Column: On the Road at Home

Statement

The Senate was in recess last week and I was delighted to be back in Nebraska. As I travelled the state, I had the opportunity to visit with many Nebraskans and hear your thoughts on a variety of different issues. Your feedback continues to guide my efforts here in the Senate, and I'm looking forward to bringing that Nebraska common sense back to Washington.

Nebraskans are engaged in many of the serious issues facing our nation. From ensuring quality health care for our veterans to improving transportation, our citizens want to see meaningful change in a number of areas. In that spirit, I wanted to take a moment this week to share with you what I'm hearing from Nebraskans and provide an update on my efforts to tackle these challenges.

Through my conversations at the Dawson County Cattlemen dinner on February 14 and all throughout my week in Nebraska, it was clear that the EPA's proposed waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule would have a devastating impact on our state. Through this aggressive and unprecedented proposal, the EPA is seeking to impose far-reaching federal mandates and control our state's water resources. This will have real consequences and hurt growth, jobs, and Nebraska families. That's why I joined a bicameral hearing on WOTUS earlier this month and urged EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to withdraw this devastating rule. This fight is only beginning and I will continue to do everything I can to protect Nebraskans from this and other harmful policies.

During a visit to the Lincoln VA campus on February 18, I met with staff and local representatives to discuss their progress on a new facility. Our veterans deserve the finest care and treatment after sacrificing so much for the freedoms we enjoy today. In light of that, it is our duty to ensure these VA centers are being managed properly. I look forward to continuing work with local and federal officials -- including the new VA Director B. Don Burman -- to see this important project through to its completion.

On Thursday, February 19, I enjoyed a productive roundtable discussion in Omaha with a group of Nebraska transportation stakeholders. They informed me of the many obstacles they are facing due to federal regulations and delayed funding. I believe that as we identify ways to improve our transportation networks, Nebraskans should continue to play a critical role in the debate. That's why I invited three Nebraska-based companies to my first hearing as chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee. I was happy to feature testimony from witnesses representing Union Pacific, Werner, and Cabela's -- all of whom shared invaluable input. This was the first of ongoing discussions over the next year as we explore new policies that will grow our economy and improve safety for commuters in Nebraska and across the country.

These were just a few of the meetings I held. I also met with medical providers, educators and state senators to hear their views and concerns with federal issues. As I return to Washington, I'm looking forward to sharing the feedback I received from home with my colleagues -- whether it's in committee hearings, on the Senate floor, or at the leadership table. By working together, we can unite to advance bipartisan, common sense solutions that will have a positive impact across Nebraska and our country. Each and every day I am honored to represent Nebraska in the U.S. Senate, and hope you will continue to keep me informed on the issues that matter to you.

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

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