Dear Friend,
I hope you are staying safe and healthy during the pandemic. Remember to check out Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services’ webpage for information on the COVID Vaccine rollout in Nebraska.
We are two months into the 117th Congress and the majority party, despite claiming an interest in “Unity,” has been focused on generating partisanship votes. For example, the vote to remove Rep. Marjorie T. Greene from her committee assignments because of comments made before she was elected. I have strongly condemned her comments and theories she made but voted NOT to remove her from her committee assignments because it sets a bad precedent. The people in her district knew of her remarks and still voted her into office. In my statement, I said:
“For the first time in 234 years, one party is dictating committee assignments to the other party. This action by the democrats will have long-lasting consequences and they are setting themselves up for receiving the same treatment in two years. I strongly condemned the horrible and inexcusable remarks Rep. Greene made prior to being elected, which she has since apologized for. Minority Leader McCarthy even offered a compromise to remove her from the Education Committee. What happens down the road when Republicans regain the majority? Will the democrats agree to remove from Committees the Representatives that told people to get in the faces of those they disagree with at public places; or who made serious anti-Semitic remarks; or who accused another member of attempted murder? The Democrat leadership is sowing the wind and will reap the whirlwind.”
Let me be clear-- I don't condone this action and don't want to see it used in two years against democrats. But it could happen.
I want you to know that I have previously condemned Qanon and the conspiracy theories and even voted yes on H.Res. 1154 in the last session which was a resolution stating that condemnation. Unfortunately, there are bad actors out there trying to say I support Qanon simply because I voted AGAINST the impeachment of President Trump. I believe that it was unconstitutional to charge him with it, as the consequence of being found guilty is removal from office and Pres. Trump was going to be leaving office one week after the vote. I explained this in my news release, which you can read here.
We can and must do better as a nation to come together. We have to move forward or else we will become more fractured. As we begin the 117th Congress, my office plans to introduce legislation that helps all Nebraskans and ensures we are on the right track to provide relief that actually benefits Americans and doesn’t just get us by.
This week, I also voted against the S.Con.Res.5 which would establish the congressional budget for Fiscal Year 2021 and direct 12 House Authorizing Committees and 11 Senate Authorizing Committees to submit bills that allow an increase in the deficit of up to $1.9 trillion. This would help make President Biden’s $2 trillion COVID relief package a reality.
I will keep working hard on these and other issues affecting you. If you have a question, please feel free to reach out to me here.
