Now that Congress has adjourned for its August work period, I’m doing what I enjoy most — get out and travel across our great state. Last week alone brought meetings with local officials, small business owners, volunteers, veterans, first responders, and healthcare leaders.
The week began with an inspiring day in North Platte, where a new airport terminal and a planned tribute to the North Platte Canteen showed what’s possible when we invest in our communities.
Completed in just two years, the new terminal at North Platte Regional Airport is the product of local, state, and federal collaboration. I was proud to help secure $17 million to fund the project and bring taxpayer dollars back home to Nebraska.
I also visited the future site of the North Platte Canteen public art piece. During World War II, Canteen volunteers served more than 6 million soldiers traveling through on the Union Pacific Railroad. The new installation will recreate a servicemember’s view arriving in North Platte, honoring everyone who took part in that remarkable effort.
In Valentine, I stopped by Heart City Childcare, a facility recently opened thanks to the hard work of the local community. Boosting access to affordable child care has been one of my top priorities, and it’s why I introduced my bipartisan Child Care Modernization Act last year.
In Gordon, I visited the American Legion Veterans Memorial, a powerful tribute to more than 775 men and women from Sheridan County who have served our nation. It was an honor to reflect on this lasting symbol of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
I made a stop in Rushville at Modisett Ball Park, known as the “Diamond in the Sandhills,” a legendary hub of Nebraska baseball. It was great to see the ballpark restored and once again in use by local teams.
Our ranchers and producers are working through difficult times, so I was grateful for the chance to visit the Crawford Livestock Market and hear directly from them about the challenges facing their operations. I continue to advocate for their needs and elevate their concerns to the administration.
Tragically, this year has brought historic wildfires to Nebraska. So, I toured some of the damage near Fort Robinson State Park. In addition to expediting U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance through my Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act, which became law this year, I am focused on finding more ways we can better support local law enforcement and recovery efforts in the wake of these disasters.
I also attended a ribbon-cutting at Western Nebraska-Scottsbluff Regional Airport, celebrating a project that protects and extends the life of the airport’s runway — a key economic driver for the region. I’m proud to have secured $3.5 million in federal funding for this work through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee and voted for $16 million to support this airport through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
To close out the week, I sat down with Jason Petik, CEO of Sidney Regional Medical Center, and State Sen. Paul Strommen for a productive conversation about how we can work together to ensure quality health care for Nebraskans.
It was a full week, but a rewarding one. I’m looking forward to more stops across the state in the days ahead.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
