In the midst of intense debates on matters such as budgetary policy and regulatory reform, each week in Washington I have the chance to welcome countless Nebraska families and groups to the nation's capital. I enjoy catching up with Nebraskans at the "Nebraska Breakfast" on Wednesday mornings, and on some occasions I have the opportunity to showcase different parts of the U.S. Capitol.

This week I met with a group of young people who were visiting Washington, D.C., as part of a National Youth Gathering for their church. They traveled from Fremont, Norfolk, and other parts of Nebraska and took some time to experience our nation's history first-hand.

I was impressed by this group's deep interest in our nation's political history. I had a few moments to accompany them to one of my favorite sites in Washington, the Library of Congress. While there, we perused the Presidential Elections display. To our surprise, we saw several items relating to Colonel John C. Fremont, the American explorer and politician for whom the city of Fremont, Nebraska, is named (just two weeks ago I was in Fremont to celebrate John C. Fremont days with the community). The historic items on display portrayed Fremont as a military leader, as an explorer during his expeditions to the Rocky Mountains, and as an anti-slavery candidate for the Presidency in 1856 and 1864.

You can see some of these items for yourself in the online catalog of the Library of Congress. Below is a photo of us with a Fremont print.

Our nation's capitol is a popular place to visit for many Nebraskans during the summer months. If you, your family, or a community group will be visiting Washington D.C. and would like to learn about the "Nebraska breakfast" or some of the historic tours available, please contact my office at 202-225-4806 or visit www.fortenberry.house.gov. In between policy discussions and committee hearings, I am always refreshed after visiting with Nebraskans taking in the sights and history of Washington, D.C.

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