Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson voted in favor of a Senate cloture motion to proceed to debate health care reform on the floor of the United States Senate, and issued this statement:

“For months this year, millions of Americans and thousands of Nebraskans have spoken out about health care reform. Tonight, I voted to bring those Town Hall and kitchen table views into the U.S. Senate, so we can begin debating how to fix a health care system that costs too much and delivers too little.

“Throughout my Senate career I have consistently rejected efforts to obstruct and that’s what this vote is about. I’ve been puzzled to see some senators who also opposed obstruction a few years ago now call for blocking the Senate from a full debate. I guess they were against obstruction before they were for it.

“As we have seen before, obstructionists invited moving toward reconciliation by opposing this first procedural vote. That route shrinks debate and amendments, eliminates bipartisanship and needs only 50 votes to pass a bill.

“In the end, more Washington-run health care policies win, but Nebraskans lose.

“This vote was not for or against the new Senate health care bill released Wednesday. It was not THE vote on health care. It only begins debate and an opportunity to make improvements. If you don't like a bill why block your own opportunity to amend it?

“I support parts of the bill and oppose others I will work to fix. If that's not possible, I will oppose the second cloture motion—needing 60 votes—to end debate, and oppose the final up or down vote on a Senate bill, and will do the same on motions to advance any subsequent House and Senate compromise bill.

“But I won't slam the doors of the Senate in the face of Nebraskans now. They want the health care system fixed. The Senate owes them a full and open debate to try to do so.”

November 20, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced that he will vote for the motion to proceed to debate health care reform on the Senate floor and issued this statement:

“For more than a year, Nebraskans and all Americans have debated health care reform in their homes, at work, and with friends at hundreds of town hall meetings.

“This weekend, I will vote for the motion to proceed to bring that debate onto the Senate floor. The Senate should start trying to fix a health care system that costs too much and delivers too little for Nebraskans.

“Throughout my Senate career I have consistently rejected efforts to obstruct. That's what the vote on the motion to proceed is all about. 

“It is not for or against the new Senate health care bill released Wednesday. 

“It is only to begin debate and an opportunity to make improvements. If you don't like a bill why block your own opportunity to amend it?

“As we have seen before, obstructionists are inviting a move toward reconciliation by opposing this first procedural vote. Let's be clear. That route shrinks debate and amendments, eliminates bipartisanship and needs only 50 votes to pass a bill.

“In the end, far more Washington-run health care policies win, but Nebraskans lose.

“In my first reading, I support parts of the bill and oppose others I will work to fix. If that's not possible, I will oppose the second cloture motion—needing 60 votes—to end debate, and oppose the final bill.

“But I won't slam the doors of the Senate in the face of Nebraskans now. They want the health care system fixed. The Senate owes them a full and open debate to try to do so.”

November 19, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson said he has posted the new Senate health care bill on his Senate website: www.bennelson.senate.gov.

Senator Nelson posted the new Senate health reform bill on his official website shortly after it was released Wednesday evening, November 18.

Nebraskans interested in reading the bill can go to Senator Nelson’s website and the page titled “Health Care Reform 2009,” then click on this link: http://democrats.senate.gov/reform/patient-protection-affordable-care-act.pdf

November 18, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson issued this statement concerning a vote the Senate is expected to hold soon on a motion to proceed to debate health care reform legislation:

“Once Senator Reid releases his merged health care bill and the Congressional Budget Office fiscal analysis I and my colleagues will need adequate time—over several days—to review both.  Later this week, the Senate is expected to vote on a motion to proceed, which needs 60 votes to pass. As I’ve said many times before I won’t decide how I’ll vote on the motion to proceed until I know what I’m voting on. 

But I would like to explain what that vote means because there’s been a lot of commentary in the media, by special interest groups and in Congress offering definitions.

Some who define it as a vote in favor of the Reid bill are misinformed, or are intentionally trying to mislead people. I remember that some in my party said the same thing—equating this procedural vote with a vote for a bill—when the Republicans were in charge. If your goal is to obstruct, that’s a convenient argument.

But it didn’t stop me from reaching across the aisle and working with a Republican majority and a Republican president for bipartisan improvements to legislation.

Some who define it as supporting or opposing President Obama and his agenda do so because they either want him to succeed or fail. And some who define it as the last chance to stop bad legislation have a political agenda: They want to kill any health care bill Congress considers this year for leverage in next year’s congressional elections.

That’s more of the old Washington political gamesmanship people are fed up with. It’s not about working together on a bipartisan basis for the good of the American people. It’s not about taking time to get the right health care bill.

In reality, the meaning of the motion to proceed is very simple:

It’s a motion to commence debate and an opportunity to make changes.

Let me say it again: it is a motion to start debate on a bill and to try to improve it.

If you don’t like the bill, then why would you block your own opportunity to amend it? Why would you stop senators from doing the job they’re elected to do—debate, consider amendments, and take action on an issue affecting every American?

But before I say yes or no on that motion to proceed, I believe Nebraskans want me to have adequate time to read the bill and to study its costs. That’s just common sense.

To do otherwise would be like deciding before the opening kickoff of a football game to punt on first down. Once I have the ball—or the bill—and can assess the situation, I’ll be ready to call a play.”

Source: Omaha World Herald

Deborah Gilg's installation ceremony Friday drew law enforcement officials from across Nebraska, fitting for a lawyer whose career has spanned the state.

Gilg is the first Nebraska woman to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Nebraska. She was sworn in last month and started work in Omaha as the district's chief federal prosecutor.

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., who recommended Gilg for the position, told the standing-room-only crowd inside a fourth-floor federal courtroom that he has confidence in Gilg.

She understands Nebraska and has worked on both sides of law enforcement, as a prosecutor and private attorney, Nelson said.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine thanked Gilg for her time as past president of the Nebraska County Attorneys Association, saying she'll “always be one of us.” Gilg served from 1987 to 2002 as Keith County attorney and most recently has been in private practice in Omaha.

Gilg's daughter, Colleen Gilg, a New York attorney who a year ago told her mom to “go for it” in regards to the position, read President Barack Obama's appointment to the crowd.

The new U.S. attorney replaces Joe Stecher, who was appointed in April 2007 by President George W. Bush.

Gilg graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska College of Law. She spoke of her days attending St. Peter Catholic Church and Omaha Central.

“Only in America can an Irish-Catholic kid from a working-class background be given the opportunity to be a leader in (the) federal government,” Gilg said.

U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp presided over the ceremony, calling it a historic day for the state. Smith Camp spoke of previous days when the doors to professional schools were closed to women.

Smith Camp said Gilg would display the same calmness, fairness, patience and modesty in her new role that she showed while trying tough cases.

Gilg will “ensure the federal courts in this district will always be a safe place,” the judge said.

Gilg thanked Smith Camp, a law school cohort, along with other friends and colleagues from across the state.

“I owe much to western Nebraska for embracing a young Omaha lawyer and teaching me what an honorable profession it is to be a lawyer — and that there doesn't have to be a gap between urban and rural Nebraska.”

If there’s anything I hate to see, it is Nebraskans losing out on money, especially when it’s their money. I was very concerned when the Internal Revenue Service notified me that they sent tax refund checks to nearly 400 Nebraskans only to have them returned as undeliverable because of mailing address errors.

My hope in writing this article is to alert Nebraskans who filed their tax returns earlier this year, if your refund hasn’t arrived yet there is a reason and you need to contact the IRS again.

More Than $900 Due

The average refund due the 397 Nebraskans whose checks were returned to the IRS amounts to $904. The 397 Nebraskans live in 50 different counties. The total due Nebraskans is $359,002.  Nationally, nearly 108,000 refund checks amounting to more than $123 million were returned because of mailing address errors.

Average undeliverable refunds rose by 16 percent this year. According to the IRS, that is in line with the 16 percent rise in average refunds for all tax returns in the latest filing season. They say that several changes in tax law likely played a role in boosting refunds, including the First-Time Homebuyer’s Credit and the Recovery Rebate Credit, among others.

The IRS says the vast majority of checks mailed out each year reach their rightful owner. Only a very small percent are returned by the U.S. Postal Service as undeliverable.

If a refund check is returned to the IRS as undeliverable, taxpayers can generally update their addresses with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov. The tool enables taxpayers to check the status of their refunds. A taxpayer must submit his or her social security number, filing status and amount of refund shown on their 2008 return. The tool will provide the status of their refund and in some cases provide instructions on how to resolve delivery problems.

Taxpayers checking on a refund over the phone will be given instructions on how to update their addresses. Taxpayers can access a telephone version of “Where’s My Refund?” by calling 1-800-829-1954.

When people over pay their taxes they certainly are due a refund. I hope this notice helps reunite a few Nebraskans with their hard earned dollars!

November 10, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson today reached out to members of the Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus (CSC) to join him in supporting the rights of law-abiding gun owners as a key case is considered before the Supreme Court.  In a letter sent today, Senator Nelson urged CSC members to sign on to a brief in support of gun owners which will be submitted to the Supreme Court as it considers the McDonald v. City of Chicago case.

“As an avid hunter, I believe the government has a limited role in regulating the ownership of guns,” said Nelson. “I supported the Supreme Court’s decision in Heller and I hope it will reach a similar conclusion in McDonald.  Today, I am reaching out to all 53 Senate members of the Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus to urge their support for law-abiding gun owners.”

The McDonald v. City of Chicago case will decide whether the Second Amendment is a fundamental individual right that applies to states in the same way the Supreme Court found that it applied to the Federal government in last year’s District of Columbia v. Heller decision.  The amicus curiae brief was originally circulated in the Senate by Senators Kay Bailey Hutchinson and Jon Tester.

The letter is below:

November 10, 2009

Dear Colleague,

We invite you, as a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, to join with us in signing onto an amicus curiae brief which Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and Jon Tester and Congressmen Mike Ross and Mark Souder plan on filing in McDonald v. City of Chicago.  The brief asks the U.S. Supreme Court to incorporate the Second Amendment as applying to state governments through the Fourteenth Amendment.

This brief will be filed with the Court in support of upholding the Second Amendment as a fundamental individual right applicable to our states as it was applied to the federal government and in federal enclaves, such as the District of Columbia in the 2008 case District of Columbia v. Heller.  If the Court were to rule that the Second Amendment does not apply to our states and their localities, the individual right of all sportsmen to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes – such as hunting and a variety of shooting sports – could be jeopardized.

We hope you will join us and your fellow Sportsmen in filing this brief to ensure that the individual right of the Second Amendment extends to all sportsmen across our nation. 

Sincerely,

Senator E. Benjamin Nelson
Co-Chairman

Senator Mike Crapo
Co-Chairman

One of the most successful programs we’ve passed in Congress is the tax credit for first time homebuyers. It’s been good for the economy as it zeroed in on the housing sector where the country’s economical problems first began.

This credit has been put to good use in Nebraska. We rank 7th in per capita tax credit with a total of $79.9 million in total dollars claimed.  That means more than 10,000 Nebraska homebuyers claimed the credit.

Realtors and Homebuilders across Nebraska have told me that this credit is helping create jobs and stimulate economic activity while helping the housing market.  Now is not the right time for it to expire.

Tax Credit Extension Necessary

That’s why a seven month extension has my full support. This will not only extend the popular program through the end of June 2010, but will expand it to help more Nebraskans and provide an even bigger boost to the housing market and all the economic activity a home sale generates. 

It will increase the income thresholds to qualify for the credit, and also offer a $6,500 credit to people who’ve owned a home before in an effort to reach a broader cross-section of the housing market.
 
The bill also includes a provision that will help struggling businesses recoup taxes from prior years, by extending the carry-back period for operating losses.  This will free up needed capital for struggling businesses and preserve jobs.

Won’t Increase the Deficit

For all of us deficit hawks, the bill has some really good news. It does not add one bit to the deficit. It is fully paid-for by delaying a tax break for multinational corporations that hasn’t even gone into effect yet. 

The homebuyers’ tax credit is included in legislation that extends emergency unemployment compensation benefits.
 
Extends Unemployment Compensation

This legislation gives a critical lifeline to individuals who are struggling to find work by providing an additional 14 weeks of emergency unemployment compensation benefits in all states. And an additional 6 weeks of unemployment benefits would be triggered in states with an unemployment rate over 8.5%. Under current law, emergency unemployment compensation is provided to all states for 20 weeks, with an additional 13 weeks of benefits triggered in states with unemployment over 6%

The bill also does several other things including modifying the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the stimulus plan, so that the additional $25 in unemployment assistance provided through this does not apply when calculating for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)--formerly known as food stamps.

It also updates an Unemployment Insurance Modernization provision in the stimulus plan by including sexual assault and domestic violence as a “compelling family reason” for benefits.

It further specifies that railroad workers facing expiring unemployment benefits are eligible for additional weeks.

Helping Nebraska’s Unemployed

Nebraska has more than 13,000 individuals who are currently receiving emergency unemployment compensation benefits and would have the potential to benefit from these extended benefits.

The economy appears to be rebounding slowly but there is still work to be done. Extending unemployment benefits and continuing the homebuyers’ tax credit through the middle of next year will help assure that the recovery continues.

November 6, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson said that a Nebraska winery/microbrewery and a telecommunications company will expand operations thanks to more than $6.6 million in loan guarantees announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“These stimulus funds will guarantee loans that two vital Nebraska businesses need to grow, which will help keep our rural communities strong and attractive places to live,” said Senator Nelson. “By promoting business expansion, job creation and economic growth in rural Nebraska, the stimulus funds also aid our state during tough economic times.”

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that 12 businesses nationwide will receive $56.2 million in loan guarantees through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The businesses are located in eight states: Nebraska, Alabama, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon and Wisconsin.

Nebraska banks and the companies receiving the loan guarantees:

• Adams Bank & Trust, Imperial, for a $5.7 million loan to allow a telecommunications company to expand telephone, internet, and video services to residential customers. The company is Allo Communications, which serves communities in western Nebraska.
• State Bank of Table Rock, Pawnee City, for a $93,600 loan to purchase bottling equipment for a winery and microbrewery. The company is Schilling Bridge in Pawnee City, which produces several varieties of wines and beers, and has a tasting room, gift shop and meeting/banquet room.

Brad Moline, President of Allo Communications said, “We are excited by the opportunities this loan will create. Allo Communications will use the funds to expand our fiber network infrastructure and improve residential and business services in Scottsbluff, Gering, Alliance and Ogallala. This will bring our customers world-class communications capabilities unmatched anywhere in Nebraska and competitive not only on a national scale but internationally, as well.”

Mike Schilling, Schilling Bridge Owner and Brewer, said: “We’re pleased that stimulus funds will help small businesses like ours as we work to revitalize rural America. The loan will enable us to buy new bottling machinery, and make our operations run more smoothly to better serve our customers.”

The USDA said that funding for the 12 businesses nationwide is being made available through USDA Rural Development’s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. Eligible applicants include private businesses, cooperative organizations, corporations, partnerships, non-profit groups, federally recognized Indian tribes, public bodies and individuals. The funds will be targeted to creating and retaining quality jobs and serving difficult-to-reach populations and areas hardest hit by the current economic downturn.

The 12 projects announced today will leverage $5.6 million in private sector investments in addition to the USDA Rural Development assistance, the USDA said.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

November 4, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson today voted to provide additional benefits to thousands of unemployed Nebraskans, and to extend the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit that already has helped more than 10,000 Nebraskans buy homes and created hundreds of jobs in new home construction in Nebraska.

“Although Nebraska’s unemployment rate is lower than many states, more than 13,000 Nebraskans are receiving emergency unemployment benefits now, and many could be helped by the temporary extension we approved today,” said Nelson. “These benefits are a critical lifeline for those pushed out of work by the recession.

“In addition, extending the homebuyer tax credit makes good sense. It will help more Nebraskans buy homes, give good-paying jobs to Nebraskans in new homebuilding and provide an additional economic stimulus for our state at a time we need it,” said Nelson.

Nelson’s comments came after he voted for the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which passed the Senate 98-0. The bill adds an additional 14 weeks of emergency unemployment compensation benefits in all states. An additional 6 weeks of unemployment benefits would be triggered in states with an unemployment rate over 8.5%. Current law provides emergency unemployment compensation to all states for 20 weeks, with an additional 13 weeks of benefits triggered in states with unemployment over 6%. 

Further, the bill extends and expands the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit originally included in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and enhanced by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The credit, set to expire at the end of this month, will be extended for seven months. The bill also creates a new smaller tax credit for current homeowners who have lived in their residence five years or more.

“This credit has been put to good use in Nebraska. We rank 7th in per capita tax benefit with $79.9 million in total dollars claimed,” said Nelson. “More than 10,000 Nebraskans have used the credit to buy homes, and Realtors and Homebuilders across the state have told me the credit is creating jobs and driving economic activity, while improving our housing market.”

The bill extends the current $8,000 first-time credit through June 30, 2010, but requires buyers to have a binding contract in place by April 30.  The new bill will phase out benefits for individuals making $125,000 per year and couples making $225,000, an increase from the current levels of $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples.  Additionally, existing homeowners will now be eligible for a new $6,500 credit if they have lived in their home for the last 5 years or more, a move aimed at helping homebuyers looking to move-up in the market. 

The bill also includes several anti-fraud provisions to address problems in the current program identified in a recent Inspector General report about the credit’s vulnerability to fraud.  The cost of the bill is in part offset by delaying certain planned changes to international tax laws and increased enforcement of penalties for partnerships and corporations that fail to file proper tax returns. The bill does not add to the deficit.

One of the most important components of America’s security is deterring attacks on our vital interests at home and abroad. Nebraska plays a key role in this through the U.S. Strategic Command, better known as STRATCOM, head of the nation’s nuclear and strategic forces, which is headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

I am honored that I recently was appointed as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, which provides oversight of STRATCOM, but also has much broader responsibilities.
 
They include U.S. nuclear and strategic forces, ballistic missile defense; intelligence programs, space programs, information warfare in cyberspace; Department of Energy defense-related nuclear and environmental programs; and a number of related budgets.

Subcommittee on Strategic Forces

In addition to STRATCOM, the subcommittee also has oversight of: military space commands; the Missile Defense Agency; the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.
 
America faces new national security opportunities and challenges in the 21st Century, and our plate will be full on the strategic forces subcommittee. Among issues I expect we’ll address are a new nuclear treaty with Russia, missile defense issues and ensuring America is ready for threats to our national security on land and in space.

A New Headquarters

Beyond national defense, my new role will be helpful to Nebraska. It compliments efforts I’ve been pursing in the Senate Appropriations Committee for a new STRATCOM headquarters. Replacing its aging headquarters is one of my top priorities.

In the Fiscal Year 2009 budget we were able to obtain $10 million to begin planning and design for a new facility. This year it looks like the Administration has built into its budget another $13 million to keep that work going.

I am hopeful that we will see significant progress in the next couple of years toward replacing a mid-20th Century headquarters building that is home to 21st Century technology. It is long overdue, as STRATCOM’s headquarters was built in 1957 and has weathered the five decades since with little renovation.

Working with Local Communities

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and now Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, I will continue to work closely with the Omaha and Bellevue chambers of commerce, in addition to business leaders and others in Nebraska to assure that STRATCOM and Offutt remain modern and relevant. The contributions of STRATCOM and Offutt are considerable and we must continue working together to support their mission and operations, for the good of Nebraska and America.

October 29, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that a Lincoln company will receive $5 million to install a ground source geothermal heat pump demonstration project in Lancaster county.  The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“Today’s announcement by the Department of Energy represents a dramatic expansion of US geothermal capacity,” said Nelson.  “The Lincoln demonstration project will help jump-start this new industry while increasing our use of renewable sources of energy.”

"Lincoln is excited about geothermal energy," said Mayor Chris Beutler.  "We are using it in our schools and some newer developments in the city.  The District Energy Corporation is truly a leader in the efficient use of renewable energy, and this demonstration will greatly encourage geothermal use, not just locally, but across the state."

District Energy Corporation in Lincoln will receive $5,000,000 to install a district geothermal energy plant to serve a new jail facility in Lancaster County. The new district energy plant will provide heating, cooling, and backup electricity to the facility, using renewable energy sources.  The facility is planned to be the largest geothermal ground-source loop field system for a county detention facility within the United States. As a demonstration project, DEC is hopeful the facility will demonstrate high efficiency coupled with low life cycle cost.

DEC is an inter-local corporation, providing tax-exempt financing, joint planning, and coordinated use of energy infrastructure to facilities throughout Lincoln and Lancaster County, Nebraska.
The funding announced today by the US Department of Energy is part of $338 million in grants funding the exploration and development of new geothermal fields and research into advanced geothermal technologies.  These stimulus grants will support 123 total projects in 39 states, including 37 demonstration projects for ground source heat pumps such as the facility slated for Lincoln.  The grants are being matched more than one-for-one with an additional $353 million in private and non-Federal cost-share funds.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

October 27, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that Nebraska will receive more than $2.2 million to modernize the electric grid in the state. The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“I fought hard to include this energy funding in the stimulus bill because it will help modernize Nebraska’s distribution system and will bring jobs to the state,” said Nelson. “This investment represents the future of energy distribution in the U.S., and this funding ensures Nebraska will be a part of that future.”

The Stanton County Public Power District, based in the city of Stanton, will receive $397,000 to extend existing smart meter network to all metering points by deploying an additional 2,400 smart meters, along with the associated computer software and hardware and data collection systems. 

The Cuming County Public Power District, based in the city of West Point, will receive $1,874,994 to install communications infrastructures and deploy control software to enable Smart Grid distribution functions for Cuming County Public Power District system and the neighboring Stanton County Public Power District distribution system.

The funding announced today is part of $3.4 billion in grants nationwide that represent the largest single energy grid modernization investment in U.S. history, funding a broad range of technologies that will spur the nation’s transition to a smarter, stronger, more efficient and reliable electric system. The end result will promote energy-saving choices for consumers, increase efficiency, and foster the growth of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. According to the Department of Energy, the funding will be matched by industry funding for a total public-private investment worth over $8 billion.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available. Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

J. James Exon served the people of Nebraska with great distinction for more than a quarter of a century.

The legendary “Big Jim,” as so many people called him, was a very popular public figure during his two terms as Governor from 1971 to 1979 and his three terms as United States Senator from 1980 until his retirement in 1997. He endeared himself to Nebraskans for his outstanding leadership and for his larger than life public persona right up until the time he passed away in 2005.

Last year, a bipartisan bill I introduced passed Congress and was signed into law to name the new regional FBI Headquarters Building in Omaha near 120th and I Streets after Jim Exon.

Laws to Crack Down on Child Porn on the Internet

The J. James Exon FBI building, which was dedicated this month, was named in his honor not just because of who he was but for what he did to help the FBI carry out its mission. Senator Exon identified a problem long before anyone knew it would become a problem: child pornography and exploitation on the internet.

Back when Jim Exon addressed this problem the Internet was just emerging. As a senator and former governor with an interest in law enforcement, Exon knew that the FBI needed the legal authority to protect children from the abuses that were sure to come as a result of the World Wide Web.

He introduced the Communications Decency Act of 1995 which passed with overwhelming support and was quickly signed into law by President Clinton.

That bill was aimed at catching clever pedophiles and child pornographers who operate in the shadows as they use the Internet to prey on young people. They’re difficult to catch. They hide in the anonymity of cyberspace while committing their disturbing crimes against children.

A First for Congress

Exon’s landmark legislation was the first attempt by Congress to police the Internet against abuses that involve children. Despite huge public support, it was later ruled unconstitutional in a split decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

However, that ruling affirmed the principle that Jim Exon wanted to address. That principle was that government does have a legitimate, important interest in protecting children from pornography and predators on the internet.

Thanks to Exon’s Vision the Internet is Safer for Children

It was Jim Exon’s pioneering legislation that paved the way for laws that were passed after he retired from the Senate in 1997. Today, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to stop Internet crimes against children while protecting 1st Amendment rights.

Thanks to Jim Exon our children who use the Internet are much safer than they otherwise would have been.

This building is a fitting tribute to Jim Exon’s contributions to law enforcement and public safety, his pioneering legislation, and his service to the people of Nebraska.

October 23, 2009 – Working to open overseas markets to Nebraska beef producers, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson applauded yesterday’s signing of a new US-Taiwan Beef Protocol that permits sale of US bone-in beef under 30 months old to Taiwan for the first time since 2003.  Nelson received the news in a call from the Representative of Taiwan to the U.S. yesterday.

“This announcement is great news for Nebraska’s beef producers,” said Nelson. “The relaxing of trade restrictions will allow beef producers to expand their presence in a lucrative overseas market.  The government of Taiwan’s decision to drop its ban on 30 month bone-in beef is a welcome next step as we work to eliminate restrictions on beef over 30 months in negotiations to come.”

Nelson has been a strong advocate for the ending of Taiwan’s trade restrictions on U.S. beef.  Most recently, Nelson met with the Representative of Taiwan to the U.S., Jason Yuan, in both July and September of this year to discuss opening up Taiwan’s market to Nebraska producers.

In 2003, Taiwan banned the import of all U.S. beef products after the first U.S. case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was detected.  In April 2005, Taiwan partially lifted the ban to allow imports of boneless beef from cattle under 30 months old, but reinstated it only two months later after the U.S. found a new BSE case.  The following year, Taiwan relaxed the ban again, allowing boneless beef from cattle under 30 months old, but produced by certified slaughterhouses.

Despite these restrictions, U.S. beef imports have been increasing over the years.  In 2008, import of U.S. beef to Taiwan amounted to a record $136 million despite the restrictions on bone-in beef.  At present, the U.S. supplies around 32 percent of Taiwan’s beef, which will likely increase with the acceptance of the new protocol.

October 22, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced today that he has been named the new chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, which has oversight responsibilities that include the nation’s nuclear and strategic forces, and military space, intelligence and cyber warfare programs. The subcommittee also has oversight of U.S. Strategic Command near Omaha.

“I have very much enjoyed working to address the needs of our military service men and women, and their families, over the last several years as chairman of the Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee. I am equally excited with this new role. America faces new national security opportunities and challenges in the 21st Century, and our plate will be full on the strategic forces subcommittee. Among issues I expect we’ll tackle are a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Russia, missile defense, and ensuring our nuclear and strategic forces are prepared to meet emerging or continuing threats to our nation’s safety and security.”

Nelson was named chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee as a result of the recent appointment to the Armed Services Committee of Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla., and Sen. Paul Kirk Jr., D-Mass. Nelson stepped down as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel to accept the strategic forces chairmanship.

The strategic forces subcommittee’s responsibilities include: nuclear and strategic forces, ballistic missile defense; intelligence programs, space programs, information warfare programs; and Department of Energy defense-related nuclear and environmental programs.

The committee has oversight of a number of budgets including: procurement and research and development for Defense Department nuclear and strategic forces, missile defense and space systems; Department of Energy Defense Programs; and intelligence activities such as the National Intelligence Program and the Military Intelligence Program.

The subcommittee has oversight of these commands, agencies and activities: U.S. Strategic Command: military space commands; Missile Defense Agency; National Reconnaissance Office, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska has several missions key to national defense. They include: to deter attacks on vital U.S. interests, to ensure U.S. freedom of action in space and cyberspace, to provide nuclear information to the military, to synchronize global missile defense plans and operations and to combat the use of weapons of mass destruction.

October 22, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson applauded the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 by the full Senate, which addresses key personnel concerns and his call for benchmarks to assess progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Nelson voted for the legislation, which passed the Senate this evening.

“As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee I’m pleased to see this bill pass because it fixes several problems that we investigated in subcommittee hearings,” said Nelson.  “It fixes problems in the voting process for overseas troops; it includes a continued call for additional measures of progress to help assess the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan; and it keeps reservists and guard members from being stranded on base and away from family due to training cancellation.”

Two particular measures introduced by Nelson earlier this year, TRICARE Gray and Operation Airlift, were included in the legislation. The budget-neutral TRICARE gray measure ensures nearly 225,226 eligible retirees nationwide have the opportunity to purchase coverage under the military’s TRICARE health care program. 

Operation Airlift, Nelson’s other stand-alone legislation, arose in response to complications Nebraska service members experienced in December 2007 when 48 members of the 110th Medical Battalion based in Lincoln became stranded at Fort Lewis, Washington, when training was suspended and the base was shut down for the holidays.  The defense bill prohibits the military from scheduling mobilization and pre-mobilization training for guard and reserve units if it is anticipated that the training will be suspended unless the Secretary determines that it is in the interest of the national security of the United States and waives the restriction.  This would address the problem brought to Senator Nelson's attention and keep mobilized reserve and guard units from being stranded on base during long training breaks.

The legislation also includes Nelson-sponsored language to solve obstacles faced by military and overseas voters.  The provision harnesses technology to speed up the voting process by allowing registration and ballot requests to be sent electronically, ensures that military and overseas voters have time to vote by requiring ballots to be sent out 45 days before the election, allows blank ballots to be sent electronically, and provides some flexibility to states who cannot meet the 45-day deadline, as long as they come up with an alternative plan to ensure time to vote.  The legislation also requires the Department of Defense to play a more significant role in facilitating voter registration and in collecting and returning voted ballots in cooperation with the Postal Service.

“Voting is a fundamental American right,” said Nelson.  “This is a bipartisan provision that solves a persistent problem that has dogged our troops and overseas voters for years.  Our military forces serving overseas protect our rights, and today we have helped to protect theirs.”

The bill, among its many benefits to military members and their families, authorizes a 3.4 percent across-the-board pay raise, 0.5 percent above the budget request.  It also increased the overall size of the force.  The bill also does the following:  

•Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a plan by September 30, 2013 to increase the number of military and civilian behavioral health personnel, and to consider the feasibility of additional officer and enlisted specialties as behavioral health counselors.

•To begin to address the capability gaps identified in mental health care, the bill authorizes the service secretaries to add up to 25 officers each year as students at accredited schools of psychology for training leading to the degree of Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology.

•Requires person-to-person mental health assessments at designated intervals for service members deployed in connection with contingency operations.

•Requires the Secretary of Defense to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of military deployment on dependent children of service members, and a review of the mental health care and counseling services available to military children.

•Expresses the Sense of the Senate on various aspects of State implementation of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and encourages all remaining states to enact the measure.
In addition to measures with regard to personnel, Senator Nelson continued to advocate for measures of progress for the new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which were incorporated into the final bill. 
“The American people and the men and women serving in Afghanistan and Pakistan deserve to have a set of objective measures for the U.S. strategy in that region, so we can ensure it is the best strategy to achieve stability and success,” said Nelson.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) announced Thursday that the full Senate is nearing final passage of bipartisan legislation to make it easier for U.S. troops to cast ballots from overseas. The measure—co-sponsored by Senate Rules Committee Ranking Member Robert Bennett (R-UT), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and 54 other senators—is attached to the Department of Defense authorization bill, which is likely to come up for a final vote in the Senate later today.

“It is the least we can do for our troops to make sure their votes get counted when they are serving overseas,” said Schumer. “This bill will remove the barriers that too often conspire to disenfranchise our military men and women. Thanks to this quick passage by the Senate, it will take effect in time for next year’s federal elections.”

“It’s time we address the issues that have kept military and overseas absentee ballots from being counted,” said Chambliss. “Our military men and women serving overseas at very least deserve to participate in the electoral process.”

“Every day, our men and women in uniform put themselves in harm’s way for our freedoms. Those freedoms aren’t free. They must be renewed with every election. And we must ensure that our men and women in uniform can renew those freedoms with their votes. I firmly believe our bipartisan Military and Overseas Voting Empowerment Act will make a huge impact in helping our military and overseas voters to have their votes counted, no matter where they find themselves on Election Day,” said Nelson.

“And from my standpoint, personally, it makes a great deal of personal sense to me to do it this way, because in my first primary I won by 42 votes in a statewide race,” Nelson said at a press conference with Schumer and Chambliss. “So I know that every vote counts and every vote needs to be counted. With this bill we can assure our men and women overseas that their votes not only count, but will be counted.”

The measure expected to pass today is based on the Military and Overseas Voters Empowerment Act (“MOVE Act”). That bill was introduced after a Rules Committee survey last May showed that as many as one in four ballots cast by military voters went uncounted in last year’s presidential election.

The bill would fix several of the flaws responsible for such widespread disenfranchisement. Among other provisions, it requires that all states provide military voters with ballots no later than 45 days prior to the election, so that they have adequate time to complete and return them. The bill would requires states to provide ballots electronically. Additionally, it beefs up the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) at the Department of Defense, which is the main source of election-related information and assistance for many members of the military.

The legislation would also bar states from rejecting military ballots for lack of a “Notary” signature—a feat difficult to achieve in the bases of Iraq and Afghanistan.

In May, the Senate Rules Committee released a study showing that as many as 25% of troops stationed overseas went uncounted in 2008. Schumer said the estimate was based on figures provided to the committee by election officials in seven of the states with the highest number of deployed troops. In 2008, military personnel and some civilians hailing from these states requested 441,000 ballots in order to vote from overseas locations, as allowed by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Of those, 98,633 were never received back by the election officials in the U.S. and so were declared “lost” ballots. Another 13,504 were received but rejected for various reasons including a missing signature or failure to notarize, as is required in some states. When combined, these two categories amount to 112,137 voters in those seven states—or 25.42% of the 441,000 who requested ballots—being disenfranchised, the study found.

The impediments include: difficulties in registering to vote from overseas; not receiving ballots early enough; and obstacles to returning the ballots in time to be counted. The bill addresses these and other problems by:

• Guaranteeing that military and overseas ballots will be counted if sent by Election Day;
• Ensuring that states send out ballots a minimum of 45 days in advance of the election so military and overseas voters will receive them in time
• Improving awareness and use of a failsafe ballot that voters can use if their ballots are lost in the mail;
• Prohibiting states from rejecting a marked absentee ballot solely on the basis of a missing notary signature, paper size, and other restrictions
• Giving more resources to the Department of Defense Voting Assistance Offices who provide voting information and support to service men and women and their families; 
• Establishing standards for record-keeping on military and overseas voting statistics; and
• Encouraging greater enforcement of the military and overseas voting statutes

October 21, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that Nebraska will receive $7.2 million to support loans for rural businesses in the state.  The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“These stimulus funds will offer a lifeline to rural businesses in this difficult economic climate,” said Senator Nelson.  “Rural businesses have an outsized impact in the rural communities they serve.  These funds will support rural communities in Nebraska by creating and retaining much-needed jobs.”

Nebraska will receive loan guarantees for a $7 million loan supplied through Union Bank and Trust in Lincoln, and a $290,000 loan supplied through Cornerstone Bank in Stromsburg.  The funds are part of USDA Rural Development’s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program which supplies funding to assist rural businesses and business development.  For example, the loan for Stromsburg will keep a local grocery store open by supporting the purchase of the store from the current owner, who is retiring.

According to USDA, eligible Business and Industry Loan Program applicants include private businesses, cooperative organizations, corporations, partnerships, non-profit groups, federally recognized Indian tribes, public bodies and individuals. The funds are targeted to create and retain quality jobs and serve difficult-to-reach populations and areas hardest hit by the current economic downturn. A full explanation of the program can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/b&i_gar.htm.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

Source: CNN

Late Wednesday night, Sen. Ben Nelson's office was littered with doctored, deliberately embarrassing photos of the Nebraska senator. There's no investigation looming — Nelson already knows the culprit: a fellow Senate Democrat, who boasted of her exploits on Twitter.

Ahead of the Nebraska-Missouri football game, Missouri Sen. McCaskill and her press secretary were granted access to Nebraska Sen. Nelson's office for the latest round in a prank war that stretches back years.

The senator and her aide replaced official and family portraits.with various doctored pictures of Nelson sporting Missouri's black and gold, and posing with the Mizzou tiger mascot, according to Nelson spokesman Jake Thompson. "Important timely new official photo. Glad @SenBenNelson has finally come around," McCaskill tweeted, along with a picture of Nelson sporting the Mizzou logo on his face, a gold Missouri lapel pin and a gold and black tie.

Both teams have 4-1 overall records, but Nebraska is atop the Big 12 Conference's North Division with a 1-0 conference record while Missouri is 0-1. The latest college football poll ranks Nebraska No. 21, while Missouri is 24th.

Last spring, while McCaskill was presiding over the Senate floor, Nelson was granted access to her office. He went in and rearranged some of her furniture, hung a big Nebraska flag and placed various pictures of himself throughout the office, McCaskill spokeswoman Maria Speiser recounted to CNN.

The pranks started in 2007 the day McCaskill was to be sworn in into The United States Senate for her first term when Sen. Nelson asked McCaskill which biblical verse she had chosen to recite for her ceremony.

"She went into a quiet panic," Speiser recalled. "She started to page through the Bible, thinking frantically 'what am I going to do?'"

"[Nelson] let her go on for a couple minutes thinking she was in trouble for having forgotten she needed a Bible verse, before he whispered to her 'I just love practical jokes.'" Speiser said. Nelson played the same prank on Hillary Clinton before she was sworn in in 2001.

What was Sen. Nelson reaction when the tables were turned?

"He thought it was really funny," said Thompson, who has twice been a target of the senator's pranks.

While the pranks usually happen about once a year, Speiser said she wouldn't be surprised if Nelson tries to retaliate ahead of schedule — "but who knows when that will be," she said.

Source: Omaha World Herald

WASHINGTON — The government would stop collecting interest on direct student loans held by active duty soldiers and National Guard members under legislation introduced Wednesday by Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., and 13 other senators.

The bill would stop interest from accruing on the loans for up to 60 months It would save the average service member between $1,183 and $1,479 over a 12- to 15-month activation period, according to the bill's sponsors.

Congress already passed legislation to stop interest on loans that originated after October 2008, according to Nelson, but that bill did not address loans taken out prior to that.

“The federal government shouldn't be asking for interest payments while service members are deployed and fighting for our country,” Nelson said. 

Source: Stars and Stripes

RAF MILDENHALL, England — Voting in next year’s congressional elections is expected to get a bit easier for troops stationed in Europe, Asia or remote war zone outposts with new voting regulations included in the fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act.

Under the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act — which was folded into the defense funding bill — voters who don’t get their ballots in time will be given the option to receive them via e-mail or fax from election officials in the 50 states and six U.S. territories. Due to security issues, the completed ballots will still have to be returned using standard mail.

Once signed by President Barack Obama, the new legislation would take effect in time for the 2010 mid-term elections.

The legislation requires that states and territories provide ballot materials at least 45 days before the election. It also expands the use of the federal write-in absentee ballot, a last-ditch option for voters who don’t get their ballot in time.

Overseas voter advocates have called for ballots to be sent electronically to voters in the past, but this will be the first time that states and territories must provide the option. States will be able to receive an exemption if they show they have a viable alternative system in place — some states already offer electronic options for requesting and receiving blank ballots.

Voter advocates say the empowerment act will modernize the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, passed in 1986 to regulate overseas voting.

“It’s the most comprehensive [overseas voting] reform that we’ve ever seen,” said Susan Dzieduszycka-Suinat of the Overseas Vote Foundation, a nonprofit voter advocacy group. “It really clears the way for real modernization and improvement in how the [act] is implemented.”

The Defense Department’s Federal Voting Assistance Program, which oversees voting under the 1986 act, is working to implement the new regulation.

“We’re ready to work with the states and voters to make sure this is implemented as quickly as possible,” program director Bob Carey said Friday.

With troops often deployed to remote bases with sporadic mail service, advocates say an electronic option is necessary to ensure voting rights for servicemembers.

“We owe it to our men and women in uniform to protect their right to vote,” Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., one of the bill’s sponsors, said in a statement this summer after the act’s introduction. “And for military and overseas voters, that right is only as good as their ability to cast a ballot and have it counted.”

Recent elections have shown a need to better serve overseas and military voters. Of the roughly 119,000 ballots requested by military voters in the 2006 election, about 57,000 were counted, according to the federal Election Assistance Commission.

FVAP is not expected to release its review of the 2008 election for a few more months, but according to an OVF survey of 24,000 overseas voters, 22 percent did not receive the ballot they expected during the 2008 election.

The importance of overseas ballots first came to light in the 2000 presidential election with the disputed Florida results, Dzieduszycka-Suinat said. Since then, “a lot of data” has been acquired and change is finally happening, she said.

“Prior to 2000, all of this was going on but people weren’t looking at it,” she said. “This legislation is the first attempt to really seal up those fissures.”

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

OMAHA -- U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson is lauding Senate support of a measure he helped write to make it easier for military service members overseas to vote in federal elections.

The Nebraska Democrat said Wednesday in a weekly call with reporters that the measure has 59 co-sponsors and is well on its way to being adopted. The Senate already has approved an appropriations bill that includes Nelson's amendment to provide $15 million to implement the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act.

Nelson says he wants the measure in place for the 2010 general election.

Nelson helped draft the measure after learning that 1 in 4 military and overseas voters from the seven states with the greatest number of deployed troops had their votes counted in the 2008 election.

October 6, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that Nebraska will receive $15 million for the State Energy Program to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and create jobs in the state. Nebraska has now received the full $30 million in funding for the program as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“These stimulus funds will help create and sustain jobs in this difficult economic climate,” said Senator Nelson. “By working to make Nebraska more energy efficient, we move closer to the goal of energy independence. Today’s funding announcement is good news for our environment and for our state’s economy.”

According to the Department of Energy, Nebraska will implement several programs using Recovery Act SEP funding to improve energy efficiency and advance renewable energy within the state. The Nebraska State Energy Program will reduce energy consumption, increase energy security and create jobs through incentives for energy efficiency measures in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, and by providing consumer information on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Additionally, programs for the commercial and industrial sector will target large energy users and provide financial assistance through low-interest loans. The state will also increase energy efficiency in residential and commercial sectors by updating and enforcing building energy codes and expanding energy efficiency training.

Nebraska received the final $15 million in funding after demonstrating successful implementation of its SEP plan, for a total of $30 million for the entire SEP program. Nebraska had already received an initial 10% of funding, roughly $3 million, to support planning activities for the program, and in July had received another 40%, or $12 million, for the program.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available. Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

Health care reform being talked about in Washington is arguably the most significant health legislation since Medicare. It needs to be done right and it needs to include input from outside the Beltway, which is why I continue to hold public meetings with Nebraskans all across the state.

I’ve now held eight town hall-style meetings from one end of Nebraska to the other and may hold more as we continue to see details about the reform package. These meeting are important to me because I must know exactly what Nebraskans support when approaching such an important issue. I also want to respond to Nebraskans questions directly, one-on one.

Legislation Must Deliver for Nebraska

The President is leading the health reform effort and needs to continue to make clear what he supports so I can evaluate whether it’s the best approach for our state. 

I am for bipartisan health care reform and am working to make sure we incorporate the best ideas from both Republicans and Democrats.  I strongly believe in bipartisanship and think we must ensure Americans from across the political spectrum to have their say in these important reform efforts.  

I am working to be constructive and not obstruct the President’s efforts to reform health care. As a result, I am keeping an open mind on every option for health reform—public plans, co-ops, private plans, trigger options and any other ideas that may come up--everything. 

My vote is not on auto pilot or directed by inside the Beltway politicians. If it’s not good for Nebraska, I won’t vote for it.

Reduce the Cost of Health Care

From what I hear from Nebraskans, many would like to see reforms that reduce the cost of health care, preserve existing coverage most now have, provide for Nebraskans who don’t have health insurance and improve the quality of care.

The majority of Nebraskans who attended public meetings share my view that health care reform legislation should not cover illegal immigrants or provide funds for abortions.  Unless explicit language is included in the bill prohibiting these measures, it will not get my vote.

In addition, the legislation must not raise taxes, add to the deficit or undermine the private coverage 200 million Americans currently have. It must not cut benefits or get between patients and their doctors. But costs must be brought under control because the day of reckoning is nearing.

Health care costs are on an unsustainable path upward.  People who can’t afford it today are already victims of these increases, and there will be more victims as the costs continue to go up, unless we slow down that unsustainable growth.

I’m looking forward to seeing details as they unfold and will make sure that Nebraskans see them as well. My pledge to you is that your thoughts expressed during public meetings around the state will be heard. As more details become known I may hold more public meetings to continue getting your “outside the Beltway” thinking.

Source: National Journal

WH senior economic adviser Austan Goolsbee took home the top prize at last night's "Funniest Celebrity in Washington" event, besting 11 other contestants with an edgy, sarcastic performance that drew laughs and also raised a few eyebrows.

Goolsbee beat out a cadre of DC journalists, politicos and other "celebs" including Americans for Tax Reform pres. Grover Norquist, Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and "Joe the Plumber" Samuel Wurzelbacher at the annual event, poking fun at himself, the admin. and Fox News Channel.

Goolsbee, on himself: "I'm just a guy from Chicago (future Fed chair)."

On the admin.: "When we came in office, it was not that fun of a time to be here, because of the economy. But it was okay, because as we took office, it was an all-star team of economists, and we basically knew what to do -- panic."

On rescuing the economy: "It's been a long, long time since things were this bad, so we kind of had to go back and look at the old textbooks -- Karl Marx, Trotsky."

On Fox: "We all want our kids to be educated. Think of somebody in today's world, in the 21st century. If you have no skills, and no education, and you don't know anything, what future do you possibly have? -- Fox News correspondent."

He also roasted Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), who was honored at the event with a "Lifetime Achievement Award."

Goolsbee: "Senator Nelson is a Democrat. It's true, he voted for the Bush tax cuts. He voted against the Obama budget, and he got the public option killed in the Senate, ... If you think through the history of this country, there are many leading figures that he reminds me of -- Benedict Arnold."

Nelson, who took the stage just before Goolsbee, drew laughs of his own as he delivered zinger after zinger in his acceptance speech.

Nelson, on receiving the award: "To be recognized in Washington for something other than picking up women in North Korea or ditching them in Argentina is a real welcome change of pace."

On Norquist: "Grover finds these events very valuable. Because if he has his way on health care, laughter will be the only medication."

On health care: "There's talk about splitting the health care bill into two parts, kind of like John Edwards' 'two Americas,' only there wouldn't be a paternity test to determine your coverage."

On birthers: "We really need to stop this push to demand birth certificates for our elected officials. It really would be a pain if Senator Byrd had to roll out those big, old tablets every time he ran for re-election."

And finally, on his "lifetime achievement" award: "I'd like to thank Senator Burris for making me feel like it was okay to carve this honor in stone on my mausoleum."

Source: Omaha World Herald

WASHINGTON — A red-faced Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., could be seen Wednesday in the Senate chamber.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., was sharply criticizing a spending bill being managed by Nelson, but the color on the Nebraska senator's cheeks was not the result of any aggravation with his colleague.

Rather, Nelson had been stuck facing the sun during an outdoor event in western Nebraska earlier in the week.

“The sun was as bright as it could be, and when you're sitting at 4,000 feet there's not a lot of room between you and the sun,” the Husker-hued Nelson said.

A Nelson aide quipped that “it's bronzing nicely.”

“It will be tan by the end of the week,” Nelson agreed, laughing.

September 30, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement today that the National Institutes of Health will be sending more than $17 million in funding to Nebraska as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funding will support 72 separate grants for medical research and training in Omaha and Lincoln.

“Nebraska is home to some of the country’s top research institutions,” Senator Ben Nelson said, “These funds will not only help these institutions continue their cutting-edge work, but will also provide students with the opportunity to research alongside Nebraska’s top medical professionals.”

The University of Nebraska Medical Center will receive $8,679,523 for 34 separate projects relating to issues such as cancer, bacterial infections, and intestinal research. Creighton University in Omaha will receive $2,410,761 for nine separate research projects relating to the prevention and treatment of skin cancer, hearing loss, and bacterial infections. The University of Nebraska at Omaha will receive $378,639 for one project relating to influenza research. 

Also in Omaha, Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home will receive $1,094,588 for five separate projects relating to such issues as the human ear and effective hearing screening techniques. 

The University of Nebraska at Lincoln will receive $4,598,493 for 23 separate projects relating to viral research – particularly HIV/AIDS – and cellular research, the development of new techniques for soft tissue reconstruction, and the modification of current approaches to mental disorders and drug abuse. 

For a complete listing of all grants as well as full project descriptions, visit http://report.nih.gov/recovery/arragrants.cfm.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available. Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information.

September 29, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson congratulated Nebraskan Deborah K. Gilg on her new position as the United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska. Gilg was confirmed by the Senate this evening.

“My congratulations go out to Deborah and her family on today’s confirmation,” said Nelson. “As a former prosecutor, County Attorney, and attorney in private practice, she brings a wealth of experience to her new post. As Nebraska’s newest U.S. Attorney, she will serve the people of Nebraska by working to uphold the laws of our country.”
 
Gilg was nominated by President Obama in late July.

By the year 2022 America is required by law to be using 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels a year. That’s enough to reduce foreign oil imports by 11.3 billion barrels a year, while saving the U.S. $817 billion that would otherwise go to foreign oil producers. It’s enough to create more than one million new jobs, add $1.7 trillion to the Gross Domestic Product and increase federal tax receipts by $209 billion.

We can help meet these goals, which will help America become more energy independent while growing our nation’s economy with one easy change in the law. We need to allow service stations to sell a mid level ethanol blend. They already sell a 10 percent blend and an 85 percent blend.  We need a 15 percent blend.

E-15 Will Help Ethanol Industry

Many industry observers think the U.S. will not be able to meet the 36 billion gallon goal by 2022 unless they are able to offer a 15 percent ethanol blend. To do so requires some changes in law because currently gasoline sold in the U.S. to meet Clean Air Act rules cannot contain more than 10 percent ethanol.

I recently co-sponsored a bipartisan amendment directing the Environmental Protection Agency to issue a waiver allowing the use of higher blends of ethanol in our gasoline supply. We will continue looking for support for this approach, but believe that he EPA should move ahead anyway on its own to promote renewable energy and energy independence, and allow the rule change.

Last July a number of ethanol supporters in the Senate sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson urging her to allow an ethanol blend between E10 and E15. One of the reasons we cited was the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which included the historic renewable fuels standard calling for the U.S. to use 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel by 2022.

Action is Needed Soon

With those Renewable Fuel Standards and the growth of the American ethanol industry, domestic production of ethanol will soon outpace the amount of ethanol-blended gasoline currently allowed and we will hit what is called a “blend wall.”

Boosting ethanol blends to between E10 and E15 is needed soon. It will keep our renewable fuels industry growing; particularly the development of next generation biorefineries, help to meet the Renewable Fuel Standards targets and curb our dependence on foreign oil.

Good for Nebraska

As a co-founder of the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition in the 1990s and as a senator representing the nation’s Number Two ethanol producing state, I believe a vital ethanol industry is good for our country, good for rural America and good for our national security.

I am also mindful of concerns raised by the livestock industry and those questioning whether the higher ethanol blend can be safely used in vehicles.

Those concerns should be properly addressed. As we do, we must do what we can to clear bureaucratic underbrush away, so that the American people can use more American-made energy and less energy imported from overseas.

Source: McCook Daily Gazette

Sen. Ben Nelson's townhall meeting on health care reform was enlightening and should have been reassuring for those with some of the main questions, but many more remain.

McCook's hometown senator came down on the side of some of the most contentious issues, saying he would not vote for any plan that provided health insurance for illegal aliens, or which funded abortion.

The so-called "death panels" are dead on arrival, he said, addressing a misunderstood aspect of the health care debate. Nelson said he would not vote for any plan calling for mandatory living wills for Medicare recipients.

And, Nebraska is a leader in tort reform, with laws held up by the American Medical Association as some of the best in the country. Any punitive damages for malpractice go to local school districts rather than to the plaintiffs.

Nelson said he has gone to the sponsors of national tort reform legislation to point out that the proposed laws would pre-empt Nebraska's law, one example of the many "unintended consequences" that could result from hurried health care reform.

The senator correctly pointed out that the United States already has universal health care -- in the form of medical bills for those who use the most expensive form of medical treatment, the emergency room, and are often unable to pay. That treatment, and other types of uncompensated care, is picked up by those who have health insurance.

One uninsured recent father pointed out from the audience that he paid thousands of dollars out of pocket after the birth of his child, asking how the government could force him to buy health insurance.

It should be noted, however, that his child most likely would have received the care he or she needed whether or not the parents were insured -- with the cost borne by the health care system, and ultimately those who have private insurance or who pay taxes. About 12.8 percent of Nebraskans are uninsured, compared to 16 percent nationally, Nelson noted. The goal of health care reform is to bring that down to 3 percent.

A tougher question was the $500 billion the administration hopes to save in payments to Medicare -- through bringing more currently uninsured Americans into the system.

"To say that the government can cut costs to the tune of $500 billion is ludicrous," said one audience member, echoing what seems to be a common perception.

Nelson was more enthusiastic about the prospect of preventative healthcare, pointing to the Union Pacific's experience with reducting the number of smokers in its employ by 40 percent and reducing its medical expenses accordingly.

Nelson noted that both the House and Senate health care reform bills are essentially dead, and the only thing that exists is something called a "chairman's mark," essentially an outline by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus. Nelson assured the audience that there would be well over 72 hours -- the time specified in a failed Republican amendment, to review any resulting legislation before a vote.

What wasn't mentioned in Nelson's brief townhall meeting -- he had two more the same day -- was how preventative medicine would be implemented, part of the larger picture surrounding health care debate.

How many of us will give up the choice to smoke, or eat unhealthy foods or lounge on the coach, to go exercise just because the government tells us to?

Clearly the health care debate goes to deeper, broader issues than who pays for a visit to the doctor.

Source: North Platte Telegraph

Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., is part of a bipartisan group of senators who have introduced legislation to protect biofuels from potential Environmental Protection Agency regulations regarding indirect land use.

Joining Nelson are Sens. Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley, both of Iowa.

The legislation, introduced last week, would prevent the EPA from going ahead with regulations that would limit the production and use of biofuels required by Congress' 2007 energy bill.

According to Nelson, the EPA regulations would penalize U.S. biofuel producers for greenhouse gas emissions that the EPA claims result from changes in land use in other countries, such as the clearing of land for cropping, allegedly caused by the increased production of biofuels in the United States.

Nebraska is the nation's second leading producer of ethanol behind Iowa.

The proposed amendment to the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations bill would prohibit the EPA, for one year, from spending funds to include international indirect land use change emissions in the implementation of the renewable fuels standard (RFS). At this time, the data and analytic methodologies for credibly calculating international indirect land use change emissions do not exist. Because of this, including these international emissions in the EPA's rule would put an unjust burden on the biofuels industry.

Source: KMTV

COZAD, Neb. (AP) - Sen. Ben Nelson is asking the federal government to help the Nebraskans who will lose their jobs as Tenneco closes its shock-absorber plant in Cozad.

In a letter sent Wednesday, the Nebraska Democrat asked officials to help identify training and job opportunities for the 500 workers.

Tenneco says the plant doors will be closed for good by the end of 2010.

Nelson's letter was addressed to Ed Montgomery, who is the director of the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers in the U.S. Department of Labor. The office is overseeing help for American autoworkers affected by troubles in the auto industry.

Meetings in McCook and Scottsbluff with satellite viewing locations in Alliance and Sidney

September 23, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced today that he has schedule two more public meetings to visit with Nebraskans about health care reform.

The public meetings will be held Sunday, September 27, 2009 in McCook and Scottsbluff. In addition, people who are unable to travel to Scottsbluff will have the opportunity to view that meeting on a live feed to satellite viewing locations in Alliance and Sidney.

“These public meetings are proving invaluable in clearing up misinformation about health care reform and answering questions from the general public which is rightfully concerned. The six hearings I’ve held so far and the two upcoming ones are an opportunity for me to hear from as many Nebraskans as possible so I can be sure that their views are included in the health care debate in Washington this fall. These hearings also enable me to answer Nebraskans’ questions and let people hear directly from me what my position is on an issue that affects all Americans,” said Senator Nelson.

Previously, Senator Nelson has held public meetings on health care reform in Omaha, Lincoln, North Platte, Kearney, Norfolk and South Sioux City.                                                  

McCOOK, NEBRASKA
Sunday September 27, 2009
3pm CT to 4pm CT
McCook Senior Center
1400 West 5th Street

SCOTTSBLUFF, NEBRASKA
Sunday September 27, 2009
5:30pm MT to 6:30pm MT
Western Nebraska Community College
Harms Advanced Technology Center
2620 College Park

SATELLITE VIEWING LOCATIONS:

SIDNEY, NEBRASKA
Sunday, September 27, 2009
5:30pm MT to 6:30pm MT
Western Nebraska Community College
Sidney Campus
Room 123
371 College Drive

ALLIANCE, NEBRASKA
Sunday, September 27, 2009
5:30pm MT to 6:30pm MT
Western Nebraska Community College
Alliance Campus
Room 122
1750 Sweetwater Avenue

September 23, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson sent a letter today urging federal officials to help minimize the hardship from Tenneco’s decision to close its Cozad automotive manufacturing plant by identifying developmental, training and job opportunities for the 500 Nebraskans whose jobs are being eliminated.

“As we have seen over the past year, the stability of the domestic auto industry plays a significant role in communities across our country, both large and small; and this announcement’s impact on Tenneco’s employees, their families, and the people of Cozad and surrounding communities concerns me greatly,” Nelson wrote to Ed Montgomery, director of the federal Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers.

Nelson wrote to draw the attention of the White House council overseeing help for American auto workers affected by auto industry troubles. In his letter, he told Montgomery that that the loss of 500 jobs in Cozad, which has slightly more than 4,200 residents, could dramatically affect the community, with many people unemployed or forced to leave the area to find new jobs.
 
On September 22, Tenneco officials announced they plan to close the automotive ride control manufacturing plant in Cozad by the end of 2010, eliminating all of the plant’s 500 jobs. Tenneco has said it will work to ease the transition, yet many people will likely wonder where they’ll find work.
 
“As a result, I am requesting that the Council provide outreach and work with the individuals in Cozad and the communities touched by this decision in order to ease the transition as the plant moves toward closure,” Nelson wrote. “Furthermore, I believe the Council should use all of the authority at its disposal to identify developmental and employment opportunities for training and placing workers in new jobs.”

Nelson has previously said that the troubles faced by the American auto industry do not affect only the Big Three auto manufacturers and auto workers in Michigan; they are rippling across the country. The Omaha World-Herald has reported that an estimated 22,000 Nebraskans work in jobs related to auto manufacturing and sales. Thousands more work in auto financing or repair jobs.

As examples of the impact, this year Eaton Corporation laid off 15 employees at its Hastings plant and another 15 workers at its Kearney plant, which manufacture valves and gears for automakers. Also, Neapco eliminated 33 jobs at its Beatrice plant, which makes driveline and drive-train parts for trucks, cars and all-terrain vehicles and farm equipment.

September 23, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that Nebraska will receive more than $250,000 to fund energy efficiency and conservation projects across the state.  The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“These stimulus funds will save Nebraskans on energy costs and will keep our economy moving during this difficult economic climate,” said Senator Nelson.  “Reducing the use of fossil fuels is an important step toward meeting the goal of energy independence.”

The award is part of the Department of Energy’s Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, which supports state-level energy efficiency priorities, along with funding local conservation projects in smaller cities and counties.  Possible projects could include help to communities to improve their energy efficiency, reduce their energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and create green jobs locally.  The EECBG program was funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Dawson County will receive an award of $106,300 and Scotts Bluff County will receive an award of $155,600.  These projects are in addition to an earlier round of EECBG grants announced last week including over $10,000,000 for various energy conservation projects across Nebraska.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

OMAHA - U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson has joined several other Midwest senators in introducing federal legislation they say is aimed at protecting the region's biofuels industry.

The Nebraska Democrat has put his name behind one measure intended to boost ethanol consumption and another that would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from implementing a rule he says could hinder biofuels production.

The first measure - introduced Tuesday by Nelson, Sens. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., John Thune, R-S.D, and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa - would direct the EPA to allow gasoline to contain up to a 15 percent ethanol blend. Ten percent is the current maximum allowed to be sold in the U.S.

E85 fuel, which consists of up to 85 percent ethanol, would not be affected because it is used only in "flex-fuel" vehicles equipped to handle it.

Boosting allowable ethanol percentages could mean an economic boost to Nebraska and other Corn Belt states, as corn is the preferred base for making ethanol in the U.S.

Nelson said the measure also could help fulfill federal rules that call for as much as 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel to be used annually nationwide by 2022 to meet clear air targets. It also would prevent ethanol production from outpacing the amount of ethanol-blended gasoline allowed, he said.

Although some have suggested higher ethanol blends could affect automobile performance, Nelson said many experts believe vehicles that can operate on E10 also can run on 15 percent blends.

Nelson said the EPA has been dragging its feet on the idea.

"We've had meetings with them. I've attended meetings with them. The staffs of the various senators have had meetings with them, and nothing is forthcoming," he said.

The move to increase ethanol content in gasoline was requested in March by an ethanol promotion group. The EPA says the agency is still reviewing some 13,000 comments on the proposal, and that it has until Dec. 1 to grant or deny the request.

"EPA is already working as fast as it can, along with the Department of Energy, to examine all of the engine testing information so that we can issue an answer to this waiver as soon as possible," said EPA spokeswoman Adora Andy.

Nelson, Grassley and Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, also introduced another measure Tuesday that seeks to delay for at least one year a rule proposed by the EPA that would penalize U.S. biofuels producers for environmentally-damaging land use in other countries, such as clearing land for crops to make up for the loss of U.S. crops to biofuels production.

The EPA has suggested the rule is necessary because as the United States refines more crops into biofuel, countries like Brazil may plow up their own carbon-reducing forests and grasslands to produce crops for food or fuel to take up the slack.

The senators argue such calculations are based on flawed science. Nelson said the agency is overstepping its bounds with the regulation.

"The model that the EPA cobbled together to measure indirect land use is far from scientific. It's controversial and isn't supported by the facts," Grassley said in a statement this week. "It defies common sense that the EPA would try to blame an Iowa farmer for the actions of Brazilian farmers and developers."

Andy, the EPA spokeswoman, said enacting the senators' measure would also mean the EPA would not be able to issue biofuels production mandates for 2010.

"This amendment would actually hurt the biofuels industry including the ethanol industry," she said.

Both of the senators' measures were introduced as amendments to a Senate appropriations bill for Interior Department funding currently under consideration.

Source: Politico

Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson, a centrist Democrat whose vote becomes critical if the health care bill escapes the Finance Committee, doesn't see his Democratic colleagues gelling around the Baucus bill, even after the Finance chairman heeded some of their concerns.

Instead, he thinks his colleagues are starting to understand that "unless Democrats come together, it's pretty hard to get Republican support.  A divided Democratic Caucus makes it very difficult to invite Republicans over," he said.

"Unless you get the Demcorats behind something, whether it's this bill or a modification of this bill...it looks to me like it's pretty hard to get Republicans to join with you," Nelson said.

Nelson, who isn't on the Finance Committee, sees cost-control as the key and he said he would be willing to back a so-called trigger to implement a program of government-backed health coverage if that's the only path toward a compromise - "I'd rather not have it," Nelson said. "But if that's what it takes to bring people together, I would certainly consider it."

During a lunch with Vice President Joe Biden, Nelson told colleagues that "the message got muddled at the beginning" of the health care debate. He cited confusion over the $500 billion in cuts from Medicare.

"They heard that money was going to be taken out of Medicare, and now they're told, 'well, but not really true," Nelson said. "That's Washington inside-the-Beltway conversation. For folks back home, that seems code for not telling the truth."

America is at a tipping point in Afghanistan. It hinges on a functioning government that is able to provide protection for its citizens and can provide the most basic services to its people.

As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel I am watching developments and the troop buildup in Afghanistan closely. My concern is about the U.S. strategy and how it will address governance in Afghanistan.

Benchmarks Need to Measure Progress

For months I’ve called for establishing a series of benchmarks to measure the new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They will help the American people see where progress is being made and what challenges remain..

This is the substance of a letter I sent to Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, following his recent appearance before the Armed Services Committee.                                           

I am confident that he and others are measuring effective governance but urged him to make those benchmarks public when he and others on the National Security Council outline other military and diplomatic measures of progress.

Disrupt Dismantle and Defeat

In my letter I also mentioned that our committee is waiting for an assessment on Afghanistan from General Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. and NATO commander there. We need to know how U.S. strategy fits with the President’s goal to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to prevent their return to either country in the future.”

The President has noted the key role of governance in reversing the Taliban’s gains and promoting a more capable and accountable Afghan government. This is no small undertaking but it is absolutely essential for America to be able to eventually leave Afghanistan and to make sure it doesn’t again become a safe haven for al Qaeda and terrorists.

The forthcoming benchmarks and reports will demonstrate to those called to service in Afghanistan and to the American people what we hope to accomplish and how we will operationally achieve those goals.

Straightforward Approach

My approach is an outgrowth of bipartisan work I undertook several years ago during the war in Iraq. I was troubled because there was no objective measure of our progress there and some groups said that we were winning, while others said that we were losing. In response, I helped draft bipartisan legislation that Congress approved and President Bush signed into law.

We established 18 benchmarks, or measurements, of economic, military and diplomatic efforts in Iraq. The benchmarks helped Congress and the American people gain a better understanding of our successes and challenges in Iraq. They helped play down a partisan debate over whether we were winning or losing.

We need to do the same as we see a buildup in Afghanistan so U.S. troops and the American people have a clear mission and a clear set of benchmarks to judge how it is progressing.

September 18, 2009 – In recognition of his work on behalf of Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson received a 2009 Golden Triangle Award this week from the National Farmers Union, the group’s highest legislative honor.  According to the group, the annual award is presented to members of Congress who demonstrate leadership on issues relevant to America’s family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

“I want to thank the National Farmers Union for this honor,” said Nelson.  “Agriculture forms the foundation of Nebraska’s economy.  I will continue working together with Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities to ensure that the agriculture industry will be a vital part of life in Nebraska for many years to come.”

Senator Nelson is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and has been a strong proponent of emergency drought assistance for farmers, reforming the Livestock Indemnity Program to provide fairer reimbursements to ranchers, supporting Nebraska’s dry edible bean farmers, ensuring that climate change legislation does not adversely impact farmers and ranchers, and developing renewable fuels like ethanol.

According to the National Farmers Union, The Golden Triangle Award is based on NFU’s symbol – a triangle with “legislation” and “cooperation” forming the sides and “education” the base – and has been awarded every year since 1988.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, a bipartisan group of senators issued this joint statement about “The America’s Healthy Future Act” proposal for health care reform released by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus of Montana:

“We commend Chairman Baucus for his efforts to forge a health care reform proposal that has the potential to gain broad bipartisan support.  We are encouraged by his commitment to work with both Democrats and Republicans in the Finance Committee, and believe there is a responsibility for both sides of the aisle to work together to develop a bill that will earn strong support from the full Senate. 

“Despite the differences that have emerged in this health care debate, there is much that we all agree on, including insurance market reforms that bar insurance companies from discriminating against people based on their health status or denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions.  We also agree on prevention and wellness investments, critical delivery reforms like paying for quality rather than quantity, increasing access to care by improving health care provider training programs, and reducing uncompensated care by extending tax credits to American families to help pay for their health care coverage.

“Each of us has an obligation to put aside partisan views and to consider how health care reform addresses the needs and challenges faced by individual citizens and our economy as a whole.  While we each have outstanding concerns we wish to see addressed, Senator Baucus has taken an important and critical step forward with this legislation, which is budget neutral and reduces future health care costs according to CBO.  We will continue to work together in the full Senate on bipartisan health care reform that reduces costs, improves care, and expands access.”

Ben Nelson
United States Senator, Nebraska

Olympia J. Snowe
United States Senator,Maine

Joseph I. Lieberman
United States Senator, Connecticut

Claire McCaskill
United States Senator, Missouri

 

 

September 17, 2009 – Working for a stable Afghan government as the U.S. reaches a tipping point in Afghanistan, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson released a letter today to Admiral Michael Mullen encouraging the National Security Council to include measures of governance when it releases its benchmarks on Afghan progress later this month.  Nelson, a member of the Armed Services Committee, inserted language into the Defense Authorization Act earlier this year which required the Administration to create objective measures of success, or benchmarks, to gauge progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“A strong Afghan government is a key to success in Afghanistan,” said Nelson.  “For months, I’ve called for establishing a series of benchmarks to measure the new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Benchmarks will help the American people to see where we are succeeding and what challenges remain as the strategy unfolds.”

In the letter, Senator Nelson also noted that he awaits an assessment on Afghanistan from General Stanley McChrystal on how the current strategy fits the President’s stated goal to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to prevent their return to either country in the future.”  McChrystal’s assessment will be presented to Congress in the coming weeks.  The National Security Council will present finalized benchmarks to Congress on September 24, 2009.

A copy of the letter is below:

September 15, 2009

Dear Chairman Mullen:

In your testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier today, you addressed an issue which I believe is integral to our success in Afghanistan, that of governance.  In simple terms, America is at a tipping point in Afghanistan, which hinges on a functioning government in that country, one which is empowered to provide protection for its citizens and has the resources to provide the most basic services to its people.

Not unlike my many colleagues today at the hearing, I have concerns about our strategy in Afghanistan and how that strategy answers the question of governance.  I share your sense that without an effective Afghan government, the work of both American and Coalition forces, military and civilian alike, with Afghan National forces will be futile.

For some time now, I have called for the establishment of benchmarks contemplating the new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as outlined by President Obama in March of this year.  I have also adamantly urged that these benchmarks encompass defense, diplomacy, and development.  Said benchmarks are currently under review by the National Security Council and, as I understand, will be provided to Congress on September 24, 2009.  I continue to advocate that the forthcoming benchmarks provide clear gauges to measure governance, such as the ability of the populace to move without restriction, obtain essential services, and determine whether citizens believe in the legitimacy of their government.  While I am certain you and others on the National Security Council are finding ways to capture whether progress is being made toward effective governance in Afghanistan, I strongly encourage that the forthcoming measures include benchmarks with regard to governance.

In addition, the Committee is awaiting an assessment on Afghanistan by General Stanley McChrystal.  As you addressed at the hearing and when we met last week, General McChrystal’s report will be in two parts:  an assessment of the situation in Afghanistan and a recommendation for resourcing President Obama’s strategy there.  You have indicated that General McChrystal’s reports are currently under review by you and Secretary Gates and that the reports in their entirety will be presented by the Administration to Congress in the coming weeks.  I am interested in this assessment of the strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan as it relates to the strategic goal best stated by the President on March 27, “to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to prevent their return to either country in the future.”

The President, in outlining his strategy, noted the key role of governance to regional success by stating, “To succeed, we and our friends and allies must reverse the Taliban’s gains, and promote a more capable and accountable Afghan government.”  This is no small undertaking, but it must be accomplished if America is ultimately to leave Afghanistan to its own governance and security, ensuring that the country can protect itself from becoming a safe haven for al Qaeda and terrorists.

A clear way forward to achieving this strategic goal is imperative and must be relayed to the American people.  The forthcoming benchmarks and reports will demonstrate, both to our citizens and to those serving, either as servicemembers or civilians, what America hopes to accomplish and how we will operationally achieve those goals.

Thank you for your continued service to our country.  I look forward to voting for your reconfirmation.

Sincerely,

E. Benjamin Nelson
United States Senator

September 14, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that Nebraska will receive nearly $10 million to fund energy efficiency and conservation projects across the state.  The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These stimulus funds will create jobs in Nebraska,” said Nelson.  “The projects supported by these funds will create or retain jobs in this difficult economic time while saving Nebraskans on energy costs in the future.”

The award is part of the Department of Energy’s Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, which supports state-level energy efficiency priorities, along with funding local conservation projects in smaller cities and counties.  The EECBG program was funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Nebraska’s State Energy Office will receive $9,593,500; Dakota County will receive $87,300; the City of Kearney will receive $131,100; the City of North Platte will receive $105,300; and the City of Papillion will receive $91,300.

According to the Department of Energy, Nebraska will use its Recovery Act EECBG funding to improve lighting efficiency, complete building retrofits, and expand renewable energy in the state. These projects will lead to substantial energy and cost savings, and create or retain more than 100 jobs statewide. Nebraska has set aggressive goals to improve energy efficiency and is targeting those projects that it believes will result in maximum energy savings. Sixty percent of the funds Nebraska receives today will be passed along to local governments.  Nearly 583 cities and counties will be eligible to apply for these sub-grants, and awardees will be selected through a competitive process.  Priority will be given to projects that meet the identified energy efficiency needs of the state’s 93 counties and nearly 500 towns eligible for grants and will maximize benefits statewide.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Source: WOWT.com

While Washington braces for a congressional brawl over health care, one Heartland senator thinks he may have the answer to the debate.

Senator Ben Nelson feels he can use his moderate record to help achieve the compromise necessary to move forward.

On Sunday he was in Bellevue to rally the Sarpy County Democrats, Senator Ben Nelson talked about change, and momentum.

The feeling is that the Democratic Party is gaining ground in Sarpy County.

Senator Ben Nelson says, "You begin to realize things have changed and will continue to change dramatically."

The focus of the day is on health care. Depending on who you listen to health care costs have risen between six and nine percent for the past five years.

Senator Ben Nelson says, "It's important that we reform it or the cost are going to be too great for everybody and then I think the problem will be so big no one can solve it."

What hurt that effort were interruptions at town hall meetings, angry rhetoric and misinformation rather than debate.

Senator Ben Nelson says, "Will all the misinformation go away? Absolutely not. There are those out there who can spin the myths faster than you can debunk them and that will continue."

Nelson says Congress has to focus on the needs of voters, and pass a fair health care bill that doesn't mortgage the country's future.

One of the more delicate negotiations in the health care debate is expected to center around the public option.

Senator Ben Nelson says, "I can't tell you that the public option is gone, but I can tell you that I don't see a public option emerging as part of this legislation."

No matter what the health care bill is made up of, nelson says it is up to all members of congress to inform voters what the legislation contains.

Senator Nelson believes he sits in a unique position; he's already been part of one bi-partisan negotiation process, and thinks that coalition can help again.

Source: WOWT

While Washington braces for a congressional brawl over health care, one Heartland senator thinks he may have the answer to the debate.

Senator Ben Nelson feels he can use his moderate record to help achieve the compromise necessary to move forward.

On Sunday he was in Bellevue to rally the Sarpy County Democrats, Senator Ben Nelson talked about change, and momentum.

The feeling is that the Democratic Party is gaining ground in Sarpy County.

Senator Ben Nelson says, "You begin to realize things have changed and will continue to change dramatically."

The focus of the day is on health care. Depending on who you listen to health care costs have risen between six and nine percent for the past five years.

Senator Ben Nelson says, "It's important that we reform it or the cost are going to be too great for everybody and then I think the problem will be so big no one can solve it."

What hurt that effort were interruptions at town hall meetings, angry rhetoric and misinformation rather than debate.

Senator Ben Nelson says, "Will all the misinformation go away? Absolutely not. There are those out there who can spin the myths faster than you can debunk them and that will continue."

Nelson says Congress has to focus on the needs of voters, and pass a fair health care bill that doesn't mortgage the country's future.

One of the more delicate negotiations in the health care debate is expected to center around the public option.

Senator Ben Nelson says, "I can't tell you that the public option is gone, but I can tell you that I don't see a public option emerging as part of this legislation."

No matter what the health care bill is made up of, nelson says it is up to all members of congress to inform voters what the legislation contains.

Senator Nelson believes he sits in a unique position; he's already been part of one bi-partisan negotiation process, and thinks that coalition can help again.

Source: The Hill

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) expressed Friday that he would prefer a bipartisan health reform bill because it would be "closer to the mainstream of American thought."

"That's why it's important that we reach across the aisle, that we have as much input from the other side as humanly possible," Nelson told NPR, adding, "Now, that assumes there's an interest over there in doing that."

"If this is going to have credibility to the American people, I think the credibility increases by the level of bipartisan support that any particular bill gets," he continued. "I do think ... it's is not just because of appearance, I think we'll get a better bill."

Nelson is widely regarded as a major swing vote on health reform. He has told reporters he has yet to decide which, if any, bills he supports, and he has a history of bucking the party on procedural votes.

“I’m not going to commit anything at this point in time on procedural votes, neither pro nor con, because it will depend on the circumstances," he told The Hill this week. "I can’t make those decisions in advance because it depends on what the bill is and what the circumstances are at the time.”

Nelson did suggest, however, that a bill closer to the ideological center -- drafted and passed with the help of the Republican Party -- would be most likely to win his approval.

Source: Omaha World Herald

Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., was among 16 moderate Democratic senators and one independent invited to discuss health care legislation with President Barack Obama at the White House on Thursday.

It’s clear, though, that it will take more than an invitation to the White House to get Nelson on board with Obama’s plans.

The senator continued to maintain Thursday that he wants to see all of the details of any legislation before signing on.

A key point of the discussion was the cost of Obama’s health care proposals.

“To win my support, the plan will have to convince me that the numbers add up, that we don’t increase the deficit and that it reduces the growing cost of health care,” Nelson said Thursday.

During the meeting, the president reiterated the case for health care legislation and for why he believes a public option is important, Nelson spokesman Jake Thompson said.

Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., continued Thursday to question key aspects of Obama’s proposals but said that there is consensus in areas such as pre-existing conditions, expanding wellness and prevention programs and increasing opportunities for small businesses to band together.

But Johanns specifically cited the White House’s Thursday meeting with senators and criticized the lack of Republicans on the guest list. The one senator who attended the meeting who wasn’t a Democrat was Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats.

“I don’t understand why (Obama) is trying to send a signal of being bipartisan when the only invitations extended to date have been really to Democrats and a few other people,” Johanns said. “I’m hoping that he rethinks what he’s doing and really makes this a bipartisan process.”

Source: The Hill

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) expressed Friday that he would prefer a bipartisan health reform bill because it would be "closer to the mainstream of American thought."

"That's why it's important that we reach across the aisle, that we have as much input from the other side as humanly possible," Nelson told NPR, adding, "Now, that assumes there's an interest over there in doing that."

"If this is going to have credibility to the American people, I think the credibility increases by the level of bipartisan support that any particular bill gets," he continued. "I do think ... it's is not just because of appearance, I think we'll get a better bill."

Nelson is widely regarded as a major swing vote on health reform. He has told reporters he has yet to decide which, if any, bills he supports, and he has a history of bucking the party on procedural votes.

“I’m not going to commit anything at this point in time on procedural votes, neither pro nor con, because it will depend on the circumstances," he told The Hill this week. "I can’t make those decisions in advance because it depends on what the bill is and what the circumstances are at the time.”

Nelson did suggest, however, that a bill closer to the ideological center -- drafted and passed with the help of the Republican Party -- would be most likely to win his approval.

 

Source: Grand Island Independent

Nebraska's two U.S. senators were split along party lines Thursday in their general reactions to President Barack Obama's speech on health care reform the night before.

But both Sen. Ben Nelson and Sen. Mike Johanns offered the same basic concern with the president's plan: not enough details.

"I don't believe this speech is going to weather well," Johanns, a Republican, said Thursday in a conference call with reporters. "I think when people figure out that there is so much gray area here, he's left himself open to a lot of attacks."

Nelson, a Democrat, was more positive in his assessment. After calling the speech "a bit of a game-changer" on Wednesday night, he said Thursday he found it reassuring that Obama believes the plan can be paid for without adding to the federal deficit.

Still, Nelson said he'd wait until the Congressional Budget Office crunches the numbers on the Senate's bill before signing off.

"Generally, I want to see much more detail for every part of this plan," Nelson said.

In his speech before a rare joint session of Congress, Obama laid out several general aspects of his health care reform plan, including stricter regulations for the health insurance industry, an insurance exchange for individuals and small businesses and a requirement for all individuals to carry basic health insurance.

He also made the case for a government-run "public option" to be included in the plan, though he made a point of saying that "we should remain open to other ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal."

Nelson said he found the president's noncommittal stance on the public option reassuring, and he had strong words for those on the left who have insisted on one.

"They could be in a position of very well killing the whole health care (reform) effort if they stick to that position," Nelson said.

Instead, Nelson said he would be more likely to support a proposal that would trigger a public option if insurers don't meet certain conditions under a privately based model.

"The only place where I could see it working is in a fall-back position," he said of a public option.

Nelson said he remains uncommitted to any existing health care proposal, making him a key figure as Democrats try to reach a 60-vote majority in the Senate. He was one of 17 senators, all but one of them Democrats, invited Thursday by Obama to the White House to discuss the plan.

He said he's most concerned about making sure the savings proposed through wasteful spending cuts and other initiatives are enough to offset the costs of helping insure 30 million currently uninsured people.

Johanns, on the other hand, has voiced opposition to Obama's health care plan throughout the summer. He said Thursday he'd like to see Obama reach out more to Republicans as the plan is developed, expressing particular concern about cuts to Medicare and the plan's estimated increased costs for states that he called an "unfunded mandate."

He called for Obama to include more Republicans in the process of discussing and crafting reform proposals.

Johanns was pleased that Obama had reached out to Republicans on Wednesday with his proposal of demonstration projects to test medical malpractice reform.

But he thought the idea needed to go further.

"If it's a good idea, why would you do it on a demonstration basis?" he said. "Why wouldn't you just enact the change and do malpractice reform, and do what doctors are saying must be done?"

Nebraska senators react to heckling by senator

Both of Nebraska's U.S. senators took a South Carolina congressman to task for yelling at President Barack Obama during his speech on health care reform Wednesday.

"Let me just be clear: That is so unacceptable," Sen. Mike Johanns, a Republican, said Thursday. "It's inflammatory, it's outrageous, it adds absolutely nothing to the discussion."

Rep. Joe Wilson, a Republican member of the House from South Carolina, shouted, "You lie!" at Obama after the president said his health care reforms would not apply to illegal immigrants. He called the White House on Wednesday night to apologize and on Thursday said his outburst had been spontaneous.

Both Republicans and Democrats condemned Wilson's behavior Thursday, with Johanns and Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson among them.

"I thought it was out of line," Nelson said. "I think what's even more embarrassing is, he's wrong."

But he said he thought Wilson's frustration probably stemmed from a sense of how important it was to get health reform right -- something he has seen from Nebraskans, too.

"There's no room for error here," Nelson said.

Rep. Adrian Smith, a Republican from Nebraska's 3rd District, sat next to Wilson during the speech. He didn't speak at length about the incident to reporters, but he has a phone news conference scheduled for Friday.

Smith told The Associated Press on Thursday that he was surprised by Wilson's outburst but didn't talk to him beforehand or afterward.

According to AP, Smith said seating at such addresses is random, but said that at the next one, "I'll probably ask those sitting beside me not to burst out."

September 9, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson made these comments tonight after President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress on health care.

“The President is clearly determined to achieve bipartisan health care reform this year, and I was pleased he outlined more specifics of his plan. I applaud him for embracing ideas pushed by both Republicans and Democrats as he reaches toward consensus on one of the most troubling, costly and long-delayed problems for Nebraska’s families, workers and small businesses.

“Also clearly, any bill we pass must drive down the cost, improve the quality and not bust the bank.

“The President insisted the time to act is now. Indeed, insurance premiums for families have soared 78 percent since 2001, and inflation has virtually canceled wage increases. In Nebraska, thousands can’t afford insurance, hundreds of small business can’t afford to cover their employees and many people struggle to pay ever-increasing medical bills. Health care is eroding the American dream.

“I remain committed to work with the President and my colleagues for a bipartisan bill that doesn’t undermine the coverage people have now but actually improves it. And a bill that makes health care affordable and more secure for all Nebraskans. We need to do it right, so I’ll keep my eyes trained on the nitty gritty details as the debate moves forward.”

September 9, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson joined with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Save the Children Artist Ambassador Jennifer Garner in a Capitol Hill press conference today to help at-risk school children by promoting increased coordination between schools and community organizations by introducing the Full Service Community Schools Act of 2009.

“The Full Service Community Schools Act works to enrich the student and family learning experience by creating a partnership between schools and the communities they serve,” said Senator Nelson at today’s press conference. “Working together, we can make our nation’s schools the community hub for not only learning, but also vital services and support for families so that students come to school ready to learn and teachers can focus on the job of teaching.”

The Full Service Community Schools Act of 2009 would create grants to public schools that coordinate academic and non-academic services, including health services, career counseling for parents, nutrition services, and early childhood education to give students a full support network to help them succeed.  The act has widespread support among education associations and comes on the heels of a successful two-year trial program.

“The key to our nation's prosperity lies in how well we equip our children for the future,” said Nelson.  “The Full Service Community Schools program offers a common sense approach to a problem facing so many of our country’s schools.  I’m proud to be a sponsor of this legislation in the Senate and hopeful that it can serve as a model for how to successfully support students who need our help the most.  It’s the least we can do for our next generation.”

The act would authorize a US Department of Education grant program to significantly expand the number of full-service community schools across the country.  The bill would provide $200 million per year for five years to fund grants for local partnerships between school districts and community-based organizations, and would also fund grants for states to expand the full-service community school model at the state level.  Over the past two years, $5 million has been appropriated for full service community schools, and only 10 programs out of 400 applicants were funded. 

Full-service community schools may offer a variety of services to students and their families including primary, dental and mental health care; activities to increase literacy; career counseling; expanded-learning opportunities; early childhood education; and nutrition education including Women, Infants and Children (WIC) classes.  To increase the opportunity for family participation, full service community schools generally remain open long after school hours and operate during weekend hours as well.

By concentrating on non-academic factors that spill over into the classroom, such as physical and mental health, financial problems, safety, and housing, community schools are equipped to respond to these challenges by providing resources and referrals to assist families.  With this support network, children come to school each day healthy and prepared to learn and succeed.  Research on full service community schools consistently shows positive outcomes in student achievement and attendance rates, a decrease in dropout rates, reductions in disciplinary actions, as well as increases in parental involvement and access to preventative health services.

Full-service community schools typically partner with community groups such as local United Way chapters, YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, parent groups like the PTA, civic groups, community colleges and universities.  Today’s bill is supported by over sixty national, state, and local organizations including the Coalition of Community Schools, the American Federation of Teachers, Children’s Aid Society, Communities in Schools, National Education Association, National Association of State Boards of Education, National Assembly for School-Based Health Care, higher education institutions and others.

The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Senator Roland Burris (D-IL).

Source: The Hill

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) says that Democratic leaders should not count on him to be the 60th vote for passing healthcare reform this year.

Nelson, who has bucked his party more than any Senate Democrat on procedural votes in 2009, is a pivotal figure on healthcare. With 59 Democrats in the upper chamber and centrist Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) in negotiations with Democratic leaders, the prospect of compiling 60 votes to overcome procedural obstacles appears within reach.

But Nelson isn’t promising anything. He told The Hill, “I’m not going to commit anything at this point in time on procedural votes, neither pro nor con, because it will depend on the circumstances. I can’t make those decisions in advance because it depends on what the bill is and what the circumstances are at the time.”

He added, “Otherwise, you’re just giving away your vote no matter what the underlying circumstance is, and I’m just not prepared to do that.”

The 68-year-old lawmaker, who is serving his 2nd term, recently said he favors a triggered public option if the private insurance market does not work. And on Tuesday, he said, “My vote is not on autopilot.”

Nelson has been targeted by some liberal groups that are frustrated with his lack of commitment on a healthcare overhaul. Nelson and these left-wing groups have traded barbs throughout 2009 in the wake of liberal advertisements they have launched against the conservative Democrat.

A 2009 voting record analysis of Democrats conducted by The Hill finds that Nelson breaks with his party the most on procedural motions. After Nelson, Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota have cast the conference’s next largest number of votes against procedural motions. The analysis included a total of 91 procedural votes during the 111th Congress, 60 of which had Democratic defections. Nelson had a total of 32 defections.

The six senators could hold the key this fall to successful passage of health reform. If Democratic leaders can hold the conference together on procedural votes, Democrats from states with large Republican bases, such as Nelson, Bayh and Lincoln, could vote against the final bill without endangering its success.

While it remains unclear if Snowe will embrace healthcare reform legislation, Democrats could get to 60 votes without her if Massachusetts changes its law to allow for an appointment to fill the late Sen. Edward Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) seat.

Even if Democrats employ reconciliation rules — the partisan budget procedure that allows for bills to pass with just 51 votes — they will still need 60 votes to overcome points of order Republicans are crafting in an effort to torpedo healthcare reform.

There are signs that Senate Democratic leaders are leaning on their members to get in line on procedural votes.

“People know that they ultimately will have the last word on the bill, but at least the procedural votes would allow us to go forward, consider amendments and hold out the possibility of passing legislation,” Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said.

Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), who steered health reform through the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee this summer, also said Democrats are considering pressing their members to support procedural votes.

“That’s one of the tracks to go down, and obviously that’s a possibility,” Dodd said. “People need to understand there are alternatives, that we’re going to get healthcare done one way or another … It gets you to the point where you can actually vote on the bill. And then you’ve got a nine-vote spread, theoretically, so you’d lose something but probably still be able to hold the bill together, by and large.”

But Durbin, Dodd and other powerful Senate Democrats have more work to do in convincing a few of their colleagues.

Nelson said, “I’ve always been consistent on this. You have to be careful in voting against procedure when you want to give something an up-or-down vote, but there are extraordinary circumstances under which you might vote against the procedural vote.”

During George W. Bush’s administration, Nelson adhered to this legislative philosophy by usually voting to allow a bill to proceed to a final roll call.

Others said they would probably play ball, but cautioned that much depends on how the bill is funded.

“I’d be surprised if I couldn’t be there on procedural votes,” said McCaskill, whose 21 defections tied her for second place with Bayh. “But if you drill down on my record, many times it’s about the way we spend money. When I have parted ways with the party, they’ve been on issues surrounding spending and deficit control. I’ve said all along that whatever kind of healthcare we have has to be paid for, so I don’t think I’d vote to cut off a filibuster that was objecting to a bill that wasn’t paid for.”

Bayh provided two different answers, first saying he considers procedural votes no different from final votes on legislation and then stating that he would decide his health reform votes on a case-by-case basis.

“The distinction between procedure and substance is many times artificial around here,” he said. “If you agree to a procedure that leads inexorably to a substance with which you disagree, how are you supposed to do that? It puts us in a position of being asked to facilitate an outcome with which we disagree.”

Bayh, who was under serious consideration to be President Barack Obama’s running mate last year, subsequently sought out The Hill to clarify that he would likely support procedural votes at least to get a health reform bill to House-Senate conference talks.

“It’s possible I would support the caucus on some early procedural steps to move the process along, to give it an attempt to improve the product, even if I didn’t agree with what it offered,” he said. “But at the last step in the process, if there’s no further improvement possible, at that point I think procedure and substance are the same.”

Source: CNN

(CNN) -- A moderate Senate Democrat said Sunday he could support a health-care bill that includes a provision for possibly bringing in a government-funded public health insurance option in the future.

The comment by Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska on CNN's "State of the Union" signaled a possible compromise on the most contentious issue in efforts to overhaul the nation's ailing health-care system.

The so-called trigger mechanism would create a public insurance option if a new health-care bill fails to meet certain goals or thresholds for expanded coverage and lower costs within a set time.

"If, somehow, the private market doesn't respond the way that it's supposed to, then it would trigger a public option or a government-run option," Nelson said, adding such a provision should be used "only as a fail-safe backstop to the process."

"And when I say trigger ... I don't mean a hair trigger," Nelson said. "I mean a true trigger -- one that would only apply if there isn't the kind of competition in the business that we believe there would be."

Support from moderate Democrats such as Nelson is considered crucial for getting health-care legislation that includes a public option through the Senate. Republicans fiercely oppose the concept, while liberal Democrats strongly favor it and more moderate Democrats express concerns about the cost and viability.

So far, three House committees and one Senate committee have passed Democratic proposals containing a public option, while members of another Senate committee are negotiating a bipartisan compromise that drops the public option.

However, one of those Senate negotiators -- moderate Republican Olympia Snowe of Maine -- has been in discussions with the White House on the trigger proposal for a public option. The possible backing from Snowe signals a middle-ground for Nelson and other moderate Democrats on the issue.

On the House side, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- who has insisted on a public insurance option in any health-care bill -- last week stopped short of ruling out a triggering mechanism similar to what Nelson described. Asked by reporters about the possibility, Pelosi said Thursday that opponents of a public option should be careful of what they wish for.

"If they want no public option but a trigger, you can be sure that the trigger will bring on a very robust public option," Pelosi said. "So if I were advising the insurance companies, I would tell them take this bill as it is now, because if you don't perform and ... there is a trigger, it's not going to be one of those little flags that come out of the end of the barrel."

President Obama will address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night to talk about health care, and his chief spokesman said Sunday the speech would spell out the president's ideas for a bill. However, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs provided no details of what Obama will say.

"People will leave that speech knowing where he stands," Gibbs said on the ABC program "This Week."

Asked whether Obama, a strong proponent of a public option, would veto a final bill that lacks the provision, Gibbs avoided a direct answer.

"We're not going to prejudge what the process will be when we sign it, as the president expects to do this year," he said, later adding: "I doubt we're going to get into veto threats" in Wednesday's speech.

On the same program, a Democratic congresswoman said Republicans have no intention of supporting a health-care bill and only want to use the issue to damage Obama politically.

Rep. Maxine Waters of California said Democrats must push for the bill they want because Republicans don't want any bill to pass.

"You don't have a bill. Where's your bill? What have you come up with? What are you offering as an alternative?" Waters asked Republican Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, another guest on the show. "It's bigger than health care. It's about President Obama, and the Republicans have decided to use this by which to bring him down."

Pence denied Water's accusation, saying Republicans seek a less comprehensive and more affordable bill than the Democratic proposals in the House and Senate.

Americans are concerned about Obama's policies to expand government and increase spending, Pence said, adding that the Democratic health-care proposals will bring a government takeover of health care.

Asked to explain how, he said companies that provide health-care coverage as a benefit for workers would choose drop that coverage and pay a fine, shifting most people to the public insurance option.

"In this economy, there's no small business or large business worth its salt that isn't going to take a hard look at sending all of their employees to the federal government for their health insurance the minute a public option is available," Pence said.

In response, former House Majority Leader Tom Daschle, a Democrat also appearing on the show, denied that a public option would have a competitive advantage to drive private insurers out of the market.

"Congressman Pence's prediction, I think, is really baseless," Daschle said.

In view of such vitriol and what it called Republican intransigence, The New York Times said in an editorial Saturday that Obama and congressional Democrats should use a legislative tactic called "budget reconciliation" to pass a health-care bill with a smaller majority than needed for other bills.

Republicans warn that approving the bills through reconciliation -- which requires 51 Senate votes rather than the 60 needed to avoid a filibuster -- would be a declaration of political war.

Democratic legislators said Sunday they would prefer a bill with bipartisan support that could pass without reconciliation, but they refused to rule out the tactic.

September 4, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced today that Nebraska cattle producers will get fairer prices for cattle lost in extreme weather thanks to new reimbursement calculations the USDA is making for its Livestock Indemnity Program.

“I applaud the USDA for stepping forward to help Nebraska’s livestock producers, and others, who suffered losses from unusually harsh weather,” said Senator Nelson. “The USDA’s decision to change its reimbursement methodology is the right thing to do because it will help support our vital livestock industry during a difficult economy.”

The USDA announced today it is changing the methodology and calculations for reimbursements under the Livestock Indemnity Program, which Nelson and other Midwestern senators had sought. “I’m pleased that the USDA has revised its criteria so that this new program provides reasonable reimbursements to Nebraska cattle producers,” Nelson said.

The LIP program was created in 2008 to provide timely reimbursements to livestock producers in the event of herd loss due to extreme weather disasters such as floods, blizzards, and extreme heat.  On July 13, 2009, the USDA announced its methodology for determining LIP payments.  The standards fell short of covering the Congressionally-mandated 75% of market value for animals if the animals were above 400 pounds and close to market weight.  Today, the USDA announced the addition of a separate reimbursement rate for animals above 800 pounds.  The Farm Service Agency has estimated 4,000 animals statewide may have been lost in Nebraska due to extreme heat this summer.

Since USDA announced its original reimbursement criteria in July, Senator Nelson has been working to ensure cattle producers are properly reimbursed under the new LIP program.  In early August, Nelson was successful in getting the Senate to adopt a resolution he introduced that called on Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to work with livestock producers to establish a methodology to calculate more specific payments to offset the cost of loss for each animal as was intended by Congress in the original LIP bill.  In late July, Senator Nelson joined a bipartisan group of Midwestern senators sending a letter to Secretary Vilsack raising similar issues. Others who signed the letter included senators Mike Johanns, Chuck Grassley, Tom Harkin, Pat Roberts, Sam Brownback, Tim Johnson and John Thune.

More people die from lung cancer than any other type of cancer. This is true for both men and women. The most recent statistics show that in 2005 lung cancer accounted for more deaths than breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer combined. In that year, more than 90 thousand men and 69 thousand women died from this terrible disease.

During my statewide town hall meetings on health care reform, one thing that seems to have caught on with Nebraskans as it has with many of my colleagues is keeping people well. I have seen prevention and wellness work here in Nebraska and regularly cite the example of a large local employer that offered incentives to employees to lead healthier lifestyles which resulted in reducing the rate of smoking from 51 percent to 11 percent of its workers.

Reduce Risk of Lung Cancer

We need to continue to help people quit smoking in order to make them healthier, reduce their risk of lung cancer, and help bend the cost curve in our health care system with or without reform. That is why I’ve signed on as co-sponsor of the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act of 2009.

S. 332 sets a goal to reduce the mortality rate of lung cancer by 50 percent by the year 2016. It would do this by reviewing and prioritizing research grants to make sure research funds are being properly directed. There would also be an expansion of research programs as well as expedited development of computer assisted diagnostic, surgical, treatment, and drug testing innovations.

The bill also provides incentives for the development of chemo-prevention drugs for pre-cancerous conditions of the lung, drugs for targeted therapeutic treatments and vaccines for lung cancer, and new agents to curtail or prevent nicotine addiction.

The legislation further provides for compassionate access to drugs, biological products, and devices under the lung cancer mortality reduction program. It also requires the Secretary to establish an early disease research and management program targeted at the high incidence and mortality rates among minority and low income populations.

Tobacco Use in the Military

The bill also takes into account relatively high levels of smoking in the military. A Pentagon study shows that 32 percent of service members use tobacco compared with 20 percent of civilian adults in the U.S. Tobacco use contributes to substantial costs for the Pentagon: $846 million a year, as well as lost productivity, according to the study, and the Department of Veterans Affairs spends up to $6 billion in treatments for tobacco-related illnesses each year.

The bill requires the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to work with Health and Human Services to implement an early detection and disease management research program for military personnel and veterans whose smoking history and exposure to carcinogens during active duty service has increased their risk for lung cancer and to coordinate programs for military personnel and veterans diagnosed with lung cancer.

The whole purpose is to develop a national public health effort to prevent lung cancer because of the hundreds of thousands of lives that are at risk.  It is something that should be a top priority as we discuss health care because saving lives from cancer’s number one killer is one thing all Americans can support.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

NEAR SCHRAMM PARK - A fawn glides across the gravel road as the tree-lined pathway bends upward toward the cabin.

Two horses watch from across the fence in the stillness of this gentle September morning.

Inside the cabin, nestled in the wooded hills above the Platte River, is Sen. Ben Nelson, dressed in work clothes, wearing no socks, sitting in an easy chair with two dogs lying at his side.

It's a long way from the uproar and tension of public meetings crowded by a thousand people who are anxious, often alarmed and sometimes angry about health care reform.

Nelson, the lone Democratic member of Nebraska's congressional delegation, is under siege from opponents of President Barack Obama's legislative agenda.

Health care TV ads have targeted him for weeks, prompting the senator to respond with a TV ad campaign of his own.

And today, opponents of Obama's cap and trade proposal to reduce carbon emissions will hold a rally in Lincoln directed at Nelson.

"I hate to tell people they're wasting their time and money," Nelson said Wednesday as he sipped on a cup of coffee and dodged a call on his cell phone.

Efforts to use power or pressure to influence him will not work, he said.

But he's open to "logic, reasoning and good arguments" as he reaches his decisions.

Fact is Nelson has serious reservations about Democratic health care reform legislation and Obama's cap and trade plan, and is considered an unlikely vote for either in its present form.

Fact is he's also aware much of the uproar over health care reform has been prompted and promoted by media voices on the right.

"I suspect a great deal of it is," he said.

"But I also recognize there are other people who are concerned on their own."

Some partisan opponents simply "want to make the Obama administration fail," Nelson said.

The flak encountered by members of Congress during their August recess may in the end assist health care reform rather than scuttle it, he said.

"It always was going to be difficult," Nelson said. "In a way, this may increase its chances of passage by making the plan more realistic."

When Congress returns to Washington next week, Obama can help, Nelson said.

"He needs to tell us what are the parameters of a plan he can accept. We need maybe a little bit more clarity so we can determine what is possible."

The White House has sent mixed signals about its commitment to the contentious proposal for a public option, or government insurance alternative, Nelson said.

It's time for clarity.

Nelson is wary of the public option proposal.

And he appears to be increasingly attracted to an incremental approach.

"I think there is the potential for a bipartisan solution that is incremental," Nelson said.

"Consensus could be achieved now on some important proposals that would reduce costs."

Nelson said he's open to the idea of universal coverage, "as long as it's an insurance solution rather than a political or governmental solution."

Those who cannot afford to purchase health insurance now could receive government financial assistance, perhaps through "favorable tax treatment," in helping pay their premiums, he said.

Nelson is "very concerned" about a proposal to expand Medicaid coverage.

"That's very expensive, and it could have serious consequences for the state," he said.

A new unfunded federal mandate could recreate "the Pac-man who ate the state budget" when he was governor, Nelson said.

It will be difficult for him to vote for health care reform that does not have bipartisan support, Nelson said.

"You will get better legislation if it's bipartisan," he said. "And it would have more credibility."

So how does this end?

"I see two endings.

"One is we find areas we can agree upon and we begin to do things incrementally, taking more of an insurance approach, not a government approach.

"Or it implodes.

"With great disappointment for people on one side and to the apparent glee of those on the other side."

Despite the pressure cooker he finds himself occupying now as a swing Democratic senator, Nelson said, he welcomes the opportunity to help shape a solution and cast a vote that matters.

"I went to Washington to make a difference," he said.

SOURCE: Lincoln Journal-Star

 By Ben Nelson

Over the last few weeks, I hosted six town hall style meetings across our state to discuss health care reform with Nebraskans, the latest of hundreds of individual and small group meetings I've had on health care since I was elected in 2000.

These town halls were a valuable exercise in Democracy and personally valuable because the civil, thoughtful and wide-ranging discussions enabled me to better understand Nebraskans' views at this critical time. I plan to hold additional meetings in the weeks to come as Congress continues to debate this important issue.

Despite all the divisive talk we hear from interest groups and the politics-as-usual crowd, there were underlying areas of consensus at my public meetings. Nearly everyone believed that our health care system is broken and that something needs to be done.

I heard from small business owners upset that they can't afford to insure their employees, while others raised concerns about the solvency of Medicare, the quality of their health care and especially how much health care costs today. No wonder, since the average Nebraska family's health insurance premium rose 69 percent from 2000 to 2007, while the median salary rose only 21 percent over that same period with inflation consuming those wages at a rate of 19 percent.
It is no surprise, then, that medical debt is the primary cause of personal bankruptcy today.
Although passions ran high, I was proud that Nebraskans brought their differing ideas to these public forums. Reflecting on the meetings, I see a path forward that relies on Nebraska common sense.

First, we must continue working at this point to develop a bipartisan bill. In my view, bipartisan legislation translates to better legislation and incorporates broader policy solutions to today's health care problems. Many people are rightfully leery of government. It will be difficult to achieve a bipartisan bill. But it will be even harder to push through a purely partisan bill.

Second, we can target health care reform that will deliver for all Nebraskans, and all Americans. We all stand to gain by - and broad support already exists for - improving prevention and wellness; investing in our health care work force of doctors, nurses and medical technicians; and adding better incentives to a flawed delivery system that currently rewards quantity over quality or service. Similar agreement has emerged on simplifying the marketplace so that consumers can easily compare health insurance plans, provider networks, premiums, and out-of-pocket spending to increase competition and empower Americans to make informed decisions.

Bipartisan support for removing barriers to coverage is another area of common ground. If we can eliminate pre-existing condition exclusions and break the practice of sharply raising premiums on people who develop health problems, we can ensure stable insurance coverage throughout each of our lives. Many also want to provide coverage to Americans who truly cannot obtain it today, either on the moral view that such a rich nation should do so, or from a financial view that it will curb the cost shift created when the uninsured are treated in emergency rooms leading to uncompensated care and premium increases for everyone else.

When Congress reconvenes next week, I hope colleagues return from home with a greater sense that this target is within reach. By shedding disagreements and focusing on practical health care reforms we also can cast aside lingering fears of a government takeover, runaway deficit spending, tax increases, or coverage for abortions or illegal immigrants.

I want to thank Nebraskans who have shared their views with me and to assure you I will take your views to Washington, I'll continue listening and that I will work for health reform that keeps spending under control, helps small business, enhances care, reins in costs and works well for Nebraskans.

Ben Nelson, a Democrat, is Nebraska's senior U.S. senator.

Source: USA Today

Sen. Ben Nelson, a Nebraska Democrat who has been a swing vote on just about every hot-button issue that has come before Congress during his nine years there, just told the Oval in a phone interview that a bipartisan health care bill can be enacted -- if President Obama is prepared to trim his proposal way back.

"It may be that the final version that we can do this year will have to be incremental and perhaps that's what we should be exploring," he said in a telephone interview from Nebraska.

Nelson is shown at right answering questions at one of the town hall meetings he held last month. After hearing from his constituents -- and watching colleagues hear from theirs -- Nelson said he is convinced that the expansive health care legislation backed by House Democratic leaders and a similar bill drafted by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (which Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.,chaired until his death last week) are doomed. "It seems certain leaders on the other side of the aisle are not interested in seeing anything pass," Nelson said, referring to unnamed Republicans.

Even so, Nelson thinks a bipartisan bill on a smaller health care initiative can pass. "We have to be sure that in doing this we're not adding to the deficit," Nelson said.

Among some of the ideas that the Nebraskan thinks would fly:

1) Cutting health care costs by pushing insurance companies to cover wellness and preventive care -- and thereby preventing some catastrophic illnesses.

2) Providing incentives to end the medical manpower shortage, including student loan forgiveness for doctors and nurses who locate in underserved areas.

3) Banning insurance companies from denying health care coverage for pre-existing conditions and raising premiums for customers who get sick.

4) Creating insurance pools that would make health insurance as affordable for small employers as it is for large ones.

"If small businesses have access to health care, that would be a major, major triumph and perhaps lay the foundation for completing the task," Nelson said.

Nelson welcomed reports that the president may ready to take a more active role in negotiating over health care legislation -- something Obama has thus far left to his former congressional collegues. "It probably is the time for the White House to give direction," Nelson said.

 

After meeting with several thousand Nebraskans statewide during a half dozen public meetings in August, I came away with a number of thoughts that I will take back to Washington with me, not the least of which is Nebraskans are on the edge of their seats over health care reform.

Anxiety over what to expect is why passions often run high surrounding the issue of health care reform, especially since people have heard a lot of myths and twisted facts during this debate. That said, most Nebraskans I have heard from want the same thing – cost containment without undermining the health coverage they now have or ending up worse off.

Protecting Your Interests

At each public meeting I carried my dog-eared copy of the six hundred-plus page bill so I could answer questions. People applauded when they found out I had read the bill, but they certainly didn’t need to because, after all, it’s my job to carefully analyze legislation.  However, I was pleased it gave them a sense of comfort that I was following the process closely in order to protect their interests.

Most of the Nebraskans at the public meetings did not want to see an increase in taxes or the deficit, they would like to see a slowdown in the rise of insurance premiums, and they don’t want socialized medicine.

Incentives to Improve Health

One part of the HELP Committee bill that the majority who attended public meetings did favor dealt with wellness. They liked the idea of incentives to encourage individuals to lead a healthier lifestyle which in turn reduces costs.

One of my favorite examples of this involves a large Nebraska-based company that is self insured. A survey showed that 51 percent of its workers smoked. To reduce that number they started offering incentives that lowered insurance premiums if they stopped smoking and did other things to improve their health. It worked. The number of smokers went from 51 percent to 11 percent and their insurance premiums went down.

Tort Reform

Many people at the meetings around Nebraska were interested in tort reform to reduce the number of medical malpractice lawsuits which would help reduce costs. This is something near and dear to my heart because Nebraska has what is arguably the toughest laws in the country. It happened in 1976 under the direction of then Governor Jim Exon, when I was his state insurance director.  I helped craft the legislation that has held down costs for patients and physicians, reduced frivolous lawsuits and helped recruit top-quality health care providers to our state.  Nationally, something needs to be done but it should not weaken Nebraska’s law.

I didn’t hear from anyone who favored reconciliation, which would jam a bill through Congress using a one-party majority, and I agree. Whatever bill finally emerges should have bipartisan support in order to provide relief for every American.

Something does need to be done to reform our health care system, if for no other reason than to control costs that are rising at an unsustainable pace, so I’ll keep fighting on behalf of Nebraskans and encouraging a bipartisan process which incorporates the best of all reform ideas.

Source: Sioux City Journal

SOUTH SIOUX CITY -- U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said he's glad the health care reform process has slown, so the best bipartisan bill possible that won't increase the deficit can work through the federal chambers in Washington.

Nelson told the crowd of 200 at his Tuesday afternoon town hall meeting at the Marina Inn Convention Center the bills being discussed in Washington, such as HR3200, have no chance of passage. He said the most defensible bill to be weighed likely will come out of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on which owan Charles Grassley sits.

"There a lot of talk about 'the plan,' but there isn't one," he said.

In the hourlong meeting Nelson heard from 14 people, primarily about health care. Nelson at the beginning asked how many people want to see no reform of health care and about 20 raised their hands.

A man asked Nelson how "we get a handle on all the bureaucracy that it will take to run this," and Nelson said his approach is enact the least government involvement possible through reform efforts. He said he opposes a single-payer system for all Americans.

The two-term senator said health care costs have risen far faster than the rest of the economy -- including health insurance premiums going up by 69 percent since 2000, while Nebraska wages have oNly gone up 21 percent in that time.

Nelson said no positive changes have occurred to make the health care system more responsive or to rein in costs, so there is a need to look at reform.

Linda Griffin of Omaha said she doesn't understand "the rush to push through" health care reform. Nelson noted he helped slow the process down with a letter he and five other senators sent asking to move off the Aug. 1 deadline for a bill that once existed.

Retired nurse Nancy Sivill of Omaha cited a need for some tweaking of the health care system, but not the $1.7 billion overhaul some have estimated, since the country can't afford it.

"Congress has been spending money all year on unstimulating stimulus programs," Sivill said to the biggest applause of the event.

Nelson also held a meeting Tuesday in Norfolk prior to appearing in South Sioux City and he's held six town halls in the August congressional recess. He said the meetings haven't resulted in some of the shouting and jostling of other national events, since Nebraskans conduct themselves well even while disagreeing.

Source: Omaha World Herald

For the past few months, Americans have been watching carefully as Congress has drafted legislation to reform our nation’s health care system. Recently, lawmakers have witnessed a pushback from voters who believe the process of reform has been rushed and that we may create a system that doesn’t meet their needs.

Lawmakers and the Obama administration must understand that because changes to our health care system would affect every single American, we each must have the opportunity to fully understand and question the changes being proposed.

Nebraska is fortunate that among our responsible delegation, the senior member, Ben Nelson, plays an important centrist role in the U.S. Senate. He’s not swayed by rhetoric or scare tactics. He brings common sense and facts to the table to yield solutions.

Let me be clear, though. We should all feel the urgency to find meaningful health care reform. With spending on health care exceeding $2.4 trillion — or 17 percent of the gross domestic product — and outcomes that don’t begin to rival countries that spend far less on health care, the system must be fixed. It simply isn’t sustainable.

Alegent Health continues to advocate with passion that systemic transformation is necessary and doable and that there is currently enough money in the system to provide care for all Americans.

Providers like us can improve the quality of care we deliver without increasing costs. By using the body of medical research that suggests there is a right way to treat various diseases, we are able to develop protocols that reduce redundancies and waste.

But unless we find a way to more fully engage individuals in their health and health care, the cost of our national health care system will continue to be unsustainable.
Policy-makers need to recognize this and develop elements of reform that encourage consumers to take more ownership of their health and give them the tools they need to wisely spend their health care dollars. Otherwise, reform will fail.

Special interests are spending millions of dollars on scare tactics to stall or even derail reform efforts. At Alegent Health, it is our hope that all Nebraskans will see these efforts for what they are and rise above them.
As a health care system engaged heavily in the dialogue about what must be fixed, we think it’s time that Americans set aside the politics of labeling ideas as “Democrat” or “Republican” and instead calmly discuss the good ideas that can create meaningful reform that works. And, we must do so in a way that gives all the information they need to understand and ultimately embrace the changes being proposed.

We simply don’t have a choice. We must reform our nation’s health care system. It is unsustainable in its current form, and if we don’t improve our system, it will break the back of America’s economy.

Nebraskans are fortunate that Sen. Nelson has a strong voice in this debate. And we are encouraged by his willingness to listen, to move judiciously but expeditiously and to seek forums to bring disparate views into meaningful dialogue and discussion. He sets an example for other politicians across the country about how to work together to solve problems.

We need his leadership, as well as the support of our entire Washington delegation, to find meaningful and successful solutions. This won’t be easy — it if were, we would have reformed our health care system long ago. But as a democracy, we must all engage in the discussion to find solutions.

Nebraska is very fortunate to have representatives in Washington, D.C., who will listen and work together in the best interests of all Nebraskans. We thank Ben Nelson and all our representatives for their service. We know that the votes they cast on this important issue could forever change the face of our economy.

August 24, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson said today that few Nebraskans attending his public meetings want Congress to do nothing to reform health care in America. He also said that bipartisan agreement already exists on significant reforms that would improve Nebraskans’ health care, while not increasing the deficit or creating a large new role for the federal government.

"While I’ve heard from Nebraskans expressing strong support for the President’s health care reform proposals, and from other Nebraskans just as opposed, and those who mainly want specific questions answered, when I’ve asked who wants nothing done the message is clear: Few raise their hands," said Senator Nelson who held public meetings today in North Platte and Kearney. "That tells me, while opinions vary, many Nebraskans want improvements in our health care system. I am committed to listening to and talking to people across our state, so that I can carry their views back to Washington for the continuing health care debate this fall.

"Nebraskans have been civil and serious as we’ve had open and honest discussions about health care, as I knew we would," Nelson added. "Once again, I’m proud to be a Nebraskan because, even though feelings run high on this issue, we are having a civil exchange of ideas."

Senator Nelson has been fielding several dozen questions and comments from Nebraskans at each public meeting, and explaining his position on key health reform issues. He’s also encouraging those attending the meetings and all Nebraskans to write to him and share their views.

Today, he said that he continues to hope a bipartisan bill can be developed this fall that will reduce the cost of health care and improve quality, while not increasing the deficit. Reforms also should help make health coverage available to Nebraskans now unable to obtain it without jeopardizing health coverage for 85 percent of Nebraskans who have coverage today, he said.

Nelson noted that already bipartisan agreement exists in Congress to promote wellness programs, preventive care efforts and expand health information technology that would streamline care, improve the lives of millions of Americans and hold down costs. There also is broad support for reforms that simplify and guarantee affordable coverage, to eliminate insurer’s ability to deny coverage or charge higher premiums because of pre-existing medical conditions and to improve the delivery of health care, he said.

"I will not support anything until I’ve seen everything in a final bill, and I think we should focus more on areas we agree and less on the most divisive issues in health care reform," Nelson said. "We have an opportunity to help many Americans struggling daily with health care issues, but we have to do it the right way."

This month Nelson is holding public meetings in Omaha, Lincoln, North Platte, Kearney, Norfolk, South Sioux City, and possibly other communities. Details of the meetings and other health care issues are posted online at: www.bennelson.senate.gov.

 

August 21, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced today that he has schedule four more public meetings across the state to meet with Nebraskans about health care reform.

The public meetings will be held Monday and Tuesday, August 24th and 25th in North Platte, Kearney, Norfolk and South Sioux City.

“We’ve heard a lot of misinformation about health care reform and the public is rightfully concerned. I’ve already met personally with hundreds of Nebraskans and heard from thousands more. These public meetings will be an opportunity for me to hear from even more people so I can be sure that Nebraskans’ views are included in the health care debate in Washington this fall. It also will enable me to answer Nebraskans’ questions and let people hear directly from me what my position is on an issue that affects all Americans,” said Senator Nelson.

The first public meetings were held last Wednesday and Thursday in Omaha and Lincoln.

North Platte, NE
August 24, 2009
9AM to 10AM CT
Media Availability: 10AM to 10:15AM CT
County Fairgrounds
5015 Rodeo Road

Kearney, NE
August 24, 2009
2PM to 3pm CT
Media Availability: 3pm to 3:15pm CT
Merryman Performing Arts Center

Norfolk, NE
August 25, 2009
9AM TO 10AM CT
Media Availability: 10AM TO 10:15AM CT
Northeast Community College
Lifelong Learning Center

South Sioux City, NE
August 25, 2009
1:30PM TO 2:30PM CT
Media Availability: 2:30PM TO 2:45PM CT
Marina Inn and Conference Center
510 East 5th Street

 

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

OMAHA - Sen. Ben Nelson spent most of his time answering fiction and fears about health care reform at a public meeting Wednesday that attracted an overflow crowd of more than 1,000.

Although plenty of anger and tension simmered in some of the questions, the audience treated Nelson with respect and remained civil and calm.

It got a tad edgy a couple of times, but Nelson's first in a series of public health care meetings provided a sharp contrast to town hall meetings in other states that have erupted in shoving and shouting.

Nebraska's Democratic senator will hold a health care reform session in Lincoln on Thursday at the Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital gym at 5401 South St., beginning at 3 p.m.

The size of the Omaha crowd provided the best measurement of the uncertainty and angst engendered by proposals for fundamental changes in health insurance and health care.

About 350 people, including Warren Buffett, squeezed into an auditorium on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus to hear Nelson. Another 100 or so listened in overflow rooms.

Outside, an estimated 600 people who were unable to get inside listened on a loudspeaker.

"I understand the anxiety," Nelson told them.

"I know you do not want to be worse off than you are today."

Nelson said much of the fear is driven by "people out there who are attempting to mislead you (with) so many myths."

Nebraskans need to "get the facts and truth," he said, "not just fiction and spin."

Among the "myths" he shot down were claims that the legislation would create "death panels" to ration or deny care, extend coverage to illegal immigrants and fund abortions.

Nelson, who may be an even more critical vote for Democrats now that Senate Republicans appear to be increasingly resisting a bipartisan bill, gave few hints about where he might ultimately land.

"We need to cut the (health care) cost curve," he said, while improving delivery of care.

What he wants to guard against, he said, is "ending up with something that makes matters worse."

Nelson said he prefers a bipartisan solution because that would produce "a much better piece of legislation."

Instead of shouting or interrupting, the audience chose to express its opinion with applause when a questioner struck a nerve.

One of the biggest applause lines came when a woman declared: "At this time, I don't trust my government."

But Nelson was applauded by other members of the audience when he defended the need for reform and reminded listeners that a number of government health care programs, including Medicare, already fund health care services.

Challenged as to whether he'd be willing to give up his government plan as a senator to participate in a new system created by legislative reform, Nelson said: "Yes. I may end up with a better plan. Quite possibly, yes."

Nelson remained resistant to a "public option" health insurance alternative, but said he might consider it as "a fall-back" if there are not sufficient private insurance choices.

Ron Beckman of Omaha, a retiree who is on Medicare, expressed some of the concerns of opponents after the meeting concluded.

"I am very concerned about the direction of our government," he said. "I think it is heading toward socialism."

Beckman said he believes his health care "definitely is at risk" if government plays a larger role.

"I'm on Medicare now with a supplemental health insurance policy," he said.

"I think that provides much better health care than the government alone."

During a news conference following the session, Nelson said he feels no partisan pressure to join Senate Democrats in enacting legislation.

"If pressure is applied, it will not work," he said, slowly measuring his words.

Source: McCook Gazette

BENKELMAN -- USDA Rural Development has awarded $1,351,000 ($993,000 loan and $358,000 grant) to the City of Benkelman to construct a new water treatment plant that will serve more than 1,000 rural residents. A $350,000 Community Development Block Grant and $245,000 from the City will complete the funding package.
 
"The City of Benkelman is very pleased to have been selected for this USDA Rural Development funding," said Mayor Harlan Cansler, City of Benkelman. "The City Council and I were stunned to learn that the recent water well project completed by the City no longer met the new federal mandates on drinking water. The unceasing efforts of the City engineers to correct the problem failed and it was determined that a treatment facility was required to provide safe and clean drinking water to the residents."
 
"The City of Benkelman is a very progressive community and Rural Development is pleased to assist the area residents to obtain safe drinking water," said Area Technician Natalie Furrow, USDA Rural Development. "The City has diligently explored all options available and worked hard to find the best solution for their community's water needs. We are excited to see this project get started and come to fruition."
 
"To obtain the grant monies was an extremely competitive process. The very low interest loan rate resulted in fairer and more reasonable water rates for the City and was very helpful in determining the overall cost for the City taxpayers," said Cansler. "The City Council and I especially appreciate the efforts of U.S. Senator Ben Nelson to obtain this loan and grant. We commend the USDA Rural Development office staff who were such a big help in completing the process. Now is the time for all municipal entities to look to USDA Rural Development to help with their water project financing needs."
 
The Rural Development loan is for 20 years at 2.625 percent interest.

Source: Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) With the national debate on health care reform growing more belligerent, many believe congressional centrists could hold the key to salvaging a plan.
 
But U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, a Democrat and potential swing vote, took a careful approach as he held his first forum Wednesday on the subject.
 
And he offered only a lukewarm response to a proposal by another moderate Democrat, Sen. Kent Conrad of North Dakota, to create consumer-owned nonprofit cooperatives.
 
Nelson answered carefully when asked if those toward the center would be able to wrest the health care debate from the fringes, although he has long prided himself on being able to bridge the partisan divide.
 
The goal is to ''try to find a way to be friendly to the process to get something that makes sense,'' but not pass something ill-advised, Nelson said.
 
His remarks came as Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., announced that a bipartisan group of three Democrats and three Republicans is on track to craft comprehensive health care reform that can pass a divided Senate.
 
Conrad, who was holding his own town hall meeting Wednesday, said he believes any headway will come from the Senate Finance Committee.
 
''The truth is, the Democrats don't have 60 votes,'' he said. ''If we're going to get 60 votes, we're going to need help.''
 
Nelson, one of the more conservative Democrats, has not been an enthusiastic supporter of the Democratic-backed health care overhaul plan. His position as a potential swing vote has drawn national attention to Nebraska, with competing groups launching television ad campaigns in recent weeks. That led Nelson to air his own ad assuring residents that he will only support a plan that keeps spending under control, helps small businesses and ''works for Nebraska.''
 
So far, he has not found a proposal he is willing to back.
 
Nelson has expressed concern that a so-called public option, which would create a government-run insurance plan to compete with those offered by the health insurance industry, would eventually lead to a single-payer, federal health care system a possibility he has called a ''deal breaker.''
 
He didn't write off entirely the idea of cooperatives, which would sell insurance in competition with private industry in a plan designed to replace the public option proposal. He noted that Blue Cross Blue Shield got its start as a co-op and acknowledged the success of some other health care cooperatives.
 
''I've talked to Senator Conrad about it,'' Nelson said. ''I want to make sure it will work.''
 
Nelson was an insurance lawyer and consultant before he entered politics and served as executive vice president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. He was also a former Nebraska insurance commissioner.
 
Some groups say his insurance background and the campaign contributions he has received from that industry could skew his perspective. Nelson says his lengthy association with the insurance industry makes him more knowledgeable on the issue.
 
More than 1,000 people showed up for his meeting held in an Omaha lecture hall that could hold only 350. Overflow crowds filed into adjourning rooms where they could hear audio of the meeting. Still others were forced to linger outside.
 
Such a meeting led by a Democrat in Nebraska long considered a Republican bastion would seem ripe for the same raucous shouting matches seen at other public meetings in recent weeks. But the most volume came from occasional applause from both sides of the debate and a brief clamor between two questioners toward the end of the meeting
 
Nelson said he never expected problems. He does, however, have eight more meetings to go through September.

August 17, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced today that he is arranging a series of public meetings across the state to meet with Nebraskans about health care reform.

The first public meeting will be held in Omaha Wednesday August 19, 2009, at the Durham Research Center Auditorium on the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

The second public meeting will be in Lincoln on Thursday August 20, 2009, at 3 p.m. at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. The meetings are open to anyone who wishes to ask questions, state their concerns, or just listen.

“We’ve heard a lot of misinformation about health care reform and the public is rightfully concerned. I’ve already met personally with hundreds of Nebraskans and heard from thousands more. These public meetings will be an opportunity for me to hear from even more so I can be sure that Nebraskans’ views are included in the health care debate in Washington this fall. It also will enable me to answer Nebraskans’ questions and let people hear directly from me what my position is on an issue that affects all Americans,” said Senator Nelson.

Details of the Lincoln Public Meeting:

DATE: August 20,2009

TIME: 3 p.m.-4 p.m. CT

LOCATION: Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital Therapy Gym, 5401 South Street, Lincoln

TOPICS: Health care and other issues important to Nebraskans

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: 4 p.m., immediately after the public meeting

Future public meetings are expected to be held in North Platte, Kearney, Norfolk, South Sioux City, and possibly other communities. The meetings will be announced when finalized and will be posted online at: www.bennelson.senate.gov.

August 17, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced today that the Department of Veterans Affairs has completed its review of the Omaha VA Medical Center, which identified significant space deficiencies, crumbling windows and walls, seriously outdated surgical capacity, and proposed five options for overhauling the 57-year-old facility. The study, which Nelson called for in the FY09 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill and secured an agreement from former VA Secretary James Peake to initiate, represents a major step forward in addressing the longstanding problems at the aging facility.

After meeting 10 days ago with current VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, Nelson said the problems outlined in the study today underscore the need to ensure that veterans receive proper care and justify the recommendations which have been made to overhaul the Omaha VA Medical Center. Shinseki agreed that the problems are serious and that he would work with Nelson to address them.

“While there are no surprises in the study, it clearly documents in detail what I have been saying for years, that the Omaha VA needs serious work to ensure our fighting men and women continue to receive the care they deserve. The deficiencies threaten to diminish the quality of care available to veterans in the Nebraska and Western Iowa region,” Senator Nelson said. “I’ve met with Secretary Shinseki several times and am convinced that this VA-commissioned study will help us secure the attention and funding to address the serious deficiencies at the hospital. The Secretary and I know well that Nebraska veterans deserve the highest quality care and we must work to ensure they have access to state-of-the-art medical care.”

Among the findings, the study outlines critical functional deficiencies at the Omaha VA:

• Significant space deficiencies: 42 out of 52 departments will require additional space
• Surgical capacity based on 1948 design
• Present space does not meet room size/privacy requirements
• A crumbling building envelope including windows, roof, and walls
• Air handling and HVAC system beyond useful life
• Overall refrigeration system rated F
• 5 separate options for overhaul requiring upwards of at least $500 million, including reconstruction, refurbishment and relocation proposals.

The 57-year-old Omaha VA facility faces a number of infrastructure challenges. Local VA officials in Omaha have sought funding for a major overhaul or replacement of the building.

Nelson has been working intensively for more than a year on addressing the facilities needs at the Omaha VA hospital.

Some of Nelson’s efforts concerning the Omaha VA hospital include:

March 12th, 2008 – Nelson and Congressman Lee Terry met with VA facilities personnel to discuss the Omaha VA Medical Center
April 8th, 2008 – Nelson invited former VA Secretary, James Peake, to visit the Omaha VA Medical Center
April 10th, 2008 – Nelson had a personal follow-up with Secretary Peake to discuss the Omaha VA Medical Center
June 9th, 2008 – Nelson organized a meeting in Omaha with Secretary Peake, Congressman Lee Terry, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, leaders from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Creighton Medical Center and key Omaha business partners to discuss the Omaha VA Medical Center
July 15th, 2008 – Nelson had a personal follow-up with Secretary Peake to discuss conducting a feasibility study on the Omaha VA Medical Center
August 25th, 2008 – Nelson announced a feasibility study commissioned by the VA to review conditions at the Omaha VA Medical Center
April 22nd, 2009 – Nelson met with Secretary Shinseki to discuss Omaha VA
June 11th, 2009 – Senator Nelson attended the Military Construction-VA Appropriations Committee hearing to discuss the Omaha VA facility with Secretary Shinseki
June 12th, 2009 - Nelson had a personal follow-up with Secretary Shinseki who committed to deploy his Chief of Staff to Omaha to survey the Medical Center
August 6th, 2009 – Nelson met with Secretary Shinseki to discuss the Omaha VA Medical Center feasibility study and updates based on the VA Secretary’s Chief of Staff visit.

The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System serves more than 172,500 veterans in Nebraska, western Iowa and sections of Kansas and Missouri.  The Omaha VA Medical Center offers both inpatient and outpatient primary and specialty care services. 

The Omaha VA provides inpatient, medical, surgical, and psychiatric care in addition to its ambulatory care services and clinical research programs. OVAMC has dual affiliations with the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University. The facility is authorized for 100 acute beds and 18 Psychiatric Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (PRRTP) beds. 

During the annual August break from Washington I will be traveling throughout Nebraska holding public meetings on health care reform. I have already heard from thousands of Nebraskans and these public meetings will give me a chance to hear from many more. It’s important to listen to their comments and suggestions because whatever plan is finally proposed must work for Nebraska.

I will not support anything until I have seen everything and there is no final proposal at this time that has the president’s support. The following are some general principles that will guide me along the way.

Control Costs

We must bring ever increasing costs under control. From 2001 to 2007, premiums for family insurance coverage increased 78 percent while income increased just 19 percent, with inflation consuming these wages at a rate of 17 percent. This is an unsustainable path, threatening the American dream and jeopardizing our global competitiveness.

Private market solutions

While some have called for establishing a public plan, I believe we cannot effectively resolve our health care crisis if Congress becomes weighted down by partisan bickering on the margins.  There is a growing consensus on simplifying and guaranteeing access to affordable coverage, eliminating insurers’ ability to deny coverage or charge higher premiums because of preexisting conditions, investing in health care workforce issues, and improving the delivery of care. 

It would be ill-advised to sacrifice the advancements which have been made on these critical issues by seeking a big government-run option that would pull Americans away from coverage they have now, with little more to offer than cosmetic improvements.

Employer-based system

Preserving employer involvement is one of the single greatest ways to avoid destabilizing the coverage Americans currently have. Employers help individuals navigate the insurance market, negotiate and advocate on their behalf, and help pay premiums.

State-Based Regulation

The state-based regulatory system provides local accountability and is an operational component from which Americans all stand to lose if it is dismantled or deteriorated.

Access portals

We need to empower individuals with transparent information about their health care coverage by creating state-based access portals, so they can easily compare co-pays, networks, provider quality measures and access to medical records, ultimately making more informed decisions about the coverage they deserve.
Encouraging healthful living and caring for chronic disease

Each of us must take personal responsibility for our own health and America’s health care system should provide individuals with improved tools and service to make better decisions about their wellness.

Elements For Reform

There is a lot of misinformation and confusion surrounding this issue and people have a right to be concerned. My goal, as the independent Nebraskan who has served you as governor and senator is to ensure that the final plan will reduce costs, increase quality, expand coverage to those unable to get it while not undermining the insurance 200 million Americans now have without raising taxes or adding to the deficit.  It’s a tall order but it can be accomplished if all of us work together.

Source: New Republic

In May 2001, one day after the news broke that Senator Jim Jeffords was leaving the Republican Party, rumors began to spread that Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson was contemplating a move in the opposite direction. The rumors made a certain amount of sense. Nelson was a conservative Democrat and personal friend of President Bush. And Republicans were desperate to reclaim the majority they had just lost. For Nelson, the circumstances were perfect ... to prank-call his press secretary.

He recruited the friend of one of his legislative aides to pretend to be a journalist, asking her to alter her voice to mask her identity. Nelson and his co-conspirators stood outside the Senate floor and huddled over the phone. "I just ran into Senator Nelson. He said he was going in to see Senator Lott and had agreed to switch parties," the caller told Nelson's speechless spokesman--who didn't stop stuttering in disbelief until he heard the senator crowing with laughter in the background.

Nelson--68 years old, a bit short, broad-shouldered with bushy eyebrows and a coiffed mane of gray hair--is the Ashton Kutcher of the Senate: He simply loves pulling pranks. "They never know when I'm going to strike," Nelson tells me proudly in his slow, grandfatherly Midwestern drawl. "The key is to play to their worst fears at the moment ... what keeps them awake at night. ... I'm selective as to my victims." Nelson has been playing practical jokes since childhood, when his antics included leaving a rubber mouse in his mother's sugar bowl. Decades later, as Nebraska's governor, his fondness for pranks landed him on a 1997 episode of "Candid Camera." Pulling aside random staffers and passersby, he told them he was thinking of renaming the state "Zenmar"--or possibly "Quentron"--and was barely able to contain himself as he watched their flabbergasted reactions caught on tape. "They thought that I had lost my mind," Nelson recalls.

Since arriving in Washington, he has pranked his Democratic colleagues with relish, frequently using his red-state roots as ammunition. While waiting to be sworn into Congress in 2001, Nelson was standing outside the Senate chamber with other freshman legislators, who were all clutching Bibles they had brought for the ceremony. Seconds before Hillary Clinton's name was called, Nelson approached her to ask which Bible passage she had chosen. "She whisked her head around in a panic--only to see Nelson laughing hysterically, because, of course, they aren't supposed to pick out a Bible verse. It's just there to place their hand on when they're sworn in," recounts Michaela Sims, a former Nelson aide.

Delighted with the results of this prank, Nelson played the same Bible-verse trick on Jon Corzine and Claire McCaskill when they were being sworn in. And, in 2005, minutes before Bush's State of the Union address, Nelson told Harry Reid and several other Democrats in the cloakroom that he had already read it, in advance of all the other senators. "They all got whiplash--they knew I had some proximity to the administration and probably believed I got favored treatment," he tells me. "The looks on their faces made it all worthwhile." Nelson has even coined a special term for his jokes, Sims says. "He calls them 'gotchas.'"

Lately, Nelson has found himself in the spotlight for antics of a different kind. During the first six months of the Obama administration, he has emerged as Capitol Hill's foremost apostate Democrat. The role was arguably years in the making. Days after the Nebraskan arrived on Capitol Hill in 2001, Bush sent White House aides to convince him to back sweeping tax cuts. "First they got Zell Miller," Sims tells me. "Then they came to get him." In the end, Nelson would become one of only a handful of Democrats to support the bill, helping to assure its passage. Two years later, he would sign on to another round of Bush tax cuts. In 2005, according to National Journal, Nelson not only was the most conservative Democrat in the Senate, but also had a more conservative voting record than five Senate Republicans. During Bush's second term, he would refuse to join Democrats in opposing the privatization of Social Security, while accepting Bush's invitations to watch DVDs at the White House and ride across the country on Air Force One.

But, since Obama was sworn in, Nelson's transgressions seem to have grown more dramatic. He voted against Obama's budget (he was one of only two Democrats to do so), criticized Obama's choice to head the Office of Legal Counsel, and vocally opposed closing Guantanamo. He also played a key role in helping to water down the administration's stimulus bill (although, to hear him tell it, he was actually saving the measure by making it palatable to moderate Republicans). And, on health care, he has assailed the public option, a central pillar of Obama's proposal.

All this triangulating has not endeared him to liberals. "When Ben Nelson reaches across the aisle, as he inevitably does, he can put together a bipartisan bloc," says one veteran lobbyist who's worked with Nelson's staff. "What that says is, 'I have a bloc of votes. You will come to me, and you will negotiate with me.' ... It makes for very frustrating dynamics in the caucus." Still, Democrats on the Hill have largely been willing to swallow their frustration because they believe Nelson doesn't have a choice. McCain won Nebraska last year by 15 points, and a liberal Democrat simply wouldn't be able to hold onto the seat. "It's a very competitive state, and he feels like he's gotta do what he's gotta do," says one senior Democratic aide. "We feel his pain, and we understand politically his challenges," reasons another. "Ben Nelson is our friend. What do we want--a Republican senator from Nebraska who's never with us?"

That Democrats would be so indulgent makes a certain amount of political sense. More baffling are Nelson's own calculations. If he is really so determined to safeguard his political future in Nebraska, why doesn't he just become a Republican? The GOP would be happy to have him, since one more seat would take away the Democrats' filibuster-proof majority. And his political philosophy would seem to place him comfortably within the Republican fold.

Yet, oddly, Nelson seems to have no desire to be anything other than a Democrat. Back in 2004, Karl Rove offered him the post of agriculture secretary, but Nelson declined. "I don't think I'm persona non grata among the [Democratic] party regulars," he says. "I'm not a lone wolf." Unlike Zell Miller, the infamously dour conservative who shunned his fellow Democrats, Nelson actively ingratiates himself with his colleagues, yukking it up with Barbara Boxer at caucus lunches and regularly appearing at the party's dinners and cocktail hours. Watching him defend his right-leaning positions with a "who me?" grin and a twinkle in his eye, almost as if he's mugging for a hidden camera, it's impossible not to wonder if Ben Nelson likes being a Democrat in part because he loves being a pain in the ass.

Meanwhile, the practical jokes show no sign of letting up. Last year, Nelson snuck into McCaskill's office while she was on the floor for a vote, plastering photos of himself in hunting gear all over the walls. And, when he spots Bill Nelson or Maria Cantwell in the subway between the Capitol and Senate buildings, he tugs on their jackets as the train pulls away, causing them momentary panic as they think they're caught in the door. During a phone call last week, he tells me that he's feeling newly inspired to engineer more mischief. "Now that you've helped me revisit this," he says, "I'm going to get going on it again today."

Source: NE StatePaper

At StatePaper.com we support the 1st Amendment, the 2nd Amendment, and, well, all the Amendments to the Constitution.  We believe in free speech and the right to bear arms.

We have read many of Judge Sotomayor's opinions and we are of the opinion that her approval as the next Supreme Court Justice is a good decision.

The vote came with some GOP support, nine Republican Senators voting for her confirmation:

• Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.)
• Sen. Lamar Alexander (Tenn.)
• Sen. Christopher Bond (Mo.)
• Sen. Susan Collins (Maine)
• Sen. Olympia Snowe (Maine)
• Sen. Richard Lugar (Ind.)
• Sen. Mel Martinez (Fla.)

The newest member will be sworn in by Roberts, the chief justice, on Saturday morning at the Supreme Court.  Sotomayor will then get right to work on the cases now pending on the Supreme Court calendar.

In spite of all the harsh talk about her record, a balanced reading indicates she will issue reasoned opinions based on solid precedent; a fairly conservative judicial approach.

Good vote Senator Nelson.

Source:KKPR

Now that the Senate Confirmation process is complete for soon-to-be Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor, lawmakers will again go back to work on other heated topics like healthcare reform. Despite attacks accusing Senator Ben Nelson of opposing health insurance reforms, Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson says he still favors a policy that changes certain provisions in coverage, like allowing pre-existing conditions. Senator Nelson says he will never support a full government-run health insurance program. He says private insurance can work.

August 7, 2009 – After meeting Thursday with Veteran Administration Secretary Eric Shinseki, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson said today he’s confident that significant progress will be made to address the Omaha VA Medical Center’s infrastructure problems to ensure that veterans receive proper care.

“I commend Secretary Shinseki for agreeing with me that the Omaha VA facility’s aging condition is a serious concern and warrants action,” Senator Nelson said. “We will continue working together for Omaha area veterans and I am optimistic that substantial progress will be made to address the deficiencies at the hospital. The secretary and I know well that our veterans deserve the highest quality care because they have done so much to serve our nation and preserve America’s freedoms.”

Nelson’s comments came after he and the secretary met in Nelson’s Washington office to discuss the Omaha VA hospital.

The 57-year-old Omaha VA facility faces a number of infrastructure challenges. Local VA officials in Omaha have sought funding for a major overhaul or replacement of the building.

Nelson has been working intensively for more than a year on addressing the facilities needs at the Omaha VA hospital.

Some of Nelson’s efforts concerning the Omaha VA hospital include:

March 12th, 2008 – Nelson and Congressman Lee Terry met with VA facilities personnel to discuss the Omaha VA Medical Center
April 8th, 2008 – Nelson invited former VA Secretary, James Peake, to visit the Omaha VA Medical Center
April 10th, 2008 – Nelson had a personal follow-up with Secretary Peake to discuss the Omaha VA Medical Center
June 9th, 2008 – Nelson hosted Secretary Peake, Rep. Lee Terry, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, leaders from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Creighton Medical Center and key Omaha business partners to discuss the Omaha VA Medical Center
July 15th, 2008 – Nelson had a personal follow-up with Secretary Peake to discuss conducting a feasibility study on the Omaha VA Medical Center
August 25th, 2008 – Nelson announced a feasibility study commissioned by the VA to review conditions at the Omaha VA Medical Center
April 22nd, 2008 – Nelson met with Secretary Shinseki to discuss Omaha VA
June 11th, 2009 – Senator Nelson attended the Military Construction-VA Appropriations Committee hearing to discuss the Omaha VA facility with Secretary Shinseki
June 12th, 2009 - Nelson had a personal follow-up with Secretary Shinseki who committed to deploy his Chief of Staff to Omaha to survey the Medical Center

The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System serves more than 172,500 veterans in Nebraska, western Iowa and sections of Kansas and Missouri.   The Omaha VA Medical Center offers both inpatient and outpatient primary and specialty care services. 

The Omaha VA provides inpatient, medical, surgical, and psychiatric care in addition to its ambulatory care services and clinical research programs.  OVAMC has dual affiliations with the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University.  The facility is authorized for 100 acute beds and 18 Psychiatric Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (PRRTP) beds. 

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

Nebraska is receiving $6.3 million in additional federal Medicaid funding thanks to the diligence of a veteran state legislative fiscal programmer.

"Just doing my job," Liz Hruska said Thursday.

Sen. Ben Nelson and Mike Calvert, the Legislature's fiscal analyst, credit Hruska with discovering and challenging a flawed federal allocation formula that originally denied Nebraska the extra economic stimulus funding.

Nelson took the state's case to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

The department announced this week it will correct the challenged methodology used to determine Nebraska's eligibility for the extra stimulus funds.

"I didn't know how it would all turn out," Hruska said. "But I thought it was worth a try."

Hruska, who has been a legislative fiscal program analyst since 1983, took her data to Calvert and suggested they contact Nelson.

"They would not have listened to a fiscal programmer in Nebraska," she said. "It would take a powerful U.S. senator to move the federal mountain."

Subsequently, Appropriations Committee Chairman Lavon Heidemann wrote a letter to Nelson stating Nebraska's case.

"That was terrific work on Liz's part," Calvert said.

"Liz caught it and challenged it. It was a real nice catch. She did a really super job."

Nelson said Nebraska "stood to lose millions in federal funds for Medicaid" under the flawed formula.

"The federal formula will now accurately reflect the unemployment numbers in Nebraska," Nelson said.

Those figures trigger the increased federal funding, which comes without the need for a state funding match.

"Nebraska's taxpayers stand to benefit from this change," Nelson said.

The disputed formula continued to use old December unemployment numbers to help determine eligibility during succeeding quarters of the year.

Source: Associated Press

MCCOOK -- The city of McCook in western Nebraska has approved a $70,000 gift to erect a statue of U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson on the grounds of his boyhood home.

The gift comes from the McCook Foundation via the Nebraska Community Foundation.

The life-sized bronze sculpture, called "On My Honor," will be of Nelson as a young boy receiving his Eagle Scout rank, flanked by his parents. Mark Graff of the McCook Foundation says the statue is intended to enhance at part of the city called Heritage Square.

The City Council accepted the gift on a 4-1 vote. The lone dissenter, Councilman Aaron Kircher, said he had concerns about the city placing a donated statue on private property.

The home where the statue is to be located is owned by Nelson.

Source: Nebraska Radio Network

Nebraska U.S. Senator Ben Nelson is still weighing his support for and extension of the Cash for Clunkers program. Senator Nelson says that he first wants to be certain that the funding source for the extension doesn’t add to the deficit.

“But, unfortunately, the proposed offset to pay for the additional two Billion dollars would not only come from the stimulus, but from the stimulus energy programs, providing loans for a number of projects, in biomass, hydrogen, solar - a number of areas that concern me.”

Senator Nelson says that he thinks it’s important to extend the program but the current proposal from the House isn’t appropriate.

Source: Politico

A coal and utility industry coalition has launched a major campaign pushing industrial and farm state Democratic senators to boost coal-friendly provisions in the Senate climate and energy bill.

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, a lobbying group reviled by environmentalists, plans to target Democrats at home over the August recess with online, radio, billboard and, likely, television advertising. The message: Coal power plants can be clean and are necessary to produce low-cost energy for consumers and business. One of its billboards shows an electric cord being plugged into a lump of coal with the slogan, “A climate bill needs to protect Ohio jobs.”

The coalition also plans to deploy teams to question senators at town hall meetings, advertise at state fairs and other summer events and visit lawmakers’ offices back home.

“As you see the climate debate unfold, there are people that are interested in only achieving emissions reduction, but if we don’t do that in a way that promotes continued economic prosperity, we will have not succeeded in developing the right policy,” said Joe Lucas, the coalition’s vice president of communications.

The group’s membership includes major coal, utility and railroad companies and claims a grass-roots force of 200,000 people, called “America’s power army.” Its annual budget is more than $40 million.

The climate and energy bill passed by the House in late June included tens of billions of dollars to promote carbon capture and sequestration — a technology heralded as “clean coal” by industry but questioned by other analysts who doubt its environmental benefit.

All the backing for coal, say environmentalists, increases the difficulty of cutting greenhouse gas emissions and getting new, cleaner fuels, such as solar and wind power, into the market.

“We have made clear that before this gets to the president’s desk, it has to address the lack of many measures in the bill to address the existing fleet of coal-fired power plants,” said Bruce Nilles, director of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign. “If the bill stands as written, we will oppose it, because it doesn’t address the pollution problems, and it doesn’t get you the jobs.”

America’s Natural Gas Alliance, a coalition of natural gas producers and pipeline companies, is also lobbying to make the Senate version of the legislation less coal-friendly.

The conflict around coal will increase the difficulty of passing Senate legislation for Democrats, who need the support of environmental groups but also must win the votes of moderates from Midwestern states that derive a significant portion of their energy from coal-powered plants.

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) said that his primary concern with the bill is the impact it would have on consumers. In 2006, Nebraska got roughly two-thirds of its fuel from coal, according to data from the Energy Department.

“The cost-benefit analysis of what it does to business, what it does to agriculture, what it does to private residents at a time when the economy is already in turmoil — those are questions you’ve got to get answered,” Nelson said.

The clean-coal coalition’s lobbying push, announced last week, also comes as coal power faces new obstacles.

The recession has hit coal plants hard, with analysts saying the coal sector will have to cut production by 50 million tons this year. A massive toxic coal ash spill at a Tennessee Valley Authority coal plant last December has also raised an increasing number of questions about the safety of coal plants. And a July report from energy researchers at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center showed that electricity costs could double (but might drop some over time) at plants that capture and store carbon dioxide emissions — the technology that coal supporters hope will be the next, low-carbon version of coal power. The coalition wants to expand the coal-focused provisions in the Senate draft.

The House bill would reduce emissions 17 percent by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. And coal industry lobbyists want to weaken those targets in the Senate legislation.

The coalition wants to maximize the number of offsets available, or the credits utilities can buy from low-carbon emitters to reduce their total emissions. Environmental advocates say the coalition is trying to stall the bill to prevent any significant new regulation.

But Lucas says the group wants to get legislation that not only would help the environment but wouldn’t raise rates for consumers and business.

“This is about getting the right bill. This is not about meeting any type of need to do this by this date or whatever,” said Lucas. “It’s incumbent upon us to show the world that we can design a program that will allow us to reduce emissions and at the same time have sustained economic prosperity.”

Green groups criticize the coalition for its work popularizing the term “clean coal” to refer to the technology of capturing and storing carbon emissions. Environmentalists, who are skeptical of the technology’s potential, say the term perpetuates the myth that coal can be a clean fuel. “They need new campaigns to be able to repackage an old dirty product,” said Nilles of the Sierra Club.

Source: New York Times

WASHINGTON — The secretary of transportation and the Senate majority leader both expressed confidence Tuesday that the Senate would revive the “cash for clunkers” program by voting to infuse it with another $2 billion, as the House did last week.

The Senate minority leader said the Senate would hold a vote, although he did not predict the result.

The Senate is scheduled to go home on Friday and simply getting the bill to the floor before then requires a consensus among the senators. If the bill were amended, it would effectively kill the program until Labor Day, since the House has already begun its August recess and would be unlikely to return to approve the Senate version.

But administration officials and Senate Democratic leaders said the Senate would approve the House version, giving more Americans a chance to get rebates by trading in gas guzzlers for more fuel-efficient vehicles.

“There obviously is a real pent-up demand in America,” said Ray LaHood, the transportation secretary. “People love to buy cars, and we’ve given them the incentive to do that. I think the last thing that any politician wants to do is cut off the opportunity for somebody who’s going to be able to get a rebate from the government to buy a new automobile.”

Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada and the Senate majority leader, said, “We’ll pass cash for clunkers.” And Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, who is the minority leader, said there would be a vote, but did not say how it would come out.

Even Senator Jim DeMint, Republican of South Carolina, a vehement opponent of the program, said he would not block a vote.

But it was not clear Tuesday evening when the Senate might actually take up the issue. It was scheduled to take up the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for a Supreme Court seat on Wednesday morning.

Mr. LaHood said that the clunkers program was still operating but would run out of money at the end of the week without a fresh infusion. Dealers around the country, though, said they had stopped making deals under the program because they were not confident that there would be any money left from the original $1 billion allocated by Congress. Dealers have mostly been advancing the amount of the rebate, $3,500 to $4,500, to their customers and waiting for repayment from Washington.

The dealers said they believed that about 250,000 cars had been sold under the clunkers program, but data entry has lagged sales.

Mr. LaHood said on Tuesday that 157,000 transactions had been entered in the computer system, with a rebate value of $664 million. The predominant transaction so far has been to trade in a pickup, S.U.V. or van for a sedan, he said, with the result that the new vehicles go 61 percent further on a gallon than the old vehicles did.

Some senators had argued that the terms of the program were too lenient, and that the government should specify tighter mileage standards. But the actual fuel economy improvement between the vehicles junked and their replacements were far better than the law required.

Another concern is when to end the program. Congress had expected the first billion dollars to last for months, but it was consumed in about one month. Senator Ben Nelson, Democrat of Nebraska, a fiscal conservative, said: “I don’t see how you ever shut it down. You just keep feeding the kitty and just keep putting more money into it unless you have a way to end it.”

David M. Herszenhorn contributed reporting.

I always look forward to August because I get more time at home with my fellow Nebraskans and this month we’ll probably talk a lot about health care reform. It’ll be good to be away from Washington. There, too many enjoy scoring political points and fanning controversy, rather than promoting civil discourse or honest debates to solve America’s challenges like this one.

Some, along with special interest groups based outside of Nebraska, have raised alarm because Congress didn’t pass major health reform by the end of July. They say delay will allow opponents to defeat it this fall. Special interests have accused me, in particular, of being in the pocket of other special interests simply because I think we need to take the time to get this reform right. Then, these special interests are using me as a fundraising vehicle, so they can push their agenda inside the Beltway.

Nebraskans Know I’m Independent-Minded Like They Are
Nebraskans know me and know better than to listen to outsiders. I have always been, like most Nebraskans, independent-minded. I gather all the facts and examine a whole bill before I decide how to vote, particularly on an issue that affects every Nebraskan. So, I am not going to stand in the way of real health care reform. But I’m also not going to stand for legislation that would hurt Nebraskans.

Health Reform Should Address Costs and Not Increase the Deficit
I’d like to hear more of what the President can support and I’m hoping whatever plan emerges will address goals I think are essential. One of the biggest economic challenges we Americans face today, across all ages, is access to affordable health care.

People who are insured are being hit year after year with spiraling health care costs. Premiums have risen 78 percent since 2001, while incomes have only edged up by 19 percent, leaving a big gap for Americans to shoulder. Health care costs are estimated to rise 9 percent next year. This is unsustainable. We need to lower the cost of health care and insurance premiums.

As we work to reduce costs we should not worsen the federal deficit, which is already far too high and could burden our children with a financial debt they’ll pass onto their children. Health care reforms, in my view, also should not undermine the health coverage that 250 million Americans have now, including 85 percent of Nebraskans. President Obama says the same thing when he says he wants reform that will enable people who like their health insurance to keep it.

Much Reform Already has Wide Support in Congress
I’m pleased to see that many in Congress agree that we must make health care more affordable, improve quality and extend coverage to millions who today can’t afford health care coverage. Also, if we can guarantee coverage, eliminate pricing based on health status and no longer exclude individuals for pre-existing medical millions of American families will rest easier, and healthier.

I’ll Be Traveling in Nebraska This Month Meeting with Nebraskans on Health Care
Over the next few weeks I’ll be traveling across Nebraska listening to Nebraskans about the best ways to fix our health care system. As always, I’ll assure people that I will not bow to cheap shot special interests and their negative attacks. Those attacks only serve to divide, polarize, lay blame and make real reform harder to pass. I want bipartisan health care reform and I will always put Nebraskans first as I work to achieve that goal which is within our reach this year.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

Sen. Ben Nelson said Monday he'll vote to confirm Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I plan to support her," the Democratic senator said during a telephone interview from Washington.

Nelson said last week he was undecided on whether he'd support President Obama's first nominee to the high court.

The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday.

In reaching his decision, Nelson said, he was impressed by the solid endorsement of the American Bar Association and by Sotomayor's extensive experience as a judge.

"The record shows she is not an activist," he said, and that she has "a great respect for the law."

Nelson said he's satisfied Sotomayor would not bring "personal bias or an agenda" to the Supreme Court.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

Sen. Ben Nelson said Monday he's open to considering health care reform options that gain bipartisan support in the Senate Finance Committee.

And that includes a member-owned health insurance cooperative that would serve as an alternative for private health insurance, he said.

"A cooperative approach is better than having a public option," Nelson said during a telephone interview from Washington.

"I've never said I wouldn't be in favor of a public plan, as long as it doesn't undermine the health coverage 200 million Americans already have," he said.

But Nelson has expressed concerns about a government option, or alternative, to private health care coverge.

Nelson is a centrist Democrat whose support may be needed when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hunts for 60 votes, the majority required to enact comprehensive health policy reforms.

"There's a lot of optimism among those working in the Finance Committee that something is possible," Nelson said.

"They are trying to find a bipartisan compromise."

Even though some Republicans have signaled their desire to wound President Barack Obama for the remainder of his term by denying him health care reform, Nelson said, he cannot view the issue in the context of supporting Obama.

"I wouldn't support something that was flawed simply because I supported somebody for president," he said.

"I think it's important we get it right."

The central issue is controlling costs, Nelson said.

"The biggest problem with health care is it costs too much," he said.

"Premiums are increasing at an alarming rate.

"Stabilizing the market by controlling costs is one of the most important things we can do."

Nelson said it's also important to extend health care coverage to those who don't have it.

"Let others debate whether it can all be done this year," he said. "But we need to get cost containment and stability in the market done this year."

Nelson said he'll not be swayed either positively or negatively by a flood of TV ads in Nebraska criticizing him for not supporting comprehensive reform that includes a public option.

Republican Sen. Mike Johanns issued a statement condemning the ad campaign.

"I am appalled by the misleading tactics being used in Nebraska to bully Senator Nelson into jumping on a radical bandwagon," Johanns said.

"Attack ads are not the way we do business in Nebraska."

Meanwhile, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee announced Monday it will be tripling its ad buy in Nebraska.

Source: KOTA

Senator Ben Nelson is pleased that the Highway Trust Fund Act has passed.

The new act will help keep Nebraska's federal road and bridge projects on schedule.

The Senate voted seventy-nine to seventeen earlier this week to approve seven billion dollars in funding to ensure solvency of the federal highway trust fund through September 30th.

Nelson says that passing this legislation provides much needed stability for federal road and bridge projects underway in Nebraska.

July 31, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson issued this statement today after President Obama nominated Nebraskan Deborah K. Gilg to be the United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska.

“My congratulations go out to Deborah and her family and to President Obama for making an excellent choice.  Deb’s substantial and broad experience as a prosecutor, County Attorney, and attorney in private practice will serve the citizens of Nebraska well as our next U.S. Attorney.  I look forward to her confirmation, and thank her for her willingness to serve her state and her country.” 

July 31, 2009 – Following is a statement released today by Jake Thompson, Senator Ben Nelson’s spokesman, in response to an ad running in the Nebraska media concerning Senator Nelson and health care.

“Nebraskans don’t need outside special interest groups telling them what to think. Senator Nelson has nothing but praise for Nebraska groups working toward health care reform. Unfortunately, he says, these outside groups undermine the sincere and dedicated efforts of people in our state.

“Recently, similar ads have run in Nebraska. Those ads by other special interests prompted hundreds of Nebraskans to call our offices, with 9 to 1 urging Senator Nelson to do exactly the opposite of what the special interest group wanted. In short, the ads backfired.

“If the impact is the same this time, Howard Dean’s Democracy for America will be sorely disappointed. Further, these scare tactics are certain to further divide the public on health care reform, make it less likely Congress will pass real reform and call into question the motives of those who say they want reform, but use the issue to raise money to try to buy influence inside the Beltway.

“Senator Nelson believes that while most Nebraskans want health care reform, they don’t want it rushed; they want it done right.  He has said he will consider a “public plan” as long as it doesn’t undermine the health coverage 200 million Americans have now. He supports Medicare, TRICARE and S-CHIP, and each is a public plan. He also helped establish Kids Connection, Nebraska’s public-plan health insurance for children.

“In the Washington debate, various ‘public plans’ are still being considered, but no single plan has emerged. So, it’s ridiculous to suggest that Senator Nelson is “leading the charge” --as the ad says--against something that doesn’t exist. 

“Nebraskans know Ben Nelson is an independent thinker. He also has a long record in the governor’s office and the U.S. Senate of bringing people together and working constructively so important legislation becomes law. Today, he’s looking to support bipartisan legislation that reduces health care costs, boosts the quality of care and expands coverage to people who can’t obtain it now.

“If this is an indication of the politics going into August, then health care reform may be dead by the end of August.”

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority is getting nearly $3.7 million in federal stimulus funding to build or rehabilitate housing for low-income people.

The office of Sen. Ben Nelson says the money spent on construction and renovation will create and preserve construction and other jobs.

The award was announced Thursday by the Office of the Fiscal Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Source: Sandhills Express

Tuesday, Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that Nebraska will receive $147,800 to start or expand rural businesses and to fund employment-related education programs. The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Nebraska will receive five grants:
 
-$75,000 to the Village of Cody
-$50,000 to the Arnold Economic Development Corporation
-$8,000 to the Loup City Public Schools
-$7,000 to the Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools
-$7,000 to the Bloomfield Community Schools

The funding is being provided thorough USDA Rural Development's Rural Business Enterprise Program that helps finance new and existing businesses as well as employment-related adult education programs.

Source: McCook Daily-Gazette

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Ben Nelson has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is sending $17 million to the Community Hospital Association of McCook as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

"The funding announced today is provided through the USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities program that helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas," said Nelson. "The much needed expansion at McCook's Community Hospital will assure that the people of Southwest Nebraska will continue to receive medical care in a first- rate facility well into the future."

Jim Ulrich, President and CEO of Community Hospital Association, said the $17 million low interest loan is more than half the total cost of the entire project which will replace the 35-year-old patient wing and add a new surgery wing.

Ulrich also praised the economic impact the project will provide the people of McCook now and in the future. "Construction activity during the next two and-a-half years will do wonders for economic development.

The completed project will continue to boost the economy by helping to attract families to a growing community," Ulrich said.

The funding is part of a national $130 million Rural Community Facilities Program designed to support $1.5 billion for loans and grants for essential rural community facilities.

Altogether, USDA has announced nearly $179.6 million in Recovery Act funding for community facility projects nationwide to date.

In addition to the $58.1 million that USDA Rural Development is providing to fund the 104 projects announced Wednesday, recipients will invest $41.2 million from other sources.

Sen. Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans.

Sen. Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

July 30, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson issued this statement today after voting in favor of The Highway Trust Fund Act, which will help keep Nebraska’s federal road and bridge projects on schedule. The Senate voted 79-17 to approve $7 billion in funding to ensure solvency of the federal Highway Trust Fund through September 30, the end of the fiscal year. The House earlier approved a similar bill.

“Passing this legislation provides much-needed stability for federal road and bridge projects now underway in Nebraska,” said Senator Nelson. “It will provide assurance to Nebraska roads officials they’ll continue to be reimbursed on schedule for these federal projects, and avoid delays of ongoing work to make Nebraska roads and bridges safe.

“At a time when our economy is struggling, we need to maintain the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund to protect jobs, and road and bridge building work nationwide. The legislation also sets the stage for the next federal highway authorization bill further safeguarding America’s critical infrastructure,” Nelson said.

The federal government has estimated that the Highway Trust Fund, supported by gasoline tax receipts, could run dry within weeks without an emergency injection of funding. Gasoline tax receipts have declined in recent years as a result of drivers driving less and as motorists have purchased more fuel-efficient cars and trucks, government officials have said.

Congress approved $8 billion in emergency funds before the end of fiscal year 2008 to keep the highway trust fund from running out of money.

Source: Omaha World-Herald

It's not clear when the Omaha Police Department will train the 20 additional officers it's getting with $4 million in federal stimulus money.

What is clear is that city officials are happy to beef up the police force.

“We're very excited to have this money come our way,” Ron Gerard, a spokesman for Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle, said after Tuesday's White House announcement. “Especially now, with what has been going on in town. Crime is still at the top of people's minds.”

Omaha lately has seen an increase in shootings and armed robberies, but the number of homicides so far this year — 14 — is much lower than the 23 that had occurred by this time in 2008.

The $4 million-plus that Omaha is getting is part of $1 billion in grants the Obama administration is awarding to help keep police officers on the beat during the economic downturn. Nebraska departments are receiving more than $5 million of that to fund a total of 27 officers.

The Omaha Police Department is authorized to have 813 officers but has 776 on the payroll. A 42-member recruit class, which has been delayed twice, is scheduled to start in November.

Deputy Police Chief Dave Baker said all 20 additional recruits won't be added to the November class because the academy can handle only about 55 people at a time. So the recruits likely will be divided between the November class and one scheduled for the spring of 2010, he said.

The federal grants, administered by a giant acronym, the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP), will be awarded to 1,046 law enforcement agencies from all 50 states.

About 7,000 state and local agencies applied for aid under the COPS program, which is part of the $787 billion stimulus package passed earlier this year. Each state is entitled to at least $5 million in COPS money.

The money allows for the hiring of officers and the rehiring of laid-off officers. It will cover three years of salary and benefits. After three years, law enforcement agencies would have to pick up the personnel costs for at least another year.

“These officers will go to where they are needed most,” U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said as the grants were announced, adding that distribution was “based on crime rates, financial need and community policing activities.”

Nebraska's top law enforcement official, Attorney General Jon Bruning, said, “Nebraska has some of the best law enforcement in the country. The additional support is important to maintain the quality of life we enjoy in our state.”

Lincoln, Beatrice, Dawson County and the Omaha Tribe also received some of the COPS money announced Tuesday. Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang said the money coming to his city means not having to lay off one of his force's 22 officers — a big relief for a community of almost 13,000 people.

“Oh, it's huge,” Lang said. “Everybody's very pleased.”

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said, “These stimulus funds will add new full-time officers to the streets of Nebraska. Our communities will be safer, and jobs will be saved and created. It's a win-win situation for our state.”

Source: KIOS

OMAHA, NE - Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson says a vote on health care legislation should happen after the August recess.

Senator Nelson says health care legislation is too important to push through Congress quickly. His comments come as key lawmakers working on the health care bill say a deal is close.

Nelson says he wants to hear what President Obama supports before voting on legislation. But Nelson says health care has to be addressed because costs are estimated to rise nine percent next year.

Senator Nelson's comments came Wednesday during his weekly conference call with reporters. Nelson also said Wednesday he won't decide until next week how he'll vote on Judge Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation to the Supreme Court. Nebraska's senior Senator says he wants to be sure Sotomayor won't be an activist judge.

Source: Associated Press

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson has cosponsored a bill that would have the Government Accountability Office audit and oversee the Federal Reserve's actions in responding to the U.S. economic crisis.

The bill, by Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, is called the Federal Reserve Credit Facility Review Act of 2009. Nelson, a Democrat, says the oversight in needed. The bill would allow the GAO to conduct reviews of any credit facility established by the Federal Reserve Board or any federal reserve bank, and of its establishment as the lender of last resort.

The bill also would grant government auditors access to all records and property of any such credit facility, as well as to its officers, employees, contractors and other agents and representatives.

July 28, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice that Nebraska will receive over $5.1 million to fund 27 new full-time police officers in communities across the state.  The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These stimulus funds will add new full-time officers to the streets of Nebraska,” said Nelson.  “Our communities will be safer and jobs will be saved and created.  It’s a win-win situation for our state.”

Five communities in Nebraska will receive funding: Beatrice Police Department will receive $158,607 to support one officer; the City of Omaha will receive $4,013,500 to support 20 officers; Dawson County Law Enforcement Center will receive $103,654 to support one officer; Lincoln Police Department will receive $679,136 to support 4 officers; and the Omaha Tribe Police Department will receive $170,381 to support one officer.  The funding for Nebraska totals $5,125,278 for 27 officers.

The funding is being is being provided through USDOJ’s Office of Community Oriented Policing (COPS), COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP). CHRP provides funding to address the full-time sworn officer needs of state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies nationwide.  CHRP grants go directly to law enforcement agencies to hire and/or rehire career law enforcement officers in an effort and to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.

According to USDOJ, CHRP grants will provide 100 percent funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years for newly-hired, full-time sworn officer positions (including filling existing unfunded vacancies) or for rehired officers who have been laid off, or are scheduled to be laid off on a future date, as a result of local budget cuts.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

July 28, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that Nebraska will receive $147,800 to start or expand rural businesses and to fund employment-related education programs.  The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These stimulus funds are an investment in Nebraska’s economy,” said Nelson.  “These projects will get people back on the job now and will set the stage for growth by educating future generations.”

Nebraska will receive five grants: $75,000 to the village of Cody, $50,000 to the Arnold Economic Development Corporation, $8,800 to the Loup City Public Schools, $7,000 to the Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools, and $7,000 to the Bloomfield Community Schools.

The funding is being is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Program (RBEG), which helps finance new and existing businesses as well as employment-related adult education programs.   RBEG funds can be used for start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.

According to USDA, Loup City Public Schools has been selected to receive an $8,800 grant to install a 1.8 kilowatt wind turbine on the school site to educate students on the importance of wind as an alternative energy source.  Students will gain knowledge on wind energy as well as learn about career opportunities in the alternative energy field and wind energy’s role in the economic future of rural America.    Loup City Public Schools is one of the first six school jurisdictions in Nebraska to partner with the National Renewable Energy Lab’s Wind for Schools program.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

WASHINGTON – A coalition of Senators is questioning if several new rules of the Livestock Indemnity Program will actually help farmers and ranchers if their herds incur losses from harsh weather.

The Senators wrote to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack about the critical assistance that the Livestock Indemnity Program can provide to support the livestock industry during a difficult time.  They specifically wrote about the need to come up with a more precise methodology to calculate death losses for non-adult beef animals and the necessity to set a payment rate utilizing values corresponding to the time when the livestock were lost, such as monthly or quarterly price points to more accurately determine fair market value payment rates for the lost animals.

The letter was sent by Senators Chuck Grassley, Tom Harkin, Mike Johanns, Ben Nelson, Pat Roberts, Sam Brownback, Tim Johnson and John Thune.  A copy of the text of the letter is below.

July 28, 2009

The Honorable Tom Vilsack, Secretary
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack,

We write today to thank you for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) recent publication of the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) rules effective July 13, 2009.  Livestock producers faced losses from harsh weather in 2008 and continue to face disasters in 2009.  This assistance is critical to helping support the livestock industry during a very difficult economic time.

Section 15101 (and Section 12033) of the Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) directed USDA to set payment rates under this program at “75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock on the day before the date of death of the livestock, as determined by the Secretary.”  In addition, the Federal Register notice 7 CFR Part 760 repeats this formula.  However, Farm Service Agency (FSA) Handbook 1-LDAP, page 2-46 dictates the set payment rates for Kind, Type, and Weight Range of livestock.

Non adult beef animals are separated into weight ranges of “less than 400 pounds” and “400 pounds and more.”  Many of the death losses this year have occurred from extreme heat which has killed heavy steers and heifers in feedlots.  These cattle can weigh upwards of 1000-1300 pounds.  However, the weight class of “400 pounds and more” would not come close to covering a 75 percent market value payment for livestock in these higher ranges which are close to market weight.  We suggest that the USDA strive to come up with a methodology calculating more specific payments for each animal as was intended by Congress. We urge you to work with groups representing affected livestock producers to come up with this more precise methodology.

In addition, the rule sets out that the payment rate is calculated using “nationwide prices for the previous calendar year unless some other price is approved by the Deputy Administrator.” During years of price volatility, producers may not be satisfactorily compensated based on market conditions.  Rather than the approach included in the rule, we suggest the USDA instead utilize monthly or quarterly price points to more precisely determine fair market value payment rates for the lost animals.  This revised approach should be used to calculate the indemnity rates for all livestock species, not just cattle.

We appreciate your assistance in making the LIP more equitable for our nation’s livestock producers.

Sincerely,
Chuck Grassley
Tom Harkin
Ben Nelson
Mike Johanns
Pat Roberts
Sam Brownback
Tim Johnson
John Thune

Source: eNews Park Forest

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that his amendment to increase access to compensation for injured servicemembers who require assistance in everyday living was included in the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act approved by the Senate late last night. The amendment -- co-sponsored by Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) -- was designed to assist families who need financial assistance as they put the brakes on their lives to care for a family member injured in the line of duty.

“This amendment gives the Armed Forces a better opportunity to provide for the families of injured servicemembers who really do need additional assistance,” said Durbin. “We owe it to our injured men and women in the military, and to the family members who help them – and us – with so much. I want to thank Senator Nelson and my colleagues for their support of this amendment.”

Since September 11, 2001, approximately 6,800 members of the Armed Forces have received serious injuries in the line of duty. Many of these servicemembers require temporary or even permanent assistance to carry out daily activities of life while they recover or begin the process of separation from the military. During this time, their families often leave their jobs and their communities to provide them with care, often at great financial and personal sacrifice. With this legislation, the Armed Forces will be able to provide compensation to assist families and friends for the care they provide to a seriously injured servicemember.

Durbin noted that many servicemembers are better able to recover with the help of their family members, and require less use of emergency care, institutionalization and veterans health system services in the long run. The program created by this legislation will also create a bridge to a strong family caregiver program in the Department of Veterans Affairs, an effort Durbin has championed in legislation he introduced in March and is working to enact into law.

The Durbin-Nelson amendment will:

* Make servicemembers with line-of-duty injuries or illnesses eligible for compensation.  Under the existing proposal, only servicemembers with “combat-related” injuries would be eligible.
* Broaden the definition of injury to include “serious injuries” as well as “catastrophic injuries,” which are considered the most extreme kind of injury. Expanding access to seriously injured servicemembers is consistent with the proposed caregiver program for veterans and would help ensure a seamless transition from the Department of Defense to the VA.
* Increase the maximum amount of monthly compensation, consistent with the DoD/VA Wounded, Ill, and Injured Senior Oversight Committee and an April 2009 Center for Naval Analysis study on the economic impact faced by caregivers of seriously wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers.

Source: durbin.senate.gov

Source: Omaha World-Herald

WASHINGTON — Defense legislation passed this week by the Senate included many proposals pushed by Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb.

One of those urges the administration to develop benchmarks for assessing U.S. progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“The American people and the men and women serving in Afghanistan and Pakistan deserve to have a set of objective measures for the U.S. strategy in that region, so we can ensure it is the best strategy to achieve stability and success,” Nelson said.

The legislation helps eligible retirees purchase coverage under the military’s TRICARE program, Nelson said.

It also includes a Nelson provision that was inspired by a group of Nebraska National Guardsmen nearly stranded away from home for Christmas 2007.

It would allow the Defense Department to pay for travel if a reserve or guard member is more than 300 miles from home and placed on leave for five days or more because of training suspensions or staffing issues.

The bill also aims to make it easier for military personnel serving overseas to vote in U.S. federal elections.

“We owe it to our men and women in uniform to protect their right to vote,” Nelson said.

Nelson, who is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s personnel subcommittee, touted a 3.4 percent across-the-board pay raise included in the legislation and an increase in the overall size of the force.

Nelson also cited the bill’s attempts to improve the military’s mental health resources, including a requirement that the defense department develop and implement a plan to increase the number of military and civilian behavioral health staff by 2013.

Source: KOLNKGIN

Friday, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson applauded last evenings passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 by the full Senate. The legislation addresses key personnel concerns and his call for benchmarks to assess progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"Im pleased to see it pass because it contains over 60 issues that I worked on as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee," said Nelson. "They all aim to improve the health care and services for our men and women in uniform and for their families, all of whom are sacrificing so much for Americans these days."

As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, Nelson held hearings to spotlight major issues such as military suicides, travel for stranded soldiers, health benefits, strains on military families and aid for wounded warriors. Nelson worked to make sure these issues were addressed in the final National Defense Authorization Act.

In addition, the legislation contains language of a Nelson-sponsored bill that makes it easier for service members serving overseas to vote in U.S. federal elections.

"As the chairman of the Personnel Subcommittee, I work every day to honor the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families," said Nelson. "In our hearings we discovered problems in health care, suicide prevention, and mental health treatment for our soldiers. This bill fixes problems we uncovered and meets the needs of service members and their families."

Two particular measures introduced by Nelson earlier this year, TRICARE Gray and Operation Airlift, were included in the legislation. The budget-neutral TRICARE gray measure ensures nearly 225,226 eligible retirees nationwide have the opportunity to purchase coverage under the militarys TRICARE health care program.

Operation Airlift, Nelsons other stand-alone legislation, arose in response to complications Nebraska service members experienced in December 2007.

Forty-eight members of the 110th Medical Battalion based in Lincoln became stranded at Fort Lewis, Washington, when training was suspended and the base was shut down for the holidays. Military rules prohibited using military funds to pay for their travel back to Nebraska until training resumed.

Operation Airlift allows the Secretary of Defense to use Department of Defense funds to pay for travel if a reserve or guard member is more than 300 miles from home and is placed on leave for 5 days or more because of training suspensions or staffing issues.

The legislation also includes Nelson-sponsored language to solve obstacles faced by military and overseas voters. The provision harnesses technology to speed up the voting process by allowing registration and ballot requests to be sent electronically, ensures that military and overseas voters have time to vote by requiring ballots to be sent out 45 days before the election, allows blank ballots to be sent electronically, and provides some flexibility to states who cannot meet the 45-day deadline, as long as they come up with an alternative plan to ensure time to vote.

The legislation also requires the Department of Defense to play a more significant role in facilitating voter registration and in collecting and returning voted ballots in cooperation with the Postal Service.

"We owe it to our men and women in uniform to protect their right to vote," said Nelson. "And for military and overseas voters, that right is only as good as their ability to cast a ballot and have it counted. I firmly believe this legislation will make a huge impact in empowering our military and overseas voters to have their votes counted, no matter where they find themselves on Election Day."

The bill, among its many benefits to military members and their families, authorizes a 3.4 percent across-the-board pay raise, 0.5 percent above the budget request. It also increased the overall size of the force. The bill also does the following:

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a plan by September 30, 2013 to increase the number of military and civilian behavioral health personnel, and to consider the feasibility of additional officer and enlisted specialties as behavioral health counselors.

• To begin to address the capability gaps identified in mental health care, the bill authorizes the service secretaries to add up to 25 officers each year as students at accredited schools of psychology for training leading to the degree of Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology.

• Requires person-to-person mental health assessments at designated intervals for service members deployed in connection with contingency operations.

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of military deployment on dependent children of service members, and a review of the mental health care and counseling services available to military children.

• Expresses the Sense of the Senate on various aspects of State implementation of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and encourages all remaining states to enact the measure.

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a task force to assess the effectiveness of the policies and programs to assist and support the care, management and transition of recovering wounded, ill, and injured service members.

• Authorizes travel and transportation allowances for reserve component service members on active duty for more than 30 days to travel from a temporary duty station to their permanent duty station and back again when training at the temporary duty station is suspended for five days or more.

• Directs the Secretary of Defense to report on the status of completion of various issues identified by wounded service members and their families and to report on the capabilities for electronic exchange of medical data between DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In addition to measures with regard to personnel, Senator Nelson continued to advocate for measures of progress for the new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. His measure urges the Administration to establish measures of progress for its new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan and to provide reports to Congress every six months. It urges the Administration to provide an assessment of each measure of progress by:

1. Setting forth the measure of progress being evaluated;

2. Providing data used to evaluate the measure of progress;

3. Providing an evaluation of the performance of the particular measure of progress and;

4. Providing a comprehensive assessment of how the performance of the particular measure of progress hinders or enhances the overall progress toward achieving the U.S. strategic objectives in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"The American people and the men and women serving in Afghanistan and Pakistan deserve to have a set of objective measures for the U.S. strategy in that region, so we can ensure it is the best strategy to achieve stability and success," said Nelson.

July 24, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson applauded last evening’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 by the full Senate.  The legislation addresses key personnel concerns and his call for benchmarks to assess progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“I’m pleased to see it pass because it contains over 60 issues that I worked on as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee,” said Nelson. “They all aim to improve the health care and services for our men and women in uniform and for their families, all of whom are sacrificing so much for Americans these days.”

As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee, Nelson held hearings to spotlight major issues such as military suicides, travel for stranded soldiers, health benefits, strains on military families and aid for wounded warriors.  Nelson worked to make sure these issues were addressed in the final National Defense Authorization Act.  In addition, the legislation contains language of a Nelson-sponsored bill that makes it easier for service members serving overseas to vote in U.S. federal elections.

“As the chairman of the Personnel Subcommittee, I work every day to honor the sacrifices made by our soldiers and their families,” said Nelson.  “In our hearings we discovered problems in health care, suicide prevention, and mental health treatment for our soldiers.  This bill fixes problems we uncovered and meets the needs of service members and their families.” 

Two particular measures introduced by Nelson earlier this year, TRICARE Gray and Operation Airlift, were included in the legislation. The budget-neutral TRICARE gray measure ensures nearly 225,226 eligible retirees nationwide have the opportunity to purchase coverage under the military’s TRICARE health care program.  Operation Airlift, Nelson’s other stand-alone legislation, arose in response to complications Nebraska service members experienced in December 2007.  Forty-eight members of the 110th Medical Battalion based in Lincoln became stranded at Fort Lewis, Washington, when training was suspended and the base was shut down for the holidays. Military rules prohibited using military funds to pay for their travel back to Nebraska until training resumed. Operation Airlift allows the Secretary of Defense to use Department of Defense funds to pay for travel if a reserve or guard member is more than 300 miles from home and is placed on leave for 5 days or more because of training suspensions or staffing issues.

The legislation also includes Nelson-sponsored language to solve obstacles faced by military and overseas voters.  The provision harnesses technology to speed up the voting process by allowing registration and ballot requests to be sent electronically, ensures that military and overseas voters have time to vote by requiring ballots to be sent out 45 days before the election, allows blank ballots to be sent electronically, and provides some flexibility to states who cannot meet the 45-day deadline, as long as they come up with an alternative plan to ensure time to vote.  The legislation also requires the Department of Defense to play a more significant role in facilitating voter registration and in collecting and returning voted ballots in cooperation with the Postal Service.

“We owe it to our men and women in uniform to protect their right to vote,” said Nelson.  “And for military and overseas voters, that right is only as good as their ability to cast a ballot and have it counted.  I firmly believe this legislation will make a huge impact in empowering our military and overseas voters to have their votes counted, no matter where they find themselves on Election Day.”

The bill, among its many benefits to military members and their families, authorizes a 3.4 percent across-the-board pay raise, 0.5 percent above the budget request.  It also increased the overall size of the force.  The bill also does the following:  

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a plan by September 30, 2013 to increase the number of military and civilian behavioral health personnel, and to consider the feasibility of additional officer and enlisted specialties as behavioral health counselors.

• To begin to address the capability gaps identified in mental health care, the bill authorizes the service secretaries to add up to 25 officers each year as students at accredited schools of psychology for training leading to the degree of Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology.

• Requires person-to-person mental health assessments at designated intervals for service members deployed in connection with contingency operations.

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of military deployment on dependent children of service members, and a review of the mental health care and counseling services available to military children.

• Expresses the Sense of the Senate on various aspects of State implementation of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and encourages all remaining states to enact the measure.

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a task force to assess the effectiveness of the policies and programs to assist and support the care, management and transition of recovering wounded, ill, and injured service members.

• Authorizes travel and transportation allowances for reserve component service members on active duty for more than 30 days to travel from a temporary duty station to their permanent duty station and back again when training at the temporary duty station is suspended for five days or more.

• Directs the Secretary of Defense to report on the status of completion of various issues identified by wounded service members and their families and to report on the capabilities for electronic exchange of medical data between DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In addition to measures with regard to personnel, Senator Nelson continued to advocate for measures of progress for the new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  His measure urges the Administration to establish measures of progress for its new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan and to provide reports to Congress every six months.  It urges the Administration to provide an assessment of each measure of progress by:

1. Setting forth the measure of progress being evaluated;
2. Providing data used to evaluate the measure of progress;
3. Providing an evaluation of the performance of the particular measure of progress and;
4. Providing a comprehensive assessment of how the performance of the particular measure of progress hinders or enhances the overall progress toward achieving the U.S. strategic objectives in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“The American people and the men and women serving in Afghanistan and Pakistan deserve to have a set of objective measures for the U.S. strategy in that region, so we can ensure it is the best strategy to achieve stability and success,” said Nelson.

Source: KOLNKGIN

Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson submitted the following statement into the Congressional Record today concerning the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act he co-authored with Rules Committee Chairman Chuck Schumer and Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss.

Nelson is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel. Thursday afternoon, the Senate unanimously adopted the bill as an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill expected to pass the Senate soon.

The MOVE Act will make it easier for service members serving overseas to vote in U.S. federal elections.

Senator Ben Nelson said,"I rise in strong support of Amendment 1764, better known as the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act. I want to express my appreciation to Senators Schumer and Chambliss for their leadership and excellent work on this issue, and acknowledge the outstanding support and contributions of Senators Bennett and Cornyn, whose involvement has improved this bill and whose ongoing support will help us enact it into law."

This effort has been constructive and bipartisan all the way, as evidenced by our list of 59 bipartisan cosponsors, and I am very proud of the bill we have produced.

We owe it to our men and women in uniform to protect their right to vote. And for military and overseas voters, that right is only as good as their ability to cast a ballot and have it counted. For years, we have known of the obstacles these brave Americans face in exercising their right to vote, often when far from home and in harms way. I firmly believe this legislation will make a huge impact in empowering our military and overseas voters to have their votes counted, no matter where they find themselves on Election Day.

Simply put, the status quo for these voters is unacceptable. It is hard for military families to keep their voter registration information current, and it is often difficult to deliver ballots to overseas voters in enough time for them to vote and return the ballot by the time the polls close.

The poor results from recent elections speak for themselves. In 2008, statistics from the seven states with the greatest number of deployed troops show that one in four military and overseas voters were unable to have their vote counted. In 2006, the situation was even worse: according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, up to two-thirds of ballots requested by voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Voting Act were either not cast or not counted.

We discussed these numbers and heard testimony from state and local officials at a hearing in the Rules Committee earlier this year. The challenges we face are significant, but a number of very excellent recommendations were made at that hearing, and Senators Schumer and Chambliss and I immediately got to work on a common-sense bill to improve and streamline the process for these voters. The bill we came up with was amended and reported unanimously by the Rules Committee last week. The product of that effort is now before the Senate as an amendment to the Defense bill.

Nelson urge the adoption of the amendment and I will push for it to be enacted into law in this bill, because as state and local election officials know, voting reforms need to be put in place well in advance. The way they see it, the next federal election is right around the corner. Now is our chance to make a difference for 2010.

This legislation harnesses technology to speed up the voting process by allowing registration and ballot requests to be sent electronically. It ensures that military and overseas voters have time to vote by requiring ballots to be sent out 45 days before the election, and allowing blank ballots to be sent electronically. It also provides some flexibility to states who cannot meet the 45-day deadline, as long as they come up with an alternative plan to ensure time to vote. In addition, it will harness the creativity of states and local officials by authorizing pilot projects to test new voting technology, with appropriate safeguards for privacy and security. The legislation also requires the Department of Defense to play a more significant role in facilitating voter registration and in collecting and returning voted ballots in cooperation with the Postal Service.

The MOVE Act, as we call it, has the support of the Alliance for Military and Overseas Voting Rights, which is a coalition of over 30 military associations, non-profit organizations, elected officials and student groups dedicated to ensuring that Americans abroad have an equal right and opportunity to vote. We also have the support of many other groups, including the National Association of County Officials, which is especially important, because having the support of state and local officials means that our efforts are endorsed by the people who actually carry out elections in this country, which can often be a thankless job.

I would like to thank all 57 of the amendments cosponsors, especially Senators Schumer and Chambliss and the others I mentioned who have shown real leadership on this issue. This amendment is bipartisan, non-controversial, and necessary to solve a persistent problem that has dogged our troops and overseas voters for years. We tackle those problems head-on, and I think we will see real, tangible results from this legislation.

It is our responsibility to ensure the right to vote for the men and women of our armed forces and others serving overseas; they protect our rights, and we have an opportunity today to return the favor by passing the MOVE Act. I urge the amendments adoption, and I yield the floor."

July 23, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson issued this statement after President Obama’s press conference on July 22 concerning health care reform:
 
“The President did an excellent job laying out the costs and consequences of not tackling health reform this year. I share his goals and am working constructively with my Senate colleagues to craft a bipartisan bill. We must provide relief to Nebraska families because health care costs too much, too many Nebraskans don’t get the care they need and many people in our state simply cannot afford basic health coverage.

“Already, there’s strong agreement on insurance reforms, improvements to care and new prevention and wellness programs that would benefit thousands of Nebraskans.

“The President must remain fully engaged and support realistic changes, while not undermining health coverage people now have or worsening the deficit.  We are close, and only the most partisan-minded people don’t want major health reform.”

Source: Nebraska Radio Network

President Barack Obama once again laid out his plan for Universal health care in a prime time press conference Wednesday night.

Democratic U.S. Senator Ben Nelson says,  “We must provide relief to Nebraska families because health care costs too much, too many Nebraskans don’t get the care they need, and many people in our state simply cannot afford basic health care coverage”.

He says already there are some agreements in place on health reform. Nelsons says we need to make sure we reform health care without deepening the deficit or undermining the coverage people already have. Nelson says only the most partison do not want health care reform.

A vote on Obama’s plan is not likely to happen before his August deadline.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

Sen. Ben Nelson said Wednesday he’s received assurance the federal government will help clear administrative roadblocks to stimulus road construction in Nebraska.

Nelson met with Victor Mendez, the freshly-confirmed administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, to discuss delays in funding city and county road projects in the state.

“Mendez assured me (he) is committed to solving the problems in Nebraska,” Nelson said during a telephone conference call from Washington.

The new highway administrator, who took office on Monday, said he would provide the additional technical expertise that may be needed to expedite the review process, Nelson said.

Mendez volunteered to meet with Nelson bi-monthly to deliver progress reports, the Democratic senator said.

City and county stimulus road projects in Nebraska have been delayed pending adjustments to changing federal regulations and requirements.

“Too many bureaucratic roadblocks,” Nelson said.

“I’m increasingly concerned by delays,” he said.

The Federal Highway Administration “needs to smooth the path,” Nelson said.

On another topic, Nelson said meeting the goals he believes are required for health care reform is “a tall order” for President Obama.

“The president needs to point out that (his plan) will cut costs, provide more access to health care coverage and improve the level of delivery,” Nelson said.

But reforms should not “detract from” the private insurance now held by most Americans, he said, and a legislative plan needs to have bipartisan support.

Furthermore, he said, it needs to “control the spiraling costs we’re all facing” and not add to the national debt.

Source: Omaha World-Herald

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama faces a “tough sale” as he prepares for a prime-time news conference Wednesday on his effort to overhaul the country's health care, Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said Tuesday.

Americans certainly are concerned about health care costs that are spiraling out of control, but they also want Washington to tread carefully, Nelson said.

“They want to make sure that at the end of the day, whatever we do back here doesn't make things worse, doesn't raise taxes, doesn't add to the deficit and I think they're probably not convinced yet that we can do that,” Nelson said.

The president needs to explain how legislation “will be able to reduce costs, improve care, find access for individuals who don't have it and explain why the 200 million Americans who currently have it, shouldn't be worried about losing it as a result of the health care reform effort,” Nelson said.

The Nebraska senator could end up being a key vote. He has expressed concerns about the measures proposed by fellow Democrats so far, while reserving final judgment until after the Senate Finance Committee finishes its work.

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON - A bipartisan group of six senators wrote Senate Democratic and Republican leaders on Monday seeking more time to come up with healthcare overhaul legislation both parties could support.

"There is much heavy lifting ahead," they wrote, saying the overhaul plan should neither increase the national debt nor hurt those who already have health insurance.

"We support the efforts of (Senate) Finance Committee members to produce a bipartisan bill, despite calls from both sides of the aisle to rush forward or delay indefinitely," they said.

"While we are committed to providing relief for American families as quickly as possible, we believe taking additional time to achieve a bipartisan result is critical for legislation that affects 17 percent of our economy and every individual in the U.S.," the letter said.

The Finance Committee leaders were to meet on Monday continuing their discussions of ways to pay for the estimated $1 trillion 10-year cost of the legislation.

Finance committee members Democrat Ron Wyden and Republican Olympia Snowe signed the letter, as did Democrats Ben Nelson and Mary Landrieu, Republican Susan Collins and Independent Joe Lieberman.

Source: Grand Island Independent

NORTH PLATTE — Several weeks ago we wrote that Ben Nelson, Nebraska’s Democrat senator needs to be involved in the health care discussion. After speaking with the senator this week, we are further convinced that he has a unique ability build a consensus.

Nelson is clear that there are several fronts on this immense topic. ...

He knows there are few, if any, more complex or more emotional subjects facing America.

And he knows it is also perhaps the most pressing.

Nelson would prefer to keep government out of health care as much as possible, and most of us would champion that thought as well. But as we have witnessed in recent years, regulation is critical as well. The manner of that, and the government’s role in successfully negotiating this plan, is the entire conversation. ...

There has to be compromise, dedication, vision and acceptance in fulfilling the goal of universal health care and maintaining the system that has produced this rather startling observation: We routinely expect to life into our 90s and beyond. Our youngest generation may well have an average life span of over 100 years. ...

Sen. Nelson also said in Friday’s Telegraph a comment we should also mind: "It’s more important to get it right than it is to get it done quickly."

Absolutely.

Source: Bloomberg

President Barack Obama, who has won three legislative victories in his bid to overhaul the U.S. health-care system, is now ramping up pressure on the congressional panel that may matter the most.

The Senate Finance Committee, which is seeking a bipartisan compromise, has failed to reach an agreement even as two House committees and a Senate panel cleared their versions of the legislation with only Democratic approval. Chairman Max Baucus said a deal will come this week at the earliest, a month after he had planned to finish a draft and get a panel vote.

Obama and Democratic leaders are meeting resistance from both Republicans and members of their own party over the more than $1 trillion cost of the legislation and how it would extend insurance coverage. It’s unlikely they can pass a measure without bringing around some skeptics, making Baucus’s effort to reach out to Republicans all the more critical.

“It needs to be on a bipartisan basis,” said Senator Ben Nelson, a Nebraska Democrat who met with Obama at the White House on July 16. “If we work though this process over the next couple of weeks, it’s possible that we could get something done.”

Obama, who has placed the issue at the top of his agenda, said failure isn’t an option. “We will reform health care,” he told reporters at the White House on July 17. “It will happen this year.”

As part of his attempt to win over self-described moderates, Obama also summoned Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, a Republican on the finance panel, for a White House meeting. Both Snowe and Nelson said they told Obama the Senate may not be able to reach his goal of passing a measure by August, a sentiment shared by at least four other senators whose support the president needs.

Won’t Commit

“I’m not going to commit to anything until I’ve seen everything,” Nelson said in an interview.

Nelson isn’t the only Democrat getting special attention from Obama. The president’s former campaign organization, now under the Democratic National Committee as Organizing for America, announced plans for an advertising campaign aimed at pressuring senators in Arkansas, Indiana, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, North Dakota, Nebraska and Ohio.

Those states are home to Democrats including Evan Bayh of Indiana, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, and Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor of Arkansas, who are often swing votes. The ads drew the ire of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, who called it “a waste of money” to attack fellow Democrats.

At Work Today

Baucus’s committee will begin talks again today. The House Energy and Commerce panel is continuing debate on its portion of a 1,018-page measure unveiled by House leaders on July 14; the panel plans to finish its work this week as long as it can contain a potential rebellion from Democrats over cost.

The health-care overhaul proposal by House Democrats would expand coverage to 97 percent of all Americans while adding $239 billion to the budget deficit over the next 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

That falls short of Obama’s pledge to ensure that any changes do not add to the budget deficit.

Representative Bart Stupak, a Michigan Democrat on the commerce panel, told reporters on July 17 that Chairman Henry Waxman probably doesn’t have enough votes to pass the measure. “Why would you give more money to a broken system?” he asked.

The two other House committees with jurisdiction over health care -- Education and Labor and Ways and Means --cleared their versions on July 17 without Republican support. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee passed its plan on a party-line vote on July 15.

Both the Senate health committee and House versions contain provisions that have been sticking points in the finance panel.

Public Plan

Each creates a public insurance plan to compete with companies such as Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group Inc. and Indianapolis, Indiana-based WellPoint Inc. Each includes a mandate on many employers to either cover their employees or pay a penalty.

The Senate and House are split on biotechnology medicines. Under the Senate health panel’s version, biotech companies such as Thousand Oaks, California-based Amgen Inc. and Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Biogen Idec Inc. wouldn’t face generic competition for 12 years after a medicine is sold.

The current House plan doesn’t have a biologics provision, though Waxman has proposed allowing generics after just five years. Groups representing large employers such as Peoria-based Caterpillar Inc. and Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford Motor Co. last week urged Waxman to reject “excessive” protection for the medicines.

Surtax

To pay for its plan, the House opted for a surtax on annual incomes of more than $350,000 that graduates to 5.4 percent on couples making more than $1 million a year. In the Senate, the question of funding is up to the finance panel.

The overall effort hit a snag when Douglas Elmendorf, head of the CBO, on July 16 said House and Senate plans released so far would fail to rein in spending.

Republicans in both chambers seized on the comments to criticize current proposals, as did self-described fiscally conservative Democrats. Elmendorf’s testimony “made it easier for us to stick to our guns,” Stupak said.

Senator Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat on the finance committee, said his panel will find cost savings and called the CBO analysis “a little bit wacky.” He echoed recent comments by Obama aides that Democrats can go it alone.

“Our preference far and away is for a bipartisan bill,” Schumer said on Bloomberg Television’s “Political Capital With Al Hunt” that aired this weekend. “If we can’t come to a bipartisan agreement, the finance committee will report out a Democratic bill.”

Source: Daily Nebraskan

As part of the federal government’s efforts to improve energy efficiency and bolster the economy, the Nebraska State Energy Program will receive more than $30 million to support renewable-energy projects and energy-efficiency programs from the federal-stimulus package.

The State Energy Program provides information and energy-efficiency services to consumers and other small energy users across the state. The $30 million will go to funding existing programs, such as $25,000 to the Wind for Schools program, as well as establishing new programs including developing renewable energy curriculum for Nebraska’s community colleges.

$11 million will go to the state’s existing Dollar and Energy Savings Loans program, which gives loans for energy-efficient building improvements.

Jerry Loos, public information officer for the Nebraska State Energy Office, said funding loan programs is a smart use of federal money because the programs eventually bring additional revenue to the energy office. As borrowers begin to pay back their loans and accumulated interest, the energy office receives more money it can use to provide even more loans.

“When we see a one-time funding opportunity, we realize it might not come along again for another generation,” Loos said. “So we think about how we can make a wise use of these funds.”

Along with creating a continuing source of funding for energy-efficiency projects, the stimulus money is also expected to create a number of new jobs that will help the state economy, said Tom Fazzini, press secretary for U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson.

Nelson was one of the senators who helped pass the stimulus package. The Energy Department’s funding proposal estimates more than 300 jobs could be created or retained  through stimulus-funded projects.

While the stimulus funding will be a big help to the State Energy Program, Loos said it does come with some stipulations. The funding is distributed in chunks, with $15 million already delivered and the rest of the money coming once funded programs meet certain performance requirements.

There are also some projects the stimulus money can’t be spent on, like new construction or research.

“It’s a balancing act in terms of what you can do under federal law and the goals of the legislation the funding comes from,” Loos said.

More than $6 billion of the $787.2 billion stimulus package will go toward state energy-efficiency programs. While state energy programs have existed in some form since the 1970s, Loos said more public awareness about the importance of energy efficiency has helped the programs receive more focus and funding from the stimulus package.

“Energy efficiency is the cheapest way to save money on energy,” Loos said. “If you’re using less, you usually wind up saving money.”

Price increases on fuel sources such as gas and oil have been a big factor in raising public concern about energy efficiency, Loos said.

“When gas is at $4, people are usually more interested in energy efficiency for their cars,” he said.

While the stimulus money will  only be a one-time source of funding, Loos said if state energy programs put the money towards strong programs with long-term benefits like loan programs, the one-time shot of funding could benefit these programs into the future.

“It all depends on how the funding is used,” he said.

Source: Star-Herald

Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska will expand its health center in Gering, thanks to federal stimulus funds.

Over the next two years, community health centers across the nation will receive $2 billion in stimulus funds. Recently, Community Action Partnership got word that the nonprofit organization will receive $503,505 in Construction and Improvement Project funds, health director Jeff Tracy said. The help will pay for the majority of a proposed expansion and construction project.

The proposed project calls for the construction of two new dental examination rooms and equipment, two new medical exam rooms, four new office spaces for billing staff and an eligibility worker. Equipment purchases will include the purchase of a van for Community Action Partnership’s Migrant Health program, a microscope for ENT procedures and a generator. Jan Fitts, executive director of Community Health Partnership, said the generator is a key equipment purchase for a major medical facility such as Community Action Partnership. Community Action Partnership is part of the region’s emergency response efforts and the $70,000 generator will help keep the clinic and its operations powered in the event of an emergency or power outage.

The community health clinic facility was last expanded in 2002, when additional space was added on the east and west ends of the facility. At that time, Fitts said, Community Action Partnership garnered a Peter Kiewit Foundation grant and collected matching donations from the community. With the help of the stimulus funds, Community Action Partnership will be able to do a project that Fitts said is critical as the facility adds a physician. The facility is already “busting at the seams” with patients needing medical and dental care, she said.

In 2008, more than 7,253 unduplicated patients received medical and dental care through 10 programs offered by Community Action Partnership. The number of uninsured patients goes up each year. In 2005, 47 percent of the patients served by Community Action Partnership were uninsured, and that number climbed to 57 percent in 2008. Tracy said he expects Community Action Partnership to see the number of its uninsured patients climb to or above 60 percent this year, which he said makes it more difficult to cover the cost of patient care. Stimulus funds are a big help, he said.

“This project would not be able to be done right now without the stimulus funds,” Tracy said. “This project was not on the drawing board. But, we do struggle for space there, so eventually we would have had to do something. This allowed us to do this project now.”

There are a few tasks to be completed before the project gets under way, including an environmental study of the site and an application process with the State Historical Preservation office. Fitts said the project will also undergo a bidding process.

“As a commitment to our own community, we try to find vendors in our community,” Fitts said. With the organization serving communities throughout the Panhandle, potential bidders could come from a variety of communities.

Community Action Partnership hopes to see the expansion and construction project complete by October 2010, Tracy said.

Fitts and Tracy lauded the efforts of Sen. Ben Nelson who they said put great effort into making sure that community health centers throughout the nation benefited from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Congressman Adrian Smith has been a supporter of the center, as well, Tracy said.

“I also assured him that I am working to be constructive and to move the process forward, so we can develop bipartisan reform that reduces the cost of health care, raises the quality, expands choices and extends coverage to those who cannot attain it today.  While we pursue those goals we must not detrimentally impact those with health insurance or worsen the national debt.” 
~ Senator Nelson on his meeting with President Obama about health care ~

SENATORS NELSON, SNOWE, LIEBERMAN, COLLINS, LANDRIEU AND WYDEN SEND LETTER TO SENATE LEADERS URGING BIPARTISANSHIP IN HEALTH REFORM
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, a bipartisan group of senators sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urging bipartisanship in addressing comprehensive health care reform.

In their letter to Senate leaders the senators wrote that “we are firmly committed to enactment of comprehensive reform this year” and urged the leaders “to resist timelines which prevent us from achieving the best result.”

The text of the letter follows:
The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader
United States Senate

Dear Senators Reid and McConnell:

In the current debate about our health care system, we are firmly committed to enactment of comprehensive reform this year.  That reform must reduce premiums and administrative costs, expand choices, and increase coverage for all Americans. We are eager to work constructively with Senate leadership and agree that this is an historic opportunity which makes it imperative to proceed thoughtfully and responsibly. Our efforts will affect virtually every American.

The American people expect us to adopt comprehensive health reform that addresses the priorities we have outlined without detrimentally affecting those who have health insurance or increasing the national debt. This week, Congressional Budget Office Director Doug Elmendorf testified that the currently introduced health reform bills will not reduce costs.  We are faced with the dual challenges of pressing ahead to pass legislation by the end of the year and to produce the reform the American people need.

We appreciate the work that has been done by Senators on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and Finance committees, but in view of the Budget Director’s statement, there is much heavy lifting ahead.  We support the efforts of Finance Committee members to produce a bipartisan bill, despite calls from both sides of the aisle to rush forward or delay indefinitely. While we are committed to providing relief for American families as quickly as possible, we believe taking additional time to achieve a bipartisan result is critical for legislation that affects 17 percent of our economy and every individual in the U.S.
We look forward to working with you to develop legislation that is vital to the well-being of the American people and urge you to resist timelines which prevent us from achieving the best result. This opportunity is rare and the impact will last for generations.

Sincerely,

Ben Nelson
United States Senator

Olympia J. Snowe
United States Senator

Joseph I. Lieberman
United States Senator

Susan M. Collins
United States Senator

Mary L. Landrieu
United States Senator

Ron Wyden
United States Senator

NELSON STATEMENT ON HEALTH CARE MEETING AT THE WHITE HOUSE
July 16, 2009 – After meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House today to discuss health care reform efforts, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson released the following statement:

“I appreciated the President’s invitation and I feel we had a very good meeting today at the White House about the need for real health care reform that improves the lives of all Americans.

“The President sought my views on where things stand in Congress, which we discussed.  For my part, I suggested we not impose an arbitrary deadline to get something done.

“I also assured him that I am working to be constructive and to move the process forward, so we can develop bipartisan reform that reduces the cost of health care, raises the quality, expands choices and extends coverage to those who cannot attain it today.  While we pursue those goals we must not detrimentally impact those with health insurance or worsen the national debt.

“I don’t know if all of that’s possible. So I made it clear to the President I can’t support anything until I’ve seen everything. I do remain hopeful and believe we are making good progress.”

NELSON: MORE THAN $1.7 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDS FOR OMAHA AND LINCOLN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
July 16, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that Nebraska will receive more than $1.7 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support community and economic development. Omaha will receive $1,317,713 and Lincoln will receive $474,644 as part of the program, which is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These stimulus funds will encourage community development and produce jobs for Nebraskans,” said Senator Nelson. “The investment in these communities is a positive step forward during this difficult economic time.”

According to HUD, Community Development Block Grants enable state and local governments to undertake a wide range of activities intended to create suitable living environments, provide affordable housing and create economic opportunities.  The rehabilitation of affordable housing and the construction and improvement of public facilities have traditionally been the largest uses of CDBG funds although the program is also an important catalyst for job growth and business opportunities.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

NELSON: MORE THAN $1.7 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY REBATES
July 14, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that Nebraska is eligible to receive more than $1.7 million to support rebates for Nebraskans who replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR efficient models.  The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These stimulus funds will help reduce energy usage, support the economy, and create jobs,” said Nelson.  “By helping families replace old energy-intensive appliances with new efficient models, the rebate program will also save them money.”

To receive the money, the state is required to submit a plan that specifies which ENERGY STAR appliance categories will be included in its rebate program, the rebate level for each product type, how the rebates will be processed, and their plan for recycling old appliances.  States must file an initial application expressing their intent to participate by August 15, 2009, followed by a full application by October 15, 2009.

According to the Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR qualified appliance categories that could be eligible for rebates include: central air conditioners, heat pumps (air source and geothermal), boilers, furnaces (oil and gas), room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

NELSON CALLS ON USDA TO ASSIST IN CATTLE DEPOPULATION
July 14, 2009 – In a letter sent today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson called on Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to provide needed funds to depopulate a herd of Nebraska cattle infected with bovine tuberculosis.  In the letter, Nelson requests that the Secretary use his authority “to address this clear and immediate need.”

“The livestock industry is a critical component of Nebraska’s economy,” said Nelson.  “USDA has a history of assisting states in similar situations, and today I’m calling on them to act accordingly.  The importance of beef production to Nebraska cannot be overstated.  By depopulating the affected herd, Nebraska livestock producers can move forward without the threat of losing TB-free status.”

Under the Animal Health Protection Act, the Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to transfer funds from other USDA and Commodity Credit Corporation accounts to pay indemnities for the depopulation of herds infected with TB.  In fiscal year 2008, USDA spent $921,920 to indemnify four Minnesota herds infected with TB.

Senator Nelson was joined on the letter by fellow Nebraska congressional delegation members Senator Mike Johanns, Representative Jeff Fortenberry, Representative Lee Terry, and Representative Adrian Smith.

The full text of the letter is below:

July 14, 2009

The Honorable Tom Vilsack
United States Department of Agriculture
14th and Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

Thank you for your assistance thus far with addressing the recent bovine tuberculosis (TB) finding in Nebraska.  However, we are concerned that funding has not been provided to cover the costs of depopulating the initially infected cattle herd. 

As you know, under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. § 8316), you have the authority to transfer funds from other USDA and Commodity Credit Corporation accounts to pay indemnities for the depopulation of herds infected with TB.  We respectfully request that you utilize this authority to address this clear and immediate need. 

USDA has a clear history of using this authority “in connection with an emergency under which a pest or disease of livestock threatens any segment of agricultural production in the United States.”  We wholeheartedly believe that the current TB situation in Nebraska exceeds this statutory requirement.

USDA spent a total of $921,920 on indemnifying four Minnesota herds in fiscal year 2008.  Of that amount, $343,848 was from appropriated funding and $578,072 was Commodity Credit Corporation funding.   The Department’s previous record on TB is clear—please act accordingly to ensure that Nebraska’s producers receive the same treatment as others have in the past.  To do otherwise would be unfair and inequitable.

Depopulation of the TB-infected herd is critical to the economic vitality of our beef industry.  Because Nebraska law prohibits the state from paying indemnity for any animal destroyed as a result of being affected with bovine TB, federal assistance is the sole source of livestock indemnity funding.  Additionally, TB has affected other states, including California, Minnesota, Colorado, South Dakota, and Texas.  This problem could impact the beef industry nationwide, and it is critical that we do everything possible to eliminate it immediately.

We are grateful for your attention to this matter and would appreciate the courtesy of a prompt response.

Sincerely,

Senator Mike Johanns Senator Ben Nelson

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry Congressman Lee Terry Congressman Adrian Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, a bipartisan group of senators sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urging bipartisanship in addressing comprehensive health care reform.

In their letter to Senate leaders the senators wrote that “we are firmly committed to enactment of comprehensive reform this year” and urged the leaders “to resist timelines which prevent us from achieving the best result.”

The text of the letter follows:

The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
United States Senate 

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader
United States Senate

Dear Senators Reid and McConnell:

In the current debate about our health care system, we are firmly committed to enactment of comprehensive reform this year.  That reform must reduce premiums and administrative costs, expand choices, and increase coverage for all Americans. We are eager to work constructively with Senate leadership and agree that this is an historic opportunity which makes it imperative to proceed thoughtfully and responsibly. Our efforts will affect virtually every American.

The American people expect us to adopt comprehensive health reform that addresses the priorities we have outlined without detrimentally affecting those who have health insurance or increasing the national debt. This week, Congressional Budget Office Director Doug Elmendorf testified that the currently introduced health reform bills will not reduce costs.  We are faced with the dual challenges of pressing ahead to pass legislation by the end of the year and to produce the reform the American people need. 

We appreciate the work that has been done by Senators on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and Finance committees, but in view of the Budget Director’s statement, there is much heavy lifting ahead.  We support the efforts of Finance Committee members to produce a bipartisan bill, despite calls from both sides of the aisle to rush forward or delay indefinitely. While we are committed to providing relief for American families as quickly as possible, we believe taking additional time to achieve a bipartisan result is critical for legislation that affects 17 percent of our economy and every individual in the U.S.

We look forward to working with you to develop legislation that is vital to the well-being of the American people and urge you to resist timelines which prevent us from achieving the best result. This opportunity is rare and the impact will last for generations.

Sincerely,

Ben Nelson
United States Senator

Olympia J. Snowe
United States Senator

Joseph I. Lieberman
United States Senator

Susan M. Collins
United States Senator

Mary L. Landrieu
United States Senator

Ron Wyden
United States Senator

July 16, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that Nebraska will receive more than $1.7 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support community and economic development. Omaha will receive $1,317,713 and Lincoln will receive $474,644 as part of the program, which is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These stimulus funds will encourage community development and produce jobs for Nebraskans,” said Senator Nelson. “The investment in these communities is a positive step forward during this difficult economic time.”

According to HUD, Community Development Block Grants enable state and local governments to undertake a wide range of activities intended to create suitable living environments, provide affordable housing and create economic opportunities.  The rehabilitation of affordable housing and the construction and improvement of public facilities have traditionally been the largest uses of CDBG funds although the program is also an important catalyst for job growth and business opportunities.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

Source: Grant Tribune Sentinel

Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Education that $47.8 million in stimulus funding will be added to existing Title 1 funds being made available to school districts across the state for a total $115 million investment.   

Perkins County Schools and Wallace School are among districts that will receive the assistance.   

“These stimulus funds will help Nebraska school districts meet the needs of their students in the midst of funding problems brought on by the economic downturn,” said Nelson. “A quality education serves as the foundation for a prosperous and successful future.  By ensuring continued funding for financially strapped schools, these stimulus funds are being put to good use.”   

The funds are being made available as part of the Title I program, which provide financial assistance to local educational agencies for services that improve the teaching and learning of children at risk of not meeting challenging State academic achievement standards, especially those children who reside in areas with high concentrations of children from low-income families.    

The funds are distributed using four formulas: basic grants, concentration grants, targeted grants, and education finance incentive grants.  Each formula uses specific criteria such as the number of students, families above and below the poverty line, and number of children in foster homes to determine the amount of the funding.   

The funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) investment, also known as the stimulus bill. Perkins County Schools will receive $55,894 and Wallace gets $15,620.    

Other schools in the region receiving stimulus funds include: Chase County Schools ($33,182), Dundy County Public Schools ($65,519), Hershey Public Schools ($30,241), Ogallala Public Schools ($101,524), Paxton Consolidated Schools ($28,423), Sutherland Public Schools ($25,968).    

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans.    

Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law Feb. 17, 2009.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will send more than $1.7 million in Community Development Block Grants to support community and economic development in Nebraska.

Omaha will get $1,317,713 and Lincoln $474,644 as part of the program, which is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Sen. Ben Nelson’s office announced Thursday.

Rehabilitation of affordable housing and construction and improvement of public facilities have traditionally been the largest uses of CDBG funds, but the  program is also a catalyst for job growth and business opportunities.

Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his Web site as it becomes available. See http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm.

Source: Omaha World Herald

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama had Sen. Ben Nelson over to the White House on Thursday for a little chat about health care reform, but the Nebraska Democrat said after their meeting that it was no arm-twisting session.

“I didn’t take a sling and I didn’t need one,” Nelson joked.

The health care debate has been intensifying on Capitol Hill with draft legislation making its way through both the House and Senate.

Obama, meanwhile, has stepped up his efforts to get Congress to act. That included meetings this week with Republican lawmakers.
Advertising

His political organization also is running 30-second TV ads in Nebraska and elsewhere to pressure Nelson and other key senators to get on board.

The White House and Democrats in Congress have touted the benefits of creating a new public health insurance plan. The idea is that such a plan would hold the private sector accountable by providing them with more competition and drive down health care costs.

Nelson is considered a potential “no” vote on such a plan, however, after highlighting what he sees as the potential pitfalls of a wide-open public option. Nelson says such an approach would undermine the coverage that many Americans already have.

Still, Nelson described Thursday’s half-hour oval office sit-down with Obama as a “very good discussion about the need for real health reform.”

Nelson said he wants to work constructively to accomplish the same goals identified by the Obama administration:

— Reduce health care costs.

— Raise the quality of care.

— Expand choices for Americans.

— Extend coverage to those who are uninsured now.

While the goals may be the same, the preferred methods could end up varying greatly.

Nelson said that even though some federal action is necessary, much can be accomplished at the state level. He said that he pointed out to Obama that insurance already is regulated at the state level.

“That business of holding them accountable and forcing competition – certainly can be accomplished by the state insurance regulators of the various jurisdictions,” Nelson said.

Problems with the current system do exist, he said, citing the exclusion of some people based on pre-existing conditions or premiums set so high they effectively prevent people from getting coverage.

But steps such as eliminating pre-existing condition exclusions and assisting people with their premiums could improve the situation without undermining the health coverage that people currently have, Nelson said.

He said he’s open to a public plan as a limited fall-back option, as long as it is crafted the right way.

Nelson said he hasn’t made commitments to Obama or anyone else and that he still wants to see what kind of plan the Senate Finance Committee produces.

“I’m not going to commit to anything before I see everything,” Nelson said.

Nelson said he counseled Obama to be patient.

“I suggested that it’s important not to impose an arbitrary deadline to get something done . . . real soon, because it may set us up for what I call self-fulfilling failure,” Nelson said.

Source: Associated Press

Legislation to remove some of the red tape that causes the ballots of thousands of military personnel to be lost or uncounted won the approval of a Senate panel Wednesday.

The legislation, giving military and other overseas voters more time to send in ballots and expanding electronic access to voting forms, came two months after a congressional study found that some 25 percent of would-be military voters are disenfranchised because of communications and bureaucratic problems.

The Senate Rules and Administration Committee voted unanimously to approve the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act. Its sponsors say they may try to add it as an amendment to a defense spending bill currently on the Senate floor so that it will become law before next year's election.

The measure would require that states provide military and other overseas voters with ballots at least 45 days ahead of an election to ensure there is enough time to complete and return them. It would also require states to make registration and absentee ballot request forms available on the Internet and bar states from rejecting military ballots for lack of a notary signature.

"This bill will remove the barriers that too often conspire to disenfranchise our military men and women," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., chairman of the committee and sponsor of the legislation with Sens. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Ben Nelson, D-Neb. "If we can deliver supplies and high-tech equipment to the front lines of combat, we can figure out how to get our troops a ballot so they can vote."

The committee-approved bill includes provisions from similar legislation proposed by Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Mark Begich, D-Alaska, making sure that troops and family members have voter registration assistance provided on military installations.

The Congressional Research Service, in a May report, surveyed election offices in seven states with high numbers of military personnel. It said that of 441,000 absentee ballots requested by eligible voters - mainly active-duty and reserve troops - living abroad, 98,000 were mailed out but never received by election officials and another 13,500 were rejected because of a missing signature or the failure to notarize.

The Pew Center on the States, a division of the Pew Charitable Trusts, last January issued a report concluding that 25 states and the District of Columbia do not provide adequate time for overseas military personnel to vote and have their ballots count.

"Our election system has failed military and overseas voters for far too long," said Doug Chapin, the center's director of election initiatives.

July 14, 2009 – In a letter sent today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson called on Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to provide needed funds to depopulate a herd of Nebraska cattle infected with bovine tuberculosis.  In the letter, Nelson requests that the Secretary use his authority “to address this clear and immediate need.”

“The livestock industry is a critical component of Nebraska’s economy,” said Nelson.  “USDA has a history of assisting states in similar situations, and today I’m calling on them to act accordingly.  The importance of beef production to Nebraska cannot be overstated.  By depopulating the affected herd, Nebraska livestock producers can move forward without the threat of losing TB-free status.”

Under the Animal Health Protection Act, the Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to transfer funds from other USDA and Commodity Credit Corporation accounts to pay indemnities for the depopulation of herds infected with TB.  In fiscal year 2008, USDA spent $921,920 to indemnify four Minnesota herds infected with TB.

Senator Nelson was joined on the letter by fellow Nebraska congressional delegation members Senator Mike Johanns, Representative Jeff Fortenberry, Representative Lee Terry, and Representative Adrian Smith.

The full text of the letter is below:

July 14, 2009

The Honorable Tom Vilsack
United States Department of Agriculture
14th and Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

Thank you for your assistance thus far with addressing the recent bovine tuberculosis (TB) finding in Nebraska.  However, we are concerned that funding has not been provided to cover the costs of depopulating the initially infected cattle herd. 

As you know, under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. § 8316), you have the authority to transfer funds from other USDA and Commodity Credit Corporation accounts to pay indemnities for the depopulation of herds infected with TB.  We respectfully request that you utilize this authority to address this clear and immediate need. 

USDA has a clear history of using this authority “in connection with an emergency under which a pest or disease of livestock threatens any segment of agricultural production in the United States.”  We wholeheartedly believe that the current TB situation in Nebraska exceeds this statutory requirement.

USDA spent a total of $921,920 on indemnifying four Minnesota herds in fiscal year 2008.  Of that amount, $343,848 was from appropriated funding and $578,072 was Commodity Credit Corporation funding.   The Department’s previous record on TB is clear—please act accordingly to ensure that Nebraska’s producers receive the same treatment as others have in the past.  To do otherwise would be unfair and inequitable.

Depopulation of the TB-infected herd is critical to the economic vitality of our beef industry.  Because Nebraska law prohibits the state from paying indemnity for any animal destroyed as a result of being affected with bovine TB, federal assistance is the sole source of livestock indemnity funding.  Additionally, TB has affected other states, including California, Minnesota, Colorado, South Dakota, and Texas.  This problem could impact the beef industry nationwide, and it is critical that we do everything possible to eliminate it immediately.

We are grateful for your attention to this matter and would appreciate the courtesy of a prompt response.

Sincerely,

Senator Mike Johanns

Senator Ben Nelson

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Congressman Lee Terry

Congressman Adrian Smith

July 14, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy that Nebraska is eligible to receive more than $1.7 million to support rebates for Nebraskans who replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR efficient models.  The funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“These stimulus funds will help reduce energy usage, support the economy, and create jobs,” said Nelson.  “By helping families replace old energy-intensive appliances with new efficient models, the rebate program will also save them money.”

To receive the money, the state is required to submit a plan that specifies which ENERGY STAR appliance categories will be included in its rebate program, the rebate level for each product type, how the rebates will be processed, and their plan for recycling old appliances.  States must file an initial application expressing their intent to participate by August 15, 2009, followed by a full application by October 15, 2009.

According to the Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR qualified appliance categories that could be eligible for rebates include: central air conditioners, heat pumps (air source and geothermal), boilers, furnaces (oil and gas), room air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

Most Nebraskans are fiscally conservative.  We are taught to live within our means from an early age. As independent spirited Nebraskans we understand the importance of saving for a rainy day. We know that you balance budgets through spending cuts, not tax increases.

During 8 years as Governor it wasn’t easy to balance budgets but we did it. Now, in my first year as Chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, my hope is to instill some of Nebraska’s practical spending principles in Washington.

Spending Cuts for Congress

My first chance came with the bill that funds much of the operations of Congress. The original request totaled $3.4 billion, close to a 12% increase from last year. That kind of increase seemed excessive in light of the current recession.  While it took some work we were ultimately able to prioritize and produce a bill that funds those activities identified as particularly timely and necessary.

As a result, instead of an almost 12% increase, the final budget, with stimulus money included, is a modest 2.4% increase.  I am proud of this bill.  It was crafted in a truly bipartisan manner and avoids undue spending.  It has been and will continue to be my goal to hold the line on spending whenever possible. 

What the Bill Does

The focus of this bill is two-fold. First, it ensures safety within the capitol complex. This is reflected in that the largest increase was funding for the Capitol Police which received an 8% increase to accommodate their merger with the Library of Congress Police.

Second, it provides funding for the organizations that enable the Senate to do its job. This includes funding for the Government Accountability Office and Congressional Budget Office that provide oversight and research functions for Congress.  In order to meet the stiff demands they are under right now to provide facts and figures concerning major legislation they require adequate staff and technology.

The bill also includes funding for offices like the Architect of the Capitol which is charged with maintenance and upkeep of facilities within the Capitol. 

Big Red Country

Legislative Branch Appropriations is only one small part of the entire budget but in my new position as subcommittee chair it is an area where I can have a direct impact. My hope is to continue to influence overall spending and inject the Nebraska philosophy all along the way.

Nebraska is Big Red Country. We are big on red but we are not big on red ink. It is a philosophy the federal government would do well to learn.

Source: Ag Weekly

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack additional positions to the agency -- Jonathan Coppess, administrator for the Farm Service Agency (FSA); Jerold Mande, deputy under secretary for Food Safety; and William J. Murphy, administrator of Risk Management Agency (RMA).

Coppess worked for U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (Neb.) as his legislative assistant for agriculture, energy and environmental policy. He grew up on his family's corn and soybean farm in west-central Ohio, where his father and brother continue the seven-generation farming operation.

Mande will have responsibility for the Food Safety and Inspection Service, which protects public health through food safety and defense by ensuring that the nation's supply of meat, poultry and processed egg products are safe and wholesome.

Most recently, as associate director for public policy at the Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, Mande developed a national model to increase support for cancer prevention and control, including diet, exercise and obesity.

Murphy most recently served as RMA acting administrator during the transition to the Obama administration. Before that, he served RMA as the deputy administrator for insurance services; director of the regional office in Davis, Calif., overseeing crop insurance operations in California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii; and director of the Western Region Compliance Office. He is a native of Pennsylvania.

Source: North Platte Telegraph

Several weeks ago we wrote that Ben Nelson, Nebraska's Democrat senator needs to be involved in the health care discussion. After speaking with the senator this week, we are further convinced that he has a unique ability build a consensus.

Nelson is clear that there are several fronts on this immense topic.

He knows that wellness has to be a factor. He knows that since nearly 66 percent of the population receive health coverage through employers, that type of coverage has to be strengthened and businesses have to be assisted in the effort. He is concerned that Medicare, while an essential component, is also reimbursing at rates that are so low they create a rate shift to other patients. He is aware that there is a need for far more providers of various kinds, but urgently in primary care physicians. He knows there are few, if any, more complex or more emotional subjects facing America.

And he knows it is also perhaps the most pressing.

Nelson would prefer to keep government out of health care as much as possible, and most of us would champion that thought as well. But as we have witnessed in recent years, regulation is critical as well. The manner of that, and the government's role in successfully negotiating this plan, is the entire conversation.

North Platte resident Patrick Kasson, a regular contributor to this page, wrote yesterday that as part of "the greatest generation" he is concerned that perhaps our seniors are not participating enough in the solution. Kasson is correct, but we would add that we all need to be willing to give more to the solution.

There has to be compromise, dedication, vision and acceptance in fulfilling the goal of universal health care and maintaining the system that has produced this rather startling observation: We routinely expect to life into our 90s and beyond. Our youngest generation may well have an average life span of over 100 years. There are many aspects of American health care that need attention, but it is undeniable that the advances in the last few decades are astonishing. There have to be many aspects of the system that are exceptional.

Senator Nelson also said in Friday's Telegraph a comment we should also mind, "It's more important to get it right than it is to get it done quickly."

Absolutely.

Source: Omaha World-Herald

WASHINGTON – U.S. Strategic Command got a big endorsement Thursday for holding onto a significant role in the military's cyber warfare operations.

Military officials had previously announced the creation of a new cyber command that would be located at Fort Meade in Maryland, but report to StratCom, located at Offutt Air Force Base south of Omaha.

Barring any fundamental changes, that arrangement should continue, Gen. James Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified Thursday before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.

The new command will be devoted to protecting computer networks and developing offensive weapons for cyberspace.

Local business leaders and public officials wanted the new command at Offutt and were disappointed that it was headed for Maryland. More heartburn-inducing, though, has been talk of making the new operation a stand-alone command — apart from StratCom.

That would fit with the recommendations from some military leaders to take cyber responsibilities away from StratCom altogether and have StratCom concentrate more on its core missions, such as overseeing the country's nuclear weapons.

Sen. Ben Nelson, a member of the Armed Services Committee, asked Cartwright Thursday what would happen if cyber responsibilities were taken away from StratCom. Cartwright told the Nebraska Democrat that the command should remain under StratCom.

“My personal opinion on this is that a standalone functional command that would be cyber-only has the potential to ... become disconnected from the war fighter and then would not be as readily integrated into the war fight,” Cartwright testified.

Cartwright said the new command will be responsible for day-to-day work and focus on protecting military networks at the tactical level. StratCom, on the other hand, will be responsible for integrating cyber capabilities at a strategic level.

Nelson said he agreed with Cartwright's assessment.

“Retaining Cyber as a sub-unified command ensures that we have the right focus at both the strategic and tactical levels,” Nelson said.

July 9, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed a senior Pentagon official’s strong support for U.S. Strategic Command’s continuing role as the overseer of a new cyber-security sub-unified command devoted to protecting American citizens, businesses and military networks, and developing offensive cyber-weapons.

Today, General James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified at a Senate Armed Services Committee that the Pentagon’s new Cyber sub-unified command formally established in June will continue to report to STRATCOM, located south of Omaha at Offutt Air Force Base. Cartwright, a former STRATCOM commander, stated that the new Cyber mission will be responsible for day-to-day work associated with cyber both offense and defense. He stated that STRATCOM would integrate cyber capabilities at a strategic level and that the cyber command would focus at the tactical level to protect military networks.

Nelson, a member of the committee, asked Cartwright what support the Pentagon would provide to STRATCOM in overseeing the new cyber-security sub-unified command. Cartwright testified that STRATCOM will have all the support it needs for its “very significant” role in cyber-security and support for U.S. strategic forces.

Nelson also asked if the cyber responsibility was “pulled from STRATCOM” how the cyber mission would remain integrated with STRATCOM. Cartwright responded that from the inception of the cyber-security mission some wanted the new cyber command to be a standalone command, while others a sub-unified command under STRATCOM. The Pentagon has now established it as a sub-unified command reporting to STRATCOM and Cartwright expressed support for that structure.

“My personal opinion on this is that a standalone functional command that would be cyber-only has the potential to … become disconnected from the war fighter and then would not be as readily integrated into the war fight and the schema maneuver and planning. And, so, my position has been that I believe that at least until something fundamentally changes it is most appropriate for this command to be at the sub-unified level and that STRATCOM offers us the venue to integrate it with general purpose forces,” Cartwright testified.

Nelson said: “I agree with General Cartwright and have advocated STRATCOM’s role as the combatant command over cyber in providing for the war fighter and the overall national security.  Retaining Cyber as a sub-unified command ensures that we have the right focus at both the strategic and tactical levels.”

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, together with Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Ben Nelson (D-NE), member of the Rules Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Personnel of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced Thursday that they have introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure that all ballots cast by U.S. troops deployed overseas are counted in upcoming elections. Calling the issue an urgent priority, the Senators also announced that they plan to gain committee approval for the legislation at a meeting next Wednesday.  It could then be added as an amendment to a Defense Department authorization bill due to hit the Senate floor Monday.

The bill, called the Military and Overseas Voters Empowerment Act (“MOVE Act”), comes after a Rules Committee survey last May of seven key states showed that as many as one in four ballots cast by military voters went uncounted in last year’s presidential election. The bill introduced today would fix several of the flaws responsible for such widespread disenfranchisement. Among other provisions, it requires that all states provide military voters with ballots no later than 45 days prior to the election, so that they have adequate time to complete and return them. The bill would also provide in most cases for a 10-day grace period for ballots to be received after Election Day, so long as they were postmarked in time.

The legislation also requires states to provide ballots via the internet or over fax. Additionally, it beefs up the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) at the Department of Defense, which is the main source of election-related information and assistance for many members of the military.  The legislation, S. 1415, also addresses problems the military and overseas voters face in registering to vote from outside the U.S.  It would bar states from rejecting military ballots for lack of a “Notary” signature—a feat difficult to achieve in the bases of Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It’s unacceptable that those serving our nation in uniform receive their ballots so late or encounter other snafus that prevent their votes from being counted,” said Schumer. “It’s time to remove the barriers that have stood in their way. If we can deliver supplies and high-tech equipment to the front lines of combat, we can figure out how to get our troops a ballot so they can vote.  We need to get this bill in place for the 2010 federal elections.”

“Of the 992,000 military and overseas absentee ballots requested for the 2006 election, more than 660,000 never reached election officials,” said Chambliss, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “This is simply unacceptable. Our military men and women serving overseas to defend and promote our national values at very least deserve to participate in the electoral process.”

“We owe it to our men and women in uniform to create a well-functioning system that allows them to exercise their right to vote,” said Nelson.  “It’s time to tackle the problems facing military and overseas voters head-on.  This bill is based in large part on state legislative recommendations that the Department of Defense has been pushing for years.  The MOVE Act sets minimum, uniform standards to ensure that members of the military and overseas voters have a process that works, allows them time to vote, and provides for contingencies if the regular absentee voting process fails.”

At a May hearing, the Senate Rules Committee released a study showing that as many as 25% of troops stationed overseas went uncounted in 2008. Schumer said the estimate was based on figures provided to the committee by election officials in seven of the states with the highest number of deployed troops. In 2008, military personnel and some civilians hailing from these states requested 441,000 ballots in order to vote from overseas locations, as allowed by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Of those, 98,633 were never received back by the election officials in the U.S. and so were declared “lost” ballots. Another 13,504 were received but rejected for various reasons including a missing signature or failure to notarize, as is required in some states. When combined, these two categories amount to 112,137 voters in those seven states—or 25.42% of the 441,000 who requested ballots—being disenfranchised, the study found.

The impediments included: Difficulties in registering to vote from overseas; not receiving ballots early enough; and obstacles to returning the ballots in time to be counted.   According to testimony at the Rules Committee hearing, even ballots that arrive on time are sometimes rejected for minor, non-election related technicalities, such as not being on a certain kind of paper.

The bill would address these and other problems by:

• Guaranteeing that military and overseas ballots will be counted if sent by Election Day;
• Ensuring that states send out ballots a minimum of 45 days in advance of the election so military and overseas voters will receive them in time
• Improving awareness and use of a failsafe ballot that voters can use if their ballots are lost in the mail;
• Prohibiting states from rejecting a marked absentee ballot solely on the basis of a missing notary signature, paper size, and other restrictions
• Giving more resources to the Department of Defense Voting Assistance Offices who provide voting information and support to service men and women and their families; 
• Establishing standards for record-keeping on military and overseas voting statistics; and
• Encouraging greater enforcement of the military and overseas voting statutes.

Schumer, as Rules Chairman, also announced Thursday that the Rules Committee will meet next Wednesday to consider the MOVE Act. After that, the senators will seek to insert the language as an amendment on the Defense Reauthorization Act as soon as next week.

July 7, 2009 -- Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson applauded a decision by the IRS to temporarily suspend collection of a tax penalty that caught small businesses that were acting in good faith and were unaware that certain transactions needed to be disclosed to the IRS.  The IRS informed the Senate Finance Committee about its decision today in a letter from Commissioner of Internal Revenue Douglas Shulman.  The Finance Committee had urged the IRS to be more lenient concerning the tax penalty after Sen. Nelson brought the issue to the committee’s attention earlier this year.

“This IRS action puts a hold on the collection of unfair, disproportionate penalties and gives Congress time to fix the underlying problem, either by passing my bill or something similar,” said Senator Nelson.  “I thank the Finance Committee for their efforts to ensure that penalties are applied fairly and that the punishment fits the crime.  I look forward to working with them to pass legislation this year.”

Currently, penalties are levied under section 6707A of the Internal Revenue Code against taxpayers who fail to include with their return a form disclosing certain “listed transactions.” The amount of the penalty is fixed at $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for businesses, regardless of the amount of tax saved as a result of the transaction. The penalty is assessed for each year the taxpayer failed to file the form, and in some cases the penalty is assessed on both a pass-thru entity (such as an S-corp) and the taxpayer – leading to annual penalties of up to $300,000 per year.

Several Nebraska businesses are impacted, including at least one facing $900,000 in penalties.

Earlier this year, Senator Nelson requested the Finance Committee ask the IRS to relax the penalty.  In addition, Nelson introduced legislation (S. 765) in April that would give the IRS more leeway in waiving the penalty if failure to file was due to reasonable cause.  Nelson’s legislation would: allow for the penalty to not be imposed if the failure to file was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect; make the amount of the penalty proportional to the understatement of tax due to the transaction; and provide that the penalty can only be assessed on actual taxpayers, not pass-thru entities.

The Wall Street Journal, in a January 28, 2009 article, highlighted this legislation and explained that currently, “The IRS doesn't have the ability to waive the fines. The penalties also aren't reviewable in court, so there is no chance of having them reduced via the legal system. That differs from the treatment of most tax blunders, in which the IRS has the flexibility to forgive or reduce penalties if it can be shown taxpayers failed to meet obligations because of bad tax advice or some other reason.”

In their annual report to Congress, the IRS Taxpayer Advocate asked Congress to revise the penalty to mitigate its “unconscionable impact” on taxpayers.

Full text of the IRS letter is below:

July 6, 2009

The Honorable Max Baucus
Chairman
Committee on Finance
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Mr. Chairman:

This letter is in response to your letter of June 12, 2009, on the penalties assessed under section 6707A of the Internal Revenue Code. As I have stated before, I am concerned that because the current statute applies uniformly without exceptions and without regard to the amount of tax in question, some taxpayers are caught in a penalty regime that the legislation did not intend.

While the Congress enacted the penalty in 2004, and as you note, with the intent of helping us detect and deter abusive tax shelter activity, many of the transactions now under examination involve tax benefits that are minor when compared to the statutory penalty amounts of $100,000 (for individuals) and $200,000 (for other taxpayers) per year. I am dismayed by the feedback that I have received from some of the most seasoned IRS examination professionals that this statutory provision, in certain cases, requires them to assess penalties that are way out of line with penalties for other similar cases of non-compliance.

You noted that a bipartisan, bicameral commitment exists to enact legislation that will modify the law so that penalty amounts will be more in a line with the tax benefits resulting from the transaction. Because of this legislative effort, you asked me to suspend collection efforts in cases where the tax benefits resulting from the listed transactions are less than $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for other taxpayers while the Congress acts to remedy this situation.

Given your indication of a commitment to enact legislation to address this issue, and to provide the Congress that opportunity, we will not undertake any collection enforcement action through September 30, 2009, on cases where the annual tax benefit from the transaction is less than $100,000 for individuals or $200,000 for other taxpayers per year. Because the penalty determination is related to the underlying transaction, and we can only determine the amount of tax benefit through examination, we will continue our examination on these cases. This practice will allow us to identify cases meeting the collection suspension threshold and will not delay the information gathering and review process.

Finally, while this letter relates to certain taxpayers who were caught up in a penalty regime in a way that the legislation did not intend, the basic underlying premise of the statute applying severe penalties where taxpayers employ abusive tax shelters in an attempt to avoid paying tax remains sound and critically important to the IRS.

I am sending a similar letter to your colleagues. I hope this information is responsive, and I would be happy to meet with you to further explore the issue. If you have questions, please contact me or have your staff contact Floyd Williams, Director, Office of Legislative Affairs at (202) 622-4725.

Sincerely,

Douglas H. Shulman

Source: KOLNKGIN

Nebraskas Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by Vice President Biden that $4 billion will be available on a competitive basis for rural broadband and Senator Nelson encouraged broadband providers across Nebraska to apply for funding.

The $4 billion is the first round of $7.2 billion in funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to expand broadband access in un-served and underserved communities.

Broadband is a vital piece of infrastructure, said Senator Nelson. Quick and reliable broadband access keeps Nebraskas small businesses competitive and lays the groundwork for future growth. Broadband allows our schools and educational facilities to be connected with the push of a button and provides our public safety services and health care providers with the information they need at a moments notice.

As providers across the state have invested in broadband infrastructure over the last several years, Nebraska has seen historic growth. The state had 71,451 high speed lines in 2001 with the number growing to 633,593 lines by 2007.

In 2002, this Commission opened an investigation to monitor broadband deployment in Nebraska and while significant progress has been made we still have consumers that our service providers are unable to economically provide broadband, said Commissioner Frank Landis, Chairman of the Nebraska Public Service Commission. It is my expectation the funds from the stimulus package will be used to extend the availability of broadband in the state to further the goal of providing advanced telecommunications to all our residents.

While Nebraskas private telecommunications companies have taken great strides in our effort to deploy broadband services to every community, it is critical to receive federal grant support to ensure that those Nebraskans living and working in extremely rural areas have the same access to broadband technology.

The ARRA grants will provide an opportunity for companies like Great Plains Communications to expand our broadband coverage to areas where it would otherwise be impossible from a financial perspective, said Ken Pfister, vice president of strategic planning for Great Plains Communications. GPC is the largest Nebraska-owned telecommunications provider in the state.

Funds will be distributed through both the Commerce Departments National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service (RUS). According to the Vice Presidents office, both will be accepting applications for loans, grants and loan/grant combinations to be awarded by each agency under a single application form. This collaborative approach will ensure that the agencies' activities are complementary and integrated, make the best use of taxpayer funds and make it easier for applicants to apply for funding.

July 2, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by Vice President Biden that $4 billion will be available on a competitive basis for rural broadband and Senator Nelson encouraged broadband providers across Nebraska to apply for funding.  The $4 billion is the first round of $7.2 billion in funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to expand broadband access in un-served and underserved communities.

“Broadband is a vital piece of infrastructure,” said Senator Nelson.  “Quick and reliable broadband access keeps Nebraska’s small businesses competitive and lays the groundwork for future growth.  Broadband allows our schools and educational facilities to be connected with the push of a button and provides our public safety services and health care providers with the information they need at a moment’s notice.”

As providers across the state have invested in broadband infrastructure over the last several years, Nebraska has seen historic growth.  The state had 71,451 high speed lines in 2001 with the number growing to 633,593 lines by 2007.

“In 2002, this Commission opened an investigation to monitor broadband deployment in Nebraska and while significant progress has been made we still have consumers that our service providers are unable to economically provide broadband,” said Commissioner Frank Landis, Chairman of the Nebraska Public Service Commission.  “It is my expectation the funds from the stimulus package will be used to extend the availability of broadband in the state to further the goal of providing advanced telecommunications to all our residents.”

“While Nebraska’s private telecommunications companies have taken great strides in our effort to deploy broadband services to every community, it is critical to receive federal grant support to ensure that those Nebraskans living and working in extremely rural areas have the same access to broadband technology.  The ARRA grants will provide an opportunity for companies like Great Plains Communications to expand our broadband coverage to areas where it would otherwise be impossible from a financial perspective,” said Ken Pfister, vice president of strategic planning for Great Plains Communications.  GPC is the largest Nebraska-owned telecommunications provider in the state.

Funds will be distributed through both the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS).  According to the Vice President’s office, both will be accepting applications for loans, grants and loan/grant combinations to be awarded by each agency under a single application form. This collaborative approach will ensure that the agencies' activities are complementary and integrated, make the best use of taxpayer funds and make it easier for applicants to apply for funding.

Complete details on funding availability as well as applications can be found at http://www.broadbandusa.gov. 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to the NTIA and RUS to accelerate broadband deployment across the country. Of that funding, NTIA will utilize $4.7 billion to deploy and encourage the sustainable adoption of broadband services in un-served and underserved areas in the United States.  RUS will invest $2.5 billion to facilitate broadband deployment in rural communities.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

Source: Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. - U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson is lauding news that Nebraska will receive $600,000 for loans to go to low-income people and communities lacking adequate, affordable financial products and services.

The money was made available as part of the stimulus bill.

The Nebraska Democrat says the money will help in today's tough ecomonic climate.

The grant will be provided to Midwest Housing Development Fund Inc. of Omaha, which provides affordable housing development loan products in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Source: Omaha World-Herald

WASHINGTON — Missile defense systems in Alaska and eastern Europe are necessary to counter the threats posed by North Korea and Iran, Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said Monday from Warsaw, Poland.

“Having this kind of protection in various locations is critical to our national defense,” he said during a teleconference with reporters.

Nelson made the official trip to Poland as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and met with Polish and Russian officials. A key topic in the meetings was missile defense.

President Barack Obama has delayed Bush administration plans for a small missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic.

The system is a touchy subject with Russia. Although the system is intended to intercept missiles from Iran, Russia has tended to view it as a threat to its own security.

Nelson said he is a strong supporter of U.S. missile defense programs as long as Iran and North Korea continue to pose a danger. He said backing missile defense systems also sends a message that the United States is committed to its NATO allies.

Asked whether the United States should accommodate Russia's concerns, Nelson said those concerns developed in part because the Russians were not being kept in the loop about U.S. plans.

“You try not to surprise your adversaries or your colleagues if you can avoid doing that,” Nelson said.

He said an important part of his trip has been talking to the Russians about their country's taking a stronger stand against Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

Sen. Ben Nelson said Monday he hopes Russia will be more amenable to a U.S. missile shield in Eastern Europe in the wake of Iran’s recent totalitarian behavior.

Nelson expressed strong support for the proposed missile defense system during a telephone conference call from Warsaw.

Russia has strenuously objected to the U.S. plan to locate a missile interceptor site in Poland and a sophisticated radar system in the Czech Republic, both along the Russian border.

Nelson said he hopes Russia will “play a stronger role in convincing the Iranians (to) give up their nuclear ambitions.”

“If the threat of Iran is going to go away,” he said, “then it’s a new ballgame” in terms of the need for a U.S. missile shield designed to defend against Iranian missiles.

Nelson, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was in Warsaw for separate meetings with Polish and Russian officials.

The missile shield would send “a strong message about our commitment to NATO,” Nelson said, since it also would protect European allies from a missile strike.

The U.S. needs to defend itself from possible missile attacks from both Iran and North Korea, he said.

A missile interceptor site in Alaska is designed to shield the United States from a North Korean strike, Nelson said.

“We have to prepare for the worst,” he said.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

Former Lt. Gov. Maxine Moul was named Monday as rural development director in Nebraska for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dan Steinkruger will be director of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Nebraska, Sen. Ben Nelson announced.

Steinkruger had been serving as acting director of the Nebraska FSA.

Nelson, Nebraska’s Democratic senator, nominated Moul and Steinkruger to the Obama administration, and the USDA accepted both recommendations.

Moul served as Nelson’s lieutenant governor from 1990 to 1993 during his first term as governor.

In 1993, she resigned and accepted the position of director of economic development in the Nelson administration.

“This is very good news for rural Nebraska and our agriculture producers,” Nelson said.

“Maxine has a deep background in the area of economic development,” he said.

USDA has rural development offices in Lincoln, Kearney, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Ainsworth and Norfolk that provide access to federal loans and grants for rural business, housing, utilities and community development programs.

“Dan’s vast experience and expertise with FSA assures that producers will continue to get the kind of help they need,” Nelson said.

The Farm Service Agency administers federal farm programs in Nebraska and has 71 field offices in the state.

Steinkruger began working for the USDA’s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, the predecessor to the FSA, in 1977.

June 29, 2009 -- A former Lt. Governor of Nebraska and the current Acting Director of the Nebraska Farm Service Agency (FSA) have been appointed to major positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced today.

Maxine Moul, who served as Nelson’s Lt. Governor from 1990 to 1993, was named USDA Rural Development Director for Nebraska and Dan Steinkruger was named Director of the Nebraska FSA.

Nelson, who nominated both, said he was thrilled that the USDA accepted his recommendations. “This is very good news for rural Nebraska and our agriculture producers. Maxine has a deep background in the area of economic development and is one of the most knowledgeable experts there is in Nebraska. Dan’s vast experience and expertise with FSA assures that producers will continue to get the kind of help they need,” said Nelson.

Moul said, "I am looking forward to working again with rural Nebraskans and their communities.  The USDA-Rural Development offices in Lincoln, Kearney, North Platte, Scottsbluff, Ainsworth and Norfolk provide great access to the federal government's loans and grants for rural business, housing, utilities and community development programs." 

Steinkruger said, ““I look forward to representing the President and USDA in the administration of federal farm programs to Nebraska farmers.  We have an excellent team in seventy one field offices at the Farm Service Agency in Nebraska that will continue to provide loans and deliver safety net programs to assist Nebraska agriculture.”

Moul was Nelson’s Lt. Governor from 1990 to 1993 when she left to become Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development until 1999. In 1995, she helped form the Partnership for Rural Development and served on its Governance Board, representing the State of Nebraska.   She served as President and CEO of the Nebraska Community Foundation formed in 1993. She was elected President Emeritus and retired from the Foundation in January 2006.  She was the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives for Nebraska’s First District in 2006.

Steinkruger started with the USDA’s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS), the predecessor to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) as a Field Reporter with the Lancaster County ASCS in 1977.  He then worked as a Program Assistant in the Harlan County ASCS Office until becoming the County Executive Director in Cass County, Nebraska in December, 1979.  Dan moved to the Nebraska State ASCS Office in Lincoln in 1993 where he worked as a Program Specialist in Conservation Programs.  In 1996, Dan was promoted to the Chief of the Production Compliance Programs Section.  Dan served as Acting State FSA Director in 1997 and is presently serving in that capacity in the Obama Administration. 

June 26, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed today an announcement by the US Department of Education that $47.8 million in stimulus funding will be added to existing Title 1 funds being made available to school districts across the state for a total $115 million investment.

“These stimulus funds will help Nebraska school districts meet the needs of their students in the midst of funding problems brought on by the economic downturn,” said Nelson.  “A quality education serves as the foundation for a prosperous and successful future.  By ensuring continued funding for financially strapped schools, these stimulus funds are being put to good use.”

The funds are being made available as part of the Title I program, which provide financial assistance to local educational agencies for services that improve the teaching and learning of children at risk of not meeting challenging State academic achievement standards, especially those children who reside in areas with high concentrations of children from low-income families. 

The funds are distributed using four formulas: basic grants, concentration grants, targeted grants, and education finance incentive grants.  Each formula uses specific criteria such as the number of students, families above and below the poverty line, and number of children in foster homes to determine the amount of the funding.

The funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) investment, also known as the stimulus bill. 

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009. Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/feature_4.cfm for more information.

June 26, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced today that that the Senate Armed Services Committee has approved the National Defense Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year 2010 addressing key personnel concerns and his call for benchmarks to assess progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Nelson, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, applauded the bipartisan support to address issues spotlighted in hearings he held this year. Issues such as military suicides, travel for stranded soldiers, health benefits, strains on military families and aid for wounded warriors, were addressed at the hearings and Nelson worked to make sure they were taken for action by policy and legislation in the National Defense Authorization Act.

“Our hearings clearly showed gaps in health care, suicide prevention, and mental health treatment. These gaps are having repercussions on our military’s brave men and women, and their families,” said Senator Nelson. “Our outstanding service members and their families sacrifice much and the personnel measures in this bill honor their commitment to preserve the freedoms for all Americans.” 

Two particular measures introduced by Nelson earlier this year, TRICARE Gray and Operation Airlift, were included in the committee’s legislation. The budget-neutral TRICARE gray measure ensures nearly 225,226 eligible retirees nationwide have the opportunity to purchase coverage under the military’s TRICARE health care program.  Operation Airlift, Nelson’s other stand-alone legislation, arose in response to complications Nebraska service members experienced in December 2007. Forty-eight members of the 110th Medical Battalion based in Lincoln became stranded at Fort Lewis, Washington,  when training was suspended and the base was shut down for the holidays. Military rules prohibited using military funds to pay for their travel back to Nebraska until training resumed. Operation Airlift allows the Secretary of Defense to use Department of Defense funds to pay for travel if a reserve or guard member is more than 300 miles from home and is placed on leave for 5 days or more because of training suspensions or staffing issues.

“As chairman of the Personnel Subcommittee, I have worked to ensure that what we learned from the hearings and discussions with service members and their families was addressed in this bill and reflects the needs of service members and their families,” Nelson said.

For military personnel, the committee allocated $163.5 billion to fund costs of pay, allowances, bonuses, death benefits, permanent change of station moves, and health care.  The bill, among its many benefits to military members and their families, authorizes a 3.4 percent across-the-board pay raise, 0.5 percent above the budget request.  It also increased the overall size of the force.  The bill authorizes fiscal year 2010 active-duty end strengths for the Army of 547,400; the Marine Corps, 202,100; the Air Force, 331,700; and the Navy, 328,800.  The bill also authorizes the Secretary of Defense to increase the Army’s active-duty end strength by 30,000 above 2010 levels during fiscal years 2011 and 2012 if sufficient funding is requested in the budgets for those fiscal years.

To address the rising stress on the force, overall mental health wellness and access to counselors, and the rising numbers of suicides in the military, the bill:

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a plan by September 30, 2013 to increase the number of military and civilian behavioral health personnel, and to consider the feasibility of additional officer and enlisted specialties as behavioral health counselors.

• To begin to address the capability gaps identified in mental health care, the bill authorizes the service secretaries to add up to 25 officers each year as students at accredited schools of psychology for training leading to the degree of Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology.

• Requires person-to-person mental health assessments at designated intervals for service members deployed in connection with contingency operations.

To address stress and impacts on military families and military communities the bill:

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of military deployment on dependent children of service members, and a review of the mental health care and counseling services available to military children.

• Expresses the Sense of the Senate on various aspects of State implementation of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and encourages all remaining states to enact the measure.

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a policy and program to provide broad-based community support to military children with autism and their families.

• Authorizes $30 million in impact aid, $10 million in special assistance to local education agencies affected by Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) and force relocations, and $5 million in impact aid for children with severe disabilities.

To address the care of wounded service members and healthcare of all service members and their families, the bill:

• Requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a task force to assess the effectiveness of the policies and programs to assist and support the care, management and transition of recovering wounded, ill, and injured service members.

• Authorizes travel and transportation allowances for up to three designated individuals to attend to seriously injured or wounded service members. Includes those with serious mental disorders, for the duration of their inpatient stay. Authorizes travel and transportation allowances for non-medical attendants of very seriously wounded, ill, or injured service members.

• Authorizes special compensation for designated caregivers for the time and assistance they provide to service members with combat-related catastrophic injuries or illnesses requiring assistance in everyday living.

• Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Navy to jointly operate the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago and Great Lakes, Illinois – the first such joint operation between the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

To address particular concerns of the National Guard and Reserves, the bill provides the following provisions:

• Authorizes travel and transportation allowances for reserve component service members on active duty for more than 30 days to travel from a temporary duty station to their permanent duty station and back again when training at the temporary duty station is suspended for five days or more.

• Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide any member or former member of the armed forces up to $200 a day for each day of administrative absence that the member would have earned between January 19, 2007 and the date of implementation of the Post- Deployment/Mobilization Respite Absence program, had the program been timely implemented.

• Directs the Secretary of Defense to report on the status of completion of various issues identified by wounded service members and their families and to report on the capabilities for electronic exchange of medical data between DOD and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The total funding in the defense authorization bill now headed to the full Senate is $679.8 billion, slightly below the President’s budget request of $680.2 billion for discretionary programs in the jurisdiction of the Armed Services Committee.

In addition to measures with regard to personnel, Senator Nelson continued to advocate for measures of progress for the new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  Hi measure, adopted unanimously by the full committee, urges the Administration to establish measures of progress for its new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan and to provide reports to Congress every six months.  It urges the Administration to provide an assessment of each measure of progress by:

1. Setting forth the measure of progress being evaluated;

2. Providing data used to evaluate the measure of progress;

3. Providing an evaluation of the performance of the particular measure of progress and;

4. Providing a comprehensive assessment of how the performance of the particular measure of progress hinders or enhances the overall progress toward achieving the U.S. strategic objectives in Afghanistan and Pakistan.“The American people and the men and women serving in Afghanistan and Pakistan deserve to have a set of objective measures for the U.S. strategy in that region, so we can ensure it is the best strategy to achieve stability and success,” said Nelson.

Source: KOLNKGIN

Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson announced Friday that the Senate Armed Services Committee has approved the National Defense Authorization Bill for fiscal year 2010, addressing key personnel concerns and his call for benchmarks to assess progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, Nelson applauded the bipartisan support to address issues spotlighted in hearings he held this year.

The hearings addressed issues like military suicides, travel for stranded soldiers, health benefits, strains on military families and aid for wounded warriors. Nelson said he worked to make sure these issues were taken for action by policy and legislation in the National Defense Authorization Act.

"Our hearings clearly showed gaps in health care, suicide prevention and mental health treatment," Nelson Said. "These gaps are having repercussions on our military's brave men and women and their families."

For military personnel, the committee allocated $163.5 billion to fund costs of pay, allowances, bonuses, death benefits, permanent change of station moves and health care. The bill, among is many benefits to military members and their families, authorizes a 3.4 percent across-the-board pay raise, 0.5 percent above the budget request.

It also increased the overall size of the force. The bill authorizes fiscal year 2010 active-duty end strengths for the Army of 547,400; the Marine Corps, 202,100; the Air Force, 331,700; and the Navy, 328,800.

The bill also authorizes the Secretary of Defense to increase the Army's active-duty end strength by 30,000 above 2010 levels during fiscal years 2011 and 2012 if sufficient funding is requested in the budgets for those fiscal years.

Source: McCook Gazette

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Education that Nebraska will receive more than $191 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for schools and to stop teacher layoffs as the state deals with strains on the state budget. The state will be eligible to apply for another $94 million in economic stimulus funds this fall.

"These funds will save Nebraska jobs that would have been on the chopping block due to fallout from the national economic downturn on state revenues," said Senator Nelson. "Not only would layoffs and pay cuts have directly impacted hundreds of teachers, they also would have negatively impacted thousands of children in schools across the state."

"Had Senator Nelson not stepped up to provide this relief in the economic stimulus package, there would be very little money for K-12 education in our state budget," said Jess Wolf, President of the Nebraska State Education Association. "These funds will help protect hundreds of teachers' jobs and educational programs across the state."

This funding is in addition to the $67 million in education funds already received by the state. According to the Department of Education, Nebraska received $24 million in Title I funding and nearly $40 million in IDEA funding on April 1, representing 50% of the Title I and IDEA funding available to the state. On that same date, Nebraska also received $1.5 million in Vocational Rehab funds and $416,000 in Independent Living funds. On April 10, Nebraska received more than $850,000 in Impact Aid funding.

According to the Department of Education, in order to receive today's funds, Nebraska provided assurances that it will collect, publish, analyze and act on basic information regarding the quality of classroom teachers, annual student improvements, college readiness, the effectiveness of state standards and assessments, progress on removing charter caps and interventions in turning around underperforming schools. The state will also report the number of jobs saved through Recovery Act funding, the amount of state and local tax increases averted, and how funds are used.

Sen. Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson spoke on the Senate floor today in support of a resolution (S.RES.175) expressing the sense of the Senate that the federal government is only a temporary shareholder in the American automotive industry and should divest its ownership interests as expeditiously as possible. Senator Nelson is the lead sponsor of the resolution. The speech follows:

Mr. President, I rise to discuss a “Sense of the Senate” resolution I’ve proposed with several colleagues to address the government’s recent move to take significant ownership stakes in two icons of American business: Chrysler and General Motors. Joining me as cosponsors are Senators Collins, Landrieu, Lieberman, Klobuchar and McCaskill.

This resolution puts the Senate on record and makes absolutely clear: the Federal Government is a temporary shareholder” in GM and Chrysler, and that it should divest its shareholder position as expeditiously as possible.

No one ever wanted the government to be in the car business, but the alternative was worse and the turmoil in the auto industry extends far beyond Detroit as most Americans know.

Dealerships across my state of Nebraska are feeling the impacts of decisions made by automakers following their bankruptcies. Chrysler has decided to terminate franchise agreements with 9 dealerships in Nebraska and GM intends to terminate franchise agreements with 21 dealerships in Nebraska. 

These decisions are affecting dealerships and their employees in communities such as Arapahoe, Hastings, David City, Omaha, Auburn, Milford, Lincoln, Scottsbluff, and West Point have already been impacted by the auto bankruptcies. Auto parts manufacturing plants in communities like Kearney, Cozad, Grand Island, and Seward are also feeling the results of the downturn in the auto industry.

According to the Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers Association, more than 13,600 Nebraskans work in jobs tied to the auto industry in my state and accounts for $267 million in wages for Nebraska individuals and families. 

However, now that an investment has been made, we owe it to the American taxpayers to be clear about what will happen with their money.

The resolution states that the Federal Government is a temporary stakeholder in the American automotive industry and should take all possible steps to protect America taxpayer dollars and divest its ownership interests in such companies as expeditiously as possible.

The government should not be involved in day-to-day operations, and as soon as the auto companies have regained their financial footing the government must divest. Its involvement should not be open-ended.

Further, this resolution calls on the Government Accountability Office and the Inspector General for the Troubled Assets Relief Program, or TARP, to continue providing oversight. In addition, the GAO and Inspector General will report to Congress on automotive companies receiving financial assistance, so that the federal government may complete divestiture without delay.

This is not a partisan issue. Our deep economic crisis has already cost millions of Americans their jobs and to add a collapse of the auto industry could add a devastating blow it would take years from which to recover.

We’ve had Presidents of both political parties recognize the need to address the current downfall of the auto industry and recognized the need to remove government involvement as quickly as possible.

On December 19, 2008, President Bush stated: “The actions I'm announcing today represent a step that we wish were not necessary. But given the situation, it is the most effective and responsible way to address this challenge facing our nation. By giving the auto companies a chance to restructure, we will shield the American people from a harsh economic blow at a vulnerable time and we will give American workers an opportunity to show the world, once again, they can meet challenges with ingenuity and determination and bounce back from tough times and emerge stronger than before.”

On March 30 this year, President Obama stated: “We cannot, and must not, and we will not let our auto industry simply vanish. This industry is like no other -- it's an emblem of the American spirit; a once and future symbol of America’s success. It's what helped build the middle class and sustained it throughout the 20th century. It's a source of deep pride for the generations of American workers whose hard work and imagination led to some of the finest cars the world has ever known. It's a pillar of our economy that has held up the dreams of millions of our people. ..These companies -- and this industry -- must ultimately stand on their own, not as wards of the state.”

So, to conclude, the government’s move is aimed at providing stability for the automotive industry and for American workers across our great nation in these uncertain economic times.

Our Sense of the Senate resolution affirms what the President has made clear: taxpayers should be protected and the government should get out of the auto business ASAP. Through this resolution, the Senate leaves no question about the government’s future role in the US auto industry.

Thank you. I yield the floor.

The year was 1943. The Nation was at war. Washington, DC was expanding as President Franklin D. Roosevelt carried out his duties as Commander in Chief.

Americans cultivated “Victory Gardens” to grow their own food as war- time rationing limited many goods they were used to enjoying including gasoline.  Gasoline only cost 15 cents a gallon but people were limited as to how much they could buy.

They would save up their gasoline rationing coupons and take family vacations when they could and Washington, DC, as it is today, was one of the popular destinations especially with the new Jefferson Memorial that was dedicated in 1943.

A Historic Vacation

As they continue to do to this day, in 1943 Nebraskans who vacationed in our Nation’s Capitol were there to see historic landmarks and to visit with their Senators and Representatives.  That was the year that Nebraska U.S. Senator Hugh Butler came up with the idea of inviting visiting constituents to join him and his Nebraska colleagues at their weekly informal get-togethers and a unique Nebraska tradition was born… the Nebraska Breakfast.

Now in its 66th year, the Nebraska Breakfast is the oldest gathering of its kind in Washington providing the opportunity for visitors to meet and speak with all five members of the delegation each week when Congress is in session.  Nebraska also has the distinction of being the only state in the Nation that provides this opportunity for its residents.

I’ve always enjoyed the give and take these weekly breakfasts offer. Nebraskans have a chance to introduce themselves, tell us why they are in Washington, and what issues are of particular concern to them. All five members of the delegation are able to respond to their issues, tell them what we’re working on that particular week and offer some insight as to what they might expect.

They Really Are Breakfasts

The breakfasts are informal, fun and filled with a few bad jokes, and they really are breakfasts. We used to hold them in the Dirksen Building’s Cafeteria but this year switched to the new Visitors Center in the Capitol Building. The meetings are free. Your only cost is for the continental breakfast. You can order a complete breakfast, something light, a cup of coffee or you can just show up to enjoy the company of your Congressional Delegation and other Nebraskans who are visiting Washington.

Now that the summer vacation season is in full swing, if your plans take you to Washington I hope you think about attending one of our breakfasts. The Nebraska Breakfasts are held every Wednesday when Congress is in session at 8 a.m. Eastern Time, in the South Meeting Room of the Capitol Visitors Center Restaurant. These are the remaining dates through the summer; June 24, July 8, 15, 22, 29; and September 9, 16, 23, 30.

Please contact any member of our delegation at least one week in advance to make a reservation and confirm the location of the breakfast. My office telephone number is 202-224-6551. You may also visit my website for more information www.bennelson.senate.gov.

Be Sure to Bring Your Camera

This is an opportunity to get pictures of the entire delegation in an informal setting that dates back to 1943. Up close and personal interaction between constituents and members of their Congressional Delegations like this are rare among many other states. But, this is Nebraska where we share many of the same values as well as a common bond that keeps people in sparsely populated states close.

I hope to see you in Washington this summer.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson applauded the USDA on its first round of Great Northern bean purchases last  week and praised Friday’s announcement by the USDA of a second invitation for purchases.

Eighty-five percent of Great Northern beans are produced in Nebraska.

“These funds will help a vital Nebraska industry and will literally plant the seeds for future growth,” Nelson said.

Many Western Nebraska Great Northern bean farmers have been unable to sell their 2008 Great Northern bean crop and face significant difficulties in obtaining operating capital for the 2009.

The beans will be used to provide healthy lunches for thousands of students nationwide through school lunch and other assistance programs.

Half of the beans Nebraska farmers grow are exported to foreign markets such as Mexico, the United Kingdom, Haiti, Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Northern Africa, Canada, Cuba and Iraq.

In March, Nelson sent a letter to USDA with Sen. Mike Johanns and Congressman Adrian Smith and has been urging the agency to expedite the purchase of the beans from Nebraska famers.

June 19, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson applauded the USDA on its first round of Great Northern Bean purchases this week and praised today’s announcement by the USDA of a second invitation for purchases.  Eighty-five percent of Great Northern Beans are produced in Nebraska.

“Today is a great day for Nebraska’s Great Northern Bean growers,” said Senator Nelson.  “Not only did USDA complete its first purchase of the 2008 crop, but they also announced a second invitation to Great Northern Bean Growers.  I applaud the USDA’s actions.  These funds will help a vital Nebraska industry and will literally plant the seeds for future growth.”

Many Western Nebraska Great Northern bean farmers have been unable to sell their 2008 Great Northern bean crop and face significant difficulties in obtaining operating capital for the 2009 season for a number of reasons. These include: domestic competition for land last year due to high prices for corn and other crops due to speculation and high oil prices, subsequently pricing bean farmers out of the market, while internationally there have been problems within some of the traditional markets for these beans, like Iraq and Cuba.

Nebraska produces 85 percent of the nation's Great Northern bean crop and requested assistance under the USDA's Section 32 program to help preserve this important industry. The beans will be used provide healthy lunches for thousands of students nationwide through school lunch and other assistance programs

Nebraska’s Dry Edible Bean growers not only feed the world, but also contribute greatly to the U.S. economy while doing so. Half of the product is exported to foreign markets such as Mexico, the United Kingdom, Haiti, Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Northern Africa, Canada, Cuba and Iraq.

It is estimated that the Nebraska produced 2008 Great Northern bean crop totals 62,000 metric tons.  There are an estimated 1,500 farmers in western Nebraska who produce the beans for various purposes.

In March, Nelson sent a letter to USDA with Senator Mike Johanns and Congressman Smith and has been urging the agency to expedite the purchase of the beans from Nebraska famers.

A copy to today’s second invitation to Great Northern Bean Growers can be found at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5077619

Source: KOLNKGIN

Senator Ben Nelson says Nebraska will receive more than $16 million for weatherization programs as part of the stimulus bill.

“These funds will help 4,000 Nebraska families cut their energy bills, while spurring communities toward job growth and economic development,” said Senator Nelson. “Weatherization projects will create jobs and have the added benefit of improving our environment and moving America one step closer to energy independence.”

Nebraska will be awarded a total of $16,657,783 to weatherize 4,000 homes over the next three years. Weatherization enables families to reduce energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. On average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32 percent and overall energy bills by $350 per year, according to the Department of Energy.

Nebraska will prioritize weatherization for homes occupied by elderly disabled persons, followed by homes occupied by people over 60 years old; younger disabled persons; Native Americans; adults with children under 6 years of age; and other eligible low-income families. Community action agencies and other non-profits tasked with weatherization activities will be able to use funds to hire and train a number of additional workers to handle the increased workload.

After demonstrating successful implementation of the weatherization projects, Nebraska will receive an additional $20.8 million, for a total of more than $41 million.

Source: Congressional Quarterly

From his seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Democrat Ben Nelson makes no apologies for sending federal funds to his home state of Nebraska. But as the new chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, he will be keeping a watchful eye on federal spending.

“I think it bears repeating. . . . This really isn’t the year for extras,” he said at a May 21 subcommittee hearing on the administration’s overall legislative branch budget request.

He expects, he said, to shave the double-digit increases in spending that the offices serving Congress have proposed, and he recently noted that the Senate spending measure does not include the $60 million set aside by the House Appropriations Committee for a trust fund to help defray future building costs.

Nelson, 68, learned his frugal ways in the remote town of McCook, where his mother started a local taxpayers’ watchdog group. After a career in insurance, he served eight years as governor before winning election to the Senate in 2000.

Since arriving in Washington, he has established himself as one of the Senate’s most conservative Democrats and one of its most unpredictable voters. On votes in which a majority of Democrats diverged from a majority of Republicans, Nelson voted with his party 72 percent and 70 percent of the time in 2008 and 2007 respectively, according to CQ vote studies — up from 36 percent in 2006 and 46 percent in 2005.

But he also has a reputation as a consensus builder who brokers deals from the middle — a particularly important skill these days, given that moderates are essential to moving legislation. This year, for example, he and Susan Collins, R-Maine, led a bipartisan group of moderates in shaping and steering through the Senate a compromise economic stimulus bill (PL 111 5) that contained about $100 billion less than the original proposal.

For a lawmaker often in the center of contentious debates, leading the Legislative Branch panel isn’t exactly high-profile. Still, Nelson approaches the job with the utmost seriousness.

“It deals with a lot of institutions that are important to not only Congress, but to the American people. The Library of Congress, for example, is a national treasure,” he said. “It may not be glamorous, but it certainly is critically important.”

Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson has issued the following statement on the passing of former Lincoln Mayor Helen Boosalis.

“Helen Boosalis was a true Nebraska treasure who changed the political landscape especially for women in politics. She was an able leader, very public-minded and always full of energy. She was a great friend and I will miss her counsel. My sympathies go out to Mike, Beth and all her family and friends.”

Senator Nelson served as Chairman of her historic 1986 campaign for Governor of Nebraska.

Source: KOLNKGIN

Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson (D) welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Treasury Department Friday, that Nebraska will receive $225 million in new financing resources from the Stimulus Bill. The announcement targets money to help communities invest in infrastructure and economic development.

“This is very good news. Local communities can sure use these new resources to revitalize or stabilize their communities by launching infrastructure and economic development projects that will provide both good jobs and lasting, needed improvements,” said Senator Nelson. “And these projects will help keep Nebraska a wonderful place to work and live, while helping to turn our national economy around.”
 
The Treasury Department announced that Nebraska is receiving $225 million in new bond authority under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as part of $25 billion in bond authority available to local communities nationwide. The financing authority seeks to help areas affected by job loss and economic hardship. State and local entities can issue bonds and the federal government will pay a major part of the interest through tax credits.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the stimulus bill, creates a new category of tax credit bonds for investment in economic recovery zones. The bill authorizes $10 billion in recovery zone economic development bonds and $15 billion in recovery zone facility bonds.

Bonds can be issued during 2009 and 2010 and are allocated to counties nationwide. Local governments receiving an allocation of these bonds would be permitted to use the bonds to invest in infrastructure, job training, education, and economic development in areas within the boundaries of the state, city or county that has significant poverty, unemployment or home foreclosures.

The Treasury Department issued a list of recipients in Nebraska. The city of Lincoln will receive a total of $43.7 million in new bond authority, while the city of Omaha will receive a total of $28.8 million in new financing resources.

“This is very good news. Local communities can sure use these new resources to revitalize or stabilize their communities by launching infrastructure and economic development projects that will provide both good jobs and lasting, needed improvements,” said Senator Nelson. “And these projects will help keep Nebraska a wonderful place to work and live, while helping to turn our national economy around.”

The Treasury Department announced that Nebraska is receiving $225 million in new bond authority under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as part of $25 billion in bond authority available to local communities nationwide. The financing authority seeks to help areas affected by job loss and economic hardship. State and local entities can issue bonds and the federal government will pay a major part of the interest through tax credits.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the stimulus bill, creates a new category of tax credit bonds for investment in economic recovery zones. The bill authorizes $10 billion in recovery zone economic development bonds and $15 billion in recovery zone facility bonds.

Bonds can be issued during 2009 and 2010 and are allocated to counties nationwide. Local governments receiving an allocation of these bonds would be permitted to use the bonds to invest in infrastructure, job training, education, and economic development in areas within the boundaries of the state, city or county that has significant poverty, unemployment or home foreclosures.

The Treasury Department issued a list of recipients in Nebraska. The city of Lincoln will receive a total of $43.7 million in new bond authority, while the city of Omaha will receive a total of $28.8 million in new financing resources.

For more information regarding the statewide breakdown click here.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed an announcement by the U.S. Department of Labor that Nebraska will receive $1.54 million in grants to provide education and training to Nebraska youth.  NeighborWorks Lincoln will receive $546,250; High Plains Community Development Corp, Inc. of Chadron will receive $477,000; Goodwill Industries of Omaha will receive $523,319.

“These funds will help give disadvantaged youth a leg up,” said Senator Nelson. “By providing hands-on training for young people, we’re investing in the future of Nebraska.  These projects will support local youth organizations in the short term, and will provide valuable skills that participants will use for a lifetime.”

The Labor Department’s YouthBuild Grants provide disadvantaged youth with: the education and employment skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency in occupations in high demand and postsecondary education and training opportunities; opportunities for meaningful work and service to their communities; and opportunities to develop employment and leadership skills and a commitment to community development among youth in low-income communities.

All three Nebraska groups will conduct programs to provide job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16-24 while constructing or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods. Youth will split their time between the construction site and the classroom, where they earn their GED or high school diploma, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for college and other postsecondary training opportunities.

In Lincoln and Chadron, the program’s participants will work to construct units that are Energy Star Nebraska Green Build Certified.  In Omaha, graduates of the program will receive 6.5 free credits in the Metropolitan Community College’s Construction Technology training program.  The Chadron and Omaha projects will use funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the stimulus bill.  The Lincoln project will be funded through the yearly operating budget of the Labor Department appropriated by Congress.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfmfor more information.

Source: North Platte Telegraph

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate should call for the federal government to get out of the car business as quickly as possible, Sen. Ben Nelson said Wednesday.

The Nebraska Democrat introduced a nonbinding resolution calling for the government to divest itself from Chrysler and General Motors.

Under the Obama administration, both companies are being supported in their bankruptcy reorganization plans with funds originally intended to bail out troubled financial institutions. As part of those plans, the federal government has taken ownership stakes in both companies.

"Our drastic economic crisis has required the federal government to become a reluctant shareholder in these iconic American auto manufacturers, but now members of Congress must clearly state what millions of Americans feel - this investment in ownership of auto company stock is intended only to get the automakers back on solid financial footing," Nelson said. "It's not an open-ended blank check at the expense of American taxpayers."

Nelson said he has heard from constituents concerned that the country is heading toward socialism.

"I've tried to satisfy them by saying 'Look, this is temporary,'" Nelson said.

Nelson's resolution also calls for the Government Accountability Office to conduct an independent study of how long it will take Chrysler and GM to get back on their feet and allow the government to divest itself from the companies.

Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., has publicly opposed government stock ownership in the car companies and offered legislation that would require congressional approval for any government stock purchases with the Wall Street bailout funds. If adopted, his proposal would affect the GM and Chrysler deals.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think the federal government would use taxpayer dollars to gain ownership in a private entity, especially with no vote required of Congress," Johanns said Wednesday.

A Johanns spokeswoman said the senator agrees with the part of Nelson's resolution that calls for government to give up its share of the car companies quickly but disagrees with a section suggesting that government support for the car companies was necessary to avoid significant job losses.

Even while he called for the government to wrap up its ownership in the car companies quickly, Nelson continued Wednesday to defend the idea that government support has been necessary to keep the companies viable.

He cited numbers from the Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers Association showing more than 13,600 people in Nebraska whose jobs are tied to the auto industry.

Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson introduced today a resolution (S.RES.175) expressing the sense of the Senate that the federal government is only a temporary shareholder in the American automotive industry and should divest its ownership interests as expeditiously as possible.  The resolution also calls on the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to determine how long it may take GM and Chrysler to return to solvency in order for the federal government to fully complete its divestiture.

“The economic crisis made it necessary for the federal government to become a reluctant shareholder in these iconic American auto manufacturers.  Nobody wants government in the car business, but the alternative was worse” said Senator Nelson.  “To do nothing was not an option -- too many Nebraska jobs and communities have a stake in the auto industry -- but now that an investment has been made we must be clear about the road ahead.  The historic investment in GM and Chrysler is intended only to get the auto makers back on solid financial footing and is not an open-ended blank check at the expense of American taxpayers.”

According to the Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers Association, there are over 13,600 people in Nebraska whose jobs are tied to the auto industry, including auto dealers, auto parts manufacturers, repair shops and mechanics. The auto industry also accounts for $267 million in wages for Nebraska individuals and families.  Dealership owners and their employees in places like Arapahoe, Hastings, David City, Omaha, Auburn, Milford, Lincoln, Scottsbluff, and West Point have already been impacted by the auto bankruptcies. Auto parts manufacturing plants in communities like Kearney, Cozad, and Seward are also feeling the results of the downturn in the auto industry.

“This resolution will affirm what the President has made clear: taxpayers should be protected and the government should divest ownership as quickly as possible once the companies regain financial stability,” said Senator Nelson.  “Through this resolution, the Senate would leave no question about the government’s future role in the US auto industry.  This resolution lays out in clear language what the American taxpayers should expect to happen with their investment.”

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

Credit Sen. Ben Nelson for drawing attention to the knotty and evolving problem of road funding in Nebraska.

The concerns Nelson raised last week show the need for local, federal and state officials to come to agreement on priorities so that all are working toward the same goals.

Nelson complained to state officials in April that much of the $150 million in road funding he worked to bring to Nebraska during the past eight years remains unused.

Nelson singled out the Lincoln South Beltway as a particular concern. At one time, officials said it was possible the major project could be completed by now. Instead, the project remains on the drawing board.

“Allowing these funds to sit unused over an extended period of time is certainly not in the best interest of Nebraska taxpayers,” Nelson wrote in a letter to the state Department of Roads. “Since this appears to be the case with the South Beltway project, I am considering taking action to redirect this stalled funding to other needed projects in order to utilize these funds in a more timely manner.”

The issue Nelson raised is no surprise. State officials made clear last fall that the beltway was being postponed indefinitely when they removed the project from state government’s six-year road plan.

In a response to Nelson, former state Roads Director John Craig noted, “Current revenue is not sufficient to fund the balance of the project estimated at $175 million,” and that the Federal Highway Administration is now insisting on “a re-evaluation of the environmental document to include a financial plan for the entire project.”

The current dearth of road funding means old assumptions and yellowing plans should be re-examined in the light of new realities.

The beltway was proposed and planning began in an era in which road funding was relatively more generous than it is now. The future for major projects looks dismal. Taxpayers appear ready to riot at any attempt to raise the gas tax.

Various other ideas for funding major road projects are still under discussion. New legislation for a national infrastructure bank such as that promoted by former Sen. Chuck Hagel has been reintroduced in Congress, for example. There is no indication, however, that consensus on other funding alternatives is near.

There’s little doubt that the Lincoln South Beltway is a desirable project. Ask any local driver who shares Nebraska 2 with long-haul 18-wheelers during busy traffic hours.

But to put the question in stark terms, is the national, state and local funding outlook so bleak that the local community would have to put off any other major project for another decade or more just to get the beltway built?

Community leaders and officials at all levels of government should come to agreement on how to answer that question.

Working to support rural Nebraska airports, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson today introduced the Small Airport Relief Act of 2009 which would ensure current federal funding levels for rural airports remain stable during the economic downturn.   Without legislation, multiple Nebraska airports stand to lose a significant amount of funding if they fall below the threshold required to qualify for $1 million in federal assistance through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) in 2009.  The Senator wrote the Federal Aviation Administration about the same funding issue last week.

"Rural airports are an economic engine for the communities they serve," said Senator Nelson.  "This legislation will keep Nebraska's rural airports upgraded, modern, and safe.  Rural airports are counting on these funds. These tough times are, hopefully, temporary and rural airports shouldn't be penalized by losing funds they need for runway work, security upgrades or other improvements to remain modern and up to date.

"I will fight to make sure our rural airports and the people they serve are ready to take full advantage of the economic recovery when it comes, which we all look forward to seeing soon."

The Small Airport Relief Act instructs the Secretary of Transportation to determine AIP funding levels in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 based on passenger boardings during calendar year 2008 because of the harm placed on airports as a result of the financial crisis.  Currently, airports are required to have 10,000 enplanements in order to qualify for $1 million in federal funds as part of the AIP.  Airports that do not reach 10,000 enplanements receive $150,000.  This bill would place a temporary moratorium on that 10,000 enplanement requirement.  Funding levels for AIP are determined by enplanement totals during the calendar year, while funding is provided based on the next corresponding fiscal year. 

In Nebraska, the airports in Scottsbluff, Kearney, and North Platte could be affected by the temporary moratorium to the AIP funding formula.  Airports in a number of other rural states such as Alaska and Kansas could be affected by the formula as well. Senator Nelson is seeking cosponsors for his legislation.

Senator Nelson has a long history of supporting rural airports in Nebraska.  Previously, the senator introduced a successful bill following the post- 9/11 air passenger decline that extended AIP funding to airports that dipped below the 10,000 enplanements threshold.  Senator Nelson also introduced legislation in the 110^th Congress to require the Department of Transportation to work with the Governor or appropriate state transportation officials to determine the most common route traveled to a medium or large hub airport when determining Essential Air Service airport qualifications, which are used to determine federal funding eligibility.  In the 110^th and 109^th Congresses, Senator Nelson co-sponsored legislation to repeal a program that would have resulted in a 10% reduction in funding to certain rural airports.

While I come back to Nebraska every weekend, I took the opportunity this past Memorial Day break to talk to several dozen Nebraskans about health care and hear their priorities for reform.  I met with patients and consumers, medical providers and advocates, and businesses struggling to provide insurance for their workers. 

Each of these folks came from different backgrounds and had unique concerns, but everyone spoke of the need to achieve substantive and effective reforms to bring down health care costs.

Nebraskans Want Affordable Coverage

Today, more than 85 percent of Nebraskans have health insurance coverage but many continuously struggle to keep up with increasing costs.  Many of these individuals have done everything right to make sure they and their families are covered, but their premiums keep eating up more and more of their paycheck. 

While they were all pleased to hear health insurers won’t any longer deny pre-existing conditions and will guarantee coverage for all, they also asked that we make sure whatever comprehensive plan emerges from Congress does not destabilize the coverage they currently have, or worsen the annual cost increases families face.

Businesses Need Relief

Almost two-thirds of the non-Medicare (65 and under) population obtains health coverage through their employer, so it is critical that we strengthen that coverage and make sure businesses are not priced out of providing health insurance.

Many of the Nebraska businesses I spoke with have already implemented prevention and wellness programs, but continue to see the cost of coverage ratchet up year after year.  This impacts their competitiveness and makes it harder for them to meet the moral obligation they feel to provide high quality health care to employees who commit themselves to their jobs.  

Health Care Strain felt by Providers

Across-the-board, I heard from providers who struggled to keep up with demand or from patients who simply couldn’t access care because there aren’t enough qualified doctors, nurses and other medical technicians, especially in rural Nebraska. 

Many expressed concern about insuring more people through a government-run plan because of low Medicare reimbursement rates. They already create a cost shift when providers are forced to charge non-Medicare patients more just to balance the books.  Estimates suggest that 15 percent of Nebraskan’s insurance premiums, when combined with uncompensated care, are due to this cost shift. 

The President Supported Option

We’re trying to find a way to insure 45 million people who don’t have insurance and need to make sure that whatever is done is done right because we probably won’t get a do-over.  The final reform plan should take into account the wishes of the many Nebraskans I met with and should not destabilize the insurance that 250 million Americans already have, and it should be focused on bringing down costs.

During the campaign, the President said Americans should be able to keep the coverage they have or be able to choose between plans like members of Congress have.  I agree.  I look forward to seeing the President’s plan and to working with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure health care reform delivers for Nebraskans.  

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

Sen. Ben Nelson said Saturday he’s inclined to support Judge  Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

But, Nelson said, he’ll wait to see  what develops at her confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee before pledging his vote.

“My inclination is to try to be supportive,” the Democratic senator said during an interview at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he addressed Boys State.

Nelson will sit down privately with Sotomayor in his Senate office next Tuesday at noon to make his own assessment of President Obama’s first Supreme Court nominee.

One of his questions, he said, will focus on the meaning and context of her previous remarks about the value of personal experience and one’s life story in reaching judicial decisions.

Sotomayor has been under fire from critics for one statement in particular during a 2001 university lecture.

“I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,” she said at the time.

Nelson said he wants to be sure Sotomayor would not be “a judicial activist,” pursuing her own agenda rather than interpreting the law.

So, he said, he’ll pose a series of questions that could help assure him that “she doesn’t want to be a legislator from the bench.”

Nelson said he developed those questions when he  conducted hundreds of judicial interviews prior to appointing 81 judges during his eight years as governor.

Sotomayor is “very intelligent with a very compelling life story and strong judicial experience,” he said.

A U.S. Court of Appeals judge, she would be the first Hispanic member of the Supreme Court.

Nelson, who is pro-life, said he does not intend to ask Sotomayor’s personal view of abortion rights.

It’s not a concern “unless she intends to take her own position to the bench,” he said.

Source: KOLN/KGIN

400 Nebraska teenagers have joined the likes of Bill Clinton, Michael Jordan and Tom Brokaw - as graduates of Boys State.

The program, started by the American Legion in 1935, gives young men a hands on lesson about state government and on meeting life's challenges.

"You learn that something that was important enough to put your life and energy into it, is also important enough to complete," said U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, a 1958 Boys State Alum, as he spoke of lessons learned as a member 51 years ago, to a group of potential future leaders.

Nelson recounted his path to political success and encouraged Nebraska's youth to set and achieve big goals.

"Expect success and then be prepared to live with that success," said Nelson. "I think they learn as I did that you can run for office, that you can participate in it or you can work in it."

Aaron Zabawa, Co. Chief Counselor for Boys State Nebraska, said this years message is about getting teenagers to step up and grab the baton, so to speak.

"Our future is in their hands and we're counting on them to keep Nebraska a great place to live."

For one week about 400 boys from across the state - all going into their senior year - come together to learn the ins and outs of local government.

"And essentially we operate as a state for a week. We have towns, counties..we elected a governor," said Zabawa.

Bryce Cayn of Omaha applied to be a part of Boys State out of curiosity and is leaving with a sense of accomplishment.

"More than half of the knowledge I have now, I gained here this week," said Cayn. "Its amazing how much there is to learn about our government that we don't learn in schools. Everything I could know or would want to know, I had access to and it was amazing."

Edson Deoliveira of Ewing said he's not surprised by the interest in current events and the legal system from students his age.

"We're a new generation coming up and kind of interested in all these different areas and all these different ideas kind of bring forth the best in us," said Deoliveira.

But the message runs deeper than a history or legal lesson. This is a lesson on life and the opportunities at these young fingertips.

"When people would tell me it isn't possible. I said yes it is," Sen. Nelson told the group, speaking about the obstacles he's overcome.

“It is my hope that this resolution increases awareness of the great sacrifices military families make and inspires Americans everywhere to express their appreciation.” 
~ Senator Nelson on the passage of the Year of the Military Family Resolution ~

SENATE PASSES "YEAR OF THE MILITARY FAMILY" RESOLUTION
June 4, 2009 – In support of military families nationwide, the Senate Tuesday night passed a resolution sponsored by Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson and Senators Carl Levin of Michigan, John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina designating the year 2009 as the Year of the Military Family.  In addition, Senator Nelson yesterday led a hearing of the Personnel Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee on federal support efforts for military families.

“The life of a military family member has never been an easy one, but in our eighth year of war, families are facing more hardships, and it is clear that they play a very significant role in serving our country,” said Senator Nelson, who is chairman of the personnel subcommittee.  “It is my hope that this resolution increases awareness of the great sacrifices military families make and inspire Americans everywhere to express their appreciation.  But there is still work to do.  In today’s hearing we spoke with families about what additional support we can provide during these difficult times.”

Panelists spoke of the challenges facing military families as they undergo redeployment of loved ones, permanent changes of station, and readjust to the return of their loved ones post-combat.  In his opening remarks, Senator Nelson discussed areas in which the government can provide additional support for families including timely access to mental health resources and programs, financial counseling, job placement, accessing quality health care, and child care.

“These family members are an integral part of the force, and stress on the force affects the overall readiness of our Armed Forces,” Senator Nelson said at the hearing.  “Military families often face unique challenges and difficulties throughout their loved one’s career, including frequent relocations and reassignments to bases across the country and overseas as well as the various demands stemming from continued deployments of members from every service.

“In talking with spouses from my home state of Nebraska, I know how important it is to them that they have base and community support and that they are reached out to once the servicemember is deployed.  We in Congress have tried to do our part to help, and have made family support programs and initiatives a priority.”

Yesterday’s hearing included testimony from Kathleen Moakler, Director of Government Relations for the National Military Family Association; Shelia Casey, wife of General George W. Casey, Jr., Chief of Staff of the United States Army; Jennifer A. Mancini, wife of Chief Petty Officer Steven F. Mancini, United States Navy; Patricia Davis, wife of Chief Master Sergeant James E. Davis, the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 316th Wing at Andrews Air Force Base; Arthur J. Myers, Principal Director and Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy; Ms. Kathleen Marin, Director, Installation Services, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, United States Army; Terri J. Rau, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Research and Development and Performance Measurement, Navy Installations Command, United States Navy; Major General Timothy R. Larsen, United States Marine Corps retired, Director, Personal and Family Readiness Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs Department, United States Marine Corps; and Eliza G. Nesmith, Chief, Airmen and Family Services Division, United States Air Force.

There are more than 1.8 million family members of regular component members of the armed forces; an additional 1.1 million family members of reserve component members. In Nebraska, there are nearly 7,500 families of regular component members of the armed services; more than 7,700 families of reserve component members.

The text of the Senate-passed resolution honoring military families can be found at http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.RES.165:

NELSON, JOHANNS URGE FAA TO SUPPORT RURAL AIRPORTS DURING ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
June 2, 2009 -- Working to support rural airports in today’s difficult economic climate, Nebraska Senators Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns sent a letter today to the Federal Aviation Administration calling on the FAA to “utilize all available discretion and funding flexibility to support rural airports.”  The economic slowdown could cause multiple Nebraska airports to fall below the threshold required to qualify for $1 million in federal assistance through the Airport Improvement Program in 2009.

“The economic crisis has hit rural airports hard,” said Senator Ben Nelson. “These airports serve as economic engines and transportation hubs for rural communities.  I am urging the FAA to continue to support these vital lifelines while passenger levels are expected to dip.”

"The degree to which rural communities rely upon their airports cannot be overstated," Senator Johanns said. "They are an important part of economic development and represent critical infrastructure for farmers, businesses, and families across the state. In general, passenger levels have dropped and rural airports shouldn't be punished for falling below a specific threshold. I strongly advise the FAA to utilize all options to continue the support relied upon by rural airports."

The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, which provides infrastructure and security funding to rural airports, requires that all airports meet a 10,000 passengers/year threshold before qualifying for $1 million in federal funding.  The FAA and Congress worked together to extend AIP funding to airports that dipped below that threshold in 2001 following a similarly steep decline in passengers after the September 11 terrorist attacks.  A loss of AIP funding would stall airport improvements in many rural communities.

Senators Nelson and Johanns were joined by Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, who also signed the letter.

The full text of the letter is below:

June 2, 2009
 
Ms. Catherine M. Lang
Acting Associate Administrator for Airports
Federal Aviation Adminstration
800 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20591-0004

Dear Ms. Lang:

We write to you today to express concerns we have with the impact our nation’s current economic crisis may have on rural airports.

These rural airports serve as a critical economic engine for many smaller communities by connecting communities to business, providing economic development, and linking to the nation’s transportation system.  The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) has long served as a vital tool to these airports by providing funding for infrastructure and security improvements.

However, because of the current decline in ridership brought about by our economy’s weakened condition, many rural airports that have shown consistent growth in enplanements will fall short of the 10,000 passenger threshold required to qualify for $1 million in AIP funding this year.  The dramatic decline in funds for those who have historically met this benchmark could threaten airport improvements and the national system they support.

As you know, our nation’s airports have been faced with a similar situation before.  After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, airplane ridership significantly decreased, resulting in many rural airports falling short of the 10,000 enplanement threshold, as they may this year.  Consequently, Congress and the FAA worked to extend AIP funding for airports that had reached the 10,000 enplanement threshold the previous year.

In order to make sure airport development stays on track, we ask the FAA to utilize all available discretion and funding flexibility to support rural airports.  We believe a similar approach to the actions put forth in Vision 100:  Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108?176) regarding the adoption of temporary AIP enplanement requirements is once again appropriate.

We look forward to receiving your response and working with you to address this issue.

Sincerely,

E. Benjamin Nelson                                     Mike Johanns
United States Senator                                  United States Senator

Lisa Murkowski                                           Mark Begich
United States Senator                               United States Senator

NELSON: OVER $2.5 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDS FOR NEBRASKA WATER PROJECTS
June 2, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed plans announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to send more than $2.5 million to Nebraska as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  The funds will go to water projects in the Gering Valley and Knox County.

“These funds will help safeguard flood-prone areas of Nebraska while creating jobs,” said Senator Nelson.  “In addition, funds for restoring land to its natural state will help our environment and provide economic stimulus to rural Nebraska communities.”

The $2.2 million in funding for Gering Valley is part of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) efforts to create jobs in areas most impacted economically by natural disaster.  The funds will be used to increase the rate of watershed restoration and reduce the potential harmful impacts of flooding.

The $361,260 in funding for Knox County is part of the USDA-NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program which acquires easements on land damaged by recent or repeated flooding and funds conservation work to restore the land to its natural state.  Restoring land ensures that it functions properly and reduces the need for long-term federal disaster assistance.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information.

Nelson Network Nebraska is interested in reaching more Nebraskans. If you know of a fellow Nebraskan who would be interested in receiving this bulletin, please forward their name, telephone number and email address to us at press@bennelson.senate.gov

In support of military families nationwide, the Senate Tuesday night passed a resolution sponsored by Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson and Senators Carl Levin of Michigan, John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina designating the year 2009 as the Year of the Military Family.  In addition, Senator Nelson yesterday led a hearing of the Personnel Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee on federal support efforts for military families.

“The life of a military family member has never been an easy one, but in our eighth year of war, families are facing more hardships, and it is clear that they play a very significant role in serving our country,” said Senator Nelson, who is chairman of the personnel subcommittee.  “It is my hope that this resolution increases awareness of the great sacrifices military families make and inspire Americans everywhere to express their appreciation.  But there is still work to do.  In today’s hearing we spoke with families about what additional support we can provide during these difficult times.”

Panelists spoke of the challenges facing military families as they undergo redeployment of loved ones, permanent changes of station, and readjust to the return of their loved ones post-combat.  In his opening remarks, Senator Nelson discussed areas in which the government can provide additional support for families including timely access to mental health resources and programs, financial counseling, job placement, accessing quality health care, and child care.

“These family members are an integral part of the force, and stress on the force affects the overall readiness of our Armed Forces,” Senator Nelson said at the hearing.  “Military families often face unique challenges and difficulties throughout their loved one’s career, including frequent relocations and reassignments to bases across the country and overseas as well as the various demands stemming from continued deployments of members from every service. 

“In talking with spouses from my home state of Nebraska, I know how important it is to them that they have base and community support and that they are reached out to once the servicemember is deployed.  We in Congress have tried to do our part to help, and have made family support programs and initiatives a priority.”

Yesterday’s hearing included testimony from Kathleen Moakler, Director of Government Relations for the National Military Family Association; Shelia Casey, wife of General George W. Casey, Jr., Chief of Staff of the United States Army; Jennifer A. Mancini, wife of Chief Petty Officer Steven F. Mancini, United States Navy; Patricia Davis, wife of Chief Master Sergeant James E. Davis, the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 316th Wing at Andrews Air Force Base; Arthur J. Myers, Principal Director and Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy; Ms. Kathleen Marin, Director, Installation Services, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, United States Army; Terri J. Rau, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Research and Development and Performance Measurement, Navy Installations Command, United States Navy; Major General Timothy R. Larsen, United States Marine Corps retired, Director, Personal and Family Readiness Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs Department, United States Marine Corps; and Eliza G. Nesmith, Chief, Airmen and Family Services Division, United States Air Force. 

There are more than 1.8 million family members of regular component members of the armed forces; an additional 1.1 million family members of reserve component members. In Nebraska, there are nearly 7,500 families of regular component members of the armed services; more than 7,700 families of reserve component members.

The text of the Senate-passed resolution honoring military families can be found at http://www.thomas.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.RES.165:

Working to support rural airports in today's difficult economic climate, Nebraska Senators Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns sent a letter today to the Federal Aviation Administration calling on the FAA to "utilize all available discretion and funding flexibility to support rural airports." The economic slowdown could cause multiple Nebraska airports to fall below the threshold required to qualify for $1 million in federal assistance through the Airport Improvement Program in 2009.

"The economic crisis has hit rural airports hard," said Senator Ben Nelson. "These airports serve as economic engines and transportation hubs for rural communities. I am urging the FAA to continue to support these vital lifelines while passenger levels are expected to dip."

"The degree to which rural communities rely upon their airports cannot be overstated," Senator Johanns said. "They are an important part of economic development and represent critical infrastructure for farmers, businesses, and families across the state. In general, passenger levels have dropped and rural airports shouldn't be punished for falling below a specific threshold. I strongly advise the FAA to utilize all options to continue the support relied upon by rural airports."

The FAA's Airport Improvement Program, which provides infrastructure and security funding to rural airports, requires that all airports meet a 10,000 passengers/year threshold before qualifying for $1 million in federal funding. The FAA and Congress worked together to extend AIP funding to airports that dipped below that threshold in 2001 following a similarly steep decline in passengers after the September 11 terrorist attacks. A loss of AIP funding would stall airport improvements in many rural communities.

Senators Nelson and Johanns were joined by Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, who also signed the letter.

The full text of the letter is below:

                                                                                                          June 2, 2009

Ms. Catherine M. Lang

Acting Associate Administrator for Airports

Federal Aviation Adminstration

800 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, DC 20591-0004

Dear Ms. Lang:

We write to you today to express concerns we have with the impact our nation's current economic crisis may have on rural airports.

These rural airports serve as a critical economic engine for many smaller communities by connecting communities to business, providing economic development, and linking to the nation's transportation system. The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) has long served as a vital tool to these airports by providing funding for infrastructure and security improvements.

However, because of the current decline in ridership brought about by our economy's weakened condition, many rural airports that have shown consistent growth in enplanements will fall short of the 10,000 passenger threshold required to qualify for $1 million in AIP funding this year. The dramatic decline in funds for those who have historically met this benchmark could threaten airport improvements and the national system they support.

As you know, our nation's airports have been faced with a similar situation before. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, airplane ridership significantly decreased, resulting in many rural airports falling short of the 10,000 enplanement threshold, as they may this year. Consequently, Congress and the FAA worked to extend AIP funding for airports that had reached the 10,000 enplanement threshold the previous year.

In order to make sure airport development stays on track, we ask the FAA to utilize all available discretion and funding flexibility to support rural airports. We believe a similar approach to the actions put forth in Vision 100: Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108‑176) regarding the adoption of temporary AIP enplanement requirements is once again appropriate.

We look forward to receiving your response and working with you to address this issue.

Sincerely,

 

E. Benjamin Nelson                                                Mike Johanns

United States Senator                                             United States Senator

 

Lisa Murkowski                                                      Mark Begich

United States Senator                                             United States Senator

 

                                              By

                                  Senator Ben Nelson

Over the next two months, Congress and the White House will work on comprehensive health care reform. During the recent Memorial Day congressional break I met with dozens of fellow Nebraskans--doctors, nurses, business owners, health care providers and patients-- to hear their views, and to hear firsthand from patients struggling with health care access and quality.

One Nebraskan I met with told me a frightening story that could happen to anyone. He was self employed but when he tried to purchase health insurance was denied because he once had been diagnosed as pre-diabetic even though he currently had no symptoms, had normal blood sugar levels and took no medication.

Because of pre-existing condition restrictions, he could not obtain coverage and was forced to go without health care.

Affects Thousands of Nebraskans

Nebraskan after Nebraskan I met with told me horror stories about being denied affordable health insurance coverage which contributed to their struggle to access care and added strains on their pocketbook.

There was the single mom whose employer covered her health insurance but would only cover her 2 year old child if she paid an additional $100 per pay check, which she could not afford. Her salary was slightly above income levels for Kid’s Connection, the state’s insurance coverage for children in low income families, so her child went without. She’s one illness or accident away from financial ruin.

Another woman did triple duty when it comes to health care. She’s a nurse, a breast cancer survivor and works with the homeless and low income patients. She said some of her patients were so poor that they couldn’t afford co-payments at clinics, had to find foundations to purchase their medications and had to go to emergency rooms when their problems got out of hand putting a burden on society.

Mental Health Coverage

It wasn’t just physical health that was on the minds of Nebraskans I was able to visit with. Several had concerns about mental health coverage, especially for their children. Two mothers had teens that had experienced severe behavioral problems since they were tots. They were a danger to themselves and others.

My heart went out to them, especially one particular mother who endured years of unimaginable hardship. She told me that she struggled to find a provider who would treat her son and accept her insurance. Unable to afford the cost of treatment, she followed the advice of a counselor and had him declared a ward of the state. She was so desperate that she surrendered her parental rights in order to get him help and when she did the very people who advised her to do it criticized her, asking why she wanted to get rid of her child.

A Constant Worry for Nebraskans

These are working Nebraskans who aren’t looking for a handout. They’re looking for the ability to purchase affordable coverage and not be denied based on a pre-existing condition.

Each and every story was very sobering, indeed. For them and thousands of other Nebraskans just like them, health care is a constant worry. I’ll make sure these voices are heard as Congress to reform our health reform system.

Source: Lincoln Journal Star

Sen. Ben Nelson says he’s open to a government role in securing universal health care coverage.

But, Nelson says, he does not want to “destabilize or adversely affect” the private health insurance coverage now in place for most Americans.

“I have not closed my mind to any option,” says Nelson, a key figure in the approaching showdown over health care reform.

While he’s opposed to opening the door to choice between a government and a private plan, Nelson says he wants to “see how a public plan is crafted.

“It’s a deal-breaker for me if there’s a government-run plan to replace existing insurance plans,” he says.

“I see a role for government, but not the primary responsibility,” Nelson says. “I see a backup plan,” but not at the expense of “erosion of a market-based system.”

Nelson is sitting inside his cabin in the forested hills overlooking the Platte River near Schramm Park southwest of Omaha.

Clad in a work shirt and jeans, he has work to do outdoors on an 80-degree day after he has outlined his health care views over a morning cup of coffee.

Nelson sat down quietly with providers, patients and businesses in a series of private meetings in Lincoln and Omaha last week to listen to their proposals and concerns.

What’s not on the table is a single-payer universal health care system managed by the federal government.

Nelson says he’d adamantly oppose it, but the Obama administration and congressional leaders aren’t even crafting such a plan.

“Single-payer can’t pass,” Nelson says.

What’s open is how to construct coverage for 45 million uncovered Americans who would be brought under the umbrella of universal coverage.

The private insurance industry is prepared to eliminate barriers to coverage for Americans with pre-existing health conditions if there is universal coverage, Nelson said.

There is some risk balance within that pool of uninsured. Some are priced out of coverage, but some fit into the “young-invincible” category of healthy Americans who have the resources to purchase insurance but do not believe they need it.

Nearly 13 percent of Nebraskans are uninsured; 40 percent of those are the young-invincibles.

Federal funding support, or subsidies, would be required to expand coverage to all Americans, Nelson says, and that will be a challenge at a time of huge budget deficits.

Health care reform must include incentives to increase the number of health care providers, Nelson says.  That’s needed to assure access to care under expanded coverage in an already overburdened system.

One piece of the reform package already has been enacted in the form of a $1.9 billion appropriation in the economic stimulus bill to fund electronic transfer of patient records, Nelson says.

Nebraska’s Democratic senator has been targeted by supporters of public health care coverage as an advocate for private insurance interests who have been major contributors to his campaigns.

Nelson is a former insurance executive and former insurance attorney who conducted a national practice from Omaha.  He’s also a former state insurance commissioner.

“I know something about the industry because I’ve been in it, and I’m not apologetic about that,” he says.

“I’m not as sensitive about that as attackers think. I’m not going to run from that experience.”

That expertise helps him be a player when it comes time to “help shape the plan,” Nelson says.

“And I can make independent-minded judgments,” he says.

Nelson says his record demonstrates he is open to a public or government role when that’s the best choice.

In the Senate, he says, he has voted to expand Medicare to include prescription drug coverage and voted to strengthen the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.

As governor, he championed development of the Kids Connection plan to provide health care coverage for children under Medicaid.

Nelson says he believes it’s important that he make his views known in advance.

“I know it’s a close vote (and) I believe it’s appropriate to tell people what it takes to get my vote,” he says.

“I probably would take less heat if I hadn’t stepped up.

“But I believe in playing my cards face up when the American people are counting on us to get this right.”

Source: Sioux City Journal

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture will send nearly $1.2 million to the town of Wynot, Neb., as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, it was announced today by U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb.

Funding for Wynot is a combination of loans and grants to be used for improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure.

"These funds will help Wynot continue to provide safe drinking water for its residents," Nelson said. "Improving rural infrastructure provides economic stimulus to rural communities and at the same time creates a foundation for future prosperity and growth."

The funding is part of the USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program which provides loans and grants to ensure that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.

The office of Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson today warned Nebraskans not to fall for a misleading fundraising gimmick by a special interest group called Change Congress. The group has issued a press release concerning Senator Nelson and said it was sending mailers to Nebraskans.  

Senator Nelson’s spokesman Jake Thompson issued this statement:

“There’s no doubt Senator Nelson understands the insurance industry’s important role providing health care for millions of Americans. After all, he’s been an insurance executive, an insurance industry regulator, a governor who created a children’s health insurance program, and today he represents Nebraska, arguably the insurance capital of the world.

“But let’s look at this group closely. They claim, ‘Ben Nelson said he may not support Obama’s plan.’ Can they send us a copy of the plan? No, because President Obama hasn’t offered a specific plan yet. Next, they ask if people are ready to change Congress and ‘take on special interests’ and ‘only donate to politicians who prove they are willing to do that.’ Then, they promote an election law proposal they’re lobbying for.

“So, let’s get this straight: These people are endorsing something they haven’t seen, criticizing Senator Nelson for something he hasn’t done and using health care as a fundraising gimmick—to lobby for unrelated special interest legislation. These people have a political agenda that has nothing remotely to do with helping Nebraskans get and keep affordable, high quality health care. Their effort is silly, sad and sophomoric.

“Nebraskans are far too smart to fall for just another special interest group grabbing a hot issue and misrepresenting both the president and Senator Nelson to raise money to lobby Congress.

“Here are some facts about Senator Nelson and health care:

·         During his presidential campaign and recently President Obama has said Americans who like their private insurance will get to keep it, or have the option to join another plan.

·         Ben Nelson agrees and he’s eager to see more details from the president, and he wants to make sure that the 85 percent of Nebraskans who have insurance today will continue to have the option of staying with their existing plans.

·         Senator Nelson believes that all Americans should receive health insurance and agrees with President Obama that those who currently have health insurance should be assured that it won’t be taken away from them.

·         Senator Nelson is spending much of the congressional break in Nebraska this week meeting with Nebraskans, listening to them discuss health care and reform ideas. He’s listening to patients, providers, employers and others. He looks forward to hearing from many more Nebraskans on ways to strengthen, broaden and provide stability in America’s health care system.”

 

- 30 -

Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced today that the National Institutes of Health will be sending more than $1.5 million in funding to Nebraska as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  The funds will be used for biomedical research and training.

“These funds will help some of Nebraska’s leading research institutions to stay on the forefront of biomedical research,” said Senator Ben Nelson.  “In addition, these grants will provide research opportunities for students who would otherwise not have been able to secure funding.”

Creighton University in Omaha will receive $922,946 for three separate research projects relating to the treatments for hearing loss, immunodeficiency, and lymphoid malignancy.  The University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha will receive $468,688 for biomedical research into possible treatments for patients suffering from chronic pulmonary mucus hypersecretory diseases.  UNMC will also receive $107,969 to study a type of strep bacteria that can lead to cavities and infective endocarditis.

The University of Nebraska at Lincoln will receive $26,724 to hire a student and/or teacher as part of a program to create research opportunities for thousands of high school and college students at NIH funded labs across the country.  Creighton University in Omaha will receive $29,825 for the same program on its campus.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information.

Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson issued this statement today concerning President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the United States Supreme Court.

“President Obama is to be commended for selecting a nominee with a significant breadth and depth of legal experience to replace retiring Justice David Souter. I look forward to learning more about Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s background, record and qualifications -- and to meeting with her to discuss her judicial philosophy -- as this important United States Supreme Court nomination moves forward.

“During my tenure as Nebraska’s governor, I appointed 81 judges, including the entire Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. As Nebraska’s senator since 2001, I have voted on numerous judicial nominees. In each case, I nominated or supported judicial nominees who convinced me they would follow the law, rather than manipulate the law to promote an activist agenda. While my personal views differed from some nominees, I applied no litmus test to them on issues. My main test has always been and remains: Will the nominee follow the law and not make law to fit his or her views?

“Concerning Judge Sotomayor’s nomination, I look forward to examining her entire record and commitment to upholding the law and Constitution of the United States in the coming weeks.”

“Today’s vote is a win for Nebraska consumers.  It’s high time we stepped in to protect consumers from some of the clearly abusive practices created by some credit card companies in recent years.” 

~ Senator Nelson on this week’s vote for credit card reform ~

NELSON VOTES FOR CREDIT CARDHOLDERS' BILL OF RIGHTS

May 19, 2009 -- Working to protect Nebraskans from abusive credit card practices, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson today voted in support of the Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights (H.R. 627). The bill was approved by a margin of 90-5.

"Today's vote is a win for Nebraska consumers," said Senator Nelson. "It's high time we stepped in to protect consumers from some of the clearly abusive practices created by some credit card companies in recent years. This legislation builds on and codifies strong Federal regulations that in some cases the industry has already begun implementing."

The bill prohibits some practices that concerned Senator Nelson, including balance payment fees; double cycle billing, which could charge consumers twice for balances that in some cases had been paid off; and universal default on existing balances, which could raise interest rates on all cards' existing balances when a consumer missed payment on just one.

The bill also prevents unfair increases in interest rates and changes in terms, prohibits exorbitant and unnecessary fees, provides enhanced disclosures of card terms and conditions by requiring 45 days of advance notice of interest rate, fee, and finance charge increases, and strengthens Federal oversight of industry practices. In addition, the bill creates safeguards for young people targeted by card companies, including college students.

A similar bill was approved by the House of Representatives last month by a similarly large bipartisan vote of 357-70. The two versions are expected to be reconciled quickly; the President has called for a final bill by Memorial Day.

NELSON SUPPORTS IMF FUNDING FOR NEBRASKA JOBS AND THE STATE'S ECONOMY

 May 21, 2009 – Today, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson joined a majority of Senators voting to keep additional funding in the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill for the International Monetary Fund, which supports global financial stability, trade and growth. An amendment to strip the funding was defeated 64-30.

"We Nebraskans know well that trade and exports provide good jobs and a healthy state economy, and that we live in a global economy," Senator Nelson said. "With a global recession underway, I can't imagine why we would back away from the IMF, which exists to promote economic stability around the world."

In a May 20 letter to Nelson and other senators supporting the IMF funding, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Josten wrote: "While American workers and companies have been hit hard, the U.S. economic recovery may be undermined by even more severe difficulties in some emerging markets. It is squarely in the U.S. national interest to support efforts to help these countries as they confront the financial crisis."

In a separate letter, a bipartisan group of former secretaries of the U.S. Treasury and State Department, including James A. Baker III, Nicholas Brady, Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Henry Paulson and Robert Rubin, also backed the Obama Administration request for the IMF funding. "A stronger and more responsive IMF is essential to the restoration of confidence in the global economy and financial system and thus to our own economic recovery," they wrote.

Senator Nelson said: "These bipartisan leaders know, as I do, that US exports have grown in recent years, due largely to rapid growth in foreign markets, including in those countries which look to the IMF to help them weather this crisis. Shrinking foreign markets means slumping exports, which could threaten our economic recovery.

"Helping other countries help themselves makes sense for a basic reason: when their economies recover, they'll buy more American goods and services," Nelson said. "That means more Americans will be working and contributing to our own economic recovery."

The funding in the supplemental bill will be leveraged four to one by governments including Japan, China, and others in Europe.

The International Monetary Fund was conceived as a needed framework for international economic cooperation to avoid a repetition of economic policies that had contributed to the Great Depression. The IMF formally launched in 1945 with its first 29 member countries and has grown to 185 countries today.

NELSON: STIMULUS FUNDS GO TO IMPROVE AIRPORT RUNWAYS

May 19, 2009 – Today, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will send nearly $5 million to Omaha and O'Neill airports in Nebraska for runway rehabilitation projects as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Making sure our state's airport infrastructure is safely maintained for our citizens and general aviation users is very important," said Senator Nelson. "I am glad to see funding has landed that will put people to work while further promoting airport improvements."    

Eppley Airfield in Omaha will receive $3,186,758 to complete phase 4 of its 14R/32L North runway rehabilitation project, while O'Neill Airport in Holt County will receive $1,519,008 for its runway improvement projects. About 3,400 airports designated as part of the national airport system are eligible to receive Recovery Act funds. The FAA is moving swiftly to work with airport sponsors to ensure that eligible projects have completed, or nearly completed, design and planning requirements.

Under the Recovery Act, the FAA received $1.1 billion for qualified airports on a discretionary basis. That funding will be allocated based on a project priority system that addresses airport safety and security, infrastructure, runway safety, increased capacity, and mitigation of environmental impacts.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available. Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information.

PRYOR, SNOWE, NELSON, WICKER SEEK SAFER HIGHWAYS

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR), Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME), Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) today introduced legislation that would close a well-known loophole in the commercial driving industry that currently enables drug and alcohol abusers to get behind the wheel of a large truck or bus.

The senators said despite drug and alcohol testing requirements for commercial drivers, truckers can continue to drive 18-wheelers and buses even after testing positive. Factors that contribute to this problem include applicants who do not report their drug testing history to new employers, carriers who do not fully complete background checks and self-employed drivers who fail to remove themselves from service. Data shows that between 1.3% and 2.8% of drivers test positive for the presence of illegal drugs under random testing. Every year, approximately 5,500 fatalities and 160,000 injuries result from large trucks and buses.

"I don't want my family sharing the road with truck and bus drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I'm sure others feel the same way. We must change the status quo to ensure these drivers can't skirt the law." Pryor said. "A national clearinghouse is a cost-effective, feasible solution to weed out bad apples and keep our roads safe."

"This legislation will finally close the current loophole that allows irresponsible individuals to tarnish the good name of motor carrier operators," said Senator Snowe, a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over transportation issues. "Giving companies the ability to ensure that all operators adhere to basic safety standards is a common sense initiative that will dramatically improve the safety of American roads and highways."

"Creating a national drug and alcohol clearinghouse is a sensible approach to promote safe roads for both commercial and non-commercial drivers," said Senator Nelson. "This legislation gives trucking companies the confidence that they are putting safe drivers on the road to the benefit of those traveling our nation's highways."

"Developing a centralized database for positive drug and alcohol test results will help give employers across the country the tools they need to ensure they aren't putting drivers with substance abuse problems on our roads," Sen. Wicker said. "This is a feasible, common-sense approach to improving highway safety."

The Safe Roads Act would implement a recommendation from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to establish a cost-effective, feasible database of drug testing information for commercial drivers. Specifically, it would authorize $5 million annually to develop and deploy the database and clearinghouse; require medical review officers, employers and other service agents to report positive results from drug or alcohol tests to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; and require employers to check the database prior to hiring prospective employees. The bill also provides for privacy protections and employee rights of actions.

NELSON: STIMULUS FUNDS GO TO IMPROVE OMAHA TRANSIT

May 20, 2009 – Today, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson welcomed plans announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that will send nearly $10 million to the Omaha area for transit improvement as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

"These funds will help keep the people of Omaha moving," said Senator Nelson. "With this grant, Omaha transit authorities will update aging equipment and improve Omaha area mass transit for the thousands of people who depend on it every day."

The funding will go to Omaha Metro Area Transit (MAT), which provides transit services in Bellevue, Papillion and La Vista in Sarpy County, Omaha and Ralson in Douglas County, and Council Bluffs, IA. The majority of funding will go toward the purchase of 30 new buses for the system and to overhaul engines/transmissions on 37 buses. Funds will also be used for bus support equipment including radios, fareboxes, hard drives for video storage, and bus shelters.

"MAT is very appreciative of the receipt of the ARRA funding," said Curt Simon, Executive Director of MAT. "This funding will largely be used to accelerate replacement of aging buses. In fact, 94% of the ARRA funding is being used to replace fleet that has reached its useful life and remanufacture engines and transmissions for other buses in the fleet in order to assure their reliability."

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available. Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information.

Nelson Network Nebraska is interested in reaching more Nebraskans. If you know of a fellow Nebraskan who would be interested in receiving this bulletin, please forward their name, telephone number and email address to us at press@bennelson.senate.gov

Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson joined a majority of Senators voting to keep additional funding in the 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill for the International Monetary Fund, which supports global financial stability, trade and growth. An amendment to strip the funding was defeated 64-30.

“We Nebraskans know well that trade and exports provide good jobs and a healthy state economy, and that we live in a global economy,” Senator Nelson said. “With a global recession underway, I can’t imagine why we would back away from the IMF, which exists to promote economic stability around the world.”

In a May 20 letter to Nelson and other senators supporting the IMF funding, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Josten wrote: “While American workers and companies have been hit hard, the U.S. economic recovery may be undermined by even more severe difficulties in some emerging markets. It is squarely in the U.S. national interest to support efforts to help these countries as they confront the financial crisis.”

In a separate letter, a bipartisan group of former secretaries of the U.S. Treasury and State Department, including James A. Baker III, Nicholas Brady, Henry Kissinger, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Henry Paulson and Robert Rubin, also backed the Obama Administration request for the IMF funding. “A stronger and more responsive IMF is essential to the restoration of confidence in the global economy and financial system and thus to our own economic recovery,” they wrote.

Senator Nelson said: “These bipartisan leaders know, as I do, that US exports have grown in recent years, due largely to rapid growth in foreign markets, including in those countries which look to the IMF to help them weather this crisis.  Shrinking foreign markets means slumping exports, which could threaten our economic recovery.

“Helping other countries help themselves makes sense for a basic reason: when their economies recover, they’ll buy more American goods and services,” Nelson said. “That means more Americans will be working and contributing to our own economic recovery.”

The funding in the supplemental bill will be leveraged four to one by governments including Japan, China, and others in Europe. 

The International Monetary Fund was conceived as a needed framework for international economic cooperation to avoid a repetition of economic policies that had contributed to the Great Depression. The IMF formally launched in 1945 with its first 29 member countries and has grown to 185 countries today.

Source: Trucker News Service

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senators Mark Pryor, Olympia Snowe, Ben Nelson, and Roger Wicker have introduced legislation that would “close a well-known loophole in the commercial driving industry” that currently enables drug and alcohol abusers to get behind the wheel of a large truck or bus, the senators said in a statement Wednesday.

Despite drug and alcohol testing requirements for commercial drivers, the senators say truckers can continue to drive 18-wheelers and buses even after testing positive. Factors that contribute to this problem include applicants who do not report their drug testing history to new employers, carriers who do not fully complete background checks and self-employed drivers who fail to remove themselves from service.

Data shows that between 1.3% and 2.8% of drivers test positive for the presence of illegal drugs under random testing, according to the senators.

“I don’t want my family sharing the road with truck and bus drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I’m sure others feel the same way. We must change the status quo to ensure these drivers can’t skirt the law.” said Pryor, an Arkansas Democrat. “A national clearinghouse is a cost-effective, feasible solution to weed out bad apples and keep our roads safe.”

“This legislation will finally close the current loophole that allows irresponsible individuals to tarnish the good name of motor carrier operators,” said Sen. Snowe, a Republican from Maine and a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over transportation issues. “Giving companies the ability to ensure that all operators adhere to basic safety standards is a common sense initiative that will dramatically improve the safety of American roads and highways.”

“Creating a national drug and alcohol clearinghouse is a sensible approach to promote safe roads for both commercial and non-commercial drivers,” said Nelson, D – Neb. “This legislation gives trucking companies the confidence that they are putting safe drivers on the road to the benefit of those traveling our nation’s highways.”

“Developing a centralized database for positive drug and alcohol test results will help give employers across the country the tools they need to ensure they aren’t putting drivers with substance abuse problems on our roads,” Wicker, R – Miss., said. “This is a feasible, common-sense approach to improving highway safety.”

The Safe Roads Act would implement a recommendation from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to establish a cost-effective, feasible database of drug testing information for commercial drivers.

Specifically, it would authorize $5 million annually to develop and deploy the database and clearinghouse; require medical review officers, employers and other service agents to report positive results from drug or alcohol tests to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; and require employers to check the database prior to hiring prospective employees.

The bill also provides for privacy protections and employee rights of actions.

Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson welcomed plans announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that will send nearly $10 million to the Omaha area for transit improvement as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“These funds will help keep the people of Omaha moving,” said Senator Nelson.  “With this grant, Omaha transit authorities will update aging equipment and improve Omaha area mass transit for the thousands of people who depend on it every day.”

The funding will go to Omaha Metro Area Transit (MAT), which provides transit services in Bellevue, Papillion and La Vista in Sarpy County, Omaha and Ralson in Douglas County, and Council Bluffs, IA. The majority of funding will go toward the purchase of 30 new buses for the system and to overhaul engines/transmissions on 37 buses.  Funds will also be used for bus support equipment including radios, fareboxes, hard drives for video storage, and bus shelters.

“MAT is very appreciative of the receipt of the ARRA funding,” said Curt Simon, Executive Director of MAT.  “This funding will largely be used to accelerate replacement of aging buses.  In fact, 94% of the ARRA funding is being used to replace fleet that has reached its useful life and remanufacture engines and transmissions for other buses in the fleet in order to assure their reliability.”

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information.

Working to protect Nebraskans from abusive credit card practices, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson today voted in support of the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights (H.R. 627).  The bill was approved by a margin of 90-5.
 
“Today’s vote is a win for Nebraska consumers,” said Senator Nelson.  “It’s high time we stepped in to protect consumers from some of the clearly abusive practices created by some credit card companies in recent years.  This legislation builds on and codifies strong Federal regulations that in some cases the industry has already begun implementing.”

The bill prohibits some practices that concerned Senator Nelson, including balance payment fees; double cycle billing, which could charge consumers twice for balances that in some cases had been paid off; and universal default on existing balances, which could raise interest rates on all cards’ existing balances when a consumer missed payment on just one.

The bill also prevents unfair increases in interest rates and changes in terms, prohibits exorbitant and unnecessary fees, provides enhanced disclosures of card terms and conditions by requiring 45 days of advance notice of interest rate, fee, and finance charge increases, and strengthens Federal oversight of industry practices.  In addition, the bill creates safeguards for young people targeted by card companies, including college students.

A similar bill was approved by the House of Representatives last month by a similarly large bipartisan vote of 357-70.  The two versions are expected to be reconciled quickly; the President has called for a final bill by Memorial Day.

May 19, 2009 – Today, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will send nearly $5 million to Omaha and O'Neill airports in Nebraska for runway rehabilitation projects as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Making sure our state's airport infrastructure is safely maintained for our citizens and general aviation users is very important," said Senator Nelson. "I am glad to see funding has landed that will put people to work while further promoting airport improvements."      

Eppley Airfield in Omaha will receive $3,186,758 to complete phase 4 of its 14R/32L North runway rehabilitation project, while O'Neill Airport in Holt County will receive $1,519,008 for its runway improvement projects. About 3,400 airports designated as part of the national airport system are eligible to receive Recovery Act funds. The FAA is moving swiftly to work with airport sponsors to ensure that eligible projects have completed, or nearly completed, design and planning requirements.

Under the Recovery Act, the FAA received $1.1 billion for qualified airports on a discretionary basis. That funding will be allocated based on a project priority system that addresses airport safety and security, infrastructure, runway safety, increased capacity, and mitigation of environmental impacts.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

A fellow Nebraskan recently sent me an e-mail saying he felt like he’s being taken advantage of by his credit card company. The company had been increasing his interest rates for no reason to the point he was now paying nearly 24% interest on the balance. It made it difficult to pay anything on the principal because his entire payment was just to pay interest.

When he complained to the company he was told that they notified him on one of his statements that he had the opportunity to freeze his interest rate at the time and close the account but didn’t do so. He didn’t do so because the notice was tucked away in a lengthy legal attachment that few people would read or understand.

Stories like this from Nebraskans who play by the rules, are on time with their payments, keep balances low and manage their credit in order to maintain a good credit score are, unfortunately, all too common.

Eliminate Unfair Practices
It’s time to impose tougher rules on credit card issuers to protect consumers from some unfair practices that have emerged in recent years which is what the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 will do. It places tough new restrictions on credit card companies and protects card holders from arbitrary rate hikes and other deceptive practices.

It also cuts down on excessive fees that companies charge for making online payments and would require companies to be clearer about how long it takes to pay down a balance when someone makes only the minimum payments.

The bill protects consumers from arbitrary interest rate, fee and finance charge increases and prohibits universal default on existing balances.

It puts a stop to interest charges on paid-off balances from a previous billing cycle which is also known as a double-cycle billing ban.

It will require payments to be applied first to the credit card balance with the highest interest rate.

It provides protection for students and other young consumers from aggressive credit card solicitations.

A Victory for Consumers
The bill is being hailed by consumer advocates nationwide as a huge step for individuals over companies that are taking advantage of their customers.

As one of my colleagues so aptly pointed out, when 10,000 families are losing their homes every day and 20,000 losing their jobs, the idea that credit card companies will go along and raise those interest rates and add on fees is outrageous, and it affects every demographic group of Americans all across the country.

This bill, which enjoys strong bipartisan support, gives consumers a chance to have a more equitable relationship with their credit card company while preserving the basic framework of a credit system that is integral to America’s economy.
 

 

"Now in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the American people should receive a clear explanation of the mission, an objective set of measures by which to evaluate it going forward and regular status reports on the mission's progress."

~ Senator Nelson on the need for benchmarks in Afghanistan ~

NELSON STATEMENT ON AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS DECISION

May 15, 2009 – Today, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson issued this statement in response to the U.S. Air Force selecting Lackland Air Force Base in Texas as the new headquarters for the 24th Air Force cyber unit, over Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha and four other finalists.

"We knew the decision was made that it wasn't coming to Offutt and I assumed they would make sure this time that the criteria matched the decision. After the Global Strike Command fiasco, the processes used for these decisions have little credibility.

"We are very disappointed in the Air Force decision of the new Cyber Headquarters location. The truth of the matter is that Air Force officials view Offutt Air Force Base as primarily the home of United States Strategic Command, a unified command. While they maintain the 55th Wing at Offutt, their priorities are enriching Air Force bases that primarily support Air Force operations. Unified commands, meanwhile, are viewed as something that can 'fend for themselves.'

"What should we Nebraskans do? We have to work together—as a community and state, both public and private sector leaders—to establish stronger ties between Offutt and the Air Force. We have a strong relationship with the Air Force personnel that are located here at Offutt, but we need to expand those relationships to the Air Force leadership nationally.

"In the meantime, we must continue to support the critical national security missions of the 55th Wing and STRATCOM. We have completed a number of improvements to Offutt since I've been in the Senate, including: construction of a new Air Force Weather facility, runway, Airfield Control Tower, Fire Station, and renovations of the Youth Center, to name a few.

"And we are currently working to construct a new STRATCOM headquarters, which when completed will be a truly 21st Century facility for its missions providing strategic deterrence and U.S. freedom of action in space and cyberspace."

 

NELSON FLOOR SPEECH: BENCHMARKS AND REPORTS WILL HELP MEASURE PROGRESS IN AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN

May 14, 2009 –Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson delivered a speech on the Senate floor May 13 concerning the need for measures of progress, or benchmarks, and reports to Congress in the Fiscal 2009 Supplemental for Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Pandemic Flu.

Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to markup the legislation. Nelson is a member of the Senate Appropriations and Armed Services committees.

A recording of the floor speech can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrJt63dk4kE

Below is the text of the speech:

Mister President,

I rise to discuss the Administration's supplemental funding request for the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Administration is putting in place a new strategy for that region and it comes at a crucial time: U.S. diplomats, military service members and humanitarian groups—and our coalition partners--have worked to battle terrorists and establish more stability in that region since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Yet, today Al Qaeda and the Taliban, along with other extremist allies, remain a destabilizing and dangerous force. And across the region there's too much violence, too much social and economic turmoil, and too little opportunity in the lives of the Afghan and Pakistani people.

The Administration's strategy is undergoing modifications as we speak. I support the move this week by Defense Secretary Gates to select a new U.S. military commander for Afghanistan.In my view it is vitally important we get both the evolving strategy right and that we have the right way to assess the strategy going forward.

Since early this year, I have pressed Administration and military officials on the issue of developing progress measures for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and I've been pleased to hear support. We've heard the administration is developing standards and measures to evaluate its strategy for the region, at least internally. We need to go further.

My purpose is straightforward. It is an outgrowth of bipartisan work I undertook several years ago during the war in Iraq. I was troubled because many people seemed to be looking at the same facts during several seasons of terrible violence. But one group concluded that we were losing, while another determined we were winning.

In response, I helped draft bipartisan legislation with Senators John Warner, Susan Collins and Carl Levin that Congress approved and President Bush signed into law. We established 18 benchmarks -- or measurements -- of economic, military and diplomatic efforts in Iraq. The benchmarks helped Congress and the American people gain a better understanding of our successes and challenges in Iraq. They helped play down a partisan debate over whether we were winning or losing.

One important point I'd like to make: we didn't dictate what the benchmarks should be. They were suggested by the Administration, military leaders and the Iraqi government.

We did require the Administration report to Congress and in my view the reporting provided valuable and objective information to the American people about how things were really going in Iraq--from efforts to reduce insurgent attacks, to the Iraqi government working out distribution of oil royalties.

Just as I didn't support tying the previous Administration's hands in Iraq by setting arbitrary timelines for troop withdrawal or dictating specific measures of progress, I don't support that approach with this Administration either. Still, I will continue working with the Administration to bring specific progress measures -- or benchmarks -- out into the public eye.

Last week, I wrote a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Inouye and Ranking Member Cochran urging them to include a requirement for progress measures in the Fiscal Year 2009 supplemental appropriations bill.

I was pleased to learn today that the committee mark of the supplemental bill we're scheduled to take up tomorrow includes the two elements I've sought.

I understand that the bill will require the President to submit an initial report to Congress this year and subsequent reports. They are to assess whether the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan are doing enough to warrant continuing the President's new strategy. In short, are they doing their part? The bill also outlines general areas to measure success of that strategy, or what I have called benchmarks.

Timely and regular status reports will enable the American people to gain an understanding of whether the U.S. strategy is working, or should be altered. I look forward to the Administration defining more clearly the progress measures to evaluate that strategy, and to them becoming public.

We all want the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan to succeed. The more we know about whether we are achieving goals tied to the mission the more Congress, and the American public, will be able to support our military, economic and diplomatic efforts going forward.

For too long, our standards to measure success in Iraq were vaguely defined. That led to partisan disputes over U.S. strategy and uncertainty in the minds of the American public. The controversies didn't provide American service members fighting the war with the unity of purpose and support they deserved.

Now in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the American people should receive a clear explanation of the mission, an objective set of measures by which to evaluate it going forward and regular status reports on the mission's progress.

As the federal government asks for further sacrifice from our citizens, and as we are forced to continue putting our men and women in uniform in harm's way, Congress must provide all available tools to achieve success. We should provide nothing less.   

I yield the floor.

NELSON SENDS LETTER WARNING OF SERIOUS JOB LOSS FROM PLANNED AUTO DEALERSHIP CLOSINGS

May 13, 2009 – Today, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson sent a letter to President Obama's automotive industry chief adviser expressing "great concern" about job loss and questioned the need for planned auto dealership closings announced by such companies as Chrysler and General Motors.

"In my home state of Nebraska alone, it is estimated that dealership closures could lead to the loss of between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs, while placing a significant hole in sales tax receipts," Nelson wrote in a letter to Steven Rattner, head of the Administration's Presidential Automotive Task Force. "Furthermore, it will be difficult to bring these jobs and revenue sources back to rural America. There are certainly steps which need to be taken to bring Detroit and "Motown" back to sustainability. However, we must also not forget how the closing of auto dealerships will affect Main Streets across America."

A copy of the letter is below:

Dear Mr. Rattner:

I am writing to you today with great concern regarding the closing of auto dealerships as part of the restructuring plans put forth to bring viability to the U.S. auto industry.

Auto dealerships play an important role in all communities, but nowhere more so than in rural areas. These dealerships are counted on as an employment base and serve as a prominent source of tax revenue. In my home state of Nebraska alone, it is estimated that dealership closures could lead to the loss of between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs, while placing a significant hole in sales tax receipts. Furthermore, it will be difficult to bring these jobs and revenue sources back to rural America.

In addition, dealerships are largely a source of revenue to manufacturers, not a burden. Dealerships purchase vehicles directly from the manufacturer, are responsible for their own costs for things such as salaries and health care plans for employees, and pay their own property investments and expenses.

I strongly believe that it is best to leave the decisions as to which dealerships will remain open and which should close their doors up to the free market. Therefore, as the federal government provides assistance and guidance to the auto companies during this restructuring, I would ask the Presidential Automotive Task Force to take a comprehensive look at the impact which closing these dealerships will have on our nation's economy. I would further ask the Task Force to provide the cost analysis developed by manufacturers for making decisions as to which dealerships will close and which will remain open.

Mr. Rattner, there are certainly steps which need to be taken to bring Detroit and "Motown" back to sustainability. However, we must also not forget how the closing of auto dealerships will affect Main Streets across America. I would appreciate your prompt response on this matter.

Sincerely,

Senator Ben Nelson

NELSON SUPPORTS FEDERAL HELP FOR NURSE EDUCATORS PAYING EDUCATION LOANS

May 13, 2009 – With the end of National Nurses Week yesterday, Nebraska's Senator Ben Nelson cosponsored the Nurses' Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2009 which aims to establish a federally-funded student loan repayment program for nurses who pursue a career in nurse education.

"A shortage of qualified nurses already is a serious issue in Nebraska and across America," said Senator Nelson. "Without incentives for nurses to become nurse educators, the numbers of those qualified to educate future nurses have decreased greatly. This bill provides those needed incentives, allowing nurse educators to get help paying their loans while training new nurses."

This bill will provide up to a total of $40,000 in loan repayment for nurses obtaining a master's degree; up to $80,000 for nurses obtaining a doctorate nurses degree. These amounts are designed to cover or nearly cover the costs of obtaining advanced degrees from public or private institutions nationwide.

The current shortage of qualified nursing faculty is the primary factor driving the inability of nursing schools to graduate more registered nurses to meet the growing demand and alleviate the nursing shortage. Due to the great demand for registered nurses, qualified nurses have little incentive to become nurse educators – particularly because the average annual salary for nurse educators is at least 20% less than their counterparts in clinical practice. Low salaries are the number one reason nurse educators are considering leaving the field, according to survey data.

By the year 2020, Nebraska will face a shortage of about 3,800 nurses, if nothing is done to provide incentives for nurse educators.

"Loan repayment is the most direct incentive that can offset the smaller salaries for nurse educators," said Nelson. "This will be a powerful recruitment tool to ensure that our future nurses are properly trained by experienced, educated nurse educators."

Nelson cosponsored the bill with Senators Evan Bayh of Indiana, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and at least seven other senators. The legislation is endorsed by 44 nursing organizations in the United States, including the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), as well as the American Association of Community Colleges.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 233,000 additional jobs for registered nurses will open each year through 2016, in addition to about 2.5 million existing positions. The 2008 annual survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that U.S. nursing schools turned away 49,948 qualified applicants from baccalaureate and graduate programs in 2008, up from 40,285 in 2007. The main reason cited for turning away qualified applicants was faculty shortages.

In a survey of more than 400 schools of nursing, the AACN found that 63% of the schools reported vacancies on their faculty. An additional 17.8% said they were fully staffed, but still needed more faculty to handle the number of students who want to be trained. It is expected that 200-300 doctorally-prepared faculty will be eligible for retirement each year from 2005-2012, reducing nursing faculty while the need for qualified nurses continues to increase.

Nelson Network Nebraska is interested in reaching more Nebraskans. If you know of a fellow Nebraskan who would be interested in receiving this bulletin, please forward their name, telephone number and email address to us at press@bennelson.senate.gov

Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson delivered a speech on the Senate floor May 13 concerning the need for measures of progress, or benchmarks, and reports to Congress in the Fiscal 2009 Supplemental for Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Pandemic Flu.

Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to markup the legislation. Nelson is a member of the Senate Appropriations and Armed Services committees.

A recording of the floor speech can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrJt63dk4kE

Below is the text of the speech:

Mister President,

I rise to discuss the Administration’s supplemental funding request for the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Administration is putting in place a new strategy for that region and it comes at a crucial time: U.S. diplomats, military service members and humanitarian groups—and our coalition partners--have worked to battle terrorists and establish more stability in that region since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Yet, today Al Qaeda and the Taliban, along with other extremist allies, remain a destabilizing and dangerous force. And across the region there’s too much violence, too much social and economic turmoil, and too little opportunity in the lives of the Afghan and Pakistani people.

The Administration’s strategy is undergoing modifications as we speak. I support the move this week by Defense Secretary Gates to select a new U.S. military commander for Afghanistan.In my view it is vitally important we get both the evolving strategy right and that we have the right way to assess the strategy going forward.

Since early this year, I have pressed Administration and military officials on the issue of developing progress measures for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and I’ve been pleased to hear support. We’ve heard the administration is developing standards and measures to evaluate its strategy for the region, at least internally. We need to go further.

My purpose is straightforward. It is an outgrowth of bipartisan work I undertook several years ago during the war in Iraq. I was troubled because many people seemed to be looking at the same facts during several seasons of terrible violence. But one group concluded that we were losing, while another determined we were winning.

In response, I helped draft bipartisan legislation with Senators John Warner, Susan Collins and Carl Levin that Congress approved and President Bush signed into law. We established 18 benchmarks -- or measurements -- of economic, military and diplomatic efforts in Iraq. The benchmarks helped Congress and the American people gain a better understanding of our successes and challenges in Iraq. They helped play down a partisan debate over whether we were winning or losing.

One important point I’d like to make: we didn’t dictate what the benchmarks should be. They were suggested by the Administration, military leaders and the Iraqi government.

We did require the Administration report to Congress and in my view the reporting provided valuable and objective information to the American people about how things were really going in Iraq--from efforts to reduce insurgent attacks, to the Iraqi government working out distribution of oil royalties.

Just as I didn’t support tying the previous Administration’s hands in Iraq by setting arbitrary timelines for troop withdrawal or dictating specific measures of progress, I don’t support that approach with this Administration either. Still, I will continue working with the Administration to bring specific progress measures -- or benchmarks -- out into the public eye.

Last week, I wrote a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Inouye and Ranking Member Cochran urging them to include a requirement for progress measures in the Fiscal Year 2009 supplemental appropriations bill.

I was pleased to learn today that the committee mark of the supplemental bill we’re scheduled to take up tomorrow includes the two elements I’ve sought.

I understand that the bill will require the President to submit an initial report to Congress this year and subsequent reports. They are to assess whether the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan are doing enough to warrant continuing the President’s new strategy. In short, are they doing their part?  The bill also outlines general areas to measure success of that strategy, or what I have called benchmarks.

Timely and regular status reports will enable the American people to gain an understanding of whether the U.S. strategy is working, or should be altered. I look forward to the Administration defining more clearly the progress measures to evaluate that strategy, and to them becoming public.

We all want the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan to succeed. The more we know about whether we are achieving goals tied to the mission the more Congress, and the American public, will be able to support our military, economic and diplomatic efforts going forward.

For too long, our standards to measure success in Iraq were vaguely defined. That led to partisan disputes over U.S. strategy and uncertainty in the minds of the American public. The controversies didn’t provide American service members fighting the war with the unity of purpose and support they deserved.
Now in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the American people should receive a clear explanation of the mission, an objective set of measures by which to evaluate it going forward and regular status reports on the mission’s progress.

As the federal government asks for further sacrifice from our citizens, and as we are forced to continue putting our men and women in uniform in harm’s way, Congress must provide all available tools to achieve success. We should provide nothing less.   

I yield the floor.

 

Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson delivered a speech on the Senate floor May 13 concerning the need for measures of progress, or benchmarks, and reports to Congress in the Fiscal 2009 Supplemental for Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Pandemic Flu.

Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to markup the legislation. Nelson is a member of the Senate Appropriations and Armed Services committees.

A recording of the floor speech can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrJt63dk4kE

Below is the text of the speech:

Mister President,

I rise to discuss the Administration’s supplemental funding request for the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Administration is putting in place a new strategy for that region and it comes at a crucial time: U.S. diplomats, military service members and humanitarian groups—and our coalition partners--have worked to battle terrorists and establish more stability in that region since the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Yet, today Al Qaeda and the Taliban, along with other extremist allies, remain a destabilizing and dangerous force. And across the region there’s too much violence, too much social and economic turmoil, and too little opportunity in the lives of the Afghan and Pakistani people.

The Administration’s strategy is undergoing modifications as we speak. I support the move this week by Defense Secretary Gates to select a new U.S. military commander for Afghanistan.In my view it is vitally important we get both the evolving strategy right and that we have the right way to assess the strategy going forward.

Since early this year, I have pressed Administration and military officials on the issue of developing progress measures for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and I’ve been pleased to hear support. We’ve heard the administration is developing standards and measures to evaluate its strategy for the region, at least internally. We need to go further.

My purpose is straightforward. It is an outgrowth of bipartisan work I undertook several years ago during the war in Iraq. I was troubled because many people seemed to be looking at the same facts during several seasons of terrible violence. But one group concluded that we were losing, while another determined we were winning.

In response, I helped draft bipartisan legislation with Senators John Warner, Susan Collins and Carl Levin that Congress approved and President Bush signed into law. We established 18 benchmarks -- or measurements -- of economic, military and diplomatic efforts in Iraq. The benchmarks helped Congress and the American people gain a better understanding of our successes and challenges in Iraq. They helped play down a partisan debate over whether we were winning or losing.

One important point I’d like to make: we didn’t dictate what the benchmarks should be. They were suggested by the Administration, military leaders and the Iraqi government.

We did require the Administration report to Congress and in my view the reporting provided valuable and objective information to the American people about how things were really going in Iraq--from efforts to reduce insurgent attacks, to the Iraqi government working out distribution of oil royalties.

Just as I didn’t support tying the previous Administration’s hands in Iraq by setting arbitrary timelines for troop withdrawal or dictating specific measures of progress, I don’t support that approach with this Administration either. Still, I will continue working with the Administration to bring specific progress measures -- or benchmarks -- out into the public eye.

Last week, I wrote a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Inouye and Ranking Member Cochran urging them to include a requirement for progress measures in the Fiscal Year 2009 supplemental appropriations bill.

I was pleased to learn today that the committee mark of the supplemental bill we’re scheduled to take up tomorrow includes the two elements I’ve sought.

I understand that the bill will require the President to submit an initial report to Congress this year and subsequent reports. They are to assess whether the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan are doing enough to warrant continuing the President’s new strategy. In short, are they doing their part?  The bill also outlines general areas to measure success of that strategy, or what I have called benchmarks.

Timely and regular status reports will enable the American people to gain an understanding of whether the U.S. strategy is working, or should be altered. I look forward to the Administration defining more clearly the progress measures to evaluate that strategy, and to them becoming public.

We all want the U.S. mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan to succeed. The more we know about whether we are achieving goals tied to the mission the more Congress, and the American public, will be able to support our military, economic and diplomatic efforts going forward.

For too long, our standards to measure success in Iraq were vaguely defined. That led to partisan disputes over U.S. strategy and uncertainty in the minds of the American public. The controversies didn’t provide American service members fighting the war with the unity of purpose and support they deserved.
Now in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the American people should receive a clear explanation of the mission, an objective set of measures by which to evaluate it going forward and regular status reports on the mission’s progress.

As the federal government asks for further sacrifice from our citizens, and as we are forced to continue putting our men and women in uniform in harm’s way, Congress must provide all available tools to achieve success. We should provide nothing less.   

I yield the floor.

Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson sent a letter to President Obama’s automotive industry chief adviser expressing “great concern” about job loss and questioned the need for planned auto dealership closings announced by such companies as Chrysler and General Motors.
 
“In my home state of Nebraska alone, it is estimated that dealership closures could lead to the loss of between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs, while placing a significant hole in sales tax receipts,” Nelson wrote in a letter to Steven Rattner, head of the Administration’s Presidential Automotive Task Force. “Furthermore, it will be difficult to bring these jobs and revenue sources back to rural America. There are certainly steps which need to be taken to bring Detroit and “Motown” back to sustainability.  However, we must also not forget how the closing of auto dealerships will affect Main Streets across America.”
 
A copy of the letter is below:
 
Dear Mr. Rattner:
 
I am writing to you today with great concern regarding the closing of auto dealerships as part of the restructuring plans put forth to bring viability to the U.S. auto industry.
 
Auto dealerships play an important role in all communities, but nowhere more so than in rural areas.  These dealerships are counted on as an employment base and serve as a prominent source of tax revenue.  In my home state of Nebraska alone, it is estimated that dealership closures could lead to the loss of between 2,000 and 3,000 jobs, while placing a significant hole in sales tax receipts.  Furthermore, it will be difficult to bring these jobs and revenue sources back to rural America.
 
In addition, dealerships are largely a source of revenue to manufacturers, not a burden.  Dealerships purchase vehicles directly from the manufacturer, are responsible for their own costs for things such as salaries and health care plans for employees, and pay their own property investments and expenses.
 
I strongly believe that it is best to leave the decisions as to which dealerships will remain open and which should close their doors up to the free market.  Therefore, as the federal government provides assistance and guidance to the auto companies during this restructuring, I would ask the Presidential Automotive Task Force to take a comprehensive look at the impact which closing these dealerships will have on our nation’s economy.  I would further ask the Task Force to provide the cost analysis developed by manufacturers for making decisions as to which dealerships will close and which will remain open.
 
Mr. Rattner, there are certainly steps which need to be taken to bring Detroit and “Motown” back to sustainability.  However, we must also not forget how the closing of auto dealerships will affect Main Streets across America.  I would appreciate your prompt response on this matter.
 
Sincerely,
 
Senator Ben Nelson

Just because an apple has a bruise doesn’t mean the entire apple is bad. Just cut out the bruise and the rest of the apple is fine.
 
That’s one way to look at the line item veto. Just because the federal budget may contain some unnecessary and wasteful spending items doesn’t mean the entire budget is bad. Wouldn’t it be great if the President were able to cut out the wasteful spending without vetoing the entire budget as we do in Nebraska?
 
The Nebraska Way
In Nebraska, the Governor is able to veto individual spending sections without vetoing the entire budget. In Washington, the President has to take the whole budget, excessive spending and all, or he has to veto the entire budget, including the acceptable and necessary parts.
 
We need to change the way it’s done in Washington which is why I am sponsoring the BELT Act of 2009. BELT stands for Budget Enforcement Legislative Tool. This would give the President limited rescission authority, line item veto if you will, to propose reductions and eliminations in appropriations bills passed by Congress, which would then get an up-or-down vote for approval or override.
 
As one of only a handful of senators who are former governors and have first-hand experience using the line-item veto, I know its value. As governor, I used it often to reign in excessive spending proposed by the state legislature. Sometimes just the fact I had the line-item veto curbed spending when bills were first drafted. And the system worked.
 
Eight Balanced Budgets
Upon finishing my two terms, I had balanced the state’s budget eight times and left office with a General Fund balance of almost $300 million and a cash reserve of $145 million. I used the line-item veto in a careful and responsible manner to help Nebraska achieve a balanced budget and lower taxes.
 
Presidents from both parties have repeatedly asked Congress to grant them line item veto powers and in 1996 it did; however, the provision was later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court as granting too much power to the Executive branch.
 
We tried again in 2006 but the effort fell short. It’s time to go at it again, this time with a limited version in order to assure Constitutional muster. This year’s legislation would allow the President to identify reductions and eliminations in each spending bill – called rescissions – and package them up into legislation that would be sent back to Congress.
 
The rescission package would be put on a fast track with Congress for an up-or-down vote, but no opportunity for amendments. There would be no vetoing of entitlement programs or tax benefits and the President would not be allowed to reduce an authorized program’s budget by more than 25 percent, however, unauthorized programs could be vetoed out.
 
Sunset Clause
The rescission authority would expire after four years in order to allow Congress to determine if it’s working.
 
The time has come to tighten the BELT and put the brakes on runaway government spending, and this bill will help to accomplish that with a commonsense proposal that will bring more accountability to the way Washington spends your tax dollars. 

Go-to man.

Cloture on the employee free choice act. A critical 60th vote will be needed.

Health care reform. Fifty votes needed at the end, and they might be hard to get once the health care industry has flooded the zone with 30-second TV scare ads.

Student loan reform. Fifty votes needed at the end.

Earmarked appropriations for Nebraska projects.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Nebraska's only majority member in Congress, Ben Nelson is the indispensable man for Nebraska funding.

Even more so now that Mike Johanns has decided not to seek any earmarked appropriations for Nebraska projects, at least this year.

Ben Nelson, go-to guy.

Are you the keymaster?

Positioned in the center somewhere between moderate and conservative, Nelson is like a vehicle maneuvering one of Washington's traffic circles.

When you're in the circle, there are many paths to choose. And you can even keep going around until you pick one.

Nelson voted for the president's economic stimulus package and against his budget plan.

So far, he's uncommitted on the cloture vote that eventually will be required to clear the way for the Senate to enact or reject the biggest union organizing legislation in decades.

Nelson is not on board for the president's major domestic initiatives in health care, climate change and student loan reform.

The Nebraska senator's influential position in the middle stirred media attention again last week.

"Nelson, and a handful of other Democrats who call themselves centrists, are suddenly key to the new arithmetic of power in Washington, D.C.," Howard Fineman wrote in Newsweek.

Congressional Quarterly reported that Nelson says he cannot support a health care reform package that includes a public option because that would unfairly compete with private health care plans.

That puts Nelson on the opposite site of 66 percent of Americans who support the opportunity for a public health plan option, the Huffington Post declared.

That figure comes from a poll by Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Meanwhile, the Public Campaign Action Fund, which describes itself as a non-partisan campaign finance watchdog group, pointed to past contributions to Nelson from insurance interests.

Nelson was an insurance attorney before he was elected governor in 1990 and served as state insurance director at one time.

At mid-week, Nelson took to the Senate floor to stake his position on health care reform.

"Some have called for establishing a public plan, but I think it would undermine health care services for millions of Americans and squander this unique opportunity for substantial reform," he stated.

 

“I believe that two of the highest priorities should be reducing the cost of health care and improving efficiency in our delivery system.”

~ Senator Nelson on health care reform ~

NELSON URGES MIDDLE GROUND ON HEALTH CARE REFORM
May 7, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson delivered a speech on the Senate floor regarding his outline for health care reform.

The speech can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s14kz1vT9MY

Below is the text of the speech:

Madam President,

“Nineteen years ago, after narrowly winning my first statewide race for governor in Nebraska, I was concerned about the significant budget challenges and economic downturn we faced. Today, the United States is confronted by financial troubles on a much larger scale.

“Among them, we are suffering from the compounding economic impact of years of steadily rising health care costs and millions of uninsured Americans. This crisis is strangling businesses and throwing sand in the gears of our economic engine, but the most troubling impact is on families.

“From 2001 to 2007, premiums for family insurance coverage surged 78 percent while income increased just 19 percent. Wages are lagging behind not only premiums but also out-of-pocket costs which families must pay for health care services.

“In my view, meaningful health care reforms are within reach and should be achieved in a bipartisan fashion without stifling minority views or using reconciliation.

“Although there are signs of progress in the reform debate, some seem ready to stir partisan emotions and tensions. We should play down the divisions which ideologies present and focus instead on areas of consensus.

“What could this middle ground look like?

“I believe that two of the highest priorities should be reducing the cost of health care and improving efficiency in our delivery system.

“Despite state- of-the-art treatment, some studies still show that Americans receive appropriate care just 55 percent of the time.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Congress approved this year made a down payment addressing health information technology and comparative effectiveness research. As a result, doctors and patients will receive access to improved health records and better evidence about which medical treatments may best serve a patient’s needs.

“Senator Baucus and the Finance Committee have laid out a series of additional delivery system reforms which I applaud them for.  These cost-containment measures are the first order of business and a mission-critical component of reform which will immediately pay dividends on affordability and access.

“In an additional sign of progress in covering the uninsured, America's health insurers have agreed to guarantee health care coverage to all Americans and transition away from charging higher premiums to those who are most ill--if Congress agrees to support a requirement to obtain coverage.

“While I have an aversion to mandates, I recognize that we all have a responsibility to obtain health care coverage because we all pay higher premiums when providers are forced to write off expensive, uncompensated care.

“We often focus on the 45 million or more Americans who are uninsured, a crucial problem to be sure. However, we also must make sure we are not destabilizing care for the 200 million Americans who have private health insurance.

“Some have called for establishing a public plan, but I think it would undermine health care services for millions of Americans and squander this unique opportunity for substantial reform.

“Here are some of my concerns about a public plan run by the government:

• Washington runs our Medicare system which is already on its way to insolvency.
  
  
• Our delivery system could collapse if it had to rely more heavily on Medicare-like reimbursement rates.
  
  
• Today, one third of physicians limit the number of new Medicare patients they see largely because they are under-reimbursed for the costs of that care.
  
  
• A government-run plan would further limit payments to doctors, nurses, health care workers and hospitals, and they would over time refuse patients covered by this system because they would continue to lose money.
  
  
• That would worsen the current cost shift to private payers, which can run in the neighborhood of 30 to 40%.
  
  
• The result? Patients would lose access to health care, services would decline for millions and competition would disappear.
  
  
• Just in my state of Nebraska alone, uncompensated care and the cost-shift from low government reimbursements account for 15% of the average health insurance premium. That means that people paying for private health insurance pay 15 percent higher than they would otherwise have to pay for their premiums.
  
  
• In sum, a one-size-fits all Washington-run health care plan expands government but won’t fix the main problems people face every day: affordability, access and high quality care.

“Several years ago, we debated whether private competition could deliver affordable choices to cover seniors’ prescription drugs. I was not convinced there would be enough competition in the private market.

“Well, the jury is in. The verdict? A recent independent poll showed that 87 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are satisfied with their prescription drug coverage.  And, vigorous competition among drug plans will save taxpayers $243 billion over 10 years. That is working.

“I believe private competition can work here too. I would suggest we empower consumers and demand that private insurers compete on service to restore a true marketplace for insurance.  We need to make it easier for Americans to compare health plans and the co-pays, networks, provider quality measures and access to medical records the plans offer.

“In fact, President Obama has said Americans deserve the same health insurance that their members of Congress receive. Well, federal employees and members of Congress choose between a wide array of coverage options offered by private health insurers, selecting the plan that best fits their needs.

“Ultimately, I want consumers, not Washington, to be in charge of their health care, to be in charge of their choice of physicians and to give them the ability to demand more from insurers through the marketplace.

“In the coming weeks, America will see a debate that tests our ability to confront this enormous challenge yet still preserve bipartisanship and reason. We can meet in the center on a reform plan making major improvements in our health care system that puts us firmly on the path toward cost containment, universal coverage and, ultimately, fairness for all Americans.

I yield the floor.”

NELSON LAYS OUT HEALTH REFORM PRINCIPLES
May 4, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson released an outline of principles for health care reform, entitled, “Governing from the Middle: A Wise Path for Health Care Reform.”

“I believe meaningful health care reform is within reach and Congress must find a middle ground to improve care by lowering cost and expanding access,” said Senator Nelson. “Congress needs the input and support of all Americans to solve such an important challenge and I urge my colleagues to embrace bipartisanship and reason. This is a time for us to come together as a nation and collectively confront a shared challenge.”

Senator Nelson’s principles for health reform are attached.

NELSON PRAISES USDA PURCHASE OF GREAT NORTHERN BEANS
May 4, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson praised the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on its purchase of up to $25 million of dry beans, 85 percent of which come from Nebraska.

“The Great Northern bean industry is vital to Nebraska and its farmers,” said Senator Nelson. “The purchase of these beans will allow bean farmers to plant this year’s crop and continue to provide their quality product to the world. I applaud this decision by the USDA.”

Many Western Nebraska Great Northern bean farmers have been unable to sell their 2008 Great Northern bean crop and face significant difficulties in obtaining operating capital for the 2009 season for a number of reasons. These include: domestic competition for land last year due to high prices for corn and other crops due to speculation and high oil prices, subsequently pricing bean farmers out of the market, while internationally there have been problems within some of the traditional markets for these beans, like Iraq and Cuba.

Nebraska produces 85 percent of the nation's Great Northern bean crop and the requested assistance under the USDA's Section 32 program will help preserve this important industry. The beans will also provide healthy lunches for thousands of students nationwide through school lunch and other assistance programs

Nebraska’s Dry Edible Bean growers not only feed the world, but also contribute greatly to the U.S. economy while doing so. Half of the product is exported to foreign markets such as Mexico, the United Kingdom, Haiti, Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Northern Africa, Canada, Cuba and Iraq.

“Nebraska is the number one producer of Great Northern Beans in the United States,” said Nelson. “The USDA says Nebraska accounts for the majority of the U.S. Great Northern crop which means if you’re eating baked beans in Boston, Senate Bean Soup in Washington, a cassoulet in Paris, a vegetarian stew in San Francisco, or White Bean Chili in Dallas, and they’re made with Great Northern Beans, chances are they were grown in Nebraska.”

It is estimated that the Nebraska produced 2008 Great Northern bean crop totals 62,000 metric tons.  There are an estimated 1,500 farmers in western Nebraska who produce the beans for various purposes.

In March, Nelson sent a letter to USDA with Senator Mike Johanns and Congressman Smith and has been urging the agency to expedite the purchase of the beans from Nebraska famers.

NELSON SENDS LETTER PUSHING FOR BENCHMARKS IN AFGHANISTAN
May 6, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson sent a letter to Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel Inouye of Hawaii and Ranking Member Thad Cochran of Mississippi urging them to include a requirement for “measures for progress,” or benchmarks, in the supplemental spending bill the Senate is expected to vote on soon.

“I believe the mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan calls for a system which will allow us to objectively gauge our success both militarily and politically,” wrote Senator Nelson. “We must learn from the lessons in Iraq and ensure that we lay out clear objectives for our efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

Senator Nelson, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, co-authored legislation in 2007 that Congress adopted and President Bush signed into law setting 18 benchmarks to measure military and diplomatic efforts by the U.S. and the Iraqi government in Iraq.

Nelson sent a letter on March 4, 2009, to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates calling for benchmarks to assess the new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. He has raised the issue during several Armed Services Committee hearings as well this year.

“I have been actively engaged with the Administration in promoting metrics for measuring the progress of our operations in those countries and am encouraged that the Administration has supported these efforts,” Senator Nelson said today, after sending the new letter to Inouye and Cochran. “I look forward to working further with the Administration to establish these benchmarks and for support in delivering update reports to Congress.

“These steps will help keep members of Congress and the American public informed about the military and political efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan as we move forward with the new strategy aimed at bringing more stability to the region.”


A copy of the letter is below:

Dear Chairman Inouye and Ranking Member Cochran:

The American people deserve an assessment of our country's mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan, together with a clear method for measuring progress and success. Therefore, as the Senate Appropriations Committee considers the Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) supplemental spending legislation, I strongly urge you to include in the Committee's markup a requirement for progress measures, or benchmarks, to assess the new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I also recommend that in addition to metrics for assessing progress, this legislation include a reporting requirement to Congress with regard to these measures.

For too long, our standards to measure success in Iraq were vaguely defined. For that reason, I pushed for the establishment of progress measures for our mission in Iraq to measure Iraqi political, economic, and military progress. Such benchmarks were included in the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, P.L. 11028.

Likewise, I believe the mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan calls for a system which will allow us to objectively gauge our success both militarily and politically. We must learn from the lessons in Iraq and ensure that we lay out clear objectives for our efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I have, therefore, been actively engaged with the Administration in promoting metrics for measuring the progress of our operations in those countries and am encouraged that the Administration has supported these efforts. As it is critical that progress measures contemplating defense, diplomacy, and development be included in the FY09 supplemental legislation, it is my hope the Administration will work with us to evaluate our way forward and establish the specific metrics they are considering within the framework of this bill.

In closing, it is my recommendation that the FY09 supplemental legislation provide a requirement for metrics to measure progress in Afghanistan and Pakistan, together with reporting efforts to keep Congress and the American people informed of our success in the region. As the federal government asks for further sacrifice from our citizens, and as we are forced to continue putting our men and women in uniform in harm's way, Congress must provide them with all available tools to succeed. I thank you both for your consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

Senator Ben Nelson

NELSON VOTES TO REQUIRE DOD TO CONTROL COSTS
May 7, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson voted in favor of the Weapons Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 in an effort to reel in the waste and abuse of weapons purchases at the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill passed the Senate 93-0.

“Costs overruns and waste have become all too common within our government agencies, but some of the most staggering figures come from DOD,” said Senator Nelson. ““This bill will reign in wasted spending caused by cost overruns and ensure DOD has the processes and skilled employees in place to get the warfighters the resources they require on-time and on-cost so they can accomplish their missions. Reducing government waste and better equipping our service members is just common sense and overdue.”

In its examination of DOD’s 96 major defense acquisition programs, the Government Accountability Office found $296 billion in cost overruns in Fiscal Year 2009 dollars and an average delay of 22 months. President Obama and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates have expressed support for legislation that would control these expenditures.

The Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 will address the underlying problems with DOD’s defense acquisition programs that have led to excessive cost growth in weapons systems and excessive delays in fielding those systems by:

• Requiring DOD to rebuild its system engineering capabilities;
  
  
• Reestablishing the position of Director of Developmental Testing;
  
  
• Establishing an independent cost estimating office headed by a Senate-confirmed director who reports directly to the Secretary;
  
  
• Requiring increased use of competitive prototyping; and
  
  
• Strengthening the Nunn-McCurdy statute to require the termination of any program that exceeds its original baseline by more than 50 percent unless it can be justified from the ground up.

Senator Nelson is a cosponsor of the Weapons Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

NELSON: STIMULUS FUNDS AIRPORT SECURITY EQUIPMENT FOR NEBRASKA
May 8, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will provide almost $2 million to Nebraska to purchase enhanced airport security equipment as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

“There is no greater priority for the United States government than the security of its citizens,” said Senator Nelson. “This investment will help ensure that Eppley Airfield has the most advanced and effective technologies to protect Americans from harm.”

DHS will provide $1,930,338.80 to Nebraska’s Eppley Airfield to purchase reduced-size explosive detection systems and advanced technology X-ray units. The reduced-size explosive detection systems, manufactured by Reveal Imaging Technologies, quickly scan bags and analyze the contents for explosives. It is currently used by more than 200 airports across the country. The advanced technology X-ray units, produced by Rapiscan Systems, provide a significant increase in detail and sophistication for passengers and carry-on bag screening over single-view X-ray units. These units are also capable of being reprogrammed, which allows the machines to adapt to new threats as they develop.

Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
 
Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information.

NELSON ANNOUNCES $16.6 MILLION NIH GRANT TO UNMC
May 6, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced that the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is one of seven institutions that will receive a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The UNMC grant totals $16.6 million.

“This is wonderful news for Nebraska and for our state’s world-class research institution, UNMC,” said Senator Nelson. “UNMC is at the forefront of medical research and this grant will ensure that it can continue to compete on an international scale.”

This funding is provided through the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program which is designed to improve the competitiveness of investigators in states that historically have not received significant levels of NIH research funding.  These grants fund multiple areas of biomedical research and reach out to diverse populations.  Last year, Senator Nelson received the EPSCOR/IDeA National Leadership Award for his support of medical research and the IDeA program.

Other institutions receiving funding from the IDeA program include: New Mexico State University (Las Cruces), University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Delaware (Newark), University of Idaho (Moscow), University of Kansas Medical Center (Kansas City) and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (Oklahoma City).

Nelson Network Nebraska is interested in reaching more Nebraskans. If you know of a fellow Nebraskan who would be interested in receiving this bulletin, please forward their name, telephone number and email address to us at press@bennelson.senate.gov

May 8, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will provide almost $2 million to Nebraska to purchase enhanced airport security equipment as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
 
“There is no greater priority for the United States government than the security of its citizens,” said Senator Nelson. “This investment will help ensure that Eppley Airfield has the most advanced and effective technologies to protect Americans from harm.”
 
DHS will provide $1,930,338.80 to Nebraska’s Eppley Airfield to purchase reduced-size explosive detection systems and advanced technology X-ray units. The reduced-size explosive detection systems, manufactured by Reveal Imaging Technologies, quickly scan bags and analyze the contents for explosives. It is currently used by more than 200 airports across the country. The advanced technology X-ray units, produced by Rapiscan Systems, provide a significant increase in detail and sophistication for passengers and carry-on bag screening over single-view X-ray units. These units are also capable of being reprogrammed, which allows the machines to adapt to new threats as they develop. 
 
Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.

Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information. 

May 7, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson voted in favor of the Weapons Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 in an effort to reel in the waste and abuse of weapons purchases at the Department of Defense (DOD). The bill passed the Senate 93-0.
 
“Costs overruns and waste have become all too common within our government agencies, but some of the most staggering figures come from DOD,” said Senator Nelson. ““This bill will reign in wasted spending caused by cost overruns and ensure DOD has the processes and skilled employees in place to get the warfighters the resources they require on-time and on-cost so they can accomplish their missions. Reducing government waste and better equipping our service members is just common sense and overdue.”
 
In its examination of DOD’s 96 major defense acquisition programs, the Government Accountability Office found $296 billion in cost overruns in Fiscal Year 2009 dollars and an average delay of 22 months. President Obama and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates have expressed support for legislation that would control these expenditures.
 
The Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 will address the underlying problems with DOD’s defense acquisition programs that have led to excessive cost growth in weapons systems and excessive delays in fielding those systems by:

• Requiring DOD to rebuild its system engineering capabilities;
• Reestablishing the position of Director of Developmental Testing;
• Establishing an independent cost estimating office headed by a Senate-confirmed director who reports directly to the Secretary;
• Requiring increased use of competitive prototyping; and
• Strengthening the Nunn-McCurdy statute to require the termination of any program that exceeds its original baseline by more than 50 percent unless it can be justified from the ground up.

Senator Nelson is a cosponsor of the Weapons Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

 

May 7, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson delivered a speech on the Senate floor regarding his outline for health care reform.

The speech can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s14kz1vT9MY

Below is the text of the speech:

Madam President,
 
“Nineteen years ago, after narrowly winning my first statewide race for governor in Nebraska, I was concerned about the significant budget challenges and economic downturn we faced. Today, the United States is confronted by financial troubles on a much larger scale.
 
“Among them, we are suffering from the compounding economic impact of years of steadily rising health care costs and millions of uninsured Americans. This crisis is strangling businesses and throwing sand in the gears of our economic engine, but the most troubling impact is on families.
 
“From 2001 to 2007, premiums for family insurance coverage surged 78 percent while income increased just 19 percent. Wages are lagging behind not only premiums but also out-of-pocket costs which families must pay for health care services.
 
“In my view, meaningful health care reforms are within reach and should be achieved in a bipartisan fashion without stifling minority views or using reconciliation.
 
“Although there are signs of progress in the reform debate, some seem ready to stir partisan emotions and tensions. We should play down the divisions which ideologies present and focus instead on areas of consensus.

“What could this middle ground look like?
 
“I believe that two of the highest priorities should be reducing the cost of health care and improving efficiency in our delivery system.
 
“Despite state- of-the-art treatment, some studies still show that Americans receive appropriate care just 55 percent of the time.
 
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Congress approved this year made a down payment addressing health information technology and comparative effectiveness research. As a result, doctors and patients will receive access to improved health records and better evidence about which medical treatments may best serve a patient’s needs.
 
“Senator Baucus and the Finance Committee have laid out a series of additional delivery system reforms which I applaud them for.  These cost-containment measures are the first order of business and a mission-critical component of reform which will immediately pay dividends on affordability and access.
 
“In an additional sign of progress in covering the uninsured, America's health insurers have agreed to guarantee health care coverage to all Americans and transition away from charging higher premiums to those who are most ill--if Congress agrees to support a requirement to obtain coverage.
 
“While I have an aversion to mandates, I recognize that we all have a responsibility to obtain health care coverage because we all pay higher premiums when providers are forced to write off expensive, uncompensated care.
 
“We often focus on the 45 million or more Americans who are uninsured, a crucial problem to be sure. However, we also must make sure we are not destabilizing care for the 200 million Americans who have private health insurance.
 
“Some have called for establishing a public plan, but I think it would undermine health care services for millions of Americans and squander this unique opportunity for substantial reform.

“Here are some of my concerns about a public plan run by the government:

• Washington runs our Medicare system which is already on its way to insolvency.
• Our delivery system could collapse if it had to rely more heavily on Medicare-like reimbursement rates.
• Today, one third of physicians limit the number of new Medicare patients they see largely because they are under-reimbursed for the costs of that care.
• A government-run plan would further limit payments to doctors, nurses, health care workers and hospitals, and they would over time refuse patients covered by this system because they would continue to lose money.
• That would worsen the current cost shift to private payers, which can run in the neighborhood of 30 to 40%. 
• The result? Patients would lose access to health care, services would decline for millions and competition would disappear.
• Just in my state of Nebraska alone, uncompensated care and the cost-shift from low government reimbursements account for 15% of the average health insurance premium. That means that people paying for private health insurance pay 15 percent higher than they would otherwise have to pay for their premiums.
• In sum, a one-size-fits all Washington-run health care plan expands government but won’t fix the main problems people face every day: affordability, access and high quality care.
  
  

“Several years ago, we debated whether private competition could deliver affordable choices to cover seniors’ prescription drugs. I was not convinced there would be enough competition in the private market.
 
“Well, the jury is in. The verdict? A recent independent poll showed that 87 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are satisfied with their prescription drug coverage.  And, vigorous competition among drug plans will save taxpayers $243 billion over 10 years. That is working.
 
“I believe private competition can work here too. I would suggest we empower consumers and demand that private insurers compete on service to restore a true marketplace for insurance.  We need to make it easier for Americans to compare health plans and the co-pays, networks, provider quality measures and access to medical records the plans offer.
 
“In fact, President Obama has said Americans deserve the same health insurance that their members of Congress receive. Well, federal employees and members of Congress choose between a wide array of coverage options offered by private health insurers, selecting the plan that best fits their needs.
 
“Ultimately, I want consumers, not Washington, to be in charge of their health care, to be in charge of their choice of physicians and to give them the ability to demand more from insurers through the marketplace. 
 
“In the coming weeks, America will see a debate that tests our ability to confront this enormous challenge yet still preserve bipartisanship and reason. We can meet in the center on a reform plan making major improvements in our health care system that puts us firmly on the path toward cost containment, universal coverage and, ultimately, fairness for all Americans.

I yield the floor.”

 

Nebraskans and people in other food producing states should be extremely disappointed that the President failed to mention agriculture or rural America during his State of the Union Address. I am encouraged that we have a new Secretary of Agriculture that won’t overlook us.

When I was Governor of Nebraska I got acquainted with North Dakota's Governor, Ed Schafer, who is now our Nation's 29th Secretary of Agriculture. He has shown himself to be a capable leader and I think he is up to the task of managing a cabinet department that has more than 100,000 employees. He also understands the challenges facing farmers, ranchers, and consumers, and I hope he will be able to provide valuable input and leadership on the farm economy, America's food supply, international trade and conservation programs.

I have visited with Ed about priority issues I hope he addresses immediately.

FARM BILL

Secretary Schafer will play an important role in brokering a deal between Congress and the White House on a new farm bill which should be his first priority. Progress on getting a new farm bill has been disappointing. The Administration has said versions passed by the Senate and the House are unacceptable.

We haven't had a significant working relationship or much assistance from Acting Secretary Chuck Connor in the absence of Mike Johanns who quit the job without having secured an agreement. With Ed Schafer as Ag Secretary my hope is he will be able to become an active partner with Congress to close the gap between what we will do and what the White House will accept.

BEEF TRADE

Secretary Schafer needs to work aggressively with South Korea and Japan to fully open their markets to American beef and bring them into compliance with the OIE guidelines. They have placed unreasonable restrictions on imports of U.S. beef that are not based on accepted science and are unreasonable -- some might say trumped up -- concerns about food safety and Mad Cow Disease.  USDA has failed to effectively put a halt to these practices and this has put our beef industry at an unfair disadvantage and costs the U.S. billions of dollars in exports.

PAYMENT LIMITS TO MEGA FARMS

The White House and I do agree about the importance of limiting the size of payments to huge farms that do not need a government subsidy. I supported an amendment in the Senate to insert a cap of $250,000. It had majority support but fell just short of the 60 votes needed to pass. I hope that working with Secretary Schafer we will be able to get a limitation approved.

ENERGY & DROUGHT

Provisions aimed at increasing production of renewable energy must remain in the farm bill, which is now officially called "the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007". I pushed for such a name change to emphasize agriculture's increasing role in America's fight for energy independence.

We also need to keep funding for the National Drought Mitigation Center located at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Secretary Schafer is no stranger to drought and I hope he will have a better response to drought aid than his predecessors.

WHEN?

When will we get a farm bill passed is a good question that we don't have an answer for yet, but with Secretary Schafer at the helm, I hope it will be soon. I know I'll continue fighting for it because it is important for our producers, our rural communities and our national energy security.

Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson released an outline of principles for health care reform, entitled, “Governing from the Middle: A Wise Path for Health Care Reform.”
 
“I believe meaningful health care reform is within reach and Congress must find a middle ground to improve care by lowering cost and expanding access,” said Senator Nelson. “Congress needs the input and support of all Americans to solve such an important challenge and I urge my colleagues to embrace bipartisanship and reason. This is a time for us to come together as a nation and collectively confront a shared challenge.”
 
Senator Nelson’s principles for health reform are attached. 

May 4, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson praised the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on its purchase of up to $25 million of dry beans, 85 percent of which come from Nebraska.
 
“The Great Northern bean industry is vital to Nebraska and its farmers,” said Senator Nelson. “The purchase of these beans will allow bean farmers to plant this year’s crop and continue to provide their quality product to the world. I applaud this decision by the USDA.”
 
Many Western Nebraska Great Northern bean farmers have been unable to sell their 2008 Great Northern bean crop and face significant difficulties in obtaining operating capital for the 2009 season for a number of reasons. These include: domestic competition for land last year due to high prices for corn and other crops due to speculation and high oil prices, subsequently pricing bean farmers out of the market, while internationally there have been problems within some of the traditional markets for these beans, like Iraq and Cuba.
 
Nebraska produces 85 percent of the nation's Great Northern bean crop and the requested assistance under the USDA's Section 32 program will help preserve this important industry. The beans will also provide healthy lunches for thousands of students nationwide through school lunch and other assistance programs
 
Nebraska’s Dry Edible Bean growers not only feed the world, but also contribute greatly to the U.S. economy while doing so. Half of the product is exported to foreign markets such as Mexico, the United Kingdom, Haiti, Dominican Republic, France, Greece, Northern Africa, Canada, Cuba and Iraq.
 
“Nebraska is the number one producer of Great Northern Beans in the United States,” said Nelson. “The USDA says Nebraska accounts for the majority of the U.S. Great Northern crop which means if you’re eating baked beans in Boston, Senate Bean Soup in Washington, a cassoulet in Paris, a vegetarian stew in San Francisco, or White Bean Chili in Dallas, and they’re made with Great Northern Beans, chances are they were grown in Nebraska.”
 
It is estimated that the Nebraska produced 2008 Great Northern bean crop totals 62,000 metric tons.  There are an estimated 1,500 farmers in western Nebraska who produce the beans for various purposes.
 
In March, Nelson sent a letter to USDA with Senator Mike Johanns and Congressman Smith and has been urging the agency to expedite the purchase of the beans from Nebraska famers. 

With the end of National Nurses Week yesterday, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson cosponsored the Nurses’ Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act of 2009 which aims to establish a federally-funded student loan repayment program for nurses who pursue a career in nurse education.

“A shortage of qualified nurses already is a serious issue in Nebraska and across America,” said Senator Nelson. “Without incentives for nurses to become nurse educators, the numbers of those qualified to educate future nurses have decreased greatly. This bill provides those needed incentives, allowing nurse educators to get help paying their loans while training new nurses.”

This bill will provide up to a total of $40,000 in loan repayment for nurses obtaining a master’s degree; up to $80,000 for nurses obtaining a doctorate nurses degree.  These amounts are designed to cover or nearly cover the costs of obtaining advanced degrees from public or private institutions nationwide.

The current shortage of qualified nursing faculty is the primary factor driving the inability of nursing schools to graduate more registered nurses to meet the growing demand and alleviate the nursing shortage.  Due to the great demand for registered nurses, qualified nurses have little incentive to become nurse educators – particularly because the average annual salary for nurse educators is at least 20% less than their counterparts in clinical practice.  Low salaries are the number one reason nurse educators are considering leaving the field, according to survey data.

By the year 2020, Nebraska will face a shortage of about 3,800 nurses, if nothing is done to provide incentives for nurse educators.

“Loan repayment is the most direct incentive that can offset the smaller salaries for nurse educators,” said Nelson. “This will be a powerful recruitment tool to ensure that our future nurses are properly trained by experienced, educated nurse educators.”

Nelson cosponsored the bill with Senators Evan Bayh of Indiana, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and at least seven other senators. The legislation is endorsed by 44 nursing organizations in the United States, including the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), as well as the American Association of Community Colleges.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 233,000 additional jobs for registered nurses will open each year through 2016, in addition to about 2.5 million existing positions.  The 2008 annual survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that U.S. nursing schools turned away 49,948 qualified applicants from baccalaureate and graduate programs in 2008, up from 40,285 in 2007. The main reason cited for turning away qualified applicants was faculty shortages.

In a survey of more than 400 schools of nursing, the AACN found that 63% of the schools reported vacancies on their faculty.  An additional 17.8% said they were fully staffed, but still needed more faculty to handle the number of students who want to be trained.  It is expected that 200-300 doctorally-prepared faculty will be eligible for retirement each year from 2005-2012, reducing nursing faculty while the need for qualified nurses continues to increase. 

April 29, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson released the following statement following his vote on the 2010 Budget Conference Report.
 
“I support the Administration’s outline for addressing challenging programs like energy and health care, but if we’re going to address critical programs and policies like these, we need to cut spending in other programs.  This budget doesn’t achieve that so I voted against it.”
 
“When I was Governor of Nebraska I balanced 8 budgets in a row. We may be known as the Big Red State but we are not big on red ink.
 
“Unfortunately, the conference report on the budget goes the wrong direction in terms of spending, deficit, and debt levels. In addition, the budget includes fast-track procedures for student loan cuts and health care reform. 
 
“I have already spoken out against using reconciliation to fast-track contentious policy matters, and am disappointed to see it included in this budget. These issues are too important to preclude bipartisanship and shut out centrist voices like my own.
 
“I highly encourage my Senate colleagues to work together and move forward in a thoughtful and bipartisan fashion by not using reconciliation measures.” 

April 29, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced that the United States Army Corp of Engineers will provide over  $26 million to Nebraska to support a variety of civil works projects as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
 
“New construction and maintenance of Nebraska’s infrastructure is vital to our economic well-being and future safety,” said Senator Nelson. “Funding for these projects will create and sustain jobs throughout Nebraska and will serve as a long-term investment toward the future of our state.”
 
The Army Corp of Engineers received $4.6 billion from the ARRA to disperse nationwide. Under the criteria set out by the legislation, the Army Corp of Engineers must select projects that will quickly create and sustain jobs, are cost-effective, contribute to the public good, and are geographically distributed across the United States. The state of Nebraska will receive $26,280,000 to go toward the maintenance, operation, and construction of dams, levees, roads, campgrounds, and environmental sustainability projects.
 
  The sites receiving funding include:
 
  Omaha District: Total: $18.844 million
 
  Construction General
  Sand Creek: $3,698,000
  Western Sarpy-Clear Creek: $9.360,000
 
  Operations & Maintenance
  Gavins Point Dam: $5.206,000
  Papillion Watershed: $205,000
  Salt Creek Watershed: $375,000
 
  Kansas City District: Total: $7.436 million
 
  Planning Assistance
  Nebraska Beatrice Floodplain: $50,000
 
  Lake Operations & Maintenance
  Harlan County Lake: $7,386,000
 
Frequent Platte River flooding in western Sarpy County and the Clear Creek area of eastern Saunders County, Nebraska threaten critical communications and transportation corridors, including Interstate 80 and NE Highway 6.  The $9.36 million of stimulus funding will complete the final phases of this nearly $30 million project.  About 20 miles of levees will be improved along this stretch of the Platte River, one of the most ice jam flood-prone areas of the state.
 
“Perhaps the most significant benefit of the Western Sarpy/Clear Creek Flood Reduction Project is the security of Omaha and Lincoln well fields, supplying water to nearly 50% of Nebraska’s population,” said Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District General Manager John Winkler.  “We are delighted to see that this project, safeguarding critical  infrastructure, will finally become a reality.”
 
Three NRDs, the Papio-Missouri River, Lower Platte South and Lower Platte North, have been working diligently with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the State of Nebraska, other government agencies and the Congressional delegation for over 10 years to see this project through to completion.
 
Sand Creek and Western Sarpy-Clear Creek are both projects that are authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2000 and have, prior to the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to utilize stimulus funding, received several earmarks requested by Senator Nelson and other members of the Nebraska delegation.  Many of the remaining projects listed to receive stimulus funds from the Army Corps of Engineers have been funded annually with earmarks requested by the President in his budget.
 
Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
   
  Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information. 

April 28, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson released the following statement in response to the announcement by Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania that he will change his party affiliation from Republican to Democratic.
 
“I have worked with Senator Specter throughout the years on important pieces of legislation, the most recent being the econom