Opinion

W Now that the August district work period is officially underway, I am excited to spend the coming weeks on the road, listening to Nebraskans across the Third District and seeing firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing our communities. I hit the ground running this week with a swing through the Panhandle, hearing directly from constituents about the issues that matter most to them and discussing how we can keep working together to make the Good Life an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Some folks, I see, are criticizing Gov. Pillen for embarking on a trade mission to the Far East at a time when the state budget is bleeding red ink.

It seems like a lifetime ago, when COVID turned our lives upside down, yet the consequences for many remain very real. While the shutdowns in much of rural Nebraska may not have been as severe as those experienced in our larger cities, our lives were still changed in ways we never imagined. Schools closed or were disrupted, weddings and funerals were canceled, businesses struggled, churches wrestled with how to continue serving their congregations, and families found themselves separated during some of life’s most difficult moments. Across Nebraska and across our nation, uncertainty, fear, and isolation affected us all, even if the experience looked different depending on where we lived. We quickly learned how much we had taken for granted, from gathering with family and friends to attending church, school activities, and community events and became keenly aware of how precious freedom is.

nOte frOm d.C . A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” That quote came from President John F.

insights frOm d.C . On July 27, our nation will pause to observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the 1953 signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement.

nOte frOm d.C . When Nebraskans send lawmakers to Washington they expect them to serve our communities.

Things are getting plenty confusing about who is running for office this fall, and who isn’t. And that’s probably the intent.

Extremes seem to be something Nebraska’s weather and politics have in common lately. In both cases, the results are rarely positive.

W As Congress begins its August work period, I’m looking forward to being back home meeting with Nebraskans across the Third District. As I prepare for my travels, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my work for you over the past several months.

There are certain moments in life that are difficult to put into words. For me, simply pulling into the National High School Finals Rodeo is one of them. The excitement is unlike anything else. Seeing hundreds of trailers, horses being unloaded, families greeting old friends, and young competitors preparing for the biggest week of their high school rodeo careers creates an atmosphere that is hard to describe. It is a feeling of anticipation, excitement, and pride that never gets old.