Dear friend,

This past week was filled with hearings, classified briefings, votes, including one on the continuing resolution funding bill (CR), and meetings with constituent advocacy groups and military leaders. After a short session week, I returned home and met with constituents.

On Tuesday, the House voted to pass the CR funding bill. I voted yes to keep our government open, which enabled us to plus up our military and defenses. This bill funds the historic pay raise for those who protect our country that came out of the Quality-of-Life panel I chaired and got passed through the FY25 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act). It allows our military to start new contracts that will enable us to build new warships. This CR does not gut any programs. In fact, it provides an additional $6 billion for the Cost of War Toxic Exposure Fund, $30.242 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration Compensation and Pensions, $4.864 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration Readjustment Benefits, and increases WIC by $500 million. While I do not like CR’s, we cannot let the government shut down and not be there to serve the people. More on my vote here.

Before the vote, I had the privilege of meeting some impressive cadets from the United States Military Academy at West Point. I commend these young leaders for their commitment to our country. Our future is bright with them leading the way.

This week, I discussed my legislation, H.R. 217 - CHIP IN for Veterans Act, which makes the current pilot program permanent. The Ambulatory Care Center in Omaha, the first Public Private Partnership (P3) project in the VA system, was originally budgeted for $135 million. Thanks to the current pilot program of the Chip IN for Veterans Act, the project was completed on time for just over $80 million, saving taxpayers $55 million. H.R. 217 will make this money-saving program permanent. Watch my full remarks here.

I also had the chance to meet with LTG Maria Barrett, the Commanding General of Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER). As a cyber service component, ARCYBER trains and equips Army cyber forces for employment by USCYBERCOM to defend the nation and support the joint team.

I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of IDF who were visiting DC to learn more about our political system. I will always support Israel's right to protect itself and counter those conducting terrorism against them. America will too.

This week, I was happy to welcome Mayor Don Groesser and other city officials from Ralston here in DC. Ralston is on the move!

With the short session week, I was able to spend time in the District, including visiting students at West Bay Elementary and Bancroft Elementary School. I appreciated the opportunity to visit Major Talent, a Nebraska-based company that helps transitioning military service members and veterans across the country connect with employers.

I also announced our first townhall for the 119th Congress on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. Due to the number of constituents wishing to participate, we have decided to utilize a tele-townhall format to accommodate more participants. To participate, you can call us that evening at 855-962-1225. In addition to calling in, you will be able to participate via the website at https://bacon.house.gov/live/. Residents of the 2nd District of Nebraska are welcome to participate.

Tele-townhalls allow us to reach thousands of constituents versus an in-person townhall which is limited to the venue size, typically a couple of hundred. In the past, our tele-townhalls have hosted anywhere from 2,000 to 3,500 constituents, with a couple reaching 6,000 constituents, and more constituents have had their questions answered.

I’m looking forward to letting the people of the 2nd District know what legislation we are working on and answering their questions.

A registration link will be released on the web site as soon as available. In addition, we will be calling constituents the evening of the tele-townhall.

You can keep up to date with me on a weekly basis via my X, Instagram, and Facebook accounts! Take a peek and follow me! Also, feel free to share this newsletter and encourage your friends to sign up at https://bacon.house.gov/contact/subscribe.htm.

As always, I appreciate the honor to serve the 2nd District of Nebraska. Have a concern or question? Visit our website at https://bacon.house.gov/contact/.

Sincerely,

Rep. Don Bacon

Member of Congress

Contact Me

Washington, DC Office
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