Fort Column
- November 17, 2010
A New Congress and its Challenges
I returned to Washington, D.C., this week to a very different House of Representatives. Clearly, the voice of the American people was heard on November 2, 2010, and the dynamics of Congress are changing in a number of ways. The... ...More
- November 10, 2010
Celebrating Veterans Day
Recently I walked into a Wahoo High School gym packed to its capacity. Nearly two thousand people (students, staff, children, and adults) filled the auditorium. Some held signs and others waved flags. Many were solemn yet proud; all were excited... ...More
- November 1, 2010
Agriculture's Profound Benefits to America
A bumper sticker I saw recently said: “No farms, No food.” An important reminder of the quiet but essential role American agriculture plays in the well-being of our society.Agriculture today contributes not only to food security but also to energy... ...More
- October 19, 2010
Hometown Heroes
The strength of the nation depends on the strength of America’s families and communities. Nebraska is fortunate enough to have many selfless and dedicated individuals who live this truth each day. They are our “Hometown Heroes” who generously sacrifice time... ...More
- September 28, 2010
Americans Calling for Bold Leadership
Members of Congress returned to Washington recently after the late-summer district work period. What those who chose to do town hall meetings heard during that time, and what I heard from Nebraskans throughout the First District during community meetings, were... ...More
- August 23, 2010
Addressing our Challenges Together
Like many Americans, a number of Nebraskans I visited with over the past few weeks have serious concerns regarding the state of affairs in our nation. At town hall meetings held across eastern Nebraska, we took time to have detailed,... ...More
- July 26, 2010
Strengthening Biofuels' Potential, Saving Taxpayer Money
In Nebraska, we are well aware of the importance of biofuels to America’s energy future. Our state is a leading producer of renewable, home-grown fuel, benefitting all Americans as we work to lessen our reliance on foreign oil and protect... ...More
- June 29, 2010
We Hold These Truths . . .
John Trumbull’s painting, Declaration of IndependenceSteps away from the Floor of the House of Representatives, where the business of Congress is debated and voted upon, is the stately and ornate Capitol Rotunda, the interior of the majestic Capitol Dome. Inside... ...More
- June 11, 2010
Increasing Economic Opportunities for Veterans
America’s veterans sacrifice much to serve our nation. They risk life and limb. They spend time away from home and family. They endure the hardships that can occur upon returning to civilian life following active military service. Our nation has... ...More
- May 11, 2010
A Healthy Heartland: The Critical Role of Agriculture
Relative to much of the country, Nebraska and other Great Plains states have fared well during the economic recession. Our state, behind only North and South Dakota, has the third lowest unemployment rate in the country, and we consistently rank... ...More
- May 5, 2010
The Critical Role of 'Teacher'
A traditional symbol of appreciation for one’s teacher has been, at least since that time long ago when I was a young student, the gift of a shiny red apple. As we celebrate National Teachers Appreciation Week, apples may no... ...More
- April 26, 2010
A Creative Way to Support Your Library
Across America, libraries have for many years been fixtures in our communities, where they serve as both centers for the pursuit of learning and gathering places for the exchange of news and ideas.While the difficult economic times have posed challenges... ...More
- April 14, 2010
Our Deepening Debt
"Think what you do when you run in debt; you give to another power over your liberty."
- Benjamin Franklin, Statesman ...More
- March 29, 2010
The Health Care Bill
As you know, the House of Representatives narrowly passed the Senate health care bill late in the night on Sunday, March 21. I joined 211 of my colleagues in voting against this bill.Over the last several months, thousands of Nebraskans... ...More
- March 10, 2010
The Library of Congress Summer Teacher Institutes
From hosting the letters of Christopher Columbus, timeworn maps of newly-discovered lands, ancient stele and illuminated manuscripts, to drawings of captive slaves of the Amistad and videos of immigrants arriving at Ellis Island in 1906, the Library of Congress is... ...More
- February 22, 2010
Iran and Nuclear Weapons
Unless we improve our strategy, the world will awaken very soon to the headline, "Iran has the nuclear bomb."For many years, the United States and other world powers have tried various tactics to halt the nuclear ambitions of Tehran's clerical... ...More
- January 19, 2010
The Situation in Haiti
As you know, the Caribbean island nation of Haiti suffered a massive earthquake on January 12. Casualty estimates range from 50,000 to 200,000 and the lives of millions of Haitians have been significantly affected.Relief efforts to deliver food, water, and... ...More
- January 5, 2010
Reflections on 2009
As we put 2009 on the shelf and move quickly into a new year, it is appropriate to reflect on the past year’s most significant events. It has become a tradition in my office to issue a year-end report to... ...More
- December 4, 2009
The Challenges of Autism for Nebraska Families
Some of the most difficult and touching discussions I have had with constituents in Nebraska involve parents of children with autism—the difficulty of costs, degrees of manifestation and of the condition, and uncertainties about the child’s future. If you or... ...More
- November 21, 2009
The House Health Care Bill
On Saturday, November 7, at about 11 pm, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3962, the House health care bill, by a vote of 220 – 215. The vote followed an extensive national debate about the state of America’s health... ...More
- October 26, 2009
A New Energy Strategy at Home
Mark Twain is said to have noted that, “Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.” Now, as eastern Nebraska experiences some of the coldest October temperatures on record, there may be something you can do... ...More
- October 19, 2009
Let's Stay in Touch Online!
Visit Fortenberry.house.gov for ‘News you can use’In the past several weeks, thousands of you have shared with me your thoughts on the most pressing issues before our nation. This dialogue, focused mostly on health care, has taken place in various... ...More
- October 5, 2009
An Update from Washington
After a lengthy district work period, Congress’s return to Washington has been marked by deliberations on multiple fronts. The primary focus, though, remains on health care. Much attention now turns to the U.S. Senate as it crafts its own version... ...More
- September 15, 2009
Speaking with Nebraskans about Health Care
Over the past several weeks, thousands of Nebraskans have shared their views with me regarding the health care proposal in Congress. I have hosted a public field hearing on “Addressing the ‘Health’ in Health Care,” held personal meetings with constituents,... ...More
- August 10, 2009
Nebraskans' Service Leads by Example
We Nebraskans take great pride in being the Cornhusker State, but a national survey recently showed we could rightfully share the title, “Volunteer State,” with Tennessee, which holds the title as its official state motto. In terms of time spent... ...More
- July 28, 2009
Preventing Identity Theft
“Hello, Mr. Johnson, this is Jennifer from your credit card company. We’ve noticed some potentially fraudulent charges on your card, and I was just calling to confirm your credit card and social security numbers.” Though this seems like a routine... ...More
- July 20, 2009
The Rx for Strengthening American Health Care
As Congress considers various proposals related to health care reform within the next few weeks, we have an extraordinary opportunity to do something right and good for the American people. While the challenges before us are multiple, shifting the health... ...More
- July 13, 2009
The Supreme Court Nomination Process
In recent weeks, my office has received dozens of comments on the Supreme Court nomination process. As you may know, on May 2, 2009, Supreme Court AssociateJustice David H. Souter notified the President of his intention to retire at the... ...More
- July 6, 2009
Monuments of History in Your United States Congress
In the spirit of celebrating our nation’s independence and rich history, I thought you might be interested in learning about one of the U.S. Capitol’s lesser known monuments to great leaders of our past, the National Statuary Collection. The thousands... ...More
- June 22, 2009
The Cap-and-Trade Energy Proposal before Congress
Summer is typically the time in the United States Congress when appropriations for the upcoming Fiscal Year are considered. However, this summer, two important policy issues have been added to our agenda: energy legislation and significant health care reform. The... ...More
- June 9, 2009
Nebraska Teachers Nationally Recognized for Excellence in Education
I recently had the honor of awarding a congressional certificate of congratulations to five teachers in Lincoln who have upheld Nebraska’s highest traditions of educational excellence by enhancing our children’s education through digital technology. These teachers were prominently recognized with... ...More
- April 24, 2009
College Costs and Student Options
As any college-bound student and his or her family know, April can be an extremely nerve-wracking month. High school seniors are expected to complete their final semesters, juggle writing final papers and scholarship essays, and make decisions about college and... ...More
- April 3, 2009
Economic Recovery and Prosperity Begin at Home
Will we borrow and spend our way to economic recovery, empowering the big to get bigger and making complex financial arrangements all the more complex? That is the approach a majority in Washington have embraced thus far. A better approach,... ...More
- March 27, 2009
The Bailouts and Government Spending: Where Your Money is Going
Confused about all the government spending? Wondering just how and where your taxpayer money is being spent? You are not alone. This unprecedented commitment of taxpayer funds, amidst spending plans for economic stimulus and the government’s yearly budget, is dizzying. ... ...More
- March 17, 2009
International Financial Global Consolidation: Good or Bad?
On March 4, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, addressed a joint session of Congress. In a generous speech, he spoke of our nations’ shared traditions and values—our historically forged partnership—but he also invoked the complex idea of... ...More
- March 10, 2009
A Unique Program to Help Local Schools and Libraries
The ancient Roman statesman Cicero once wrote, “A room without a book is like a body without a soul.” Containing both information and inspiration, books are invaluable tools to discovery for individuals of any age, but for youth, access to... ...More
- February 10, 2009
Ending a Modern Form of Slavery
Nearly two years ago, I visited Liberia with the House Democracy Assistance Commission. That country, which has recently undergone some positive political transformations, had suffered through a horrific civil war. I went to a school located in an area once... ...More
- January 29, 2009
Congress Votes on $816 Billion Spending Package
I would like to update you regarding my vote on H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the economic stimulus.I do not want to see any family face unemployment or foreclosure, or any business... ...More
- January 12, 2009
Keeping in Touch in a New Congress
As the new year begins so does a new session of Congress. While the next two years will present historic challenges and require many hard decisions, it is a great honor to serve as your Representative in the 111th session... ...More
