This week our nation marked 163 years since the signing of the Homestead Act, legislation enacted by President Lincoln which played a key role in the development of farmland across Nebraska and rural America.Through perseverance, resourcefulness, and sacrifice, the Third District became a global breadbasket, and today, agriculture remains the economic driver of our state. For the future of agriculture, advancing sound domestic and international trade policy is critical to keep pace with innovation and secure prosperity for our communities.
On Monday, Governor Jim Pillen and I welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on a visit to Nebraska. It was a tremendous opportunity to showcase our world-leading biofuel, livestock, and crop producers. Secretary Rollins understands key issues and is an outstanding advocate for American agriculture.
We kicked off the tour at the 650-acre Bioscience Complex in Blair. From biofuels to food products to material manufacturing, agriculture outputs have become astoundingly diversified and make our nation’s economy more resilient. A recent estimate by Growth Energy showed E15 fuel blends are providing American drivers with the potential to save $110 million just over the Memorial Day weekend.
