Senator Ricketts’ Weekly Column: Federal Issues Forum Recap

One of my biggest priorities as your Senator is hearing directly from Nebraskans.  I continue to do what I did as Governor.  I travel the state, talk to Nebraskans, and listen to their concerns.  Last week, I welcomed hundreds of Nebraskans to my annual Federal Issues Forum at the State Fair in Grand Island.  I’m grateful for everyone who attended.

The Federal Issues Forum is an event where we discuss federal issues impacting Nebraskans.  This year, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso joined me.  We highlighted solutions to get America back on track.  Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration are delivering for Nebraska.  We are fighting to protect and promote the Good Life.

Administrator Zeldin and I discussed the importance of the EPA cutting excessive regulation.  Nobody cares more about preserving our water, air, and land resources than our farmers and ranchers.  They are the original conservationists.  What farmers and ranchers want are common-sense rules and regulations that allow them to continue managing their land.  That’s what Administrator Zeldin and I are fighting to deliver.

Reining in overregulation means reforming rules like Waters of the United States (WOTUS).  In 1972, Congress passed the Clean Water Act.  This gave the EPA authority over navigable waters like lakes, rivers, and oceans.  Then, the Obama and Biden administrations tried to illegally increase the EPA’s authority.  They redefined what navigable waters are.  They claimed that navigable waters include roadside ditches, puddles on construction sites, and farm ponds.  Last time I checked, those aren’t navigable waters.  That’s not what Congress voted for.  Administrator Zeldin and I are putting an end to this kind of overreach.

Administrator Zeldin and I also discussed the Renewable Fuel Standard.  He previously committed to me that EPA would follow the standard Congress passed.  This includes getting the process back on schedule.  The EPA’s most recent Renewable Volume Obligations exceeded our expectations.  It will drive strong biofuel markets.  This will benefit energy consumers with cheaper prices at the pump, help clean up our environment, and be great for our farmers and ranchers. The Biden administration ignored biofuels and weakened American energy independence.  We’re unleashing American energy dominance again.

Senator Barrasso and I discussed how the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) strengthens Nebraska families.  It’s rare to have the opportunity to pass legislation that preserves the Good Life for generations.

The One Big Beautiful Bill is good for families.  It avoids a $2,400 tax hike on the average Nebraska family.  OBBB expands the child tax credit.  It makes the Death Tax exemption permanent.  OBBB expands child and dependent care credits while increasing take-home pay by up to $9,000.  It ensures no tax on tips or overtime. 88% of seniors will no longer pay taxes on Social Security due to a new $6,000 tax credit.  OBBB includes a $50 billion rural health care fund.  This makes sure Nebraska gets a minimum of $100 million each of the next five years.  OBBB secures our border.  It promotes peace through strength by deterring foreign adversaries like Communist China.

Senator Barrasso and I also discussed historic votes from this Congress.  Bipartisan laws like the HALT Fentanyl Act and the Laken Riley Act are keeping Nebraskans safe.  We have confirmed 125 of Trump’s nominees.  We passed a $9 billion cut to spending.

After the Federal Issues Forum, I walked around the state fair.  I spoke with small business owners, fair staff, and Nebraskans enjoying the fair.  I saw the ingenuity of Nebraska entrepreneurs at the expo hall.  I saw the impressive livestock shown in fair competition by our next generation of farmers and ranchers.  I was even able to help show a Rambouillet ram in competition.  I also won a blue ribbon!

Nebraska is what America is supposed to be.  The reason is our people.  As I travel across our state, I’m reminded of the values that make Nebraska special.  We’re committed to faith, family, community, and hard work.  These values are the same ones that guide my service to Nebraska.  The Nebraska State Fair is a yearly reminder of the values that make the Good Life in our state.

Contact my team anytime by phone at 202-224-4224.  You can also view my website at www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact.