Articles by don bacon
I’m a Republican. This woman tried to do everything right — and was deported.
I’m a Republican. This woman tried to do everything right — and was deported. (washingtonpost.com) I’m a Republican. This woman tried to do everything right — and was deported. By Don Bacon 2026092513290700 On Sept. 1, a young woman in Omaha named Mariana self-deported from the United States. A migrant from Mexico who had lived in this country for eight years, she was under a final removal order from the Department of Homeland Security and had no options left. She had no criminal record.
Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon Eyes 2028 Presidential Bid
Nebraska Representative Don Bacon is considering a run for the presidency in 2028, signaling potential ambitions beyond his current congressional seat. Bacon's consideration reflects the early jockeying for position as Republicans look ahead to the next presidential cycle. A Bacon candidacy would add another voice to what could be a crowded GOP primary field. His decision will depend on political conditions, party dynamics, and his assessment of his viability in a competitive national race.
Don Bacon Eyes 2028 Run or VP Role
Skip to stories Breaking •Disney College Program Participant Dies in Lightning Strike•Nation Pauses to Remember 9/11 at 25-Year Mark•California High School Game Halted After Player Injury•25 Years After 9/11: A Generation Honors Inherited Memory•Conroe Divided Over License Plate Reader Cameras•Disney College Program Participant Dies in Lightning Strike•Nation Pauses to Remember 9/11 at 25-Year Mark•California High School Game Halted After Player Injury•25 Years After 9/11: A Generation Honors...
Op-ed by Rep. Don Bacon: Securing the border does not require us to abandon common sense
A young woman named Mariana is scheduled to report for removal from the United States on September 18. She has no criminal record. She is not a danger to our country and no reasonable person looking at the facts would say otherwise. Unless something changes, the life she has built in Omaha will end and Nebraska will have lost a valued community member. kAmx DEC@?8=J DFAA@CE D64FC:?8 @FC 3@C56C] u@C E@@ =@?8[ E96 7656C2= 8@G6C?>6?E 72:=65 E@ 6?7@C46 @FC :>>:8C2E:@?
NATO drone warfare NATO needing Ukraine’s help in drone warfare
As NATO leaders debate Europe's future security at the NATO Summit, one lesson is becoming impossible to ignore: Ukraine has become the world's leading laboratory for modern drone warfare. At the Riga Drone Summit 2026, military commanders and political leaders acknowledged that NATO must adapt much faster if it wants to keep pace with battlefield innovation.
Opinion | After Removing Maduro, Trump Needs a New Venezuela Plan
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Political pundits love black-and-white answers, but a realistic assessment of President Trump’s actions in Venezuela is a shade of gray. How dark or light that gray becomes will depend on Mr. Trump’s future actions.
Column: We're Nebraska's U.S. Congressmen. Here's why we supported the Big Beautiful Bill
Last week, before we voted to send HR 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) to President Trump for his signature, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave a speech in which it was clear Leader Jeffries had overlooked what the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and other proven policies in HR 1 have achieved for the American people. We would like to share why the bill will bring to America the sanity voters called for in November 2024. Medicaid is a lifeline for the neediest Americans, young and old.
Column: We're Nebraska's U.S. Congressmen. Here's why we supported the Big Beautiful Bill
Last week, before we voted to send HR 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) to President Trump for his signature, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave a speech in which it was clear Leader Jeffries had overlooked what the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and other proven policies in HR 1 have achieved for the American people. We would like to share why the bill will bring to America the sanity voters called for in November 2024. Medicaid is a lifeline for the neediest Americans, young and old.
Op-ed: We're Nebraska's U.S. Congressmen. Here's why we supported the Big Beautiful Bill
Last week, before we voted to send HR 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) to President Trump for his signature, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave a speech in which it was clear Leader Jeffries had overlooked what the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and other proven policies in HR 1 have achieved for the American people. We would like to share why the bill will bring to America the sanity voters called for in November 2024. Medicaid is a lifeline for the neediest Americans, young and old.
Rep. Don Bacon: Omaha doesn't have the energy it needs. Here's how to change that
Energy security is economic and national security. A nation’s success or position on the global stage is influenced by its access to energy and ability to optimize it. Energy fuels economic growth, development and security. It was foundational to our nation’s emergence as a superpower, and it is an essential component of today’s technological advancements. Not surprisingly, favored forms of energy and for what purposes they are used are subject to significant debate.
CHIP IN for Veterans Act (H.R. 217)
Add a note about this bill. Your note is for you and will not be shared with anyone. Because you are a member of panel, your positions on legislation and notes below will be shared with the panel administrators. (More Info) To amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent the pilot program authorized by the Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016, and for other purposes. The bill’s titles are written by its sponsor.
Guest opinion for The Washington Post, Author at The Iola Register
Demarco Ross and Kaeden Vega of IHS perform "Scooter Thomas Makes It to the Top of the World"
I’m a Midwestern Republican. Gutting AmeriCorps hurts America.
I’m a Midwestern Republican. Gutting AmeriCorps hurts America. (washingtonpost.com) I’m a Midwestern Republican. Gutting AmeriCorps hurts America. By Don Bacon 2025050111453700 As a small-government conservative who supports a leaner and more efficient federal bureaucracy, I have cheered President Donald Trump's efforts to identify and eliminate fraud and waste in Washington. We've been spending ourselves into oblivion and getting remarkably little in return.
Midlands Voices: USAID reform should be strategic, protect Nebraska farmers
Nebraska’s farmers don’t just put food on our tables — they help feed the world and advance our national security interests. They wake up before dawn, work long hours and keep our agricultural economy strong. But they don’t do it alone. Since its inception in 1961, the United States Agency for International Development has played an important role in getting American agricultural products to those in need while also strengthening U.S. influence abroad.
LEOSA Reform Act of 2025 (H.R. 2243)
Add a note about this bill. Your note is for you and will not be shared with anyone. Because you are a member of panel, your positions on legislation and notes below will be shared with the panel administrators. (More Info) To amend title 18, United States Code, to improve the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act and provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons by law enforcement officers, and for other purposes. The bill’s titles are written by its sponsor. Sponsor and status Sponsor.
Bacon Screenshot Reuters poll
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Trump-Zelenksy deal is ‘dead’ after Oval Office shouting match
The hope of a U.S.-brokered peace deal between Russia and Ukraine has been dashed, at least temporarily, with the public breakdown Friday of talks between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House.
Rep. Bacon: Enough talking about defense innovation. It’s time to make choices and move out.
As we begin the 119th Congress and a new presidential administration, a narrow window of opportunity exists to accelerate Department of Defense technology development and deliver a decisive advantage to the United States as it confronts mounting security challenges in the twenty-first century. As chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Cyber, IT, and Innovation, I believe we must take this opportunity to act with urgency to prepare our military to win the future.
Our Defense Budgets Are Offensively Meager
The barbaric invasion of Ukraine and the unleashing of Iran’s proxy forces are just a start if we don’t restore deterrence. Source link
Side-by-side, you decide: Don Bacon gives his reasons you should vote for him for US House
*Editor's note: The Omaha World-Herald invited Nebraska candidates for the U.S. Senate and the 2nd Congressional District as well as the Donald Trump and Kamala Harris campaigns to submit guest opinions pieces explaining why voters should support them. We hope reading these pieces, which will run in successive Sundays in print and online, will help you make your decisions. Please vote! In Congress, I work to solve problems.
Future of US defense depends on culture shift prioritizing innovation Original
To get our national security right and to ensure that we maintain a strong national defense, we must figure out how the Defense Department can innovate quickly enough to keep pace with potential adversaries. Though increasing authorities have been given to DOD, it continues to struggle to adapt and pivot at the same rate as some competitors.
Opinion | The Other Party Isn’t the Enemy
WSJ Opinion: The Big Battle for Senate Control Your browser does not support HTML5 video. 0:00 Paused 0:00 / 5:49 WSJ Opinion: The Big Battle for Senate ControlPlay video: WSJ Opinion: The Big Battle for Senate Control At a March GOP meeting in my congressional district, I said, “I am a Christian first, an American second, and then a Republican.” Immediately, an older gentleman yelled out, “That is why we don’t like you!” I wondered what bothered him more, the Christian or the American part.
Why We Should Pass The Supporting Tribal Families Act
In the intricate world of child welfare, ensuring the emotional connections and stability within families is crucial. It’s all about strengthening the bonds between children and their families, creating a sense of belonging and support that’s vital for everyone’s well-being. But it’s tough, especially for Indigenous communities who’ve faced historical traumas and unfair treatment within the system. But there’s hope on the horizon with the Supporting Tribal Families Act.
‘The Guard is so important’
‘The Guard is so important’ Don Bacon 2024-07-18 12:49:00 One of the biggest proponents in Congress to recapitalize the Air National Guard fighter fleet is a retired Air Force brigadier general. REP. DON BACON, R-NEB., who specialized in electronic warfare, intelligence and reconnaissance while in uniform, says he didn’t have much interaction with the Air Guard until later in his nearly 30-year career, but what he learned then made a lasting impression.
Rep. Don Bacon: Happy 248th Birthday America! We’ve got some work to do!
Happy 248th Birthday America! We are the “land of the free,” the “land of opportunity,” and a nation that is guided by the “rule of law.” We are so blessed. I frequently thank God for the privilege of being an American. It is our duty to defend this great nation and leave it stronger for future generations. We must protect our freedoms, our precious democracy, and the rights we have secured. Like every generation before us, we are facing our own unique set of challenges that we must confront.
LEOSA Reform Act (H.R. 354)
Add a note about this bill. Your note is for you and will not be shared with anyone. Because you are a member of panel, your positions on legislation and notes below will be shared with the panel administrators. (More Info) To amend title 18, United States Code, to improve the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act and provisions relating to the carrying of concealed weapons by law enforcement officers, and for other purposes. The bill’s titles are written by its sponsor. Sponsor and status Sponsor.
Don Bacon says ‘it’s possible’ that Johnson could lose speakership over Ukraine aid
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) said it was “possible” that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) could lose his position over Ukraine aid. Johnson has indicated he plans to bring aid for Ukraine to the floor after the House's two-week recess. However, some House Republicans have remained staunchly opposed to passing any kind of aid for Ukraine without funding for border security as well.
Congress will improve military housing
Sewage overflows in restrooms, methane gas leaks, mold, brown tap water, extreme temperatures, bedbugs, rodents and cockroaches. These are just some of the conditions that our servicemembers have been subjected to in their barracks. The fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act required the Government Accountability Office to review the Department of Defense’s efforts to maintain and improve military barracks — but the results of that review are disheartening.
Joe Biden Wins Nevada Democratic Primary, Nikki Haley Loses GOP Race
President Joe Biden has won the Nevada Democratic primary while former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley lost the Republican race despite frontrunner former President Donald Trump not appearing on the ballot, according to projections from the Associated Press (AP).
Congress Has a Duty To Modernize Opioid Treatment | Opinion
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Midlands Voices: Conservation efforts need a strong Farm Bill
Farms, forests and open spaces aren’t just American treasures — they are essential to the ranchers, farmers and landowners who feed us and depend on these lands for their livelihoods. Most of those lands are privately owned. In fact, about 70% of the land in the lower 48 states is privately owned. In Nebraska, this figure jumps to 97%. It is thanks to generations of private stewardship that the Sandhills can be celebrated as the largest remaining intact grassland in the world.
Lawmakers seek information from Biden administration on Iran oil exports to China
EXCLUSIVE — Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Don Bacon (R-NE) sent a bipartisan letter to two Cabinet secretaries raising concerns about Iran's export of oil to China and asking for information about the administration's plan to curb it.
Rep. Austin Scott and Judiciary Charman Jim Jordan set to battle for speaker Original
House Republicans are going to have their second candidate forum of the week at 1 p.m. between the two Republican candidates running for Speaker of the House: Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA), and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH). They are expected to vote on a nominee following the forum, but the exact schedule is still up in the air.
With no clear path to avoid a shutdown, House Republicans' internal tensions spew into the public
Playback speedNormal Quality- Playback speed 0.25 0.5 0.75 Normal 1.25 1.5 1.75 2 More Videos ‹ 02:34 Next Video 1. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asks for 'thank you' from GOP after concealed... 01:03 Next Video 2. Judiciary will operate if government shuts down as GOP seeks to halt Trump trials 02:53 Next Video 3. Seven unanswered questions for Merrick Garland about the Biden investigations 01:37 Next Video 4.
With no clear path to avoid a shutdown, House Republicans' internal tensions spew into the public
With no clear path on how to fund the government past Sept. 30, members of the House Republican Conference are publicly fighting among themselves over a bill to keep the government funded that, even if it were to pass the House, likely wouldn't become law. While tensions have been high all session, the conference is dealing with some of its most public feuding now as members try to come to an agreement on a continuing resolution.
The three big questions that lie ahead for the new Farm Bill
As the House Agriculture Committee begins to draft this year’s Farm Bill, there are still many unknowns: when will it receive floor time, will it pass this year, and how much Freedom Caucus members will change the legislation? The Farm Bill comes up for re-authorization every five years and is historically one of the more bipartisan bills Congress passes. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) wants to ensure it stays that way.
Joe Manchin's bipartisanship ranked as he faces uncertain future
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) is considered the most bipartisan senator, according to a congressional scorecard, even as he faces an uncertain political future with a tough Senate challenger in 2024. Manchin, who has not publicly stated his election plans for next year, is the highest-ranked senator on the Common Ground Scorecard, and he is No. 15 in Congress overall. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Dean Phillips (D-MN) were tied at No. 1 for the entire Congress. Manchin was followed by Sens.
Dearth of jamming gear follows years of ‘autopilot,’ says Rep. Bacon Original
WASHINGTON — The U.S. military is failing to speedily develop and deploy electronic warfare equipment amid a global competition for electromagnetic spectrum supremacy, according to a congressman who served in the Air Force for more than two decades. After years of putting electronic warfare on “autopilot,” troops’ ability to now jam and spoof and spy from afar has “withered,” said Rep.
Nebraska GOP lawmaker says Trump did not 'have the right' to take documents
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) went on the record Sunday to acknowledge former President Donald Trump should not have taken classified documents with him after he exited the White House. “We don’t have a right to take top-secret information to our home. I’ve dealt with top secrets since I was 22 years old, in the military for 30 years now, and now in Congress," Bacon told Meet the Press host Chuck Todd.
House Republicans propose banning public access to military service records: Report — THE MILLENNIAL PRESS
Posted by on June 19, 2023 7:40 pm Tags: Categories: News Washington Examiner "The Pentagon has not received any orders with regards to Venezuela," said Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon Friday evening, according to CNN. (AP Photo) Misty Severi June 19, 07:26 PMJune 19, 07:26 PM Video Embed A group of conservative lawmakers are eyeing legislation that would ban the Pentagon from releasing summaries of military service records.
Donald Trump indicted: GOP Rep slams Trump for actions similar to Hillary, says 'No one is above the law' Original
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) slammed former President Donald Trump on Friday, comparing the former president's recent indictment to actions by former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Bacon implied Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents was similar to Clinton's alleged storage of classified emails on her computer server. REPUBLICAN PRIMARY: BIG TENT OR BIG TOP?
Air Force identifies two more GOP candidates in military records leak
Two more GOP congressional candidates have been identified in a leak of military records to a Democratic-aligned research group less than a week after the House Judiciary Committee opened an investigation into the records' disclosure.
House Judiciary Committee investigating unauthorized disclosure of Air Force records Original
The House Judiciary Committee is launching an investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of Air Force records by the military of several people, including of some Republican congressional candidates. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT) wrote a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall on Thursday asking for information regarding the unauthorized disclosure.
Rubio, Wicker claim Pentagon has not answered key questions about Chinese spy balloon
Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) claimed in a letter Wednesday that the Pentagon has not satisfactorily answered their questions about the Chinese spy balloon that was discovered in United States airspace in January. The letter, addressed to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, claimed that the Pentagon was not clear on the sequence of events when it comes to the spy balloon.
Narrow House Republican majority compels some outreach to Biden, and vice versa
President Joe Biden and a subset of House Republicans are like often-quarreling spouses in an arranged marriage. Neither would have chosen the other as a partner, but now stuck together, they can use each other for their own ends. In the 118th Congress, Biden has a Democratic Senate to work with. But he faces a Republican majority, albeit a narrow one with a 222-213 edge over Democrats.
GOP lawmakers seek investigation after military records released to Democratic-linked firm
Two House lawmakers are requesting an investigation after their military records were improperly released to a third-party public records firm with Democratic ties during the midterm elections. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Zach Nunn (R-IA) are calling for the inquiry after the two lawmakers said the Air Force alerted them to an “unauthorized release” of their personnel records, according to a letter sent to the congressmen that was obtained by Politico.
Biden huddles with Democrats amid brewing fights over debt ceiling and documents
President Joe Biden has conferred with top congressional Democrats at the White House before what is expected to be a nasty, protracted fight over the country's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling.
If McCarthy’s speaker bid fails, Democrats might have to be part of the process
[sharenow] Editor’s note: Big Tent Ideas always aims to provide balancing perspectives on the hottest issues of the day. In the column below, Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon defends the idea of working with House Democrats to elect a moderate Republican speaker in the event of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy not receiving enough votes.
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