Opinions

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.

It is not hard to get a great photo of someone in public taking a bite of food. What is hard is getting a great photo at that moment— the type of photo that would definitely embarrass the subject if printed—without being noticed.

If there is a high point of my week, especially in the summer, it is that one evening each week when I leave the office early, go home and put on my grubby clothes, and climb aboard my lawn mower. No computers, no commas, no phone calls.

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.

A week after I returned home from vacation, I am still constantly reminded of my trip. Turns out that, like the memories, the sunburn that I acquired while lying on the beach for a couple of days doesn’t quickly fade away.

As we celebrate Independence Day, our nation stands on the doorstep of an extraordinary milestone. On July 4, 2026, Americans will mark 250 years since the birth of the United States—the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known.

I love birthdays. In fact, I love them so much that I really see no reason why the celebration should only be contained to one day each year.

From our founding pioneers to today, Nebraskans have always been known for our grit, determination, and resilience. Unfortunately, this year those characteristics have been tested like never before as communities across our state faced the worst wildfires in Nebraska’s history.

I have a small list of items that I hope that I am lucky enough in life to get to experience; however, for many of those items on the list, luck is the only way that I will be able to check them off. A prime example is jury duty.

There is nothing quite like summer in Nebraska. Long days in the hayfields give way to evenings at the ballpark with family and friends. Weekends offer opportunities to float our winding rivers, spend hours outside fishing, or simply gather with neighbors to celebrate the season.