significant responsibilities for Middle Eastern and African affairs. I also serve on the Agriculture Committee, where I helped write the House Farm Bill and serve as Chairman of the Department Operations, Oversight, and Credit Subcommittee. I also have significant personal experience in small business, and early in my career worked as a policy analyst for the United States Senate Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Relations. I earned a bachelor's degree in economics and two master's degrees, one in public policy. My wife Celeste and I live in Lincoln and have five little girls.

My work in Congress is rooted in the belief that the strength of our nation depends on the strength of our families and communities. My efforts are focused on five critical areas: strengthening national security and diplomatic engagement; promoting alternative energy and environmental sustainability; increasing small business entrepreneurship and rural vitality; creating patient-centered health care, and upholding family life and culture.