This page contains a list of the committees and subcommittees on which I serve. A great deal of important legislative work takes place in the course of committee service, and committee hearings are a valuable source of public information. I encourage you to click the links to visit each committee's home page, where you will find hearing schedules and a wealth of other information regarding current issues under consideration by Congress.
The work of the Agriculture Committee affects the lives of every American. The last two sessions of Congress have seen the Committee hold hearings on a wide number of issues ranging from bioterrorism and homeland security to food stamps and welfare reform, from conservation and nutrition to forest management, trade and rural development. Perhaps the most important work of the Agriculture Committee consists of maintaining policies which assure a safe, abundant and affordable food supply which is indeed the marvel of the world. On the Agriculture Committee I serve on the Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research and the Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Agriculture.
The House Small Business Committee works on matters important to America’s small business owners. Small business entrepreneurship is critical for creating economic opportunity in Nebraska. It provides additional jobs, empowers those who want to create new opportunities for themselves and their families, and fosters an environment where innovation is encouraged. On the Small Business Committee I serve as the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship. Priorities include making access to capital easier for small businesses and helping them better control healthcare costs.
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. In general, 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 Foreign Affairs Committee I serve on the Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health.
Please be sure to email me if you have any questions about the committees on which I serve.