UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN 3rd DISTRICT, NEBRASKA TOM OSBORNE

Washington Round-up | Week of January 2, 2006

Addressing the Challenges that Face Nebraska and Our Nation

As we shut the door on the year 2005, I look forward to building on many of the accomplishments made over the past year. My colleagues in the House of Representatives and I have worked hard to improve our country’s homeland security, economic security, and our national security. On behalf of my constituents in the Third District, I will continue to carry on the following initiatives:

Agriculture
In the upcoming weeks, I look forward to hosting my sixth annual agriculture advisory meetings. The individuals elected to be the 2006 Agriculture Advisory Committee will provide input on issues affecting agriculture in Nebraska, namely water issues and rural development ventures such as value-added agriculture and niche markets. These regional meetings will also set the tone as Congress begins to play an active role in drafting the next Farm Bill.

Education
The House will continue its work on the reauthorization of the Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act and the Higher Education Act. As a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, I have played an instrumental role in ensuring that Congress continues to place an emphasis on vocational and technical education programs that equip young people with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly technical workforce.

In addition, many Nebraska students and families depend on some form of financial assistance in order to afford the rising costs of higher education. During committee proceedings, I amended the Higher Education Act to include a provision that would waive interest on federal subsidized student loans for members of the Armed Forces serving in active duty in the war against terrorism. I look forward to both of these bills coming to the House floor for a vote.

Entrepreneurship
Throughout the school year, members of my staff and I will continue to utilize a DVD that focuses on many of the challenges Nebraska’s youth face and how they can take advantage of the economic opportunities available to them. Currently, our population is decreasing as too many young people are leaving the state. Fortunately, entrepreneurship allows Nebraska’s youth to find success within our state’s borders, and I will continue to educate our youth that the tools needed to succeed are within their reach in Nebraska.

Investment in Our Youth
In November 2005, the House passed a bill I first introduced in the 108th Congress. The Federal Youth Coordination Act would create a council charged with the responsibility of evaluating, coordinating, and improving federal youth serving programs and holding federal agencies accountable for achieving results. Ultimately, the bill maximizes the return on the federal investment in young people. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to further advance this legislation and send it to the President’s desk for his signature.

Methamphetamine
The United States must employ a full-scale approach to address the current meth epidemic. Recently, I voted with my colleagues in the House to approve legislation that includes significant steps toward addressing the production and distribution of methamphetamine. More work is needed, however, and I will continue to actively raise awareness about the impact of meth abuse on communities. It is vital that we build on the steps taken in the House, mobilize Americans to take action, and assist the law enforcement community engaged in the fight against this terrible dug.

Military
I fully appreciate the commitment and sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform and I will continue to see that their voices are heard in Washington. To help veterans receive the basic health services they need, I will continue to promote the advancement of H.R. 1741, the Rural Veterans Access to Care Act of 2005, a bill I introduced that would establish a pilot program to assist highly rural or geographically remote veterans enrolled in the VA receive health care at a medical care facility closer to home.

I am eager to get started on these important issues among a host of others for the well being of Nebraskans in the Third District. I hope you enjoyed this special time of year and I wish you all the best in 2006!