I often write about using my role in the U.S. Senate to advocate for Nebraska. It’s why I joined the Senate Appropriations Committee – the panel that manages the federal government’s spending. Here, I help craft the 12 annual appropriations bills that fund projects and programs across the nation.

As a registered nurse (RN) in South Dakota for the past 35 years, I can honestly say that it has been one of the greatest blessings in my life and yet is a profession in dire need of more, especially in our rural areas.

For our household, fair week has come and gone, a week that provided few sleep opportunities, combined with four legion baseball games including a trip some dope scheduled to Valentine - work crises and some wicked heat.

Earlier this month, Nebraska families gained access to one of the most significant investments in the next generation that Washington has made in years.

On July 4, 2026, we celebrated 250 years of the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known—the United States of America.

During the warm summer months in South Dakota, many of us spend extra time outside walking, working or enjoying community events. The heat and wind can pull moisture from the body faster than we realize.

The last two weeks I have been traveling across Nebraska. I received updates on critical projects in our state. I heard from Nebraskans about what’s on their mind. We talked about how we can collaborate to improve our communities.

When I am not fighting for Nebraskans in Washington, I am back home meeting with constituents across Nebraska’s Third District. From Kimball to Auburn, Valentine to Superior, and everywhere in between, the conversations I have with Nebraskans help shape my work in Congress.

Last week, I spent the Senate’s July state work period on the ground in the Good Life listening to my fellow Nebraskans and learning new ways I can advocate for them in Washington.

This Independence Day is special. This year, we are celebrating 250 years of American freedom.