Representative-elect · Nebraska’s 2nd district

Denise Powell

Democrat

Campaign website ↗

What they campaigned on

Share of their campaign website’s words, by policy area.

2,040words on issues
  • Health24%
  • Immigration14%
  • Government operations and elections10%
  • Agriculture and food8%
  • Law, crime and courts8%
  • Everything else36%

Where they stand

52 issues in their own words, then everything else their site says, by policy area.

Health

Abortion ›
  • Restore Roe v. Wade's abortion rights nationwide in federal law
  • Protect abortion rights and access
  • Block or repeal abortion bans and restrictions
“After Trump’s election in 2016, she founded an organization that has supported hundreds of Nebraskans running for local office, protected our public schools and the families they serve, and helped stop extremists from passing abortion bans in the state.”
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“These bans don’t make women any safer. In Congress, I’ll fight to restore Roe v. Wade, and I will always stand against legislation that threatens women’s and families’ health and freedoms”
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“She collected thousands of signatures on a ballot measure to protect access to reproductive care and rallied physicians and patients to push back on a dangerous abortion ban in the state.”
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“In Congress, Denise would restore Roe v. Wade into law nationwide, codify the right to contraception by supporting the Right to Contraception Act, and work to pass legislation like the Right to IVF Act to expand insurance coverage for fertility treatments in health insurance plans.”
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“Over the past decade, I’ve knocked on thousands of doors all across the state, talking to folks about the issues that matter most to them, and fighting for access to reproductive healthcare, strong public schools, and better wages and protections for hardworking Nebraskans.”
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“I’ve been defending reproductive rights in Nebraska for the past decade, from rallying physicians and patients to push back on a proposed total abortion ban, to collecting thousands of signatures on a ballot measure to protect access to care for Nebraska women.”
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“Beyond abortion rights, we must protect all aspects of reproductive healthcare – from protecting and broadening access to contraception, to expanding access to fertility treatments like IVF, to addressing the maternal healthcare deserts in our state – so that every woman has the choice to start or grow their family if and when they want to.”
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“Protect abortion rights for Nebraska women by fighting to restore Roe v. Wade into law nationwide.”
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Health care costs ›
  • Lower health care costs, including premiums and out-of-pocket costs
  • Cap what patients pay in premiums and out-of-pocket costs
“In the debate, Powell laid out her plans to lower costs, make healthcare more affordable, and to put the interests of everyday Nebraskans – not powerful billionaires – back in focus.”
View on their website ↗
“Fight to keep healthcare premiums down so that every family can afford to see a doctor when they need to.”
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“Build on the Affordable Care Act to make sure that – no matter how they access their health insurance – families aren’t forced to spend an unreasonable share of their income on premiums and deductibles.”
View on their website ↗
Prescription drug prices ›
  • Lower prescription drug prices
  • Let Medicare negotiate drug prices
  • Lower insulin costs, such as with a $35 monthly cap
“Take on big pharmaceutical companies by requiring Medicare to negotiate prices for more prescription drugs and capping insulin costs at $35 a month for everyone.”
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“While Harding struggled to keep up with Powell and failed at defending his disastrous record and allegiance to Trump and MAGA Republicans, Denise laid out a clear plan to help working families get ahead by ending corruption in Washington and putting forth policies that will lower the costs of gas, groceries, and medicine.”
View on their website ↗
Health coverage ›
  • Create a public insurance option open to everyone
  • Keep private insurance as a choice
“Work to create a Medicare-like public option that gives every American the choice of affordable coverage while protecting private insurance for those who want it.”
View on their website ↗
Affordable Care Act ›
  • Protect, strengthen and expand the Affordable Care Act
“Build on the Affordable Care Act to make sure that – no matter how they access their health insurance – families aren’t forced to spend an unreasonable share of their income on premiums and deductibles.”
View on their website ↗
Contraception ›
  • Protect and expand access to contraception
  • Write the right to contraception into federal law
“In Congress, Denise would restore Roe v. Wade into law nationwide, codify the right to contraception by supporting the Right to Contraception Act, and work to pass legislation like the Right to IVF Act to expand insurance coverage for fertility treatments in health insurance plans.”
View on their website ↗
“Beyond abortion rights, we must protect all aspects of reproductive healthcare – from protecting and broadening access to contraception, to expanding access to fertility treatments like IVF, to addressing the maternal healthcare deserts in our state – so that every woman has the choice to start or grow their family if and when they want to.”
View on their website ↗
“Fight to codify the right to contraception by supporting the Right to Contraception Act that would protect the right of people to obtain and use contraception and protect the healthcare providers who prescribe them.”
View on their website ↗
Maternal health ›
  • End maternity care deserts and keep maternity wards open
“Beyond abortion rights, we must protect all aspects of reproductive healthcare – from protecting and broadening access to contraception, to expanding access to fertility treatments like IVF, to addressing the maternal healthcare deserts in our state – so that every woman has the choice to start or grow their family if and when they want to.”
View on their website ↗
Insurance denials and prior authorization ›
  • Stop insurers from denying or delaying care doctors say patients need
“Taking on insurance companies that unfairly deny people coverage for needed health care.”
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Other things the site says about health (3)
“Defend Reproductive healthcare”
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“Work to pass legislation like the Right to IVF Act to expand insurance coverage for fertility treatments in health insurance plans, including for federal employees, veterans, and Medicare/Medicaid recipients.”
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“Protect the world-class research happening at institutions like UNMC by reversing funding cuts to key research programs that are not only important to the health of our communities, but are also an important driver of Nebraska’s economy.”
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Immigration

Border security ›
  • Secure the border
  • Fund border security with more agents and resources
  • Invest in border technology, including drug detection at ports of entry
“We must balance the need to invest in border security, the military and our service members, while also rebuilding our key allyships.”
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“Invest in the people and technology needed to keep our borders safe, while also advocating for common sense, bipartisan immigration reform that provides legal pathways to citizenship for hardworking people, helping grow Nebraska’s economy and key industries in our state, ranging from agriculture to hospitality to healthcare.”
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“Like most Americans, I believe in the need to protect and secure our borders to keep America safe.”
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“Support efforts to provide the personnel, training and technology needed to secure America’s borders.”
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ICE and immigration agents ›
  • Hold ICE and its agents accountable for abuses
“Demand accountability for the abuses of power committed by Trump, Kristi Noem, DHS, and ICE and their flagrant disregard for the rule of law.”
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Legal status for unauthorized immigrants ›
  • Give undocumented immigrants a path to legal status or citizenship
  • Protect Dreamers with legal status or citizenship
  • Give long-time residents a path to citizenship
  • Give undocumented farm and essential workers legal status
“Invest in the people and technology needed to keep our borders safe, while also advocating for common sense, bipartisan immigration reform that provides legal pathways to citizenship for hardworking people, helping grow Nebraska’s economy and key industries in our state, ranging from agriculture to hospitality to healthcare.”
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“Work to create a fair path to citizenship for long term immigrants who have worked and paid taxes for decades as essential workers and Dreamers, and create legal avenues for workers needed to fill Nebraska’s essential roles in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality.”
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Immigration reform ›
  • Fix the immigration system through comprehensive reform
  • Create a path to citizenship for immigrants living here
  • Include border security and enforcement in immigration reform
“Invest in the people and technology needed to keep our borders safe, while also advocating for common sense, bipartisan immigration reform that provides legal pathways to citizenship for hardworking people, helping grow Nebraska’s economy and key industries in our state, ranging from agriculture to hospitality to healthcare.”
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Legal immigration ›
“From my experience serving for six years on the board of Nebraska’s largest immigration legal support agency I know the system is difficult to navigate and legal pathways to citizenship are becoming fewer and fewer.”
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Effects of immigration ›
  • Welcome immigrants who come to build a life here
“As the daughter of immigrants, I believe fundamentally in the American Dream and in providing opportunities for those who want to work hard and contribute to our society to build a life here in the U.S.”
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Immigration enforcement funding ›
  • Increase funding for Border Patrol and border security
“We must balance the need to invest in border security, the military and our service members, while also rebuilding our key allyships.”
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Other things the site says about immigration (1)
“But Trump’s massive expansion of immigration raids and arrests without scrutiny threaten the safety of citizens, children and families, including numerous people shot and even killed, such as Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Trump has abused the power of the federal government, and these policies do nothing to make us safer.”
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Government operations and elections

Government ethics and corruption ›
  • Ban members of Congress from trading stocks
  • Bar members of Congress from becoming lobbyists after they leave
  • Hold Supreme Court justices to binding ethics rules
  • End corruption in Washington
“Ban Congressional stock trading.”
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“Pass a lifetime ban on members of Congress from becoming lobbyists.”
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“Pass an Ethics Code for the Supreme Court that bans special interest gifts, requires financial disclosure, and recusal requirements when there’s a conflict of interest.”
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“While Harding struggled to keep up with Powell and failed at defending his disastrous record and allegiance to Trump and MAGA Republicans, Denise laid out a clear plan to help working families get ahead by ending corruption in Washington and putting forth policies that will lower the costs of gas, groceries, and medicine.”
View on their website ↗
“Denise is committed to lowering costs for working families and standing up to Trump’s corruption, and she’ll bring a breath of fresh air to Washington.”
View on their website ↗
Campaign finance ›
  • Overturn Citizens United
  • Require disclosure of political donors and end dark money
“Overturn Citizens United and get dark money out of politics once and for all.”
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Government waste and fraud ›
  • Cut waste, fraud and abuse in government spending
“Work to address the very real issues of government waste so that we have the resources we need to invest in the right priorities.”
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Term limits ›
  • Set term limits for members of Congress
“Enact term limits in Congress to fight corruption and ensure new thinking and ideas.”
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Presidential power ›
  • Rein in executive overreach and restore the balance of powers
  • Limit or end the president's pardon power
“In Congress, I’ll stand up to Trump’s abuse of power and attacks on our democracy, and I’ll work to defend the health, safety and financial well-being of Nebraska families.”
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“Limit Presidential pardon power to ensure it’s not abused the way Trump is currently doing, pardoning convicted drug dealers and fraudsters.”
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“Make Congress a co-equal branch of government again that will act as a check on the Trump administration and combat his abuses of power.”
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Other things the site says about government operations and elections (1)
“Fight for Democracy, defend the Constitution & the nation”
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Agriculture and food

Farm trade and markets ›
  • End the current tariffs and trade wars
  • Open and expand markets for American farm products
  • Ensure fair markets and trade policies for farmers
  • Limit foreign imports that undercut American farmers
  • Give farmers aid for losses from tariffs and trade disruptions
“While my opponent will be another rubber stamp afraid to stand up to party bosses in Washington, I am committed to supporting Nebraska farmers, overturning tariffs, and passing the farm bill.”
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“Our farmers aren’t looking for bailouts, they’re looking for fair markets. Small family farms should receive the same attention and investment we give our other small businesses.”
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“Work to use tariffs to protect American farmers by targeting specific imported goods (like beef and soy beans) to boost domestic prices while using them as leverage to secure better trade deals and market access abroad.”
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“Push to use tariff revenue to fund Farmer Bridge Assistance programs, helping support impacted farms when there are disruptions.”
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Other things the site says about agriculture and food (4)
“I am proud to have the NEBFARMPAC and their parent organization, Nebraska Farmers Union, by my side and I will always be a fierce advocate for all of Nebraska’s farmers when I’m in Congress.”
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“Pass a long-term Farm Bill, which Congress has repeatedly let expire.”
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“Advocate for Right to Repair to allow farmers to fix their own equipment and machinery.”
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“Expand access to loans and capital for small farmers so they can receive the support they need without getting gouged by Wall Street.”
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Law, crime and courts

Crime and public safety ›
  • Fund violence intervention and crime prevention programs
  • Keep communities safe from crime
“As a woman and a mother, the safety of our communities is of the utmost importance to me. No matter what part of our district you live in, you too, deserve to feel safe in your home, or when you’re walking in your neighborhood.”
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“Save lives from gun violence by ensuring universal background checks to prevent convicted felons and gang members from obtaining guns, red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, and fund community violence intervention programs.”
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Firearms ›
  • Require background checks on all gun sales
  • Pass red flag laws
  • Keep guns away from criminals, domestic abusers and others who pose a danger
  • Fund gun violence prevention programs and research
  • Reduce gun violence
“Save lives from gun violence by ensuring universal background checks to prevent convicted felons and gang members from obtaining guns, red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, and fund community violence intervention programs.”
View on their website ↗
Police ›
  • Fund police departments and give them the resources they need
  • Improve police officers' pay, benefits and well-being
  • Invest in better training for police officers
“Fully fund our police departments, providing access to training and mental health support for our officers, and investing in social workers to help expand the way we address the needs of our communities.”
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Other things the site says about law, crime and courts (1)
“Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act to protect survivors of domestic violence and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”
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Education and culture

Education funding ›
  • Increase funding for public schools and education
“We can’t fuel American innovation if we’re not investing in a strong educational system, from early childhood education, to colleges and universities.”
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Career and technical education ›
  • Expand and fund career and technical education
  • Expand apprenticeship programs
“Invest in strong vocational and apprenticeship programs in our high schools to provide a path to good paying jobs in the fields that matter to Nebraska.”
View on their website ↗
Early childhood education ›
  • Expand and fund early childhood education
  • Protect and expand Head Start
  • Make pre-K and early learning affordable for families
“Address the need for more affordable, high-quality childcare, investing in Head Start programs and childcare centers, so that working parents have the support they need to get ahead while knowing their children are well cared for.”
View on their website ↗
“We can’t fuel American innovation if we’re not investing in a strong educational system, from early childhood education, to colleges and universities.”
View on their website ↗
Federal role in education ›
  • Protect and restore the Department of Education
“Donald Trump gutted the Department of Education and has attacked schools and universities that provide so much value to our communities. I won’t let that stand.”
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Other things the site says about education and culture (2)
“Protecting Nebraska’s education system”
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“Strengthen our community colleges and state universities to help ensure we have the skilled professionals we need to keep our economy running.”
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Social Security and welfare

Child care ›
  • Lower the cost of child care for families
  • Expand public funding and aid for child care
  • Raise pay for child care workers
  • Expand access to child care, with more centers, slots and providers
  • Expand and protect Head Start
  • Train and grow the child care workforce
“Address the need for more affordable, high-quality childcare, investing in Head Start programs and childcare centers, so that working parents have the support they need to get ahead while knowing their children are well cared for.”
View on their website ↗
“Expand affordable childcare, investing in new centers near the places where folks work, and advocating for legislation that expands Nebraska’s childcare workforce by paying these critical workers more without increasing costs for parents.”
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Social Security ›
  • Protect Social Security benefits from cuts
“Protect Social Security at all costs to ensure the promise of a secure and dignified retirement for all Nebraskans.”
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Other things the site says about Social Security and welfare (1)
“And as a working mom who has been advocating for Nebraska schools for 16 years, I know how important high quality childcare, after-school programs and other school supports are to the wellbeing of our children AND to our family budget.”
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Economy and the federal budget

Cost of living ›
  • Lower the cost of living and inflation
  • Lower the cost of groceries and food
  • Lower energy costs, including gas and utility bills
  • Lower health care and prescription drug costs
“The spot sets Denise apart from her career-politician opponent, indicating that in Congress, as a mom facing the same challenges as her neighbors across Omaha, she’ll fight to make life more affordable with the urgency Nebraska families deserve.”
View on their website ↗
“In the debate, Powell laid out her plans to lower costs, make healthcare more affordable, and to put the interests of everyday Nebraskans – not powerful billionaires – back in focus.”
View on their website ↗
“While Harding struggled to keep up with Powell and failed at defending his disastrous record and allegiance to Trump and MAGA Republicans, Denise laid out a clear plan to help working families get ahead by ending corruption in Washington and putting forth policies that will lower the costs of gas, groceries, and medicine.”
View on their website ↗
“Denise is committed to lowering costs for working families and standing up to Trump’s corruption, and she’ll bring a breath of fresh air to Washington.”
View on their website ↗
Grocery prices ›
  • Lower food and grocery prices
“While Harding struggled to keep up with Powell and failed at defending his disastrous record and allegiance to Trump and MAGA Republicans, Denise laid out a clear plan to help working families get ahead by ending corruption in Washington and putting forth policies that will lower the costs of gas, groceries, and medicine.”
View on their website ↗
Federal deficit and national debt ›
  • Rein in the deficit and national debt
  • Restore fiscal responsibility in Washington
“Responsibly manage our deficits and debts so we leave a stronger, more stable future for the next generation.”
View on their website ↗

Foreign affairs and aid

Use of military force abroad ›
  • Use military force only with clear objectives and an exit plan
  • Require congressional authorization before using military force abroad
“Demand Congressional oversight of military measures, stopping Trump’s unchecked actions without a strategic plan and clear exit strategy.”
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Iran ›
  • End the war with Iran
“Throughout the course of the debate, Powell laid out a clear choice for voters this November and proved, once again, that she is the only candidate committed to ending Trump’s war in Iran and the illegal tariffs that are costing American taxpayers over $1 billion per day, and the only candidate that everyday Nebraskans can count on to work for them – not billionaires or special interests.”
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U.S. alliances ›
  • Strengthen U.S. alliances and rebuild trust with allies
“We must balance the need to invest in border security, the military and our service members, while also rebuilding our key allyships.”
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“Fight to reestablish USAID and other key U.S. programs, while also working to rebuild relationships with key allies to rebuild America’s position as a true world leader.”
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War powers ›
  • Strengthen congressional oversight of military operations
“Demand Congressional oversight of military measures, stopping Trump’s unchecked actions without a strategic plan and clear exit strategy.”
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Foreign aid ›
  • Restore and protect foreign aid, including USAID
“Fight to reestablish USAID and other key U.S. programs, while also working to rebuild relationships with key allies to rebuild America’s position as a true world leader.”
View on their website ↗

Trade

Tariffs ›
  • Roll back the Trump administration's tariffs
“While my opponent will be another rubber stamp afraid to stand up to party bosses in Washington, I am committed to supporting Nebraska farmers, overturning tariffs, and passing the farm bill.”
View on their website ↗
“Throughout the course of the debate, Powell laid out a clear choice for voters this November and proved, once again, that she is the only candidate committed to ending Trump’s war in Iran and the illegal tariffs that are costing American taxpayers over $1 billion per day, and the only candidate that everyday Nebraskans can count on to work for them – not billionaires or special interests.”
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“Stop Trump’s illegal tariffs to help bring down the costs of items Nebraska families need every day.”
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Business and commerce

Small businesses ›
  • Expand small businesses' access to loans, grants and capital
  • Support small businesses
“Increase funding and support of small businesses across Nebraska, giving them the tools they need to innovate, hire and grow.”
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Corporate pricing practices ›
  • Crack down on corporate price gouging
“Fight back against monopolies that drive up prices and price gouge consumers in order to give CEOs inflated bonuses.”
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Competition and antitrust ›
  • Curb monopolies and promote competition
“Fight back against monopolies that drive up prices and price gouge consumers in order to give CEOs inflated bonuses.”
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Labor and employment

Job training and workforce development ›
  • Invest in job training and workforce development
  • Expand apprenticeship programs
  • Invest in community colleges, trade schools and vocational education
“Ensure Nebraskans have the skills they need to fill good jobs in growth industries by expanding job training and apprenticeship programs.”
View on their website ↗
“Invest in strong vocational and apprenticeship programs in our high schools to provide a path to good paying jobs in the fields that matter to Nebraska.”
View on their website ↗
Wages ›
  • Raise wages and make sure workers are paid fairly
“Over the past decade, I’ve knocked on thousands of doors all across the state, talking to folks about the issues that matter most to them, and fighting for access to reproductive healthcare, strong public schools, and better wages and protections for hardworking Nebraskans.”
View on their website ↗
Artificial intelligence and jobs ›
  • Protect workers' jobs from being replaced by AI
“Push for more guardrails and regulation of artificial intelligence to ensure a balance between the need to invest in new technologies with the need to protect American jobs.”
View on their website ↗
Immigrant and guest workers ›
  • Expand and streamline work visas to meet labor needs
  • Give immigrant workers a path to legal status
“Work to create a fair path to citizenship for long term immigrants who have worked and paid taxes for decades as essential workers and Dreamers, and create legal avenues for workers needed to fill Nebraska’s essential roles in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality.”
View on their website ↗
Other things the site says about labor and employment (1)
“In Congress, I’ll always advocate for the rights and safety of hardworking Nebraskans.”
View on their website ↗

Science, technology and communications

Artificial intelligence ›
  • Regulate AI and set guardrails on AI companies
“Push for more guardrails and regulation of artificial intelligence to ensure a balance between the need to invest in new technologies with the need to protect American jobs.”
View on their website ↗

Taxes

Taxes on low- and middle-income families ›
  • Expand the Child Tax Credit
“Fight to expand the Child Tax Credit back to $3,600 and make it permanent, to ensure working families receive the support they need to care for their children.”
View on their website ↗

Energy

Renewable energy ›
  • Expand wind, solar and other renewable energy
“Expand clean energy production to bring down costs in the short term while protecting our environment in the long run.”
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Energy costs ›
  • Lower energy costs for households and businesses
  • Support clean and renewable energy to lower costs
“Expand clean energy production to bring down costs in the short term while protecting our environment in the long run.”
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Housing and community development

Homeownership ›
  • Make homeownership affordable and within reach
  • Build more homes so buying one costs less
“Build more high-quality, affordable housing that is attainable for first-time homebuyers and middle-class families.”
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Affordable housing construction ›
  • Build more affordable housing
“Build more high-quality, affordable housing that is attainable for first-time homebuyers and middle-class families.”
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Defense and veterans

Other things the site says about defense and veterans (1)
“Work with key members of the armed forces to strategically invest in capabilities (and service members) that allow us to defend against the very real threats presented by China, Russia, and others.”
View on their website ↗

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