Fort Reports
Jan 9, 2015
Fort Report
On March 4, 1789, the First United States Congress convened for the first time in our nation’s capital. This week, 226 years later, the members of the 114th United States Congress took their oaths of office. Families and friends all came to participate in this great American...
Dec 23, 2014
Fort Report
Earlier this month in Washington, I recorded a video message through the American Forces Network for our troops serving overseas. It’s a nice way to send a greeting to those who continue to sacrifice so much for our country. I invite you to watch the greeting, and if you like,...
Dec 12, 2014
Fort Report
You might remember a Nebraskan named Jim Clifton, the head of the Gallup organization. When I visited with Jim recently in Washington, he told me about some fascinating new statistics from his book Entrepreneurial StrengthsFinder. One important—and alarming—figure showed that...
Dec 5, 2014
Fort Report
On Black Friday, I set out to run some errands with my family. At the store, we saw a beautiful Christmas tree. It was 40% off, so I bought it. I don’t think I’ve ever had a Christmas tree this early in the season. Given the last minute rush of end of year legislation in...
Nov 26, 2014
Fort Report
Last night I attended a cheer and dance team event at Lincoln Northeast High School. Far, far away from the traumatic events around the world and the tumult of Washington policy debate, there were no official Congressional duties involved, only a chance to see my daughter and...
Nov 14, 2014
Fort Report
I just finished reading Unbroken, a book about an Olympic runner who joined the army in World War II. The incredible, nearly unbelievable tale details the daunting challenges that Louis Zamperini overcame during and after his military service. He survived numerous brushes with...
Nov 7, 2014
Fort Report
Two weeks ago I spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Highway 34 Bridge joining Nebraska and Iowa. Local and national officials, past and present officeholders, people from both states—all came together after working on this project, which took over 20 years. Encouraged...
Oct 24, 2014
Fort Report
I’m sure you’ve had the same experience: calling a large bureaucratic entity and getting trapped in a never-ending phone tree. Press 1 for this, press 2 for that, press 7 for this, press 4 for that—sometimes the numbers aren’t even told in order. Personally, I can’t stand...
Oct 18, 2014
Fort Report
Several years ago, my wife approached me about keeping bees in our backyard. I had never considered it, but I like the idea of micro-farming, so after we discussed some concerns (Can we keep bees in the city? Will we get stung? Will the kids be afraid to play outside?) I...