains our status as the most innovative country in the world.
On my return to Gering from the State Fair, I stopped in McCook for the gold medal presentation. At 19 years old, Phyllis Coolidge worked at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant in Grand Island to support the World War II effort. Reflecting on her experience, Phyllis said, “I just went to work…It was something we were doing for the war effort.” Even her 59-year-old mother worked alongside her—a testament to the extraordinary willingness of Nebraskans to do their patriotic duty. This is what community means to Nebraskans. Service to one another is at the heart of who we are.