Working For You

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

 

As 2015 comes to a close, I am pleased the Senate made important progress for Nebraskans this past year. I am also optimistic for what the future holds. In the first session of the 114th Congress, we ushered in a new majority that is more efficient, more productive, and more accountable to the American people.

Over the past year, the Senate has passed more than 100 bipartisan bills, and we have restored deliberation and debate to the legislative process. All senators, no matter their party, have had the opportunity to make their voices heard. It’s refreshing to focus on making real and substantive progress. 

Throughout the year, I have continued to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance the priorities of Nebraska families and our nation.

The first responsibility of a limited federal government is to provide for the common defense. This year, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I am a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which helped produced this bipartisan legislation that authorized the resources our military needs to carry out its missions. The dangers throughout our world evolved over the past year, and the NDAA targets areas that require additional support. It also makes cuts to outdated and inefficient programs.

Another core duty of the federal government is to build infrastructure. In December, for the first time in over a decade, Congress passed a long-term highway bill. The legislation was a major, bipartisan accomplishment. I was proud to work on developing a long-term bill since my first year in the U.S. Senate, and this bill is a major victory for Nebraska. Because of this legislation, our state will receive $1.5 billion over the next five years to update and maintain our roads, highways, bridges, and transit systems.

As we plan for the future, we must also prepare our children and grandchildren for success. Recently, Congress passed a major education reform bill. For years, requirements resulting from the No Child Left Behind law have caused over-testing and forced educators to “teach to the test” rather than provide students with the knowledge and tools they need. The education bill will largely scale back federal involvement in K-12 education. It will end waivers, stop the Common Core mandate, and eliminate the federal test-based accountability system. With these reasonable reforms, we are restoring local control to schools, parents, school boards, teachers, and communities so that they can determine the best policies for their students.

Also this year, I continued to champion policies at the federal level that will benefit our ag producers. For example, the highway bill reverses $3 billion in cuts to the crop insurance program that were initially included in the two-year budget agreement. Furthermore, I fought to prevent the administration from enacting regulations like the  “waters of the United States” rule and other harmful policies that will drive up the cost of electricity. I will continue to fight for all Nebraska families by opposing government overreach and burdensome federal regulations. 

It’s been a productive year, but our work has just begun. With your continued feedback, the Senate can provide Nebraskans with the accountability and results they deserve.

Finally, Bruce and I want to take a moment to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Thank you for your interest and continued participation in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you in 2016.

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