McCook Daily Gazette: Columns: U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith

Nebraska celebrates Ag Day (03/12/10)
The first day of Spring can't come fast enough for those of us still dealing with the cold weather which has plagued our state for much of the winter. But as we approach March 20, we can look forward to better weather while at the same time celebrating a Nebraska treasure...

The future of fuel (03/05/10)
The future of our nation's fuel supply just might come in a tiny package. Microscopic, in fact. Algae -- the green pond scum which has frustrated gardeners for generations -- are being considered by many as a promising fuel source to meet our country's energy needs...

The stimulus: One year later (02/26/10)
The Stimulus: One Year Later A little more than a year ago, on February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the so-called "stimulus" act. The $862 billion stimulus bill was supposed to create 3.5 million jobs by the end of 2010. In reality, my concerns it wouldn't work regretfully held true, and since it passed in February 2009, 3.3 million Americans have been put out of work...

The EPA and flawed science (02/22/10)
Like you, I'm concerned our nation relies on foreign sources of energy. The longer we continue to depend on other countries for the energy which drives our economy, the greater the likelihood of again facing sky-high prices. This is why I am working to develop oil and natural gas exploration here in the United States as well as expand research into renewable biofuels...

3,800,000,000,000 (02/05/10)
On Monday, February 1, President Barack Obama submitted his budget proposal for the coming fiscal year. This is the first step in the budgetary process, though the evolution will continue on for several more weeks as Congress proposes its own version...

The state of our union (01/29/10)
Last week President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. Traditionally this speech has been a chance for the President to outline his agenda for the coming year. Instead, President Obama wasted an opportunity to embrace a new approach for our Nation by defending a legislative agenda much of America has already rejected...

The way ahead on health care (01/22/10)
WASHINGTON -- On Tuesday, Jan. 19, America saw an upset of astounding proportions. Scott Brown's election victory in the Massachusetts Senate race changed the political landscape in many ways -- most notably the future of the proposed government takeover of health care...

Our highest priority? (01/18/10)
Just a few weeks ago, the terrorist plot to bring down Northwest Airlines Flight 253 was thwarted by a combination of luck and vigilance on the part of everyday citizens. This incident aboard an international flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Christmas Day combined with the assassination of seven CIA officers in Afghanistan by a double-agent just before the New Year are stark reminders the war on terror continues...

Peace in the Middle East (01/11/10)
Recently I was honored to accompany several of my colleagues on a bipartisan mission into the heart of the Middle East. During our time in Egypt, Israel, and Turkey, we were offered not only a chance to promote a deeper understanding of the region but also to learn about the complex security issues facing this area of the world...

America in the Red (01/04/10)
Thousands of Americans are struggling with debt, forced to make tough budget decisions in order to stay within their means. The federal government also is facing massive debt problems, but unlike families across Nebraska and the nation, it is refusing to take the tough steps necessary to put our nation's fiscal house in order...

Christmas greetings (12/18/09)
I want to take this week's column to wish all Nebraskans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. During this time of year, our thoughts go out to the men and women in harm's way who defend our freedoms and the freedoms of people they have never met...

Killing the death tax (12/11/09)
It is said the only things certain in life are death and taxes. Somehow the federal government has managed to combine both. The estate tax -- commonly referred to as the "death tax" -- is a tax on assets transferred following an individual's passing. This tax is a drag on our economy because it taxes capital, the fuel of economic growth...

Bringing increased transparency to government (12/04/09)
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once said, "Sunlight is the best disinfectant." For too long the federal government has gone about its business in secret. Congress has added special-interest provisions to bills behind closed doors, spent millions with no regard to fiscal reality, and purposely passed bills no one had the chance to read...

Reasons to be thankful beyond the holiday season (11/25/09)
As we reflect on our Thanksgiving weekend and begin preparations for the upcoming Christmas season, I hope we take the time to recognize the true meaning of the holidays we are celebrating and reflect on how precious it is to have the freedom to celebrate with family and friends...

The Internet and rural America (11/20/09)
Through my work with the Science and Technology Committee as well as the Agriculture Committee, I have had the opportunity to examine issues concerning new communication technology and the impact the Internet can have on our communities. Unfortunately, many rural states like Nebraska have seen a "brain drain" in recent years as our younger generation leaves for other areas of the United States. As the depletion occurs, we lose our most vital economic assets to more populated areas...

Serving our nation's veterans (11/13/09)
Last week, our nation took time to thank, honor, and remember the men and women who sacrificed -- and continue to sacrifice -- for our great nation. In parades and services, we saluted the courage, resolve, and love of country exemplified by those who wore and wear our nation's uniform, as well as their families and loved ones. We celebrated their service -- from those who served in World War II and Korea, to those who defend freedom around the world today...

A tale of two plans (11/09/09)
On Saturday November 7, 2009, the House of Representatives engaged in a historic debate over two distinct health care proposals. Those hours were the end result of months of town hall meetings, congressional hearings, and conversations with constituents...

Trade agreements are needed (10/30/09)
Our country's economy is -- thankfully -- beginning to show modest signs of recovery, but there are still challenges. Our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew for the first time in three quarters, yet the jobless rate remains disturbingly high. Just as has happened in every other economic recovery, American farmers and businesses will be the driver of economic growth. ...

Health care, small business and you (10/23/09)
In the very near future, Congress will debate in earnest a health care bill which will have major impacts on nearly every industry throughout our economy, especially our nation's small businesses. Small businesses today represent 99 percent of all businesses in our country and provide a source of income for roughly half of the U.S. workforce. They have created more than 70 percent of the American jobs and are -- quite frankly -- the lifeblood of our economy...

'Czards' need to be held accountable (10/19/09)
Presidents always have surrounded themselves with advisors and counselors. Beginning with President George Washington, these individuals play an important role in public and foreign policy. To date, the Obama Administration has appointed more than 30 new advisors to oversee various industries and governmental functions. ...

72 hours is not too long to read the bill (10/09/09)
Congress has the responsibility to craft reasonable legislation which serves the American public. Many of the issues Congress deals with on a regular basis are simply too important to be rushed. Unfortunately, Members of Congress are too often asked to make decisions on bills which can have more pages than major novels with only a few hours to actually read them...

The need for missile defense (10/02/09)
It is an unfortunate reality: the world is a dangerous place. There are terrorist organizations and even entire countries which are enemies of freedom. It is our responsibility to provide an appropriate and timely defense against those who threaten our security, especially those who would use ballistic missile technology against America or our allies...

Rural America needs veterinarians (09/25/09)
Those of us who enjoy living in small, rural communities know well the many benefits. Neighbors know each other, they help out during harvest or calving season, and they are always there to lend a hand. Of course, there are challenges, among them access to air service, specialized medical care, and roads funding. ...

NASA's future (09/18/09)
Washington Report NASA's Future Over the past 50 years, the research and technology developed by our country's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (more commonly known as NASA) has had a profound impact on nearly every American. Our lives have been improved or even saved by digital hearing aids, miniature heart pumps, cancer detection devices, fire-resistant aircraft seats, and numerous other medical and safety devices and improvements which trace their origins to space technology...

Health care debate gets heated (09/14/09)
In August, I -- like many Members of Congress -- made the most of my time to engage constituents in a debate about legislation directly impacting the future of our health care. I took the opportunity to ask folks attending my public meetings if they thought we should have finished the bill before the end of August...

The potential of wind energy (09/04/09)
Energy is the lifeblood of the American economy. Our country is fortunate to have energy resources ranging from underground deposits of oil and natural gas to wind, hydro, and solar power. The question is how we can make the best use of every form of domestic energy. Recently, I toured areas of the Gulf Coast to take a first-hand look at our nation's offshore drilling infrastructure...

Labor Day and our nation's workers (08/28/09)
Labor Day traditionally celebrates the social and economic achievements of the American worker. Unfortunately, this Labor Day finds our nation's workers in a tough spot with an economy in recession and our country's unemployment rate nearing 10 percent...

Supporting and honoring those who serve (08/21/09)
General Dwight D. Eisenhower, on the eve of the invasion of Normandy, told his troops "The eyes of the world are upon you. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle." These words still ring true. We owe our freedom and security to the men and women in uniform who defend our nation through their bravery and dedication. I am proud to be able to work with my colleagues in the House of Representatives as we help those who have served our country...

The energy debate continues (08/14/09)
August is traditionally a time when Congress adjourns to allow members a valuable opportunity to return to their districts and meet with constituents. For districts as large as Nebraska's Third Congressional District, which is 65,000 square miles, having several weeks to allow me to travel and host meetings is an absolute must...

The fight over the Second Amendment (08/10/09)
...the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. -- Amendment II Those 14 words, perhaps more than any others in the U.S. Constitution, have inspired discussions, arguments and legal debates for years and years. Now, legislation introduced in January by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) and lingering in the House Judiciary Committee has stirred up emotions on both sides of the gun control issue and once again brought these words into the spotlight...

The health care debate continues (08/03/09)
For several weeks the nation has watched as the leadership in Congress held fast to an artificial deadline to push through a government takeover of your health care. At the time, I voiced my opposition to such an arbitrary date -- insisting instead Congress should work together in a fiscally disciplined, bipartisan manner. ...

Small business and entrepreneurs make a difference (07/24/09)
Our economy relies on small businesses to create jobs which will sustain our country's recovery. Small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them create most of the nation's new jobs, and they are the source of tomorrow's ideas, innovations, and new products for the marketplace...

The threats to cybersecurity (07/17/09)
In less than two decades, the use of the Internet and networking-based technologies has exploded and is now part of our everyday lives. Ensuring a secure cyberspace will only become more important as our nation increases its reliance on communication technology...

Government takeover not good for rural health care (07/10/09)
As anyone from Western Nebraska can tell you, there are many differences between urban and rural areas. Rural Americans face challenges completely unknown to folks from the big cities, and vice versa. In particular, rural Americans face health care tests unique to our geography. Per capita, rural populations are older and face specific health care concerns. When the distance to the nearest town from a farm or ranch can be measured in miles, access to care can be an even greater crisis...

The American Energy Tour, Part II (07/06/09)
Last summer we saw firsthand the consequences of a short-sighted energy policy handcuffed by Washington bureaucrats. Families faced record high gas prices, grocery bills were higher than ever, and even charities such as Meals on Wheels felt the impact...

Freedom and liberty are not free (06/29/09)
As we approach Independence Day, I encourage you to reflect for a moment about the cost of living. I'm not talking about gas prices -- though the price at the pump right now is hitting families in Nebraska and across the country -- or how much it costs to see a movie or buy groceries or purchase a house...

Avoiding passport headaches (06/08/09)
We've all had the nightmares when it comes to traveling: missed or canceled flights, hotel rooms not as advertised, lost identification. These random events can ruin an entire vacation. Thankfully, there are some travel headaches for which you can prepare...

Taking count of rural America (05/29/09)
"Representatives ... shall be apportioned among the several states which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers...The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct."...

Credit card debt and you (05/18/09)
Credit cards play a major role in the lives of everyday Americans and our overall economy. Electronic payments now account for more than half of all transactions which occur in the United States. However, the ease of acquiring a credit card along with rising interest rates has led to increasing occurrences of outstanding debt, which ultimately results in financial difficulty...

Youth leadership opportunities (04/20/09)
Nebraska and other rural states have seen a "brain drain" in recent years -- young people moving to other states to pursue careers or other opportunities. As this depletion occurs, we lose our most vital economic asset. It is a priority of mine to ensure the best and brightest stay right here in Nebraska...

How I can help (04/14/09)
Serving Nebraska's Third Congressional District has been one of the most exciting opportunities of my life. Beyond representing Nebraskans on legislative matters in Washington D.C., a significant part of my job is helping to improve our government's accessibility and responsiveness when addressing the needs of Third District residents...

A tale of two budgets (04/03/09)
Recently, the House of Representatives had a choice between two very different budget directions. Unfortunately the majority in the House of Representatives chose the path of least resistance. Families and small businesses are hurting; and too many Americans are unemployed. Our economy is facing serious challenges, and Congress should be taking steps to strengthen our fiscal stability, not taking the path of spending and taxing...

All Academy Day (03/27/09)
Each year thousands of the best and brightest young men and women seek appointment to one of the U.S. service academies -- undergraduate educational institutions for the training of officers for the United States Armed Forces. There are five service academies: Air Force, Naval, Military, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard. ...

Tax day cometh (03/20/09)
April 15th. It's a day some look forward to with apprehension. Others look at April 15th with a sense of cold dread. However, thanks to preparation and thoroughness, Tax Day for some is just another day. I'm proud my office is a source of information, assistance, and reference for the people of the Third District. ...

Ag Day 2009 (03/16/09)
On March 20th, our nation will celebrate National Agriculture Day. It goes without saying agriculture is tremendously important to the Third Congressional District and the nation as a whole, and I hope you join me in celebrating everyone who works so hard to provide sustenance for the world...

The good, the bad and the budget (03/09/09)
Recently, President Obama submitted his budget proposal to fund the government for the next fiscal year. This proposal marks the starting point for what will hopefully be a bipartisan discussion on how we deal with the challenges our economy currently faces...

Fiscal stability through energy independence (03/02/09)
Since coming to Congress, I have had the honor of witnessing history being made on several occasions. Watching President Barack Obama deliver an address to a joint session of Congress recently was one of those moments. On that night he struck the right tone between caution and optimism. ...

Stimulus price tag still not known (02/23/09)
On Tuesday, February 17th, President Barack Obama signed into law the largest spending bill in history -- the $789 billion stimulus bill. As is common, he used several different pens during the signing ceremony, which were then given as the world's most expensive souvenirs -- each being worth $79 billion...

Killing the death tax (02/13/09)
As Ben Franklin put it so well, "The only things certain in life are death and taxes." Leave it to Congress to find a way to merge the two. One of the most egregious taxes is the federal estate tax -- more poetically known as the "death tax." The death tax was first enacted in 1916 to raise funds while America fought World War I, and Congress has kept it on the books ever since...

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith
Washington Report