Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
A class of government students at Kimball High School visit with Congressman Adrian Smith, left, last week. Smith spoke to the class and answered questions on a wide array of topics.
Congressman Adrian Smith talked about his work and answered questions about a variety of topics during a visit last week with a Kimball High School government class.
Smith, a Republican from Gering, represents 75 of the state's 93 counties as part of the third congressional district.
One issue that could affect many of the students soon is student loans. Smith cautioned the students not to "max out" the loans and accept too much money. At age 43, Smith said he has friends that are still paying back their student loans.
Smith said his top job as a congressman is to ensure opportunities for the future.
"Too many politicians want to establish outcomes rather than provide opportunities," he said.
Smith said his grandfather was responsible for his entry into the political arena. His grandfather died in 1996, just as Smith entered the city council. He watched the evening news with his grandfather while he was a youngster, and then discussed issues brought up during the broadcast with him. Smith's grandfather was a Democrat. As a fourth grade student during the 1980 presidential election, Smith said he discussed the differences between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan with his parents and neighbors. His parents were Reagan Democrats, and Smith ultimately moved to Regan, much to the shagrin of his grandfather. He said this led to many interesting political discussions and disagreements with his grandfather.
Disagreement is not always a bad thing, Smith said.
"This country was founded on disagreement," he said. "(Some of) the founders hated each other, but they still came together."
In the question and answer period, Smith answered a question about how members of the state's congressional delegation work together and get along. He said one of the most important things they do is have breakfast together each Wednesday while Congress is in session. Any Nebraskans in Washington, D.C., are invited to the breakfast. The three House members and two Senators give an update and talk with constituents.
Even though he is from a much more rural district than the state's other two House members, Smith said they have a great relationship.
Smith was asked about his daily routine, which he said usually includes sporadic votes and various committee meetings and hearings. Smith is a member of the ways and means committee. Evenings include events such as fundraisers, he said.
When asked about the Keystone Pipeline project, which would run through part of eastern Nebraska, Smith said it can bring energy from Canada to the U.S. and protect the environment at the same time. He said oil is currently being transported by rail, and added that a pipeline would be a much safer way to transport it. Smith doing so also hurts agriculture.
"This makes the rail system bogged down, when we need rail to haul agricultural products to market," he said.
Smith also said there are currently more than 8,000 miles of pipeline below the surface of the state. He added that there was a need to replace some of the older pipelines with those with newer technology.
On education, Smith said flexibility is needed.
"I don't think a one-size fits all approach is good for students or teachers," he said. "We need to give the flexibility to be innovative and not gear everything towards only a test."
When asked about the biggest issue facing the country, Smith said the deficit is a huge problem. He said the $17 trillion debt, which is growing, would cost every person in the country more than $50,000 each if divided up. He said the debt infringes on economic opportunity, and called for a reform of the tax code to make it simpler. Smith said lower taxes and a simpler code is also important to international trade.
The congressman was asked about his staff size, and said he has eight to nine staff members in Washington, D.C., five in Grand Island and two in Scottsbluff. He added that the budget of each congressional staff is based on the number of households in each district and the distance of the district from Washington, D.C.
Smith ended by saying that although the nation faces many problems, it is still the best in the world.
"Even during the midst of challenges, this is still the greatest country in the world," he said.