Deb Fischer

Unfortunately, it seems EPA has preferred to pursue a top-down, command-and-control, Federal approach to addressing environmental and conservation issues.

We believe that local natural resources management is more successful than EPA's top-down command and control Federal approach.

I strongly believe that environmental policy and resource management should account for site- and situation-specific factors.

I am particularly concerned about EPA's proposed guidance to clarify regulatory jurisdiction over U.S. waters and wetlands.

In Nebraska, we are very serious about our environmental stewardship and our conservation management.

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Confronting The Great Challenges

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I rise to deliver my maiden speech as a U.S. Senator from Nebraska. I am humbled by the trust placed in me by Nebraskans and inspired by their confidence to confront the great challenges before us. Our Nation's story began when bands of…

I rise today to offer a side-by-side amendment to Senator Shaheen's amendment No. 438. My amendment defends the rights of employers opposed to subsidizing certain health care services because of conscience objections or religious beliefs…

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to protect women's…

I have an amendment at the desk, No. 630, and ask for its immediate consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from Nebraska [Mrs. Fischer], for herself Mr. Cruz, Mr…

I happen to believe that we need to make sure that the funding and the programs need to be focused on our warfighters.

What was made abundantly clear from their testimony is that this country and our partners are facing a global security environment that is as complex and daunting as any time in our history.

Thus far, our defense-first policies have failed to deter hostile actors from attacking the United States in cyber space.

The American military is the most advanced and effective fighting force in the world.

As we prioritize our scarce defense resources, it is critical that we continue to invest in advanced research and potentially game-changing technologies.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

I am concerned by the prevalent argument that the United States can persuade the rest of the world to halt nuclear proliferation by reducing its own arsenal.

If I could ask all of you this question.

A robust U.S. nuclear deterrent, often referred to as the nuclear umbrella, provides a strong disincentive for other nations to develop WMD.

Overlooking this fact and dogmatically pursuing the reduction of U.S. nuclear forces... will lead to a lack of confidence in U.S. nuclear security guarantees.

It has hit, but the budget that was introduced did not have that accounted for in it.

So while sequestration may impact each of your organizations, the impact I am concerned with is, what is going to happen with regard to those warfighters and the warfighting capabilities?

We must sustain our investment in the next generation of technologies to maintain our technological superiority and stay ahead of these developing threats.

I appreciate the innovative structures our military employs to conduct cutting-edge research.