Opinion

Throughout my tenure as Chair of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, one thing has always been evident: trade works best when it is built on relationships, trust, and time. Agreements are not simply ink on paper, but signals to workers, farmers, and businesses about how the United States is committed to showing up, year after year, as a reliable partner.

As a reporter, you cover all kinds of stories. Stories about natural disasters, murders, grandmas who collect cookie jars and good samaritans.

This week we began floor debate on bills carried over from last year that were presumed to be non-controversial as they came out of committee last year with no opposition. That being said, the first few drew healthy debate and attention from many who follow the work of the Legislature making this an appropriate time to give a quick refresher of how the Unicameral system works and how bills move through the system. Nebraska stands alone among the 50 states with its unicameral, or single- house, legislature. This unique structure replaces traditional twohouse checks and balances with multiple stages of review within one chamber.

From its creation by President James Monroe in 1823 until today, the Monroe Doctrine has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. This policy asserts foreign interference in the Americas will be met with American resolve, shaping generations of diplomatic, military, and security decisions. From Cold War efforts to halt the expansion of communism to modern questions of sovereignty, the doctrine continues to frame America’s interactions with our neighbors, politically, economically, and on practical matters like border security.

The first time I walked into the State Capitol, I wondered “what is making all these people walk like Olympic racers down these halls?” I almost got run over by some walkers; the new guy needed to get out of the way. To be sure, the Capitol hallways extend in a square, making them ideal for a quick walk around the square for exercise or just to clear the brain.

Amidst the focus on the looming budget shortfall, there is some good news to share. Nebraska recently received notification that we have been awarded $218.5 million dollars through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, the eighth largest state allocation nationwide! This five year national initiative aims to modernize rural health care delivery across America. Governor Jim Pillen has called it a once in a generation opportunity to Make Rural Nebraska Healthy Again, with implementation beginning in 2026 through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The program addresses challenges including provider shortages, geographic distances, food insecurity, and an aging population in a state where nearly 95 percent of counties are classified as rural or frontier.

d.C . Record results for Nebraska The start of a new year invites more than resolutions; it invites reflection.

As the Nebraska Unicameral prepares to convene on January 7 for the 2026 Legislative session, there is a growing concern that we may be heading toward a repeat of the 2023 session, known for its perpetual filibusters and mud slinging, resembling more of a World Wrestling Federation production rather than an intellectual debate amongst high elected officials. With Nebraska’s two-term limit, this will be the last session for 10 of the 49 Senators, with two more not running for a second term and one whose future service is hanging in the balance, given a recommendation from the Executive board for expulsion.

nOte frOm d.C . Every New Year, we have the opportunity to reflect on the last year and plan for the future.

A former Nebraska state senator, once again, is calling on the United States to do more to help Ukraine win its war with Russia. Tom Brewer, who served in the Legislature from 2017 to 2025 and earned two Purple Hearts during 36 years in the military, recently made his eighth trip to the front in Ukraine.