A Brief Introduction

It’s an honor to serve as your First Congressional District Representative in Congress. While it has only been a matter of weeks since I was sworn in, a lot has already transpired. In this column, I will share a few highlights and things that have happened along the way. 

Before digging in, I will briefly introduce myself and give you some background on the First Congressional District. I was raised in Norfolk where I started working in radio in high school, a passion that continued throughout my time in college at Notre Dame and law school at the University of Nebraska. In 1999, I founded a media company in Norfolk that has since grown into a statewide network delivering important stories to rural communities, including local news and weather, high school sports, morning Mass, and local entertainment. 

I’ve served twice in the Nebraska Legislature. First from 2005 to 2013, then again after I was elected in 2020. In June of this year, I won the special election to serve Nebraska’s First District in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I currently sit on the House Small Business Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.

Over the last year, the geographic boundaries of the First Congressional District changed. Redistricting conducted by the Nebraska Legislature changed the borders of the district last fall. The First Congressional District now contains all of Butler, Cass, Colfax, Cuming, Dodge, Lancaster, Madison, Platte, Seward, and Stanton Counties as well as portions of Polk and Sarpy Counties.

In the weeks since I was sworn in, I have cast several important votes against Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi’s radical agenda, including voting against the Inflation Expansion Act. This bill not only raises taxes, kills jobs, and grows inflation, but it also authorizes the IRS to hire another 87,000 agents to conduct audits on hardworking American families – just like you. 

Throughout the month of August, Congress largely remained adjourned during the district work period. During this time, I have been visiting small businesses, receiving policy briefings, and listening to community leaders. From agriculture to manufacturing, our ag producers, small businesses, and large employers are growing and making products that are used around the world. 

One of my favorite visits this summer was to Kawasaki. They are a Japanese company that employs over 2,000 people in Lincoln. They make everything from side-by-side recreational vehicles to doors for Boeing planes. Perhaps most interesting of all: Kawasaki is manufacturing train cars for New York City and Washington, D.C.’s rail systems in Lincoln! 

In the coming weeks and days, I look forward to visiting your community, and getting to know you directly. The First Congressional District office team is ready to assist with challenges with federal agencies, military academy nominations, scheduling requests and any other needs you might encounter. You can call 402-438-1598 to get in touch. 

It’s important to note that any casework or constituent matters that you were in touch with the previous congressional office about have not been transferred to my office. We need to hear from you, so that we can pick up where you left off and to help find the real solutions that will solve the challenge you may be facing. Don’t hesitate to check in if you’re unsure about where your case may be. My team stands ready to help you!