Opinion

W Securing our country’s borders and safeguarding the American people are fundamental responsibilities of the federal government. Ongoing human trafficking at the border is a humanitarian crisis, and the smuggling of fentanyl and other illicit substances poses a serious risk to Americans.

Last week I wrote about the dedication of the new Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Papillion. I was moved by the sacrifice the United States made in Vietnam. I mentioned last week how much Vietnam vet’s mentorship helped my military career. I was honored to attend with the Governor. It reminded me of an older classmate I knew who died in Vietnam, a ‘Gold Star’ veteran. He is called that because his parents no-doubt received a gold star service flag along with a folded American flag. It had been a long time since I last thought of him.

On July 4, 1851, the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the federal government embarked on a project to add two major wings to the U.S. Capitol Building and enlarge its dome. In the ensuing decade, through Congress’ most contentious years then the first three years of the Civil War, construction carried on. In December 1863, the Statue of Freedom was installed on the now completed dome, signifying confidence the Union would be preserved at a fateful moment in American history.

Supporting nuclear energy is one of my priorities as the Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety.

insights frOm d.C . There’s a lot of buzz around electric vehicles.

“When there’s a will, there’s a way.” That was a phrase that surfaced regularly at the end of state legislative sessions. It referred to the hope that bills that appeared dead might be resurrected.

With the Independence Day holiday behind us, it will be back to work for the Legislature soon. Normally at this stage of the process, I would be a term-limited senator enjoying the effective end of eight regular sessions, although that does not officially happen until a new senator takes the oath in January of 2025.

There are so many questions. Is it safe? Does pot smoking lead to the use of hard drugs? What is the risk of pot smoking during pregnancy? Does marijuana have medical value in treating disease? Does smoking pot relieve the side effects of cancer treatment?

I was honored to join the Governor and recently attend the dedication of Nebraska’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Pappillion. We are the 50th state to build one, but better late than never. Vietnam veterans have a special place in my heart. Part of the memorial includes a UH-1 “Huey” helicopter which I once flew. I thought it was amazing that crew members who served aboard the actual aircraft on static display were on hand for the dedication. John Nicholas Maulsby was there. He spent a year as a gunner on this particular Huey.

Back in the day, a small, “trial balloon” would be sent aloft to discern wind speed and direction before a balloon carrying people was launched. Folks were rightly concerned about rising into the heavens blindly, without knowing if a catastrophic whirlwind was aloft.