December 6, 2007
Earlier this year my office helped numerous Nebraskans expedite their passport applications. There were many unfortunate delays due to security concerns.
If you need or want a passport in the near future, now is an opportune time to apply. December is usually a “low-volume” period for passport applications, which means that processing time will be shorter and you will receive your passport more quickly.
November 29, 2007
November and December are months to make preparations for the holidays, spend time with loved ones, and find new ways to spoil the grandchildren!
Medicare prescription drug plans are not always at the forefront of our minds during this time; however, it is now “open season” for Medicare Part D.
November 12, 2007
I recently had the honor of presenting the Prisoner of War Medal to one of America’s heroes, Tech Sergeant Mark Striman of Lincoln. Serving in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, he was forced to parachute into a cornfield after his aircraft was downed over Yugoslavia.
November 7, 2007
Think for a moment about your monthly phone bill and all the taxes and fees that are part of it. For a lot of people, those taxes and fees make up a quarter of the bill or more. Now imagine if similar taxes and fees were imposed on your monthly internet access. Preventing that scenario is why I recently voted for the extension of an internet tax moratorium.
October 10, 2007
Money is more than just a way we pay for products and services. It is also a manner in which we honor America ’s great men and women. The visages of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln on our $1 and $5 bills remind us of how great leaders can change the course of history.
October 2, 2007
Like most families, dinner time in my home is a special part of the day. It is a chance to spend valuable time with loved ones. Many Americans have chosen to keep this important time quiet by participating in the federal "Do-Not-Call" registry.
August 27, 2007
Have you ever heard of
"slow food?" How about a "convivium?" Do you
consider yourself an "eater?" Not commonplace in most everyday conversations, these intriguing terms were introduced to me and about 140 others who gathered recently at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus to explore the benefits and opportunities of local foods systems in Nebraska.
July 31, 2007
Every Saturday between May and October, rain or shine, Nebraskans gather in Lincoln’s historic Haymarket District. The whistle blows at 8:00 A.M. and the Haymarket Farmer’s Market opens for business. On some days, over 5,000 people peruse the offerings of nearly 200 vendors. Whether they want home-grown honey or buffalo meat, sweet corn or pumpkins, the Haymarket Farmer’s Market offers something for everyone.
July 16, 2007
Agriculture is essential to Nebraska's economy and plays a key role in defining our character as a state. One out of every three Nebraskans makes his or her living on the farm or in an ag related field. Given the importance of this issue to Nebraskans, I consider it a great privilege to be a member of the House Agriculture Committee charged with renewing the Farm Bill.
May 30, 2007
Recently a photograph in the window on Harlan Street in downtown Falls City grabbed my attention. I immediately stopped. It was the centerpiece of a storefront memorial to Sergeant Nick Nolte. The young man in his Marine dress blues died almost three years ago while on patrol outside of Baghdad, but his memory lives on in the hearts and minds of so many in Falls City.
May 25, 2007
I thought you might be interested in my most recent column on an exciting event this past weekend in Beatrice. The Homestead National Monument of America held the opening ceremony for the Heritage Center. It is a true landmark for Nebraska and our country as it tells the story of the early Homesteaders and their contributions to our nation's history.
May 4, 2007
I thought you might be interested to know of a growing humanitarian issue connected to the conflict in the Middle East. "Lost in Translation" is my recent “Fort Report” column explaining the situation.
March 13, 2007
By now, I am sure you are aware of the recent problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. As we can certainly all agree, the brave men and women of the United States military have sacrificed greatly and deserve the best possible medical care and accommodations.
February 21, 2007
The question of America’s ongoing involvement in Iraq has been the central focus of debate in Congress recently. Last week members of the U.S. House of Representatives had the opportunity to formally speak on the situation, as part of the debate on a non-binding resolution regarding American troop strength in Iraq.
January 24, 2007
In late January, President Bush gave his State of the Union address which focused on energy policy, patient-centered healthcare, and the situation in Iraq. Below are some of my thoughts on the issues raised in his speech.