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Friday, May 24, 2013
A heavy hand (05/20/13)
By now, most Nebraskans are familiar with a series of alarming news reports regarding a disturbing pattern of government overreach. In the past week, a number of scandals have developed and are now embroiling Washington, D.C. On May 10, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) admitted to deliberately targeting and delaying the applications of conservative groups applying for tax-exempt status. ...
The Huskers' hero (05/03/13)
Childhood is a time for growing -- growing bodies, growing minds, and growing hearts. It is a special, brief time given to us by God to live without fear or physical pain, or the burdens of responsibility. For too many children, though, childhood is very different. Many are forced to grow up too quickly and learn hard lessons of courage from the cruel, unyielding teacher of sickness...
$890,000 on nothing (04/25/13)
"U.S. government spends $890,000 on nothing" -- it sounds like a bad joke, but it's no laughing matter. The Washington Post recently reported, "This year, the government will spend at least $890,000 on service fees for bank accounts that have nothing in them. At last count, Uncle Sam has 13,712 such accounts, each with a balance of zero."...
A Lesson in political courage from across the pond (04/11/13)
From the Senate's earliest days, new senators have respected a ritual of remaining silent during floor debates for a period of time ranging from several months to several years, depending on the era. This is, of course, largely a symbolic gesture. But newly elected senators respect the tradition to show they are committed to using their first days in office to learn the traditions, practices, and procedures of the Senate before speaking on the floor...
The worth of water (04/04/13)
Benjamin Franklin once quipped, "When the well's dry, we know the worth of water." Franklin understood that while water is an essential part of daily life, many of us take it for granted. We use water to cook, clean, and nourish crops. Water sustains individuals and livestock alike; it is used to transport passengers and goods. Water is undoubtedly one of our most precious natural resources. As such, wise water management should be a top priority...
Rolling back regulations (03/28/13)
Few Americans will ever forget being told Congress had to first pass the healthcare law "to find out what is in it." Well, almost exactly three years ago, the bill was passed and now we know the secret ingredient: 20,000 pages of new federal regulations, amounting to a towering stack of paper 7 feet 3 inches tall...
From the Sandhills to Capitol Hill (03/22/13)
Before arriving to Washington, I lived and worked on our family ranch for 41 years with my husband, Bruce, in the Sandhills of Nebraska. With daily chores and caking cattle around Sunny Slope Ranch, I quickly developed an appreciation for the lay of the land. ...
A trillion dollar tax hike (03/18/13)
It was an historic week in the United States Congress. For the first time in 92 years, Congress began the budget-making process without first receiving a budget from the president. This effort was a necessary step given that the president's budget has been delayed for over a month, despite legal requirements for a timely submission to Congress...
Joining the conversation (03/07/13)
As an elected representative of the United States Senate, my priority is serving the needs of my constituents in Nebraska. A highlight of my job both in the state and in Washington is speaking with fellow Nebraskans about the issues affecting them in their daily lives...
73,608 (02/21/13)
In less than a week, automatic "across-the-board" budget cuts will go into effect, dangerously slashing the defense budget as well as jeopardizing thousands of American jobs. While Nebraskans know we must cut out-of-control government spending, I believe we should sensibly target these cuts at wasteful federal programs, not critical national security priorities...
2 problems, 1 solution: certainty (02/15/13)
Like many Nebraskans, I watched the president's State of the Union address hoping we would hear specific policy proposals to address our nation's ongoing economic challenges, including our $16 trillion national debt. I was disappointed that instead of offering realistic ideas to cut government spending, the president focused his speech on plans to increase spending under the pretext of job creation...
Cutting the red tape (02/07/13)
For far too long, the federal government's reach has extended more and more into the everyday lives of citizens and businesses across Nebraska. Constituents often share with me, both in my office and as I travel the state, that we have got to get to work cutting all of the red tape coming out of Washington...
Nearly 1,400 days and counting (02/01/13)
The last time the Senate passed a budget resolution was on April 29, 2009, or nearly 1,400 days ago. Think about it: the last time the Senate passed a budget, the iPad didn't even exist. Nebraskans understand that the only way to get our fiscal house in order is to get government spending under control. A budget is essential when you're running a family or business, it's even more essential when you're running the federal government...
A visit to Offutt, a word on rules (01/25/13)
Recently, members of my state staff and I visited Offutt Air Force Base, which serves as home to the U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM). We began the visit to Offutt with a discussion of the 55th Wing with Colonel John Rauch. The "Fightin' Fifty-Fifth" operates a variety of aircraft to conduct operations from Offutt and other locations around the world. I was very impressed with the fine work they do and I am grateful for their service...
Time to get to work (01/10/13)
On January 3, I had the privilege of taking the oath of office and becoming Nebraska's 39th United States Senator. I am grateful that members of my family and so many friends traveled from Nebraska to share this special day, and I am honored by the trust placed in me by Nebraskans. ...
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer
Note from Washington
Deb. Fischer of Valentine, Nebraska, was elected to the U.S. Senate on Nov. 6, 2012. Previously, she served two years in the Nebraska Legislature, representing the 43rd District.