My Committee Assignments

Statement

Examine. Report. Decide. These are a U.S. Senate committee's core responsibilities.

Witnesses deliver testimony: cabinet secretaries and agency heads; generals and admirals; CEOs and scientists. In-depth reports are released on topics ranging from cybersecurity to health care. And, by a majority vote of members, legislation advances to the full Senate.

Committee work is not glamorous. On the contrary, it is tedious. Long days are filled with tough issues. Progress can be slow. Patience is a necessity. A willingness to work, endure setbacks, and keep on working is essential.

As a Nebraskan, working hard feels right at home.

Recently, I received my committee assignments for the 115th Congress. Over the next two years, I will continue to serve on the Armed Services Committee; the Environment and Public Works Committee; and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. I will also take up new posts on the Senate Rules Committee and the Special Committee on Aging.

Five committees, five opportunities to push Nebraska's priorities in the U.S. Senate. I am exceedingly grateful for each of them.

Over the past four years on the Armed Services Committee, I have worked to successfully secure the replacement of a new runway at Offutt Air Force Base and fully meet the needs of U.S. Strategic Command. Protecting our country is government's greatest responsibility. I am proud to ensure resources for the uniformed men and women who carry out this vital mission in Nebraska.

As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I will continue my efforts to guard and assist our state's number one economic engine, agriculture, by fighting burdensome federal regulations. I am especially anxious to target those harming ag producers, such as the "Waters of the United States" rule, on-farm fuel storage requirements, and duplicative pesticide regulations.

Nebraskans know the importance of safe, reliable infrastructure. On the Commerce Committee, I will bring Nebraska's common sense approach on connecting communities to a new, national level.

On the Rules Committee, I will have a hand in ensuring certain functions of the Senate run smoothly and overseeing the appropriate use of congressional buildings.

As a member of the Special Committee on Aging, I will have a platform to call attention to issues of critical importance for our nation's seniors. In the past, this committee has sounded the alarm about abuse of patients in nursing homes and challenges to Medicare. I'm looking forward to continuing this critical oversight role.

A word on hearings: much of my work for these committees will take place through them.

A committee hearing should always be a search for the truth. That is why I never give out text of my questions in advance, though many senators often do. Witnesses at these hearings are experts; I trust them to be prepared, and I want to hear their honest reactions to the questions I ask. From them, I gain the insights I need to make informed decisions.

From defense to overregulation, Nebraskans are ready for results. With the new administration, I am ready to deliver. I look forward to continuing to use my committee assignments to achieve results for Nebraskans in the coming year.

Thank you for taking part in our democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.

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