Newsletter: March Newsletter: Getting Work Done in Washington

Statement

Dear Friends,

It's been a very productive month and I'm excited to report on the progress we've made in the Senate. To begin, I'm thrilled to announce that the Senate unanimously passed my bill to create a commemorative coin in honor of the 100th anniversary of Boys Town. We were also able to pass a bipartisan resolution that I introduced on the "Internet of Things." This forward-thinking initiative would promote tech innovation and greater economic growth. It's exciting to see real things getting done as we continue to work toward meaningful, positive change.

Just last week, we ended the month on a high note with the Senate's passage of a fiscally responsible balanced budget. It's our responsibility to ensure that your hard-earned money is being used responsibly, and that we are moving our country forward each day. This budget is a step in the right direction and provides safeguards to rescue a prosperous America for future generations.

Over the next two weeks, I am looking forward to being home in Nebraska for the state work period. I'll be meeting with Nebraskans across the state, including listening sessions in Aurora and Loup City. I always appreciate the opportunity to visit with Nebraskans and discuss the issues that matter to you.

With the holidays coming up, I want to wish you and your family a happy Easter and a blessed Passover.

Please read on for more news and updates from my work in Washington and Nebraska this month.

WOTUS Field Hearing

On Saturday, March 14, I brought the U.S. Senate to Lincoln. I convened a field hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee to bring Nebraska perspectives to the debate over new EPA regulations. The hearing focused on the impact of the proposed "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) rule, which would expand federal regulation of water across the state. A diverse group of stakeholders from all across Nebraska testified as witnesses, showing how this dangerous new rule would harm their businesses, families, and way of life. The hearing was a great success and I'm looking forward to bringing the information we received back to Washington.

FIGHTING FOR YOU ON THE ISSUES THAT MATTER

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Boys Town

Last week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed S. 301, The Boys Town Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. The bill, which I introduced in January, would authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to mint $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins in honor of Boys Town's 100th anniversary. Associated costs will be covered by the sale of the coins without any cost to the taxpayer or the Treasury Department. Nebraska is proud to be home to this life-changing nonprofit. I'm pleased to see this legislation move forward so we can highlight the important work of Boys Town in helping Nebraska families.

Protecting Our Ag Industry

This month, I joined 29 of my colleagues in sending a letter to the HHS and the USDA objecting to a report on food guidelines that advises Americans to decrease their consumption of red meat. Given the far-reaching economic impact that this proposal would have on Nebraska's agriculture industry, I was alarmed to see that the committee's recommendations were based on environmental concerns, not on sound science. I am pleased to report that in response to our letter, the Obama administration announced it will extend the comment period to make sure stakeholders have enough time to review and provide feedback on the report.

Ending Wasteful Federal Bonuses

Just last year, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration released a report revealing that $2.8 million was paid in bonuses between 2010 and 2012 to employees with conduct violations. This included more than $1 million for over 1,100 IRS employees who have not paid their taxes. This is an outrageous example of wasteful government spending and it needs to stop. That's why I joined Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) as an original cosponsor of the Stop Wasteful Federal Bonuses Act. This bill would prohibit bonus pay from being rewarded to federal employees who break laws or violate agency rules.

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