Fort Report
- November 19, 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 7, 2010
Acknowledge a Hometown Hero
I have always believed that the strength of the nation depends on the strength of America’s families and communities. As you well know, we face tremendous challenges as a nation, but despite this—or perhaps because of it—Nebraskans continue to band... ...More
- September 29, 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
- September 13, 2010
Your Credit Rights
Dear Friend:As the late-summer district work period ends and Congress soon returns to Washington D.C., I plan to provide you an update of the work you can expect the House of Representatives to address in the coming weeks and months. ... ...More
- August 25, 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 30, 2010
Video Report on the Gulf Coast Oil Spill
Please click here to view my video report from the Gulf Coast oil spillMore than one hundred days since the explosion that began the oil leak in the Gulf Coast, there are three main priorities: ensuring the leak remains stopped,... ...More
- July 16, 2010
Inspecting the Oil Spill
Fortenberry inspects oil-contaminated sand clean-up processLate last week, a group of House colleagues and I reviewed the impacts of the BP oil spill on Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. We walked the coastline of the marsh and scouted the inlet... ...More
- July 2, 2010
We Hold These Truths . . .
John Trumbull’s painting, Declaration of Independence Steps 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 24, 2010
Congress Must Budget
The House Majority Leader this week announced that Congress would not consider a budget this year, for the first time since 1974. I recently spoke on the House Floor in opposition to this, and wanted to share with you my... ...More
- June 16, 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 28, 2010
Memorial Day: An Honorable Tradition
“I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at... ...More
- May 28, 2010
Nebraska's Main Street Model for Economic Health
Nebraska’s economy is seen by many as a relative bright spot in a nation working to rebound from recession. Our jobless rate, at 5 percent, is half the national unemployment rate. We consistently are at or near the top of... ...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 3, 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 16, 2010
Nuclear Security
This week the United States hosted a Global Nuclear Security Summit in Washington D.C. Leaders of 47 nations participated in discussions about collaborative efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.While economic stability and fiscal order are... ...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 22, 2010
You are Invited!
“U.S. Military Day” for Students Interested in the Armed Forces and U.S. Service AcademiesThis Saturday, March 27, my office, in conjunction with the Nebraska National Guard, will host a “U.S. Military Day” for high school and college students at the... ...More
- March 18, 2010
The Health Care Bill and Process
In the past few days, White House and Congressional leaders have intensified efforts to pass health care legislation. Their efforts have become so urgent that the Speaker of the House is considering the use of an arcane legislative maneuver to... ...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
- March 2, 2010
Leading by Example: A Nebraska Tradition
Amidst the partisanship and political showmanship that too often mark the culture of Washington D.C., you might be interested to know that a collaborative, bipartisan, and uniquely Nebraskan tradition endures on Capitol Hill.On Wednesday, February 24, Nebraska’s two U.S. Senators... ...More
- February 22, 2010
Iran and Nuclear Weapons
The country of Iran is on the verge of nuclear weapons production. Such a development will have grave consequences for the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Below is my op-ed that recently ran in the Washington Times, Omaha World... ...More
- February 10, 2010
You're Invited!
I would like to invite you to a public event I will be hosting Wednesday, Feb. 17, in Lincoln. This summit, entitled “Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Companies: Addressing Rising Health Care Costs for Nebraska Small Businesses” will examine how local businesses... ...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 6, 2010
The 2009 Year-End Report
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 20, 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 29, 2009
Assessing Afghan Military Strategy
Yesterday afternoon I spoke before the House of Representatives about America’s involvement in Afghanistan. While our nation focuses on an important debate regarding health care, it is critical we not overlook the seriousness of the current situation in Afghanistan and... ...More
- October 28, 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 20, 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 1, 2009
An Update from Washington
After a period of district work last month, Congress has returned to Washington and continues deliberations on multiple fronts. The primary focus, though, remains to be health care. Much attention now turns to the U.S. Senate as it crafts its... ...More
- September 16, 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 26, 2009
More Opportunities for Health Care Discussion This Week
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 12, 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 17, 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 10, 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 Associate Justice David H. Souter notified the President of his intention to retire at... ...More
- July 9, 2009
Update From Washington
Dear Friend:Knowing of your interest in matters involving the protection of human life, I am writing to inform you of an important debate occurring now in Congress.The U.S. Government has historically provided assistance to foreign nations struggling to create just... ...More
- July 2, 2009
Monuments of History in Your United States Congress
As we celebrate our nation’s independence and rich history in the coming days, 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. ... ...More
- June 25, 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
- April 29, 2009
Information on the H1N1 Virus, the Emerging Flu Situation
Today, I received a briefing from the Department of Homeland Security Director and Health and Human Services Secretary, as well as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials, regarding the U.S. outbreak of the H1N1 virus, otherwise being referred... ...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 9, 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, I... ...More
- March 31, 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' yearly budget, is dizzying. ... ...More
- March 11, 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
- February 12, 2009
Abraham Lincoln: The 200th Anniversary of His Birth
Lincoln, Nebraska is the largest city in the world named for President Abraham Lincoln. Nebraska itself is a state that bore great significance to Abraham Lincoln' legacy.On October 16, 1854, Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech that changed the world. One... ...More
- January 28, 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 16, 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
