McCook Daily Gazette: Columns: Sen. Mike Johanns

National security over politics (09/21/10)
This is one reason why people are angry at Congress: the Majority party in the Senate has hijacked a bill supporting our military efforts and loaded it with its own social policy initiatives. With our nation at war; thousands of Americans putting their lives on the line for our freedom and security every day; and our military depending upon its government to provide it with necessary support; such an endeavor is simply indefensible. ...

Largest tax increase in history looms (09/15/10)
I had the opportunity last month to visit with many of you throughout the state, and it should come as no surprise that the primary concern among most Nebraskans continues to be jobs and our economy. I've returned to Washington with this fresh in my mind, just as the debate has begun on the tax increase set to go into effect on January 1...

August recess: Time for your ideas (08/09/10)
After a very hectic July and early August, the Senate has adjourned for a month, giving me a great opportunity to return home to Nebraska. As you're reading this, I've already embarked on a trip across the state and look forward to meeting with many of you at open coffees from Omaha to Oshkosh...

Small businesses need support, not barriers, for growth (08/03/10)
As our country works hard to pull itself out of a recession, Washington should be focused on policies that support economic growth and job creation. Yet at this crucial moment, small businesses are growing increasingly agitated over a tax filing requirement in the new health care law that will actually inhibit job growth and bury businesses in a new mound of paperwork. ...

Unemployment extension should have been paid for (07/27/10)
With our national debt at $13.2 trillion and climbing, the Senate last week inflated that number even further by refusing to pay for an extension of unemployment benefits. I voted against the bill because I will not contribute further to the runaway train of federal spending that has been tearing through Washington. ...

Federal government must not bully communities on immigration (07/19/10)
A battle is brewing between the federal government and our communities over illegal immigration, and the field of play is far from fair. Because the federal government has failed to secure our borders, state and local governments are acting in good faith to protect our communities by passing local immigration laws. ...

Why I will oppose the Kagan nomination (07/12/10)
In preparation for the upcoming Senate floor consideration of the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court approaches, I have listened to her hearing before the Judiciary Committee and carefully reviewed her record. Just as I did before my vote on Justice Sonia Sotomayor, I carefully considered her view of the Court's role in our government, and whether she is capable of administering justice as a neutral umpire. ...

Pending trade agreements crucial for jobs and exports (06/21/10)
Most of us go through our day without knowing where our food, drink, and other products come from, but it matters more than you might think. There's a decent chance that you're reading this with a cup of coffee or a soft drink; and there's a better chance that those coffee beans or that sugar came from Colombia. ...

Looking ahead for American energy (06/17/10)
Over the past year and a half, a clear pattern has emerged in the policies proposed and enacted by the Administration and its supporters in Congress. That pattern has been to increase the size, scope, and influence of the federal government in an effort to achieve the desired policy result. ...

Nebraskans highlight misguided federal policies (06/08/10)
It was wonderful to meet with many Nebraskans last week for insightful discussions about federal policies and their impact on our daily lives. I wish all of my five hundred-some colleagues in Congress could have been with me to hear the discussions. I met with Nebraskans from Omaha to North Platte whose comments so clearly illustrated how directly federal policy impacts lives, from burdensome regulations to unsustainable spending...

Remembering on Memorial Day (05/24/10)
This weekend, many of us will enjoy an extended three-day break from work and school. Swimming pools will open and the corn and soy bean crops are emerging. For many, it will be a long weekend to mark the beginning of another great summer. We are blessed with many reasons to celebrate over Memorial Day weekend, but let us not forget the troops and their families, past and present, who have served, sacrificed and died for our principles and our freedom...

Nebraska sets standard for smart government (05/17/10)
A longstanding debate in our country is the role government should play in the lives of our families, communities, and businesses. While some favor an activist government, others favor a smaller, less intrusive role for our government -- sensible, responsible policies that lead to job creation, allow businesses to flourish, and enable families to raise their children in a thriving economic environment. ...

Consequences of health care law coming to light (05/11/10)
From the outset of the health care debate, President Obama and other supporters of the health care bill maintained that no matter how drastically our health care system was overhauled, "If you like your health care plan, you can keep it." Yet less than two months after the President signed the bill into law, we're already beginning to see why so many criticized such promises as empty and impossible to keep...

Cutting spending to lower debt is in out future (05/04/10)
When the topic of the public debt comes up, many are quick to blame the budget deficits on the previous Administration. While there is plenty of shared responsibility, this response fails to acknowledge the true problem of our national debt, nor does it justify our current astronomical and unsustainable rate of federal spending...

More proof of health law's flaws (04/27/10)
It is no surprise that trust in Congress is at an all time low. Partisan gridlock has become the norm rather than the exception when addressing today's challenges. As a result, important steps are often skipped. Ideas to improve legislation are often overlooked and efforts to understand the impact of a proposed law by inviting thorough analysis are overtaken by rhetoric. Such was the case with health care reform and the consequences continue to come to light...

Arbor Day sets noble example for today's leaders (04/20/10)
Recognizing the land that has brought us so much prosperity and reminding us of our own individual responsibilities to preserve it, Arbor Day offers a welcome opportunity to dispose of partisan banners and unite for a common cause. It is especially insightful and relevant in today's climate of mandates and regulation...

More spending will not lower our debt (04/12/10)
Two weeks ago I made my way across the state, hosting 13 public events in as many towns. One issue stuck out as critically important to many Nebraskans: our national debt, and what we are going to do about it. Our debt has long been of great concern to me, especially now as unfettered borrowing continues to bankroll an increasing amount of our federal expenditures. ...

How the health care bill affects you (03/23/10)
Last Sunday night, the House of Representatives passed an overhaul of our health care system. In a series of late-night votes, the House approved the Senate legislation that passed in the upper chamber last Christmas Eve. As I write, the President is announcing plans to sign this bill into law this week. ...

Fiscal responsibility means owning up to costs (03/16/10)
With the call for fiscal responsibility growing louder and louder, the Senate passed legislation in January that was purported to address irresponsible spending. The bill, nicknamed "Pay As You Go" or PAYGO, was advertised as preventing passage of legislation that would be paid for by adding to our already astronomical national debt. ...

Japan must drop U.S. beef ban (03/09/10)
The recent reports about faulty Toyota products have brought to the forefront a critical disconnect between the United States and a valuable ally, Japan. On one hand, Japan expects the U.S. to be patient and keep our borders open to Japanese cars and car parts. ...

Using budget reconciliation for health care unwise (03/02/10)
With the health care debate back in the spotlight, Americans continue to call for a new approach to health care reform. The original Senate bill was very partisan and costly, and required multiple special deals just to garner support from all Democrats. ...

Nebraska visit reaffirms passion for representing Nebraskans (02/22/10)
I spent the last week in Nebraska reconnecting with many of you throughout the state. Your informed views help to shape my approach in Washington, and always serve as a refreshing reminder of why I love to serve this great state. I was shown many examples of just how closely all of our lives are tied to actions taken by the federal government, which makes it all the more important that we take a thoughtful, open-minded approach when it comes to making laws...

Obama administration's budget worsens deficit problem (02/09/10)
With the health care debate simmering on the back burner, much of the focus has been on the release of the President's annual budget. The budget proposes funding for the programs and agencies throughout the federal government. Yet I am troubled by what is now becoming a pattern for the Obama Administration: record-setting deficits, a ballooning debt, and no indication of reining in our out-of-control spending any time in the near future. ...

U.S. needs stronger commitment to national security (02/01/10)
In his State of the Union address last week, President Obama expressed a renewed commitment to protecting our homeland and fighting terrorism abroad. Yet serious concerns remain regarding whether his policies and recent actions truly reflect those words. ...

Time is now to reverse increasing debt burdens (01/26/10)
In 2009, the U.S. government accrued a record $1.4 trillion in debt -- three times as much as the previous record set in 2008. The federal government has spent so far beyond its means that we have once again reached the debt ceiling, a Congress-mandated cap on how high a tab the Treasury can run. ...

Senate bill last line of defense for life (01/22/10)
Last January, few would have predicted President Obama's first major legislative initiative would be in serious jeopardy a year later. One of the primary reasons the Senate health care bill has stalled is because of its attempt to undermine a nearly thirty-five-year precedent of federal law that has kept federal tax dollars from funding elective abortions. ...

Here to serve Nebraskans (01/18/10)
As the devastation in Haiti weighs heavily on all of our hearts, I commend you for reaching-out to offer support, as Nebraskans always do. I am pleased my office has been able to connect many of you with the appropriate federal agencies responsible for relief coordination. We are also assisting several Nebraska families in the midst of adopting Haitian children, hoping to help bring these children -- now in desperate need -- together with their new families...

2010 challenges will require strong leadership (01/12/10)
Amidst the bustle of Christmas and the New Year, two headlines reminded us of why the government should strive to rise above politics when debating and enacting policy. When a man with ties to al Qaeda attempted to blow up an American airliner on Christmas Day, it served as a fresh and stark warning that our enemies abroad remain committed to waging war against our country and our ideals. ...

Johanns: CMS analysis more evidence health care bill does nothing to improve the system (01/11/10)
WASHINGTON -- Sen. Mike Johanns issued the following statement regarding the analysis released over the weekend by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Actuary Richard Foster. The analysis was in response to a request Sen. Johanns and 27 Senators made to the CMS Actuary requesting an updated analysis of the Senate-passed version of H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)...

Looking forward to 2010 (12/22/09)
I'm not sure I could have picked a more intense year to become a member of the U.S. Senate. In 2009, we saw our country enter an economic recession; our government bailout Wall Street; our military recommit to our efforts in Afghanistan; and our citizens, businesses, hospitals, and public officials make their voices heard regarding proposed health care reform...

USDA analysis confirms cap-and-trade damages agriculture (12/15/09)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided a summary of its latest analysis of the cap-and-trade bill, and we now have a clearer picture of just how much damage the bill would do to agriculture. Several of my Senate colleagues and I requested the analysis in July, and it's taken USDA nearly six months to provide it. While the Senate has yet to be provided a copy of the actual analysis, the USDA testimony confirms we are right to be very worried...

Deep cuts to medicare is not reform (12/08/09)
The health care debate has most recently been focused on Medicare. Some would have you believe the proposed cuts to Medicare in the Senate health care reform bill will have no impact on services or benefits. They will try to convince you the cuts will simply eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse of the system. ...

Preventive measures a necessity in health care coverage (11/30/09)
When the federal government promises to provide more for less, red flags rightly go up. This has been part of the health care reform debate. How can the government provide health insurance to tens of millions more people without skyrocketing costs, a decrease in services, or both? It simply cannot. ...

As health care bill proceeds, still much to do (11/24/09)
On Saturday, the motion to proceed to debate on the Senate's health care reform bill passed on a 60-39 vote. Next, amendments will be offered and voted on, then the Senate must vote to end the debate, which will also require 60 votes. Although this was the first step in the bill's approval process, studies show that 97 percent of bills become law after this type of vote passes. ...

Health care is still a hot topic across Nebraska (11/17/09)
Last week I hosted town hall meetings in Grand Island, Lexington, Kearney and Lincoln, where I outlined my principles for health care reform and heard feedback from Nebraskans on the latest proposals in Congress. In Lexington, I heard from a small businessman who provides health care to his employees but is concerned that the House bill will raise his taxes and compromise his ability to stay in business. ...

Cap-and-trade heading down the wrong path (11/09/09)
Imagine if the Senate decided it was going to overhaul the health care system by simply drafting legislation and passing it without complete analysis from any health care professionals or economists. What if we passed a bill without knowing the cost, the impact on families and small businesses, or whether or not premiums or taxes would go up? You'd probably think we all ought to find new work...

Taking care of the vulnerable (11/02/09)
Nebraskans should be very proud of the progress our state has made in transforming mental health services. We are now looked upon as a national leader in this area. I am very pleased to have introduced a bill that would adjust our nation's policies to follow Nebraska's good example by helping those facing mental illnesses, as well as the physically and developmentally disabled, to access affordable housing. ...

Don't defy the Founding Fathers (10/26/09)
Don't Defy the Founding Fathers Senator Mike Johanns October 26, 2009 Each day I spend in the U.S. Senate representing you, I become more in awe of our Founding Fathers' remarkable system of government checks and balances. The difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate is a perfect example. The House was created to be a majority body. If there is a solid majority by either party, as the Democrat Party holds today, that party will almost never lose a vote...

Back door deals undermine democratic process (10/19/09)
Part of what makes our country great is the transparency that exists between citizens and their government. We make laws at the will of the American people; therefore it's your right to be as informed as possible about the laws that will significantly impact your life. ...

Flawed health care plan would affect many Nebraskans (10/13/09)
As I write to you, the Senate Finance Committee has acted on the latest version of health care reform. I continue to believe we need to reform our health care system to bring down rising costs and shore up our delivery system. Paying for this reform is a big part of the debate. ...

Broken promises not the way to fix health care (10/05/09)
Throughout his presidential campaign, President Obama routinely promised that no one earning less than $250,000 would see their taxes increased. In fact, he promised not to raise taxes for those individuals by "one single dime." Yet if the health care proposal currently being debated in the Senate Finance Committee were to become law, this promise would be shattered. I was very disappointed last week when a proposal requiring the fulfillment of this promise was voted down in the committee...

Johans: Increasing taxes and health care costs is not true reform (09/29/09)
WASHINGTON -- Sen. Mike Johanns today spoke on the Senate floor to discuss his concerns regarding the proposed tax increases embedded within the Senate Finance Committee's health care legislation. "In our current economic crisis, the last thing American families need is to see more of their paychecks going to pay more taxes. ...

Disappointing lack of transparency in health care debate (09/28/09)
A very important opportunity was missed in the Senate last Wednesday. Throughout the week, the Senate Finance Committee debated and deliberated over amendments to a health care proposal that, if passed, will have a profound impact on the lives of every American. ...

New Senate health care proposal needs work (09/22/09)
Last week, the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Senator Max Baucus of Montana, released its proposal for health care reform. I am still reading through it to analyze and determine how this will affect the health care of Nebraskans. However, I have already discovered some details of great concern...

ACORN funding cut off (09/15/09)
On Monday, my colleagues in the Senate rose above partisan loyalties to support my amendment that will prevent tax dollars from supporting an organization shrouded in controversy: ACORN. Employees of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now have been convicted of irresponsible, fraudulent, and at times illegal behavior, and I took action to protect taxpayers...

How much debt is too much? (09/08/09)
Late last month, the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released its annual mid-year review of the federal budget. We all knew it would report a record-setting deficit--$1.6 trillion for 2009--but the review further revealed the challenges we will face as a country if the current track of fiscal irresponsibility continues. The report revealed the deficit over the next ten years would be $2 trillion more than previously estimated by OMB...

Flimsy evidence supporting cap-and-trade (08/27/09)
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's August 23 op-ed about cap-and-trade offered incomplete and largely speculative analysis to justify the costs to American farmers and ranchers. His rhetoric falls in line with the Administration's pattern of nice sounding ideas unsupported by facts. Unfortunately, the costs of cap-and-trade are real, while so far the benefits for farmers and ranchers are theoretical. Nebraska producers are realists. And realists sift through rhetoric to focus on facts...

Unanimous agreement on improving VA facility (08/24/09)
Last week, our state and our military veterans got some great news at a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee field hearing I chaired in Omaha. Every witness, including VA officials, agreed that major new construction is needed at the Omaha VA Medical Center. ...

Health care hot topic in Nebraska (08/19/09)
Last week, I traveled approximately 1,100 miles across Nebraska from Scottsbluff to South Sioux City, holding seven town halls, five round tables, and other meetings in 11 counties. I listened closely to Nebraskans' concerns and there is overwhelming anxiety about health care legislation...

Veterans always a high priority (08/10/09)
I am so glad to be back in Nebraska for the August work period. I know many Nebraskans are eager to continue our dialogue about health care and I look forward to it. Cap-and-trade will be another hot topic that has huge potential consequences for Nebraska. ...

Medicare, Medicaid should not pay for health care reform (08/04/09)
The Senate is wrapping up its final days before adjourning until Labor Day. Even though no health care legislation has come to the floor in the Senate or the House of Representatives, health care remains a hot topic. Both houses have proposals working through the committee process, which have struggled in committee because they are significantly flawed. ...

Why I will oppose Judge Sotomayor (07/28/09)
After meeting with Judge Sonia Sotomayor, watching the confirmation hearings, reading her past judicial decisions, and carefully reviewing her overall record, I have decided I cannot support her nomination for the Supreme Court of the United States. She has good reason to be proud of a long career as a public servant. However, for the reasons detailed below, she will not have my vote...

Cap-and-trade questions need answers (07/21/09)
As many of you know, climate change legislation, known as cap-and-trade, has passed the House of Representatives and is now ready for consideration by the Senate. Although 44 Democrats voted against it in the House and it required a considerable amount of arm-twisting by House leadership to pass, it is being heavily endorsed by the Obama Administration and the U.S. ...

Sen. Mike Johanns
Sen. Mike Johanns

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns is a former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Nebraska governor and Lincoln mayor.

Address: 404 Russell, Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510

Phone: (202) 224-4224
Fax: (202) 228-0436

You may contact Senator Johanns by emailing mike_johanns@johanns.senate.gov. If you would like to receive a response from Senator Johanns, please ensure you include your name, full address, and phone number.

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