Opinion

It slipped in on an uneventful Tuesday this year, although many towns celebrated on Monday the Third just to give the holiday a long weekend type feel. Maybe it was a little bit easier to remember the true historic origins of the holiday this year, given the drought and all the caution about fireworks lighting up more than just the night sky.

nOte frOm Last week, the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) advanced its annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill, which we must pass every year, sets our policies and spending priorities for the military.

A lot of bills and resolutions were transformed in the last session because every single bill was being filibustered. Consequently, it was in the best interest of the body to pack as much stuff into one bill as possible. This past session, one of my bills and resolutions ended up being transformed into an interim study. During the interim (the time between sessions) committees will often conduct “interim studies” about a topic that interests the committee.

W The significance of the agriculture industry to Nebraska’s Third District cannot be overstated. As the nation’s leading congressional district in market value of agriculture products sold, our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state’s economy.

n d.C . One year ago this week, the Supreme Court of the United States handed down one of the most important decisions in its history.

nOte frOm d.C . Last Monday, I had another opportunity to hear directly from Nebraska producers about this year’s Farm Bill.

The new governor says, jubilantly, the honeymoon cruise with the Nebraska Legislature was a huge success. Sorry governor, I’m seeing flags.

Marrying a farm kid has shown me the immense amount of pride in being part of the ag community. It is prevalent that the agricultural profession, while rewarding, is challenging. Running big dollar operations that are both physically and mentally demanding creates some serious strain on our mental health. Whether it’s a co-op employee spraying chemicals or spreading fertilizer for 70+ hours a week or a farmer during planting or harvest, the demand never truly stops.

In Nebraska, we have a lot to be proud of.