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2011 Year-end
report
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry
Dear Friends,
Nebraska’s First District is, literally and figuratively, a breath of fresh air from the tumultuous and frenzied world of Washington. We call it the “good life” in Nebraska – the majestic terrain of farm and ranchlands, expansive prairies, rolling Sandhills, and the vast Ogallala Aquifer, and a Heartland culture of hard work, personal responsibility, and neighbor helping neighbor that has helped Nebraska remain stable, peaceful and secure in the midst of a very difficult period for our nation.
And what works in Nebraska could work for America: a focus first on the values that give rise to sound thinking, good governance, and economic diversity. Nebraska today has the second lowest unemployment rate in the nation and consistently ranks at or near the top of national surveys evaluating economic strength and opportunity. This, matched with a resolve to do good work and preserve opportunities for the next generation, is a “Nebraska model” that would serve Washington well.
For the Nebraska model to take effect in Washington, and for lawmakers to begin to work collaboratively to address the needs of the country, the continued input and encouragement of engaged citizens will be critical. I have been honored this year to represent some of the most civically engaged constituents in this country, as
countless Nebraskans have told me Washington needs the Nebraska approach to solving big problems: be smart, be resourceful, and work until the job is done.
Clearly, and rightfully so, economic recovery has been the dominant theme for the year, and Congress will continue to work on this critical area. Inside this end-of-the-year newsletter, you will find information about key actions and legislative measures I have undertaken spanning areas from agriculture to veterans affairs. As always, I appreciate knowing your thoughts and ideas on our work, and remain honored to represent you in Congress.
Sincerly, Jeff
http://Facebook.com/JeffFortenberry
http://Twitter.com/JeffFortenberry
http://YouTube.com/JeffFortenberry
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IN NebrASkAan update on our work at home
IN WASHINGTONan update on my new responsibilities in Congress
eCONOmY AND JObS getting our nation’s fiscal house in order
AGrICulTure AND eNerGYexploring new opportunities for farmers and protecting our natural resources
NATIONAl SeCurITY AND VeTerANSunderstanding responsible defense, development, and democracy
HeAlTH CAredriving down costs and protecting the vulnerable
FAmIlY lIFe, rIGHTS, AND CulTurethe strength of the nation
3
CONSTITueNT SerVICe
my office can help you in a variety of ways with federal issues. If you need
assistance or have questions, please contact us:
lincoln District Office Norfolk District Office
301 South 13th Street, Suite 100 125 S. 4th Street, Suite 101
lincoln, Ne 68508 Norfolk, Ne 68701
(402) 438-1598 (402) 379-2064
Fremont District Office Washington, D.C. Office
P.O. box 377 1514 longworth HOb
629 broad Street Washington, D.C. 20515
Fremont, Ne 68026 (202) 225-4806
(402) 727-0888
Here is an overview of some of our work in Nebraska in 2011:
• Conducted 10 town hall meetings with hundreds of constituents in
lincoln, Norfolk, Fremont, Schuyler, Wahoo, blair, and West Point
• Hosted a town hall meeting in Lincoln with former U.S. Comptroller
General David Walker to examine the challenges of our national debt and
budgetary reform
• Helped resolve more than 600 individual cases for constituents dealing
with federal agencies
• Addressed nearly 60,000 letters, e-mails, and calls from constituents
regarding federal legislation
• Organized “Military and Service Academy Day,” an opportunity
for Nebraska students and their parents to learn more about military
opportunities and the nomination process for u.S. Service Academies
• Helped welcome home hundreds of Nebraska National Guard members
from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan
• Presented the Bronze Star Medal to Mr. Donald Wedberg of Lincoln for
his time of service in the u.S. Army in World War II
• Assessed flooding damage and flood control efforts in communities
along the missouri river, consulted with community leaders regarding
response and recovery.
• Reviewed safety operations at nuclear power facilities in Brownville and
Fort Calhoun.
• Addressed more than 600 Nebraska business leaders and entrepreneurs
at a federal policy summit near Ashland
• Discussed policy changes with health care professionals and reviewed
latest in rehabilitative technology at madonna rehabilitation Hospital in
lincoln
• Reviewed energy operations training program at Southeast Community
College’s milford campus, where students learn technical skills in nuclear,
natural gas, biofuels, wind, and other energy generation systems
• Visited farmer education and growing site of Community CROPS, a
lincoln organization that provides technical help for people engaging in
agricultural entrepreneurship
• Spoke with students about current affairs and the civic process in
numerous schools across the First District
• Hosted Library of Congress exhibit “Gateway to Knowledge” – a
collection of important American and world history documents - at
campus of midland university in Fremont
• Conducted business operations reviews at manufacturing and
agricultural sites across the First District
In Nebraska an update on how I’ve been working to serve you at home
4
5
In 2011, I was pleased to serve on the House Agriculture and Foreign
Affairs Committees, and hold leadership positions on two of their
subcommittees.
AGrICulTure COmmITTee
The work of the Agriculture Committee affects the lives of every American,
and is particularly important for our home state of Nebraska. Agriculture’s
benefits to our nation go far beyond food security; it stabilizes and
strengthens our economy, increases our energy independence, and builds
new opportunities in rural America. It is critical that our farm policies and
programs fairly and efficiently serve America’s farm and ranch families
and the Americans who depend on them. On the House Agriculture
Committee, I serve as the Chairman of the Department Operations,
Oversight, and Credit Subcommittee, which oversees the united States
Department of Agriculture (uSDA). The uSDA is one of the federal
government’s largest agencies, and my responsibilities involve program
review and analysis, special investigations, and agricultural credit.
FOreIGN AFFAIrS COmmITTee
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs has oversight and legislative
responsibility for international security, non-proliferation and disarmament
issues, international crime, narcotics, terrorism and espionage issues, u.S.
Department of State and related agency operations, u.S. foreign assistance,
global human rights, and various other issues related to u.S. foreign
policy interests. The Committee conducts ongoing meetings with foreign
political leaders and united States government Administration officials.
These meetings allow Committee members the opportunity to explore the
effectiveness of the Administration’s implementation of foreign policy. On
the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I serve as the Vice-Chairman of the
Africa, Global Health, and Human rights Subcommittee.
HOuSe DemOCrACY PArTNerSHIP
I am currently second in seniority on the House Democracy Partnership,
a bipartisan 20-member commission established by the House of
representatives in 2005 to support the development of independent
democratic legislatures. I have continued to work with parliamentarians in
developing nations, particularly on matters of oversight and government
reform and agricultural assistance. Strong international democracies are
essential to our national security.
THe NebrASkA breAkFAST
I was honored to serve as chairman of the 2011 Nebraska breakfasts, a
privilege that rotates among members of the Nebraska congressional
delegation from year to year.
In Washingtonan update on my new responsibilities in Congress
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CAuCuSeS
Caucuses are official groups of the House of representatives that allow
for intensive education of members of Congress and their staff in
certain specialized topics. This year, I co-chaired three Caucuses: the
Congressional Nuclear Security Caucus, Congressional Caucus on beef,
and malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Caucus.
Some of the other Caucuses I serve on include:
• Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus
• Congressional Farmer Cooperative Caucus
• Coalition on Autism Research and Education
• House Rural Health Care Coalition
• Congressional Children’s Health Care Caucus
• Rural Veterans Caucus
• House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus
• Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus
• Congressional Military Family Caucus
• House International Conservation Caucus
• House Army Caucus
• Congressional Humanities Caucus
• House Library of Congress Caucus
• Native American Caucus
• Congressional Rural Caucus
• Congressional Scouting Caucus
7
America’s economy continues to suffer. The reasons are multiple: a decade
of government overspending, recklessness on Wall Street, increasing
debt, an uncertain regulatory and tax environment, the shipment of
manufacturing jobs overseas, financial globalization, and suppressed
consumer demand have converged to create an oppressive business
environment. Confidence is down among our nation’s small business
owners. I believe getting our nation’s fiscal house in order will strengthen
economic recovery.
HArD DeCISIONS
The reasons for our staggering national debt are multiple but underscored
by one simple reality: Washington has spent much more money than it
has. The national debt now totals more than $47,000 for every man,
woman, and child in America. Since 2000, federal government spending
has doubled, accelerated by the high costs associated with the wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan, bailout measures, stimulus spending, and health care
costs. Alarmingly, about 31 percent of total u.S. debt is owed to other
countries, which creates significant foreign policy entanglements. While
revenues have also increased, the federal government is unable to meet
its obligations without significant borrowing—amounting to 42 cents of
every dollar it spends.
The American people are rightly cynical about the federal government’s
lack of progress on this serious fiscal matter. but some progress is being
made in the House of representatives. This fiscal year, the President laid
out $3.8 trillion in spending. The House led the way to reduce actual
spending by nearly $250 billion below the President’s request this year.
This number is in no way enough, but it is still an accomplishment to be
noted.
I have both voted for and helped lead the call for deeper, longer-term
reductions, which many economists suggest is necessary for economic
stability. The Senate, however, has not passed a budget in more than 900
days. We’re now in a very deep hole. As I write, the second phase of the
debt ceiling deal passed this summer has failed. The team of members
called the Joint Select Committee on Deficit reduction shockingly made
no progress for further debt reduction. It is unclear whether the rest of
Congress will leverage this moment for long-term structural spending
changes in Washington.
bAlANCeD buDGeT AmeNDmeNT
In November, the House of representatives failed to pass a measure that I
have long supported—a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
I don’t take lightly the issue of amending our Constitution, which has
endured through strife and dramatic historical shifts with very few
amendments. Constitutional amendments should be exceedingly rare, as
they have the power to spur sweeping change—but I believe it is necessary
that the same process that guaranteed our hallmark freedoms of speech
and religion, and freedom from slavery, be used protect our children
and future generations from economic collapse. most states, including
Nebraska, have already enacted balanced budget requirements—it is time
for the federal government to do the same.
As I told my colleagues on the House Floor, we are standing at history’s
door. We can either lead and be bold, making the hard decisions necessary
to correct our fiscal trajectory—or stay in our timeworn political lanes,
continuing with the status quo that has given our nation this unsustainable
debt burden.
Economy and Jobs Getting Our Nations Fiscal House in Order “I believe it is necessary... to
protect our children and future generations from economic collapse”
Twenty Years of Spending GrowthPrepared by the Office of
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry
FY 1990 FY 2000 FY 2011
Spending $1.25 Trillion $1.79 Trillion $3.601 Trillion
Deficit or Surplus
$221 Billion Deficit
$235 Billion Surplus*
$1.3 Trillion Deficit
Debt $3.23 Trillion $5.67 Trillion $14.790 Trillion
Debt Per Capita $12,987 $20,148 $47,448
*Deficit in 2005 was $318 Billion
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“Reviving our nation’s economy will require a more certain business climate. “
9
Getting Our Nations Fiscal House in Order
In the interim, I have helped lead a bipartisan group of 99 of my colleagues
in calling for all options to be on the table to reduce the federal deficit by at
least $4 trillion over the next 10 years. We can do something big for this
country and our future, and make deficit spending a thing of the past. I
will continue to work in earnest to get our fiscal house in order.
This summer, I invited former u.S. Comptroller General and director of
the Government Accountability Office, David Walker, to lincoln for a
community discussion on America’s debt challenges and fiscal policies.
Walker, one of America’s leading voices on budgetary reform, laid out some
very hard facts on American’s fiscal realities. I agree that Washington’s
fiscal trajectory is unsustainable. Our borrow-and-spend philosophy
leaves an unfair debt burden to our children and grandchildren. The bill for
our excess will eventually come due in one of three ways: increased taxes
on the next generation, increased inflation, and/or further dependence on
foreign ownership of our public debt. None of these scenarios is healthy
for the American people.
reSTOrING eCONOmIC CONFIDeNCe
Small business entrepreneurship creates a majority of new jobs in America.
This is true especially in the Heartland. In lincoln, nearly 80 percent of
private sector employees work in businesses with 25 or fewer employees.
but many small businesses have questions about future opportunities for
growth.
burdensome regulations and tax policies have created a sense of economic
uncertainty. From larger manufacturers to main Street banks, from
farming operations to small business contractors, these regulations and
policies are impacting businesses of all sizes. While ordinary regulation is
an important extension of law for a well functioning society -- protecting
public health, worker safety, and a fair and stable business climate --
excessive regulation drives up costs, hurts small businesses
disproportionately, and oppresses entrepreneurial growth. reviving our
nation’s economy will require a more certain business climate. One bill in
Congress that I supported this year is called the REINS Act, which would
require any regulatory measure having a cumulative impact of more than
$100 million annually to the economy to have congressional approval.
earlier this year, I also supported the Small Business Paperwork Mandate
Elimination Act of 2011, to repeal a portion of last year’s health care law
that subjects small businesses to burdensome tax reporting requirements.
I heard from numerous Nebraskans that this onerous mandate, requiring
businesses to issue a Form 1099 in a variety of new circumstances, was
creating unnecessary paperwork and costing jobs.
TAx reFOrm
related to this is the need for a fairer and simpler tax code. When a variety
of large corporations pay no taxes because they can hire an army of lawyers
and accountants to leverage tax code loopholes, the tax burden is passed
disproportionately onto small business owners and entrepreneurs. This
year, I have made clear to my colleagues in the House and Senate that any
plan to restore our economy must include comprehensive tax reform, and
making the tax code simpler and fairer for all Americans.
A reasonable and measured regulatory and tax approach should consider
American businesses partners in achieving appropriate protections, rather
than adversaries. more “made in America” enterprises can help strengthen
local economies, create jobs, and revitalize our nation.
10
NebrASkA’S reSIlIeNCe
While our state is not immune to the ill effects of the national downturn
and some families are experiencing hardship, our state’s economy has
remained resilient, thanks in large part to a stable ag economy, small
business diversification, and Nebraskans’ practical sense regarding
responsible lending, finance, and governance. As I mentioned in my
Welcome letter, this is the Nebraska model at work: a focus first on the
values that give rise to sound thinking, good governance, and economic
diversity.
Nebraska’s economy is seen by many as a relative bright spot in a nation
working to rebound from recession. Our jobless rate is half the national
unemployment rate. We consistently are at or near the top of national
surveys of states’ financial health and environment for jobs and family life.
It is difficult for us Nebraskans to see the degree of discord and brokenness
in Washington that has caused the overspending and has prohibited the
federal government from working together to enact the bold, creative
reforms necessary to get our nation’s fiscal house in order.
For me, one related bright spot has been the continuation of a Washington
tradition that was created by Nebraskans for Nebraskans, in which all
members of Nebraska’s delegation gather together to talk with eachother,
and with visiting Nebraskans, about the national debt and other pressing
issues facing Congress.
The “Nebraska breakfast” is a six decade-old tradition that welcomes
visiting Nebraskans to the nation’s capital on the Wednesdays in which
both the u.S. Senate and House of representatives are in session. The
practice started in 1943 when Senator Hugh butler began meeting
informally with the other members of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation
and their guests. I was honored to serve as chairman of the 2011 Nebraska
breakfasts, a privilege that rotates among members of the Nebraska
congressional delegation from year to year.
Reflecting Nebraskans’ independence and neighborly spirit, the Nebraska
breakfast is only state gathering of its kind, welcoming hundreds of
constituents to the u.S. Capitol each year. While some state delegations
may never meet as a whole throughout the year, ours makes it a point
to does so each week. For the elected officials, it is a unique opportunity
for us to share thoughts and ideas about specific policies and proposals.
For Nebraskans visiting our nation’s Capitol, we hope it is a worthwhile
occasion to interact with your federal representatives. You are always
welcome to come when you are in Washington.
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Not only is agriculture one of the few bright spots in our national economy,
in Nebraska it is a way of life. lessons learned on the family farm help shape
the foundations of our character: hard work, personal responsibility, and
neighbor helping neighbor. but agriculture today is not well understood
by a majority of Americans, who have no proximity to farm life. I have
spent considerable time this year telling the story of agriculture’s benefits
to our nation, not only in terms of food security, but also agriculture’s
importance to economic, energy, national, and environmental security.
understanding this critical role is essential to crafting sound farm policies
for the benefit of agriculture’s future.
AG AND eCONOmIC SeCurITY
Despite national economic difficulties, Nebraska has remained
economically strong due to our agricultural economy. In our state, where
the unemployment rate is second lowest in the nation, one in three jobs is
related to agriculture. We are a leading producer of biofuels in the country.
One in five hamburgers and steaks in the u.S. come from Nebraska.
even TIme magazine this year marked the strength of agriculture in
Nebraska in an article entitled, “Want to make more Than a banker?
become a Farmer!” featuring two Nebraska farm operations. The article
highlighted the recent trend of strong commodity prices, high production
yields, and the resulting benefits for farmers and some rural economies.
Increased demand for ag products, both domestically and globally, have
led to the recent successes. recently, Congress finalized important trade
agreements with Columbia, Panama, and South korea. I supported these
new agreements as they hold great potential for Nebraska grain, beef, and
pork producers, and represent growing demand for American-raised food
in world markets. These partnerships, particularly with our southern
neighbors where we have complimentary economies, will enhance
economic opportunities for all involved.
AG AND eNerGY SeCurITY
rural America can help lead the way to a new chapter of American-
produced energy production. New domestic energy development from
renewables like biofuels, biogas, geothermal and wind is increasingly
important in light of high fuel prices. Ag-based, renewable energy
decreases our reliance on foreign oil, conserves natural resources, and
creates new economic opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
One way we can help advance rural energy development is by using
existing resources to support worthy energy projects. earlier this year,
I successfully amended the House Agriculture Appropriations Act for the
rural energy for America Program (reAP). reAP assists self-sufficiency
efforts through worthwhile, proven energy projects that create energy and
jobs and address environmental concerns.
America continues to spend staggering amounts of money, as much as
$1 billion per day, on imported oil. This creates drastic trade imbalances
and undermines our economic and national security. early this year, I
introduced the Renewable Fuels for America’s Future Act, to help redesign
our national renewable fuels strategy, create incentives for increased
biofuels production while saving taxpayer money, and develop much-
needed biofuels transportation infrastructure. It’s a winner for farmers, for
the environment, and for the American taxpayer.
The bill would extend the ethanol blenders’ tax credit (or Volumetric
ethanol excise Tax Credit) only for ethanol produced beyond required
levels. Currently, the renewable Fuel Standard (rFS) mandates a certain
amount of ethanol that gasoline manufacturers must use in their fuel.
Oil companies now receive the 45 cent per gallon tax credit for doing
what they are already required by law to do—we should discontinue
this tax loophole to save funds and create new opportunity. economists
Dr. ernie Goss of Creighton university and Dr. bruce babcock of Iowa
State university analyzed my bill, concluding, “in 2011, this would save
taxpayers $5.67 billion.”
Agriculture and Energy exploring new opportunities for farmers and protecting our natural resources
12
While we continue
identifying ways to
reduce costs across
all programs and
departments, it is
important agriculture is
not disproportionately
affected by reductions.
13
Agriculture and Energy exploring new opportunities for farmers and protecting our natural resources
14
AG AND NATIONAl SeCurITY
A reliable, affordable and safe food supply empowers a nation’s stability
and capacity for progress. The efficiencies of America’s production
agriculture operations contribute to our strength as a nation. In other
places in the world, we look to help increase stability by improving food
systems. Afghanistan is a good example. A team of Nebraska National
Guard members has been instrumental in helping Afghan farmers develop
more efficient and effective ways of growing food, creating stability in
anticipation of our military departure.
AG AND eNVIrONmeNTAl SeCurITY
Over the past year, Nebraska has received national attention regarding the
proposed TransCanada keystone xl pipeline, which was planned to run
through an environmentally delicate area of our state.
As details of the proposal emerged, many Nebraskans were rightly
concerned regarding the siting of the pipeline. The Ogallala Aquifer
and the Nebraska Sandhills demand the highest level of environmental
protection. The Ogallala Aquifer is the primary source of groundwater for
approximately 20 percent of our nation’s agricultural production, and the
final environmental impact statement was too dismissive of the potential
long-term effects that a sizeable spill could have on our water supply.
Over the past year, I expressed these concerns with State Department
and Administration officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,
and met with TransCanada and Canadian officials to push for support for
rerouting the pipeline around the Sandhills. On November 10, the State
Department announced alternative routing for the pipeline will now be
explored, and TransCanada subsequently agreed to move the pipeline.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its
Subcommittee on the middle east, I keenly recognize the need to develop
additional energy sources for our long-term national and economic
security. We need a strategic energy partnership with Canada that respects
our natural resources and upholds environmental stewardship. I look
forward to a thorough review of alternative, safe routing that will allow
for proper stewardship of our natural resources as we expand domestic
energy sources.
buDGeT reDuCTIONS
Farmers in Nebraska and across the country are good Americans; they
understand our nation’s fiscal challenges and the shared sacrifices
necessary to climb out of the hole. The Agriculture Committee earlier
this year recommended a farm budget reduced by $23 billion, most of the
cost savings coming from the elimination of direct payments (about $15
billion). It was clear, in this time of strong commodity prices and serious
budgetary constraints, direct farm payments would likely be dramatically
reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, many farm programs will need to be
rewritten to function properly with these reductions.
In conjunction with this emphasis on agricultural reform to benefit the
economy, I held an audit hearing to provide oversight of current spending
in the uSDA Farm loan Programs. The findings of this hearing can help
us prioritize the farm loan programs that are most valuable to America’s
farmers and ranchers while making the most efficient use of taxpayer
dollars. In preparation for writing the next Farm bill, I led a number of
other similar audit hearings, including hearings that investigated fraud
within the nutrition program known as SNAP, to ensure taxpayer funds
are being used properly.
While we continue identifying ways to reduce costs, it is important
agriculture is not disproportionately affected. Agriculture has been
critically important to the economic well-being of the Heartland and
our rural communities, and I want to ensure that our basic stabilization
policies remain an important part of public policy for our farmers and
ranchers.
15
AG OPPOrTuNITIeS: THe NexT GeNerATION
Agriculture as an occupation and industry faces some stiff challenges.
Primary among these is demographics: the average age of the American
farmer is now 57 years. In Nebraska, the average age is 56.
This year, I introduced the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity
Act, H.r. 3236, to ready a new generation of American ag producers by
modifying and building upon existing farm programs to help overcome the
steep financial burdens of setting up an agricultural business. It improves
access to farm credit for young producers, encourages participation in
innovative and cost-saving conservation practices, increases technical
training and educational opportunities, and gives priority to beginning
farmers who pursue grant support for value-added initiatives. In doing
so, it also recognizes the importance and promise of emerging market
opportunities, such as locally and organically raised foods within regional
foods systems, to young ag entrepreneurs.
many young people possess the entrepreneurial drive necessary to establish
and maintain successful farm operations. bringing new participants
and landowners into agriculture will help address the trend of increased
consolidation and concentration in farm markets, which has long been
a factor in rural depopulation. It is important that our farm policies
recognize the critical need to encourage new interest in agriculture and
develop a new generation of American farmers and ranchers. I believe
the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act is a good first step in
this direction.
mISSOurI rIVer FlOODING
This year the Missouri River Basin experienced flooding of historic
proportions. Nebraskans were hit hard. Some lost homes. Others lost
farms and businesses. A recent analysis estimated the total economic
impacts of the flood related to agriculture in Nebraska to be nearly $190
million dollars. millions of dollars more are estimated in damages to
public infrastructure and private property.
During and after the flooding events, many constituents questioned river
management decisions made by the u.S. Army Corps of engineers and
these decisions’ impacts on the severity of the flooding. While it is clear
that certain areas affecting the missouri river experienced record amounts
of snowmelt and precipitation this year, creating record levels of runoff,
it is necessary that Congress thoroughly examine how existing river
management policies may have played a role in the flooding and its
dramatic impacts. The 2011 flood and its extraordinary consequences
necessitate a reevaluation of river management.
I joined several missouri river basin members of Congress in supporting
legislative efforts to compel a reassessment of upstream management
for the purpose of preventing catastrophic flooding events. One of these
proposals, H.r. 2942, would direct the Chief of the Army Corps of
engineers to revise the missouri river mainstem reservoir System master
Water Control manual to ensure greater storage capacity to prevent serious
downstream flooding. Upstream reservoirs would be required to remain
low enough to accommodate high levels of runoff and prevent devastating
downstream floods. I also introduced H.R. 3347 to exempt any road,
highway, or bridge damaged by a natural disaster, including a flood, from
duplicative environmental document reviews if the road, highway, or
bridge is reconstructed in the same location.
understanding responsible defense, development, and democracy
2011 was a dramatic year for foreign affairs. As the Iraq War drew to a
close, our military efforts in Afghanistan continued to be intense and
dangerous. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and
Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human
rights, I was closely involved in our nation’s response to the numerous
revolutions, widespread instability, and serious electoral violence across
the middle east, Africa, and Southeast Asia this year.
IrAQ AND AFGHANISTAN
u.S. service members in Iraq are coming home by year’s end. The Iraq war
was a difficult, painful time, extraordinarily costly in terms of American
lives and resources. Nearly 4,500 Americans, including 45 Nebraskans,
were killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Two hundred twenty-seven
Nebraskans were wounded in combat. Tens of thousands of Iraqis lost
their lives.
We are extremely proud of the tremendous efforts of our fallen heroes,
and our returning veterans. Their work, steadily done in the midst of
extensive public debate about the war and the strategy, was the strength of
this mission. They achieved what was set before them. The victories are
theirs. Their unwavering commitment, skill, and bravery got the job done.
Our troops helped unloose an Iraqi people held hostage for decades by an
egomaniacal tyrant. Insurgencies, led by terrorists seeking to wreak havoc
and disorder, were put down. Space was created to allow Iraqis the time
necessary to build the foundations of a representative government and an
open society.
There are still challenges and significant obstacles. The way forward will
not be easy, but today Iraqis determine Iraq’s future. No longer constricted
by the dictates of a despot, they have held elections, they have written a
constitution, and hopefully they will build a culture that respects the rights
and dignity of all people. America’s soldiers, our modern-day heroes,
helped stabilize that country and strengthen America’s security.
In Afghanistan, our military’s work remains very dangerous. As in Iraq,
we have suffered great losses. more than 1,800 American troops have
been killed in Afghanistan, including 13 Nebraskans As we gradually
draw down our troops from this area, we seek to provide a path for a more
stable Afghan society that supports responsible leaders, does not tolerate
terroristic elements, and upholds the basic rights of all its citizens. like
Iraq, a more orderly Afghanistan will strengthen America’s security and
global stability. many American service members have gone to great effort
to help accomplish this goal.
I am extremely proud our Nebraska service members who have served in
Iraq and Afghanistan. It was my honor and pleasure this year to welcome
hundreds of them home this year as they returned from deployments to
their families and careers.
bIN lADeN AND PAkISTAN
The may death of Osama bin laden captured America’s attention. bin
laden, the terrorist mastermind responsible for the deaths of nearly 3,000
16
“With my measure, we
also passed a very broad
bill to help combat human
trafficking—a modern day
form of slavery—both here
and abroad.”
17
18
Americans on September 11, 2001, led Al Qaeda through more than two
decades of indiscriminate violence against innocent persons. America and
much of the world waited for the day when Osama bin laden would be
stopped. This was an impactful day for Americans and for all of humanity,
but it does not put an end to terrorist threats and violence.
Having searched for bin laden for ten years, our military and intelligence
agencies found him in an expansive compound in the middle of a modern
city in northern Pakistan, not far from the nation’s capital and home to top
military and educational institutions. bin laden’s hiding in Pakistan is
another major concern with that country, which we have supported with
billions of dollars in assistance in recent years. This year, I called upon
President Obama to form an Afghanistan-Pakistan Study Group to further
explore this relationship and clarify America’s goals and strategy in the
region. This Group would be modeled after the Iraq Study Group, which
was formed by Congress in 2006 and helped change the course of the Iraq
War. The proposed Afghanistan-Pakistan Study Group would conduct a
forward-looking, independent assessment of the current and prospective
situation on the ground in Afghanistan and Pakistan, its impact on the
surrounding region, and its consequences for the united States and global
stability.
mIDDle eAST TurmOIl
One of the most important foreign affairs developments this year is the
rise of the Arab Spring. beginning in December 2010, the world saw
popular uprisings of various strengths across North Africa and the middle
east. The uprisings intensified in January, when a highly complex and
dangerous situation emerged in the streets of egypt.
Countless egyptians packed Tahrir Square, where I once lived in my
youth, to air their grievances with their government and depose egyptian
president Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak fled, and resigned on February 11,
and power was transferred over to the egyptian military. It is essential now
that democratic reforms in egypt are inclusive of minorities, particularly
women and Christians. A just and peaceful outcome will respect the
rights of democratic participation for all citizens.
The unrest in egypt began causing uncertainty in world markets,
particularly regarding oil prices. As unrest in the middle east spread
to more countries, such as Yemen, Djibouti, and bahrain, and kuwait,
Americans saw the impact in their wallets as oil prices shot past $100 a
barrel. The situation worsened severely in February, when libya, a key oil-
producing country, made half of its oil inaccessible in response to large
protests that began in the city of benghazi.
libya’s dictator muammar Gaddafi, responded to the protests by ordering
his security forces to fire upon protesters. The libyan ambassador to the
united States resigned, and came to me and said: ‘I can no longer serve a
government that kills its own people.’
To prevent mass murder and protect the libyan people, the united States
joined several members of the international community in a military
campaign. As the campaign began, I stressed that the response to Gaddafi
must be regional, supported by international bodies, such as the Arab
league, African union, and european union. I believed the campaign
should be limited, and intended to immediately protect innocent libyans
while showing the Gaddafi regime that the u.S. stands with people across
the world who demand their rights against oppressive force. I supported
continuing efforts aimed at controlling the supply of arms, freezing
Gaddafi’s assets, and providing humanitarian relief.
As the military campaign wore on for months and the strategy became
increasingly unclear, I called for efforts to be scaled down, believing that
since the threat of imminent slaughter had passed, North Africa must
ultimately be in the hands of North Africans, and regional bodies more
proximate to the conflict, such as the Arab League and African Union,
must be given the space to work for a successful outcome.
Seven months later, in October, Gaddafi was killed. many unanswered
questions remain about the capacity for the libyan National Transitional
Council to assume leadership, but it is my hope that libya can develop a
society that respects democratic ideals.
DemOCrACY
As the second-most senior member of the House Democracy Partnership,
charged with fostering relationships with developing democracies
worldwide, I believe these foreign affairs developments hold important
lessons for the world to learn: people have the right to express their
concerns with the government, and there must be space within civil
society for the highest aspirations of the people. Peaceful and pragmatic
dialogue is a necessary hallmark of democratic change. but democracy
cannot bring about the values upon which it rests. The philosophical
underpinnings of just and free societies are respect for human rights and
the rule of law, and building these foundations will take a great degree of
courage, self-sacrifice, and innumerable years of hard work.
INDePeNDeNCe FOr SOuTH SuDAN
On July 9, the world welcomed the new nation of Southern Sudan, born
out of tyranny, violent oppression, and decades of imperialist injustice.
This development followed a large-scale referendum that notably involved
Nebraska. Nebraska has generously welcomed the largest number of
southern Sudanese refugees in the united States, many of whom live in
Omaha and lincoln, and have suffered and sacrificed so much to have the
chance to realize their democratic hopes manifest in an independent state.
Thousands of Southern Sudanese refugees flocked to Nebraska to cast
their votes for independence of their former homeland.
THe rISe OF CHINA
To fuel its expansive growth in recent years, China is searching the world
for reliable sources of energy and raw materials. Over the last several
years, China has become the world’s largest investor in Africa. bilateral
trade deals have been signed between China and 45 African countries,
and direct Chinese investments in Africa have been projected to rise by
70 percent, to $50 billion by 2015. China also continues to be criticized
by human rights observers for supplying weapons in violation of the
united Nations weapons embargoes, and is is trending toward increasing
influence and control in the most high-conflict areas of Africa, exploiting
natural resource-rich regions for its own mercantilist agenda. With the
prevalence of geopolitical conflict in this area of the world, we must have
a firm understanding of China’s rapid expansion in natural resource-rich,
high-conflict areas of Africa. I authored a measure to further investigate
China’s ambitions in this regard. Complicating this situation is the fact
that China holds massive amounts of u.S. debt.
understanding responsible defense, development, and democracy
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“Nebraska has generously welcomed the largest number of southern Sudanese refugees in the United States”
Our VeTerANS
Perhaps the most gratifying part of serving in Congress is my
opportunity to interact with members of the military and their families,
and especially, welcome them home.
As more of our nation’s military members return from deployments, it is
important that we continue to serve those who have served our country.
Our veterans face serious economic challenges, and a primary way we
can serve them is by creating new economic opportunities to help them
transition back into civilian life.
This year, I introduced legislation to help accomplish this goal. The
Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition (VET) Act of 2011 builds upon the
traditional GI bill, a very important benefit program for American
veterans. Historically, we have seen that only a third of all veterans
use their earned educational benefits and only eight percent take full
advantage of their entire eligibility. Instead, some veterans are interested
in using the skills they developed in the military to operate a business.
This commonsense legislation will permit any eligible veteran to elect to
use benefits to establish and operate a business that he or she will own as
a primary source of income,. The Veterans business Institute estimates
the policy initiative could lead to tens of thousands of new veteran-
owned small business and hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
The VeT Act is not only a value-added step toward increasing the
diversity of opportunities for veterans to use their earned benefits, but
also strengthens local communities, which have a demonstrated record
of support for veteran-owned small businesses. According to the Small
business Administration, prior military service is a strong predictor of
small business success.
because of numerous factors, including inherent professional discipline
and work ethic, veteran-owned businesses are more than twice as likely
to succeed as other small business start-ups.
I believe the bill has the potential to gain broad, bipartisan support, and
I am hopeful that Congress will quickly move it forward as a creative
approach to both supporting those who have sacrificed on America’s
behalf and being part of the solution to advancing America’s economic
revival.
National Security and Veteransunderstanding responsible defense, development, and democracy
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“it is important that we continue to serve those who have served our country.”
“democracy cannot bring about the values upon which it rests. The philosophical underpinnings of just and free societies are respect for human rights and the rule of law, and building these foundations will take a great degree of courage, self-sacrifice, and innumerable years of hard work”
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HeAlTH CAre reFOrm
Nebraska is home to some of the top health care providers in the united
States. Highly skilled medical professionals and research scientists are on
the cutting edge of health care reform in developing new patient-centered
approaches to treatment and technological innovations in record-keeping
and medical equipment. At madonna rehabilitation Hospital in lincoln,
state-of-the art equipment (such as in the photo above) provides patients
with the opportunity to achieve the best possible outcomes currently
available. I met several patients whose lives were dramatically improved
through the progressive and innovative approaches offered at these
facilities. Talented providers are implementing these ideas and are at
the forefront of patient care. Nebraska’s medical community has made
significant achievements, and is recognized nationally for its comparatively
low costs and good outcomes. One of these analyses comes from the
Commonwealth Fund, which placed Nebraska in its top quartile of states
in terms of affordability of health care, wellness and prevention initiatives,
and healthy lifestyles. Click here to view this national health survey.
Despite these successes, many Nebraskans continue to share deep concerns
about their access to quality and affordable health care. I believe the right
type of reform will reduce costs, improve health care outcomes, and
protect persons in vulnerable circumstances. unfortunately, the health
care bill that was signed into law last year shifts costs to the government —
increasing unsustainable government spending — and erodes health care
liberties, without addressing the causes of the escalating costs.
I supported a measure earlier this year that would repeal the health care
law. We must replace this Washington-centric plan and work on creating
the right type of health care reform for the benefit of all Americans. This
includes crafting new insurance models for families, farmers, and small
businesses, building a culture of health and wellness, allowing newly-
insured persons to keep their coverage, and retaining protections for pre-
existing conditions. I also believe an expansion of health savings accounts
is sound public policy. I will continue to work toward a solution that
focuses on making insurance affordable.
rurAl HeAlTH SerVICeS
An important part of health care reform is improving health care delivery
systems for vulnerable and underserved populations. Nebraska’s rural
Health care driving down costs and protecting the vulnerable
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hospitals provide critical access to care for those in smaller and more
remote communities, especially for the elderly, and often perform other
social services and outreach. I recently urged my colleagues to protect
these important rural hospitals from disproportionate budget reductions.
Similarly, community pharmacies are where people go to receive needed
medications from pharmacists they know and trust to provide helpful
guidance on their prescriptions. The number of these pharmacies
has declined in recent years. I have co-sponsored the Preserving Our
Hometown Independent Pharmacies Act to allow independent pharmacies
to band together and negotiate prices on a more level playing field with
insurance companies to keep these drug stores in our communities.
Please be assured that I remain very engaged in health care reform as
Congress evaluates and makes necessary changes to the current health
care law.
INTerNATIONAl DISeASe CONTrOl: mAlArIA
This year, I was pleased to assume the co-chairmanship of the
Congressional malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Caucus. malaria
is a life-threatening, but preventable, disease passed on by the bite of an
infected mosquito. The majority of those killed are pregnant women and
children under five years old, and 98 percent of all malaria deaths occur in
just 35 countries, the majority of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa.
I was very happy to meet with members of the lincoln united methodist
Church, who are working here in Nebraska to combat malaria. Our state
doesn’t face the challenges of malaria; it was eradicated in the united States
in the 1950’s. but a child dies every 45 seconds from malaria, along with
nearly one million people around the world each year. The efforts of these
Nebraskans, along with the promising research work at the university of
Nebraska medical Center to find a cure, may help to change that. I believe
that ending this disease is a good diplomatic and humanitarian
policy important for the future of humanity as well as global stability, and
was pleased that the House Foreign Affairs Committee this year passed
a measure I authored to define and support our global health policy on
ending malaria deaths worldwide.
CONSCIeNCe rIGHTS AND INDIVIDuAl lIberTIeS
As a result of the new health care law, the government is attempting to
mandate that every American pay for coverage for abortifacient drugs,
sterilizations, and other ethically divisive procedures that have traditionally
been considered electives. This mandate affects doctors, nurses, hospitals,
insurance carriers, small businesses that provide insurance for their
employees, and individuals with health insurance.
The problem is threefold: 1) Americans should not be forced by the
strong arm of government to pay for drugs and procedures that are not
medical necessities and unrelated to America’s health care challenges;
2) this mandate drives up health care costs; and 3) this rule most seems
perniciously targeted at religious providers, who are the backstop of
compassionate care for the poor and most vulnerable. To qualify for an
exemption, religiously-affiliated medical providers would have to employ
and serve persons primarily of their own faith in order to uphold their own
deeply-held beliefs, and religiously-affiliated hospitals caring for the poor
may have to close their doors rather than violate tenets of their religion
to meet the 2014 government mandate—which is forced discrimination.
This is wrong. No American should be forced to choose between their
faith and their job.
To help fix this, I authored the respect for rights of Conscience Act.
This bipartisan piece of legislation amends the 2010 health care law to
preserve conscience rights for health care professionals, their patients,
and the institutional health care providers that serve them. I believe you
should be able to freely exercise your right of conscience in the health
insurance and health care marketplace. If you have a deeply-
held objection to specific items or services, you should not be required by
the federal government to pay for them—for yourself, or for anyone else.
“I was very happy to meet with members of the Lincoln United Methodist Church, who are aorking in our backyard to help combat malaria.”
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The strength of our nation depends upon the strength of our families and
communities. The First District of Nebraska is home to numerous close-
knit communities bound together by active families, churches, schools,
and civic organizations. These institutions advance the ideals of neighbor
helping neighbor and respect for the rights and dignity of all.
One of my greatest privileges is interacting with young people, who I find
to be impressively civically engaged. I often visit schools and meet with
4-H groups visiting our nation’s capital. Hundreds of Nebraska youth
come to Washington each January for the annual march for life. I am
also frequently invited to attend the ceremonies of boy Scouts who have
earned the rank of eagle Scout. This year, I hosted three teen Girl Scouts
in my Washington, D.C. office through the Girl Scouts Congressional Aide
program.
As a young man said recently during his eagle Scout ceremony, “America
depends upon the quality of her citizens.” Government cannot solve all
problems; a free and good society relies on the health and vibrancy of
institutions of good formation in our culture.
eDuCATION
An important debate ongoing in Washington centers on the proper role
of the federal government in children’s education. I have long stated
that local control of education and parental involvement are the source
and summit of academic success. Nebraska has benefitted greatly from
its comparatively strong focus on these values. As Congress evaluates
sweeping education reform measures like No Child left behind, I remain
committed to empowering states and local school districts so they may
implement education policies that give every child access to a high-quality
education. I have dialogued with many of our local and state education
officials and have worked with some of our brightest and most dedicated
leaders in education through my educators Working Group. I will
continue to work to enhance local control of Nebraska’s schools.
SAFeGuArDING HumAN rIGHTS
As we work to further strengthen our own communities, we also recognize
the critical need in many areas of the world to build societies that
uphold basic human rights and liberties. This year, the House Foreign
Affairs Committee, on which I serve, passed a measure designed to end
uS taxpayers’ complicity in China’s campaign against women and girls,
known as the One Child policy. The Chinese government employs a
barbaric practice of having families and women subjected to a barrage of
personal indignities that are criminal in most places of the world. The
result is severe gender imbalance and a host of socioeconomic problems.
It has also resulted in an epidemic of female suicide, the likes of which have
never been seen in the world. This needs to be closely examined regarding
its pernicious effects not only on the lives of men and women who have
the strong arm of government forcing abortion and sterilization, but also
as to how it affects Chinese society overall and the entire international
community. u.S. taxpayers unwittingly contribute to this abuse through
funding an organization known as the united Nations Population Fund.
In October, I joined my colleagues in voting to advance a measure to end
u.S. involvement with that organization.
related to this is the terrible international practice of sex-selective
abortion, where pre-born female children are aborted because they are
girls. While sex-selective abortion is most pervasive in countries such as
China and India, recent data from the u.S. Census bureau has indicated
that sex-selective abortion is underway in the united States as well. To
help combat the spread of this social ill and form of violence against
women, I have joined in introducing the Prenatal Non-Discrimination Act.
Family Life, Rights, and Culturethe strength of the nation
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“ I believe you should be able to freely exercise your right of conscience in the health insurance and health care marketplace. “
CHIlD SOlDIerS
In 2008, Congress did something very courageous: we passed a law I
introduced saying it was the policy of our nation that children — all
children, no matter where they are from -- belong on playgrounds,
not battlegrounds. This is the law of the land. We are obligated to
stop underwriting this form of human trafficking, child conscription.
However, this year, the Obama Administration announced it would
again continue assistance to major international violators of the child
soldiers prohibition, including Chad, the Democratic republic of the
Congo, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The House of representatives followed by passing a measure I authored
earlier this year to prohibit military assistance to the country of Chad
until it began to take real action to stop the use of child soldiers. At
my request, the Foreign Affairs Committee also passed several other
child soldiers-related measures this year, including an amendment
to the Human Trafficking Victims Protection Act to strengthen u.S.
child soldiers policy. I believe it is important to remove the uS from
any complicity in this assault against the world’s children. We also
passed a very broad bill to help combat human trafficking—a modern
day form of slavery—both here and abroad.
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