Shelly Schwedhelm, MSN, RN, NEA-BC was my guest for the State of the Union address in February. She is a senior leader and nurse from Global Center for Health Security at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine. Shelly is on the frontlines of biocontainment and emergency preparedness with over forty years of experience. Thank you to Shelly and Nebraska healthcare professionals!

The House passed H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act in March. High energy costs make it more expensive to heat your home, fill up your car, and contributes to inflation as the cost to transport goods is much higher.

H.R. 1 not only reduces the cost of energy for families, but strengthens our critical mineral supply and implements permitting reform to cut red tape.

The 55th Wing celebrated its birthday in April. Based out of Offutt Air Force Base, the 55th has been flying since World War II and conducts worldwide reconnaissance missions and treaty verification. I served as Wing Commander and the 55th Electronic Combat Group Commander, and appreciate the opportunity to return to my Air Force roots.

The Wing's indomitable spirit conquers all!

House Republicans passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act in May. Since January 2021, record numbers of illegal crossings at the border have been set month after month, and Nebraska families are aware of the urgency of the situation. H.R. 2 would deploy security technology at the border, hire more border patrol agents, end catch and release policies, reform the asylum process, and protect unaccompanied children from human trafficking. I have called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass H.R. 2, and will continue to vote to secure our border.

The Nebraska Congressional Delegation hopped in a car and traveled around Nebraska on a farm tour in June. The tour took us to local farms and ranches, and to meetings with the Nebraska Farm Bureau, NE Corn Growers, NE Wheat Board, NE Pork Producers, NE Soybean growers, NE Cattlemen, NE Dairy Association. Listening to Nebraska farmers helps in writing a farm bill that serves farmers and ranchers across the nation.

More photos can be found on social media by searching #FarmBillforNE

We opened a new office in Saunders County in July after our district lines changed following the 2020 census. Our district offices exist to serve the people of Nebraska's Second District and help people like you navigate the federal government. In 2023, our caseworkers helped 984 constituents with the IRS, Social Security, passports, and the VA. If you need assistance, give our district office a call.

In the August district work period, I had the opportunity to meet with businesses, leaders, and families in Nebraska. Hearing firsthand about the issues you are facing and concerns you have is important to me. I enjoyed meeting with Douglas County residents at our town hall in August and had the opportunity to answer questions in an open forum.

Interested in attending a town hall in 2024? Newsletter subscribers are the first to hear about these events, or you are always welcome to contact our office at any time to share your thoughts.

The House Armed Services committee named me as Chairman of the military Quality of Life panel which kicked off in September. Ensuring our service members have a high quality of life is important for military recruitment and retention. The U.S. Government Accountability Office published a shocking report early in September on the conditions of barracks which showed mold, overflowing sewage, lack of heating or air conditioning, and bug infestations. The Quality of Life panel will address not only military housing and barrack conditions, but spouse employment, childcare, and other issues our service members face. The panel will publish a report with recommendations and improvements to be made in the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act.

The world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists perpetrated a massive terrorist attack against Israel on October 7th. Over one hundred people, including eight Americans, are still being held hostage in Gaza. As a staunch supporter of Israel, I stand with the Jewish state and support providing military aid and assistance to our close ally.

The Common Ground Committee gave me a 104/100 score for bipartisanship, and I've always said that being bipartisan allows you to be more effective for your district. I joined Ian Allen of CivilFilms in November on Steelman/Strawman to talk about bipartisanship and reasons for hope. Click here to watch.

Each year, Congress passes the National Defense Authorization Act, (NDAA) which authorizes our defense spending. The NDAA became law in December, and is one of the most critical pieces of legislation Congress passes each year. As we face threats from China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, and other terrorist organizations, Congress exercises its Article 1 Section 8 powers to counter our adversaries and ensure readiness. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a retired Brigadier General in the Air Force, I take this responsibility seriously.