Nebraska congressman discusses potential impact of federal spending cuts, dealing with foreign relations

Nebraska Public Media reached out to elected officials from across the state for a series of interviews on topics important to their constituents. They had the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics during one-on-one interviews with reporters to share how they’re working to represent Nebraskans.

Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska's second congressional district discussed his main objectives this month, the potential impact of federal spending cuts on Nebraska and his thoughts on the handling of the Russia/Ukraine war.

Bacon, the chairman of the cyber subcommittee as part of the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. House, said he is focused on China's cyber access to U.S. networks and energy grids.

In an effort to address that, Bacon said he has been working to be more aggressive and utilize private sector technologies on a national and military level.

He said he has not shifted from his local goals of repairing Offutt Air Force Base and modernizing Eppley Airfield.

Federal spending cuts

Federal spending cuts administered by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), will likely have an impact on Nebraska’s agriculture and University system. DOGE is an advisory body created by President Donald Trump through Executive Order.

Bacon said he urges the new department to take its time rather than act too swiftly.

Although Bacon does support the audits DOGE has led on federal spending and increasing transparency of federal spending, he said the president cannot constitutionally cut programs approved by Congress. He added he did not support the way USAID was spending some of its funds.

"I have a phrase that I've been taught: Measure twice, cut once," Bacon said. "Right now, they're not measuring too well, and they're having to cut multiple times. And so, let's do this more thoughtfully, conscientiously, before we start firing people. We should know what the consequences are before you pull the trigger.”

Bacon cited examples such as the layoffs and rehires of avian flu workers and nuclear coders.

The congressman also expressed concern for the potential cuts to Medicaid, especially considering how many Nebraska children rely on the resource.

Bacon said he's asked Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Johnson to prove Medicaid funds will not be affected before he will cast his vote in support of anything.

Ukraine

"I thought the statements (earlier this week) by President Trump are wrong," Bacon said.

He emphasized the dictator is Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and the democratically elected Ukraine leader is Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Putin was one who did the invasion. Ukraine is the victim. We've got to be clear about this. We should have moral clarity," Bacon said. "I wish President Trump had that moral clarity. I don't know why he struggles with this and he had some ambiguity during the campaign, and I had hoped he would come in and be better than Biden, though.

"But I was hoping President Trump would come here and do better, and unfortunately, took a step backwards."

Other Nebraska elected officials also commented on Trump's statements.

Local recognition of Black History Month

Bacon recently recognized Kenny McMorris, of North Omaha, in the Congressional Record. McMorris, the CEO of Charles Drew Health Center, received an official copy of the record at a ceremony hosted by Bacon at the Revive Center Omaha. The recognition came as part of celebrating Black History Month.

"Every year, during Black History Month, we want to recognize an African American here in our community that's made a big difference," Bacon said. "I was proud to be able to recognize him yesterday."

Read and listen to Nebraska Public Media's prevous interviews with Congressman Don Bacon Congressman Mike Flood, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts and U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer.