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Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

2011 Year-End Report

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Congressman Jeff Fortenberry's 2011 Year-End Report

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2011 Year-end

report

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Dear Friends,

Nebraska’s First District is, literally and figuratively, a breath of fresh air from the tumultuous and frenzied world of Washington. We call it the “good life” in Nebraska – the majestic terrain of farm and ranchlands, expansive prairies, rolling Sandhills, and the vast Ogallala Aquifer, along with a Heartland culture of hard work, personal responsibility, and neighbor helping neighbor that has helped Nebraska remain stable, peaceful, and secure in the midst of a very difficult period for our nation.

And what works in Nebraska could work for America: a focus first on the values that give rise to sound thinking, good governance, and economic diversity. Nebraska today has the second lowest unemployment rate in the nation and consistently ranks at or near the top of national surveys evaluating economic strength and opportunity. This, matched with a resolve to do good work and preserve opportunities for the next generation, is a “Nebraska model” that would serve Washington well.

For the Nebraska model to take effect in Washington, and for lawmakers to begin to work collaboratively to address the needs of the country, the continued input and encouragement of engaged citizens will be critical. I have been honored this year to represent some of the most civically engaged constituents in this country, as

countless Nebraskans have told me Washington needs the Nebraska approach to solving big problems: be smart, be resourceful, and work until the job is done.

Clearly, and rightfully so, economic recovery has been the dominant theme for the year, and Congress will continue to work on this critical area. Inside this end-of-the-year newsletter, you will find information about key actions and legislative measures I have undertaken spanning areas from agriculture to veterans affairs. As always, I appreciate knowing your thoughts and ideas on our work, and remain honored to represent you in Congress.

Sincerly, Jeff

http://Facebook.com/JeffFortenberry

http://Twitter.com/JeffFortenberry

http://YouTube.com/JeffFortenberry

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IN NebrASkAan update on our work at home

IN WASHINGTONan update on my new responsibilities in Congress

eCONOmY AND JObS getting our nation’s fiscal house in order

AGrICulTure AND eNerGYexploring new opportunities for farmers and protecting our natural resources

NATIONAl SeCurITY AND VeTerANSunderstanding responsible defense, development, and democracy

HeAlTH CAredriving down costs and protecting the vulnerable

FAmIlY lIFe, rIGHTS, AND CulTurethe strength of the nation

3

CONSTITueNT SerVICe

my office can help you in a variety of ways with federal issues. If you need

assistance or have questions, please contact us:

lincoln District Office Norfolk District Office

301 South 13th Street, Suite 100 125 S. 4th Street, Suite 101

lincoln, Ne 68508 Norfolk, Ne 68701

(402) 438-1598 (402) 379-2064

Fremont District Office Washington, D.C. Office

P.O. box 377 1514 longworth HOb

629 broad Street Washington, D.C. 20515

Fremont, Ne 68026 (202) 225-4806

(402) 727-0888

Here is an overview of some of our work in Nebraska in 2011:

• Conducted 10 town hall meetings with hundreds of constituents in

lincoln, Norfolk, Fremont, Schuyler, Wahoo, blair, and West Point

• Hosted a town hall meeting in Lincoln with former U.S. Comptroller

General David Walker to examine the challenges of our national debt and

budgetary reform

• Helped resolve more than 600 individual cases for constituents dealing

with federal agencies

• Addressed nearly 60,000 letters, e-mails, and calls from constituents

regarding federal legislation

• Organized “Military and Service Academy Day,” an opportunity

for Nebraska students and their parents to learn more about military

opportunities and the nomination process for u.S. Service Academies

• Helped welcome home hundreds of Nebraska National Guard members

from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan

• Presented the Bronze Star Medal to Mr. Donald Wedberg of Lincoln for

his time of service in the u.S. Army in World War II

• Assessed flooding damage and flood control efforts in communities

along the missouri river, consulted with community leaders regarding

response and recovery

• Reviewed safety operations at nuclear power facilities in Brownville and

Fort Calhoun

• Addressed more than 600 Nebraska business leaders and entrepreneurs

at a federal policy summit near Ashland

• Discussed policy changes with health care professionals and reviewed

latest in rehabilitative technology at madonna rehabilitation Hospital in

lincoln

• Reviewed energy operations training program at Southeast Community

College’s milford campus, where students learn technical skills in nuclear,

natural gas, biofuels, wind, and other energy generation systems

• Visited farmer education and growing site of Community CROPS, a

lincoln organization that provides technical help for people engaging in

agricultural entrepreneurship

• Spoke with students about current affairs and the civic process in

numerous schools across the First District

• Hosted Library of Congress exhibit “Gateway to Knowledge” – a

collection of important American and world history documents - at

campus of midland university in Fremont

• Conducted business operations reviews at manufacturing and

agricultural sites across the First District

In Nebraska an update on our work at home

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In 2011, I was pleased to serve on the House Agriculture and Foreign

Affairs Committees, and hold leadership positions on two of their

subcommittees.

AGrICulTure COmmITTee

The work of the Agriculture Committee affects the lives of every American,

and is particularly important for our home state of Nebraska. Agriculture’s

benefits to our nation go far beyond food security; it stabilizes and

strengthens our economy, increases our energy independence, and builds

new opportunities in rural America. It is critical that our farm policies and

programs fairly and efficiently serve America’s farm and ranch families

and the Americans who depend on them. On the House Agriculture

Committee, I serve as the Chairman of the Department Operations,

Oversight, and Credit Subcommittee, which oversees the united States

Department of Agriculture (uSDA). The uSDA is one of the federal

government’s largest agencies, and my responsibilities involve program

review and analysis, special investigations, and agricultural credit.

FOreIGN AFFAIrS COmmITTee

The House Committee on Foreign Affairs has oversight and legislative

responsibility for international security, non-proliferation and disarmament

issues, international crime, narcotics, terrorism and espionage issues, u.S.

Department of State and related agency operations, u.S. foreign assistance,

global human rights, and various other issues related to u.S. foreign

policy interests. The Committee conducts ongoing meetings with foreign

political leaders and united States government Administration officials.

These meetings allow Committee members the opportunity to explore the

effectiveness of the Administration’s implementation of foreign policy. On

the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I serve as the Vice-Chairman of the

Africa, Global Health, and Human rights Subcommittee.

HOuSe DemOCrACY PArTNerSHIP

I am currently second in seniority on the House Democracy Partnership,

a bipartisan 20-member commission established by the House of

representatives in 2005 to support the development of independent

democratic legislatures. I have continued to work with parliamentarians in

developing nations, particularly on matters of oversight and government

reform and agricultural assistance. Strong international democracies are

essential to our national security.

THe NebrASkA breAkFAST

I was honored to serve as chairman of the 2011 Nebraska breakfasts, a

privilege that rotates among members of the Nebraska congressional

delegation from year to year.

In Washingtonan update on my new responsibilities in Congress

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CAuCuSeS

Caucuses are official groups of the House of representatives that allow

for intensive education of members of Congress and their staff in

certain specialized topics. This year, I co-chaired three Caucuses: the

Congressional Nuclear Security Caucus, Congressional Caucus on beef,

and malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Caucus.

Some of the other Caucuses I serve on include:

• Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus

• Congressional Farmer Cooperative Caucus

• Coalition on Autism Research and Education

• House Rural Health Care Coalition

• Congressional Children’s Health Care Caucus

• Rural Veterans Caucus

• House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus

• Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus

• Congressional Military Family Caucus

• House International Conservation Caucus

• House Army Caucus

• Congressional Humanities Caucus

• House Library of Congress Caucus

• Native American Caucus

• Congressional Rural Caucus

• Congressional Scouting Caucus

7

America’s economy continues to suffer. The reasons are multiple: a decade

of government overspending, recklessness on Wall Street, increasing

debt, an uncertain regulatory and tax environment, the shipment of

manufacturing jobs overseas, financial globalization, and suppressed

consumer demand have converged to create an oppressive business

environment. Confidence is down among our nation’s small business

owners. I believe getting our nation’s fiscal house in order will strengthen

economic recovery.

HArD DeCISIONS

The reasons for our staggering national debt are numerous, and

underscored by one simple reality: Washington has spent much more

money than it has. The national debt now totals more than $47,000 for

every man, woman, and child in America. Since 2000, federal government

spending has doubled, accelerated by the high costs associated with the

wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, bailout measures, stimulus spending, and

health care costs. Alarmingly, about 31 percent of total u.S. debt is owed

to other countries, which creates significant foreign policy entanglements.

While revenues have also increased, the federal government is unable

to meet its obligations without significant borrowing—amounting to 42

cents of every dollar it spends.

The American people are rightly cynical about the federal government’s

lack of progress on this serious fiscal matter. but some progress is being

made in the House of representatives. This fiscal year, the President laid

out $3.8 trillion in spending. The House led the way to reduce actual

spending by nearly $250 billion below the President’s request this year.

This number is in no way enough, but it is still an accomplishment to be

noted.

I have both voted for and helped lead the call for deeper, longer-term

reductions, which many economists suggest are necessary for economic

stability. The Senate, however, has not passed a budget in more than 900

days. We’re now in a very deep hole. As I write, the second phase of the

debt ceiling deal passed this summer has failed. The team of members

called the Joint Select Committee on Deficit reduction shockingly made

no progress for further debt reduction. It is unclear whether the rest of

Congress will leverage this moment for long-term structural spending

changes in Washington.

bAlANCeD buDGeT AmeNDmeNT

In November, the House of representatives failed to pass a measure that I

have long supported—a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

I don’t take lightly the issue of amending our Constitution, which has

endured through strife and dramatic historical shifts with very few

amendments. Constitutional amendments should be exceedingly rare, as

they have the power to spur sweeping change—but I believe it is necessary

that the same process that guaranteed our hallmark freedoms of speech

and religion, and freedom from slavery, be used protect our children

and future generations from economic collapse. most states, including

Nebraska, have already enacted balanced budget requirements—it is time

for the federal government to do the same.

As I told my colleagues on the House Floor, we are standing at history’s

door. We can either lead and be bold, making the hard decisions necessary

to correct our fiscal trajectory—or stay in our timeworn political lanes,

continuing with the status quo that has given our nation this unsustainable

debt burden.

Economy and Jobs getting our nation’s fiscal house in order “I believe it is necessary... to

protect our children and future generations from economic collapse”

Twenty Years of Spending GrowthPrepared by the Office of

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

FY 1990 FY 2000 FY 2011

Spending $1.25 Trillion $1.79 Trillion $3.601 Trillion

Deficit or Surplus

$221 Billion Deficit

$235 Billion Surplus*

$1.3 Trillion Deficit

Debt $3.23 Trillion $5.67 Trillion $14.790 Trillion

Debt Per Capita $12,987 $20,148 $47,448

*Deficit in 2005 was $318 Billion

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“Reviving our nation’s economy will require a more certain business climate. “

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getting our nation’s fiscal house in order

In the interim, I have helped lead a bipartisan group of 99 of my colleagues

in calling for all options to be on the table to reduce the federal deficit by at

least $4 trillion over the next 10 years. We can do something big for this

country and our future, and make deficit spending a thing of the past. I

will continue to work in earnest to get our fiscal house in order.

This summer, I invited former u.S. Comptroller General and director of

the Government Accountability Office, David Walker, to lincoln for a

community discussion on America’s debt challenges and fiscal policies.

Walker, one of America’s leading voices on budgetary reform, laid out some

very hard facts on America’s fiscal realities. I agree that Washington’s fiscal

trajectory is unsustainable. Our borrow-and-spend philosophy leaves an

unfair debt burden to our children and grandchildren. The bill for our

excess will eventually come due in one of three ways: increased taxes on

the next generation, increased inflation, and/or further dependence on

foreign ownership of our public debt. None of these scenarios is healthy

for the American people.

reSTOrING eCONOmIC CONFIDeNCe

Small business entrepreneurship creates a majority of new jobs in America.

This is true especially in the Heartland. In lincoln, nearly 80 percent of

private sector employees work in businesses with 25 or fewer employees.

but many small businesses have questions about future opportunities for

growth.

burdensome regulations and tax policies have created a sense of economic

uncertainty. From larger manufacturers to main Street banks, and

farming operations to small business contractors, these regulations and

policies are impacting businesses of all sizes. While ordinary regulation is

an important extension of law for a well-functioning society -- protecting

public health, worker safety, and a fair and stable business climate --

excessive regulation drives up costs, hurts small businesses

disproportionately, and oppresses entrepreneurial growth. reviving our

nation’s economy will require a more certain business climate. One bill in

Congress that I supported this year is called the REINS Act, which would

require any regulatory measure having a cumulative impact of more than

$100 million annually to the economy to have congressional approval.

earlier this year, I also supported the Small Business Paperwork Mandate

Elimination Act of 2011, to repeal a portion of last year’s health care law

that subjects small businesses to burdensome tax reporting requirements.

I heard from numerous Nebraskans that this onerous mandate, requiring

businesses to issue a Form 1099 in a host of new circumstances, was

creating unnecessary paperwork and costing jobs.

TAx reFOrm

related to this is the need for a fairer and simpler tax code. When a variety

of large corporations pay no taxes because they can hire an army of lawyers

and accountants to leverage tax code loopholes, the tax burden is passed

disproportionately onto small business owners and entrepreneurs. This

year, I have made clear to my colleagues in the House and Senate that

any plan to restore our economy must include comprehensive tax reform,

making the tax code simpler and fairer for all Americans.

A reasonable and measured regulatory and tax approach should consider

American businesses partners in achieving appropriate protections, rather

than adversaries. more “made in America” enterprises can help strengthen

local economies, create jobs, and revitalize our nation.

10

NebrASkA’S reSIlIeNCe

While our state is not immune to the ill effects of the national downturn

and some families are experiencing hardship, our state’s economy has

remained resilient, thanks in large part to a stable ag economy, small

business diversification, and Nebraskans’ practical sense regarding

responsible lending, finance, and governance. As I mentioned in my

Welcome letter, this is the Nebraska model at work: a focus first on the

values that give rise to sound thinking, good governance, and economic

diversity.

Nebraska’s economy is seen by many as a relative bright spot in a nation

working to rebound from recession. Our jobless rate is half the national

unemployment rate. We are consistently at or near the top of national

surveys of states’ financial health and environment for jobs and family life.

It is difficult for us Nebraskans to see the degree of discord and brokenness

in Washington that has caused the overspending and has prohibited the

federal government from working together to enact the bold, creative

reforms necessary to get our nation’s fiscal house in order.

For me, one related bright spot has been the continuation of a Washington

tradition that was created by Nebraskans for Nebraskans, in which all

members of Nebraska’s delegation gather together to speak with visiting

Nebraskans, about the national debt and other pressing issues facing

Congress.

The “Nebraska breakfast” is a six decade-old tradition that welcomes

visiting Nebraskans to the nation’s capital on the Wednesdays in which

both the u.S. Senate and House of representatives are in session. The

practice started in 1943 when Senator Hugh butler began meeting

informally with the other members of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation

and their guests. I was honored to serve as chairman of the 2011 Nebraska

breakfasts, a privilege that rotates among members of the Nebraska

congressional delegation from year to year.

Reflecting Nebraskans’ independence and neighborly spirit, the Nebraska

breakfast is only state gathering of its kind, welcoming hundreds of

constituents to the u.S. Capitol each year. While some state delegations

may never meet as a whole throughout the year, ours makes it a point

to does so each week. For the elected officials, it is a unique opportunity

for us to share thoughts and ideas about specific policies and proposals.

For Nebraskans visiting our nation’s Capitol, we hope it is a worthwhile

occasion to interact with your federal representatives. You are always

welcome to come when you are in Washington.

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Not only is agriculture one of the few bright spots in our national economy,

in Nebraska it is a way of life. lessons learned on the family farm help shape

the foundations of our character: hard work, personal responsibility, and

neighbor helping neighbor. but agriculture today is not well understood

by a majority of Americans, who have no proximity to farm life. I have

spent considerable time this year telling the story of agriculture’s benefits

to our nation, not only in terms of food security, but also agriculture’s

importance to economic, energy, national, and environmental security.

understanding this critical role is essential to crafting sound farm policies

for the benefit of agriculture’s future.

AG AND eCONOmIC SeCurITY

Despite national economic difficulties, Nebraska has remained

economically strong due to our agricultural economy. In our state, where

the unemployment rate is second lowest in the nation, one in three jobs is

related to agriculture. We are a leading producer of biofuels in the country.

One in five hamburgers and steaks in the u.S. come from Nebraska.

even TIme magazine this year marked the strength of agriculture in

Nebraska in an article entitled, “Want to make more Than a banker?

become a Farmer!” featuring two Nebraska farm operations. The article

highlighted the recent trend of strong commodity prices, high production

yields, and the resulting benefits for farmers and some rural economies.

Increased demand for ag products, both domestically and globally, have

led to the recent successes. recently, Congress finalized important trade

agreements with Columbia, Panama, and South korea. I supported these

new agreements as they hold great potential for Nebraska grain, beef, and

pork producers, and represent growing demand for American-raised food

in world markets. These partnerships, particularly with our southern

neighbors where we have complimentary economies, will enhance

economic opportunities for all involved.

AG AND eNerGY SeCurITY

rural America can help lead the way to a new chapter of American-

produced energy production. New domestic energy development from

renewables like biofuels, biogas, geothermal and wind is increasingly

important in light of high fuel prices. Ag-based, renewable energy

decreases our reliance on foreign oil, conserves natural resources, and

creates new economic opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

One way we can help advance rural energy development is by using

existing resources to support worthy energy projects. earlier this year,

I successfully amended the House Agriculture Appropriations Act for the

rural energy for America Program (reAP). reAP assists self-sufficiency

efforts through worthwhile, proven energy projects that create energy and

jobs and address environmental concerns.

America continues to spend staggering amounts of money, as much as

$1 billion per day, on imported oil. This creates drastic trade imbalances

and undermines our economic and national security. early this year, I

introduced the Renewable Fuels for America’s Future Act, to help redesign

our national renewable fuels strategy, create incentives for increased

biofuels production while saving taxpayer money, and develop much-

needed biofuels transportation infrastructure. It’s a winner for farmers, for

the environment, and for the American taxpayer.

The bill would extend the ethanol blenders’ tax credit (or Volumetric

ethanol excise Tax Credit) only for ethanol produced beyond required

levels. Currently, the renewable Fuel Standard (rFS) mandates a certain

amount of ethanol that gasoline manufacturers must use in their fuel.

Oil companies now receive the 45 cent per gallon tax credit for doing

what they are already required by law to do—we should discontinue

this tax loophole to save funds and create new opportunity. economists

Dr. ernie Goss of Creighton university and Dr. bruce babcock of Iowa

State university analyzed my bill, concluding, “in 2011, this would save

taxpayers $5.67 billion.”

Agriculture and Energy exploring new opportunities for farmers and protecting our natural resources

12

While we continue

identifying ways to

reduce costs across

all programs and

departments, it is

important agriculture is

not disproportionately

affected by reductions.

13

Agriculture and Energy exploring new opportunities for farmers and protecting our natural resources

14

AG AND NATIONAl SeCurITY

A reliable, affordable and safe food supply empowers a nation’s stability

and capacity for progress. The efficiencies of America’s production

agriculture operations contribute to our strength as a nation. In other

places in the world, we look to help increase stability by improving food

systems. Afghanistan is a good example. A team of Nebraska National

Guard members has been instrumental in helping Afghan farmers develop

more efficient and effective ways of growing food, creating stability in

anticipation of our military departure.

AG AND eNVIrONmeNTAl SeCurITY

Over the past year, Nebraska has received national attention regarding the

proposed TransCanada keystone xl pipeline, which was planned to run

through an environmentally delicate area of our state.

As details of the proposal emerged, many Nebraskans were rightly

concerned regarding the siting of the pipeline. The Ogallala Aquifer

and the Nebraska Sandhills demand the highest level of environmental

protection. The Ogallala Aquifer is the primary source of groundwater for

approximately 20 percent of our nation’s agricultural production, and the

final environmental impact statement was too dismissive of the potential

long-term effects that a sizeable spill could have on our water supply.

Over the past year, I expressed these concerns with State Department

and Administration officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,

and met with TransCanada and Canadian officials to push for support for

rerouting the pipeline around the Sandhills. On November 10, the State

Department announced alternative routing for the pipeline will now be

explored, and TransCanada subsequently agreed to move the pipeline.

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its

Subcommittee on the middle east, I keenly recognize the need to develop

additional energy sources for our long-term national and economic

security. We need a strategic energy partnership with Canada that respects

our natural resources and upholds environmental stewardship. I look

forward to a thorough review of alternative, safe routing that will allow

for proper stewardship of our natural resources as we expand domestic

energy sources.

buDGeT reDuCTIONS

Farmers in Nebraska and across the country are good Americans; they

understand our nation’s fiscal challenges and the shared sacrifices

necessary to climb out of the hole. The Agriculture Committee earlier

this year recommended a farm budget reduced by $23 billion, most of the

cost savings coming from the elimination of direct payments (about $15

billion). It was clear, in this time of strong commodity prices and serious

budgetary constraints, direct farm payments would likely be dramatically

reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, many farm programs will need to be

rewritten to function properly with these reductions.

In conjunction with this emphasis on agricultural reform to benefit the

economy, I held an audit hearing to provide oversight of current spending

in the uSDA Farm loan Programs. The findings of this hearing can help

us prioritize the farm loan programs that are most valuable to America’s

farmers and ranchers while making the most efficient use of taxpayer

dollars. In preparation for writing the next Farm bill, I led a number of

other similar audit hearings, including hearings that investigated fraud

within the nutrition program known as SNAP, to ensure taxpayer funds

are being used properly.

While we continue identifying ways to reduce costs, it is important

agriculture is not disproportionately affected. Agriculture has been

critically important to the economic well-being of the Heartland and

our rural communities, and I want to ensure that our basic stabilization

policies remain an important part of public policy for our farmers and

ranchers.

15

AG OPPOrTuNITIeS: THe NexT GeNerATION

Agriculture as an occupation and industry faces some stiff challenges.

Primary among these is demographics: the average age of the American

farmer is now 57 years. In Nebraska, the average age is 56.

This year, I introduced the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity

Act, H.r. 3236, to ready a new generation of American ag producers by

modifying and building upon existing farm programs to help overcome the

steep financial burdens of setting up an agricultural business. It improves

access to farm credit for young producers, encourages participation in

innovative and cost-saving conservation practices, increases technical

training and educational opportunities, and gives priority to beginning

farmers who pursue grant support for value-added initiatives. In doing

so, it also recognizes the importance and promise of emerging market

opportunities, such as locally and organically raised foods within regional

foods systems, to young ag entrepreneurs.

many young people possess the entrepreneurial drive necessary to establish

and maintain successful farm operations. bringing new participants

and landowners into agriculture will help address the trend of increased

consolidation and concentration in farm markets, which has long been

a factor in rural depopulation. It is important that our farm policies

recognize the critical need to encourage new interest in agriculture and

develop a new generation of American farmers and ranchers. I believe

the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act is a good first step in

this direction.

mISSOurI rIVer FlOODING

This year the Missouri River Basin experienced flooding of historic

proportions. Nebraskans were hit hard. Some lost homes. Others lost

farms and businesses. A recent analysis estimated the total economic

impacts of the flood related to agriculture in Nebraska to be nearly $190

million dollars. millions of dollars more are estimated in damages to

public infrastructure and private property.

During and after the flooding events, many constituents questioned river

management decisions made by the u.S. Army Corps of engineers and

these decisions’ impacts on the severity of the flooding. While it is clear

that certain areas affecting the missouri river experienced record amounts

of snowmelt and precipitation this year, creating record levels of runoff,

it is necessary that Congress thoroughly examine how existing river

management policies may have played a role in the flooding and its

dramatic impacts. The 2011 flood and its extraordinary consequences

necessitate a reevaluation of river management.

I joined several missouri river basin members of Congress in supporting

legislative efforts to compel a reassessment of upstream management

for the purpose of preventing catastrophic flooding events. One of these

proposals, H.r. 2942, would direct the Chief of the Army Corps of

engineers to revise the missouri river mainstem reservoir System master

Water Control manual to ensure greater storage capacity to prevent serious

downstream flooding. Upstream reservoirs would be required to remain

low enough to accommodate high levels of runoff and prevent devastating

downstream floods. I also introduced H.R. 3347 to exempt any road,

highway, or bridge damaged by a natural disaster, including a flood, from

duplicative environmental document reviews if the road, highway, or

bridge is reconstructed in the same location.

understanding responsible defense, development, and democracy

2011 was a dramatic year for foreign affairs. As the Iraq War drew to a

close, our military efforts in Afghanistan continued to be intense and

dangerous. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and

Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human

rights, I was closely involved in our nation’s response to the numerous

revolutions, widespread instability, and serious electoral violence across

the middle east, Africa, and Southeast Asia this year.

IrAQ AND AFGHANISTAN

u.S. service members in Iraq are coming home by year’s end. The Iraq war

was a difficult, painful time, extraordinarily costly in terms of American

lives and resources. Nearly 4,500 Americans, including 45 Nebraskans,

were killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Two hundred twenty-seven

Nebraskans were wounded in combat. Tens of thousands of Iraqis lost

their lives.

We are extremely proud of the tremendous efforts of our fallen heroes,

and our returning veterans. Their work, steadily done in the midst of

extensive public debate about the war and the strategy, was the strength of

this mission. They achieved what was set before them. The victories are

theirs. Their unwavering commitment, skill, and bravery got the job done.

Our troops helped unloose an Iraqi people held hostage for decades by an

egomaniacal tyrant. Insurgencies, led by terrorists seeking to wreak havoc

and disorder, were put down. Space was created to allow Iraqis the time

necessary to build the foundations of a representative government and an

open society.

There are still challenges and significant obstacles. The way forward will

not be easy, but today Iraqis determine Iraq’s future. No longer constricted

by the dictates of a despot, they have held elections, they have written a

constitution, and hopefully they will build a culture that respects the rights

and dignity of all people. America’s soldiers, our modern-day heroes,

helped stabilize that country and strengthen America’s security.

In Afghanistan, our military’s work remains very dangerous. As in Iraq,

we have suffered great losses. more than 1,800 American troops have

been killed in Afghanistan, including 13 Nebraskans. As we gradually

draw down our troops from this area, we seek to provide a path for a more

stable Afghan society that supports responsible leaders, does not tolerate

terroristic elements, and upholds the basic rights of all its citizens. like

Iraq, a more orderly Afghanistan will strengthen America’s security and

global stability. many American service members have gone to great effort

to help accomplish this goal.

I am extremely proud of our Nebraska service members who have served in

Iraq and Afghanistan. It was my honor and pleasure this year to welcome

hundreds of them home this year as they returned from deployments to

their families and careers.

bIN lADeN AND PAkISTAN

The may death of Osama bin laden captured America’s attention. bin

laden, the terrorist mastermind responsible for the deaths of nearly 3,000

16

“I am extremely proud of our

Nebraska service members

who have served in Iraq and

Afghanistan.”

17

18

Americans on September 11, 2001, led Al Qaeda through more than two

decades of indiscriminate violence against innocent persons. America and

much of the world waited for the day when Osama bin laden would be

stopped. This was an impactful day for Americans and for all of humanity,

but it does not put an end to terrorist threats and violence.

Having searched for bin laden for ten years, our military and intelligence

agencies found him in an expansive compound in the middle of a modern

city in northern Pakistan, not far from the nation’s capital and home to top

military and educational institutions. bin laden’s hiding in Pakistan is

another major concern with that country, which we have supported with

billions of dollars in assistance in recent years. This year, I called upon

President Obama to form an Afghanistan-Pakistan Study Group to further

explore this relationship and clarify America’s goals and strategy in the

region. This Group would be modeled after the Iraq Study Group, which

was formed by Congress in 2006 and helped change the course of the Iraq

War. The proposed Afghanistan-Pakistan Study Group would conduct a

forward-looking, independent assessment of the current and prospective

situation on the ground in Afghanistan and Pakistan, its impact on the

surrounding region, and its consequences for the united States and global

stability.

mIDDle eAST TurmOIl

One of the most important foreign affairs developments this year is the

rise of the Arab Spring. beginning in December 2010, the world saw

popular uprisings of various strengths across North Africa and the middle

east. The uprisings intensified in January, when a highly complex and

dangerous situation emerged in the streets of egypt.

Countless egyptians packed Tahrir Square, where I once lived in my

youth, to air their grievances with their government and depose egyptian

president Hosni Mubarak. Mubarak fled, and resigned on February 11,

and power was transferred over to the egyptian military. It is essential now

that democratic reforms in egypt are inclusive of minorities, particularly

women and Christians. A just and peaceful outcome will respect the

rights of democratic participation for all citizens.

The unrest in egypt began causing uncertainty in world markets,

particularly regarding oil prices. As unrest in the middle east spread

to more countries, such as Yemen, Djibouti, and bahrain, and kuwait,

Americans saw the impact in their wallets as oil prices shot past $100 a

barrel. The situation worsened severely in February, when libya, a key oil-

producing country, made half of its oil inaccessible in response to large

protests that began in the city of benghazi.

libya’s dictator muammar Gaddafi, responded to the protests by ordering

his security forces to fire upon protesters. The libyan ambassador to the

united States resigned, and came to me and said: ‘I can no longer serve a

government that kills its own people.’

To prevent mass murder and protect the libyan people, the united States

joined several members of the international community in a military

campaign. As the campaign began, I stressed that the response to Gaddafi

must be regional, supported by international bodies, such as the Arab

league, African union, and european union. I believed the campaign

should be limited, and intended to immediately protect innocent libyans

while showing the Gaddafi regime that the u.S. stands with people across

the world who demand their rights against oppressive force. I supported

continuing efforts aimed at controlling the supply of arms, freezing

Gaddafi’s assets, and providing humanitarian relief.

As the military campaign wore on for months and the strategy became

increasingly unclear, I called for efforts to be scaled down, believing that

since the threat of imminent slaughter had passed, North Africa must

ultimately be in the hands of North Africans, and regional bodies more

proximate to the conflict, such as the Arab League and African Union,

must be given the space to work for a successful outcome.

Seven months later, in October, Gaddafi was killed. many unanswered

questions remain about the capacity for the libyan National Transitional

Council to assume leadership, but it is my hope that libya can develop a

society that respects democratic ideals.

DemOCrACY

As the second-most senior member of the House Democracy Partnership,

charged with fostering relationships with developing democracies

worldwide, I believe these foreign affairs developments hold important

lessons for the world to learn: people have the right to express their

concerns with the government, and there must be space within civil

society for the highest aspirations of the people. Peaceful and pragmatic

dialogue is a necessary hallmark of democratic change. but democracy

cannot bring about the values upon which it rests. The philosophical

underpinnings of just and free societies are respect for human rights and

the rule of law, and building these foundations will take a great degree of

courage, self-sacrifice, and innumerable years of hard work.

INDePeNDeNCe FOr SOuTH SuDAN

On July 9, the world welcomed the new nation of Southern Sudan, born

out of tyranny, violent oppression, and decades of imperialist injustice.

This development followed a large-scale referendum that notably involved

Nebraska. Nebraska has generously welcomed the largest number of

southern Sudanese refugees in the united States, many of whom live in

Omaha and lincoln, and have suffered and sacrificed so much to have the

chance to realize their democratic hopes manifest in an independent state.

Thousands of Southern Sudanese refugees flocked to Nebraska to cast

their votes for independence of their former homeland.

THe rISe OF CHINA

To fuel its expansive growth in recent years, China is searching the world

for reliable sources of energy and raw materials. Over the last several

years, China has become the world’s largest investor in Africa. bilateral

trade deals have been signed between China and 45 African countries,

and direct Chinese investments in Africa have been projected to rise by

70 percent, to $50 billion by 2015. China also continues to be criticized

by human rights observers for supplying weapons in violation of the

united Nations weapons embargoes, and is is trending toward increasing

influence and control in the most high-conflict areas of Africa, exploiting

natural resource-rich regions for its own mercantilist agenda. With the

prevalence of geopolitical conflict in this area of the world, we must have

a firm understanding of China’s rapid expansion in natural resource-rich,

high-conflict areas of Africa. I authored a measure to further investigate

China’s ambitions in this regard. Complicating this situation is the fact

that China holds massive amounts of u.S. debt.

understanding responsible defense, development, and democracy

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“Nebraska has generously welcomed the largest number of southern Sudanese refugees in the United States”

Our VeTerANS

Perhaps the most gratifying part of serving in Congress is my

opportunity to interact with members of the military and their families,

and especially, welcome them home.

As more of our nation’s military members return from deployments, it is

important that we continue to serve those who have served our country.

Our veterans face serious economic challenges, and a primary way we

can serve them is by creating new economic opportunities to help them

transition back into civilian life.

This year, I introduced legislation to help accomplish this goal. The

Veterans Entrepreneurial Transition (VET) Act of 2011 builds upon the

traditional GI bill, a very important benefit program for American

veterans. Historically, we have seen that only a third of all veterans

use their earned educational benefits and only eight percent take full

advantage of their entire eligibility. Instead, some veterans are interested

in using the skills they developed in the military to operate a business.

This commonsense legislation will permit any eligible veteran to elect to

use benefits to establish and operate a business that he or she will own as

a primary source of income,. The Veterans business Institute estimates

the policy initiative could lead to tens of thousands of new veteran-

owned small business and hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

The VeT Act is not only a value-added step toward increasing the

diversity of opportunities for veterans to use their earned benefits, but

also strengthens local communities, which have a demonstrated record

of support for veteran-owned small businesses. According to the Small

business Administration, prior military service is a strong predictor of

small business success.

because of numerous factors, including inherent professional discipline

and work ethic, veteran-owned businesses are more than twice as likely

to succeed as other small business start-ups.

I believe the bill has the potential to gain broad, bipartisan support, and

I am hopeful that Congress will quickly move it forward as a creative

approach to both supporting those who have sacrificed on America’s

behalf and being part of the solution to advancing America’s economic

revival.

National Security and Veteransunderstanding responsible defense, development, and democracy

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“it is important that we continue to serve those who have served our country.”

“democracy cannot bring about the values upon which it rests. The philosophical underpinnings of just and free societies are respect for human rights and the rule of law, and building these foundations will take a great degree of courage, self-sacrifice, and innumerable years of hard work”

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HeAlTH CAre reFOrm

Nebraska is home to some of the top health care providers in the united

States. Highly skilled medical professionals and research scientists are on

the cutting edge of health care reform in developing new patient-centered

approaches to treatment and technological innovations in record-keeping

and medical equipment. At madonna rehabilitation Hospital in lincoln,

state-of-the art equipment (such as in the photo above) provides patients

with the opportunity to achieve the best possible outcomes currently

available. I met several patients whose lives were dramatically improved

through the progressive and innovative approaches offered at these

facilities. Talented providers are implementing these ideas and are at

the forefront of patient care. Nebraska’s medical community has made

significant achievements, and is recognized nationally for its comparatively

low costs and good outcomes. One of these analyses comes from the

Commonwealth Fund, which placed Nebraska in its top quartile of states

in terms of affordability of health care, wellness and prevention initiatives,

and healthy lifestyles. Click here to view this national health survey.

Despite these successes, many Nebraskans continue to share deep concerns

about their access to quality and affordable health care. I believe the right

type of reform will reduce costs, improve health care outcomes, and

protect persons in vulnerable circumstances. unfortunately, the health

care bill that was signed into law last year shifts costs to the government —

increasing unsustainable government spending — and erodes health care

liberties, without addressing the causes of the escalating costs.

I supported a measure earlier this year that would repeal the health care

law. We must replace this Washington-centric plan and work on creating

the right type of health care reform for the benefit of all Americans. This

includes crafting new insurance models for families, farmers, and small

businesses, building a culture of health and wellness, allowing newly-

insured persons to keep their coverage, and retaining protections for pre-

existing conditions. I also believe an expansion of health savings accounts

is sound public policy. I will continue to work toward a solution that

focuses on making insurance affordable.

rurAl HeAlTH SerVICeS

An important part of health care reform is improving health care delivery

systems for vulnerable and underserved populations. Nebraska’s rural

Health care driving down costs and protecting the vulnerable

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hospitals provide critical access to care for those in smaller and more

remote communities, especially for the elderly, and often perform other

social services and outreach. I recently urged my colleagues to protect

these important rural hospitals from disproportionate budget reductions.

Similarly, community pharmacies are where people go to receive needed

medications from pharmacists they know and trust to provide helpful

guidance on their prescriptions. The number of these pharmacies

has declined in recent years. I have co-sponsored the Preserving Our

Hometown Independent Pharmacies Act to allow independent pharmacies

to band together and negotiate prices on a more level playing field with

insurance companies to keep these drug stores in our communities.

Please be assured that I remain very engaged in health care reform as

Congress evaluates and makes necessary changes to the current health

care law.

INTerNATIONAl DISeASe CONTrOl: mAlArIA

This year, I was pleased to assume the co-chairmanship of the

Congressional malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Caucus. malaria

is a life-threatening, but preventable, disease passed on by the bite of an

infected mosquito. The majority of those killed are pregnant women and

children under five years old, and 98 percent of all malaria deaths occur in

just 35 countries, the majority of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

I was very happy to meet with members of the lincoln united methodist

Church, who are working here in Nebraska to combat malaria. Our state

doesn’t face the challenges of malaria; it was eradicated in the united States

in the 1950’s. but a child dies every 45 seconds from malaria, along with

nearly one million people around the world each year. The efforts of these

Nebraskans, along with the promising research work at the university of

Nebraska medical Center to find a cure, may help to change that. I believe

that ending this disease is a good diplomatic and humanitarian

policy important for the future of humanity as well as global stability, and

was pleased that the House Foreign Affairs Committee this year passed

a measure I authored to define and support our global health policy on

ending malaria deaths worldwide.

CONSCIeNCe rIGHTS AND INDIVIDuAl lIberTIeS

As a result of the new health care law, the government is attempting to

mandate that every American pay for coverage for abortifacient drugs,

sterilizations, and other ethically divisive procedures that have traditionally

been considered electives. This mandate affects doctors, nurses, hospitals,

insurance carriers, small businesses that provide insurance for their

employees, and individuals with health insurance.

The problem is threefold: 1) Americans should not be forced by the

strong arm of government to pay for drugs and procedures that are not

medical necessities and unrelated to America’s health care challenges;

2) this mandate drives up health care costs; and 3) this rule most seems

perniciously targeted at religious providers, who are the backstop of

compassionate care for the poor and most vulnerable. To qualify for an

exemption, religiously-affiliated medical providers would have to employ

and serve persons primarily of their own faith in order to uphold their own

deeply-held beliefs, and religiously-affiliated hospitals caring for the poor

may have to close their doors rather than violate tenets of their religion

to meet the 2014 government mandate—which is forced discrimination.

This is wrong. No American should be forced to choose between their

faith and their job.

To help fix this, I authored the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act. This

bipartisan piece of legislation amends the 2010 health care law to preserve

conscience rights for health care professionals, their patients, and the

institutional health care providers that serve them. I believe you should be

able to freely exercise your right of conscience in the health insurance and

health care marketplace. If you have a deeply-held objection to specific

items or services, you should not be required by the federal government to

pay for them—for yourself, or for anyone else.

“I was very happy to meet with members of the Lincoln United Methodist Church, who are aorking in our backyard to help combat malaria.”

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The strength of our nation depends upon the strength of our families and

communities. The First District of Nebraska is home to numerous close-

knit communities bound together by active families, churches, schools,

and civic organizations. These institutions advance the ideals of neighbor

helping neighbor and respect for the rights and dignity of all.

One of my greatest privileges is interacting with young people, who I find

to be impressively civically engaged. I often visit schools and meet with

4-H groups visiting our nation’s capital. Hundreds of Nebraska youth

come to Washington each January for the annual march for life. I am

also frequently invited to attend the ceremonies of boy Scouts who have

earned the rank of eagle Scout. This year, I hosted three teen Girl Scouts

in my Washington, D.C. office through the Girl Scouts Congressional Aide

program.

As a young man said recently during his eagle Scout ceremony, “America

depends upon the quality of her citizens.” Government cannot solve all

problems; a free and good society relies on the health and vibrancy of

institutions of good formation in our culture.

eDuCATION

An important debate ongoing in Washington centers on the proper role

of the federal government in children’s education. I have long stated

that local control of education and parental involvement are the source

and summit of academic success. Nebraska has benefitted greatly from

its comparatively strong focus on these values. As Congress evaluates

sweeping education reform measures like No Child left behind, I remain

committed to empowering states and local school districts so they may

implement education policies that give every child access to a high-quality

education. I have dialogued with many of our local and state education

officials and have worked with some of our brightest and most dedicated

leaders in education through my educators Working Group. I will

continue to work to enhance local control of Nebraska’s schools.

SAFeGuArDING HumAN rIGHTS

As we work to further strengthen our own communities, we also recognize

the critical need in many areas of the world to build societies that

uphold basic human rights and liberties. This year, the House Foreign

Affairs Committee, on which I serve, passed a measure designed to end

uS taxpayers’ complicity in China’s campaign against women and girls,

known as the One Child policy. The Chinese government employs a

barbaric practice of having families and women subjected to a barrage of

personal indignities that are criminal in most places of the world. The

result is severe gender imbalance and a host of socioeconomic problems.

It has also resulted in an epidemic of female suicide, the likes of which have

never been seen in the world. This needs to be closely examined regarding

its pernicious effects not only on the lives of men and women who have

the strong arm of government forcing abortion and sterilization, but also

as to how it affects Chinese society overall and the entire international

community. u.S. taxpayers unwittingly contribute to this abuse through

funding an organization known as the united Nations Population Fund.

In October, I joined my colleagues in voting to advance a measure to end

u.S. involvement with that organization.

related to this is the terrible international practice of sex-selective

abortion, where pre-born female children are aborted because they are

girls. While sex-selective abortion is most pervasive in countries such as

China and India, recent data from the u.S. Census bureau has indicated

that sex-selective abortion is underway in the united States as well. To

help combat the spread of this social ill and form of violence against

women, I have joined in introducing the Prenatal Non-Discrimination Act.

Family Life, Rights, and Culturethe strength of the nation

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“ I believe you should be able to freely exercise your right of conscience in the health insurance and health care marketplace. “

CHIlD SOlDIerS

In 2008, Congress did something very courageous: we passed a law I

introduced saying it was the policy of our nation that children — all

children, no matter where they are from -- belong on playgrounds,

not battlegrounds. This is the law of the land. We are obligated to

stop underwriting this form of human trafficking, child conscription.

However, this year, the Obama Administration announced it would

again continue assistance to major international violators of the child

soldiers prohibition, including Chad, the Democratic republic of the

Congo, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

The House of representatives followed by passing a measure I authored

earlier this year to prohibit military assistance to the country of Chad

until it began to take real action to stop the use of child soldiers. At

my request, the Foreign Affairs Committee also passed several other

child soldiers-related measures this year, including an amendment

to the Human Trafficking Victims Protection Act to strengthen u.S.

child soldiers policy. I believe it is important to remove the uS from

any complicity in this assault against the world’s children. We also

passed a very broad bill to help combat human trafficking—a modern

day form of slavery—both here and abroad.

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