Issues
The Economy
As a former ranch hand, Scott Kleeb appreciates the value of a hard day’s work. As a husband and father, Scott understands the growing challenges that working families are facing and the worries people have concerning their children’s future. It is essential that we solve problems now rather than leaving them for future generations. As a U.S. Senator, Scott Kleeb will work to strengthen our nation’s economy and bring jobs to Nebraska.
Energy
High gas prices have been devastating to Nebraskans. The price of coal, natural gas, and electricity are also rising dramatically. Scott Kleeb believes we must take aggressive action now to provide relief from these high costs, but we must also take long term steps to make America more energy efficient, sensibly increase domestic energy production, and transform our economy from one based on fossil fuels to one based on clean, domestic, renewable energy. Scott knows that such a transition is necessary for our national security and Nebraska's economic growth.
Health Care
As a father, a husband, and a son, Scott Kleeb knows how important access to quality, affordable, and portable health care is. Today, 47 million Americans - and 200,000 Nebraskans - go without health insurance, while millions of others are under-insured and are one trip to the emergency room away from an economic crisis. Scott believes it is a moral imperative to work together - without political wrangling - to make health care accessible and affordable to all Americans.
Agriculture
As a former ranch hand and resident in small-town Nebraska, Scott Kleeb has witnessed firsthand the disconnect between the talk in Washington and the reality in rural America. While the 2008 Farm Bill made important steps toward vital reform, Scott believes there is still much more to do to assist new and small farms and ensure a strong global market for American agribusiness.
Education
As the father of two daughters, the son of two teachers, and as an educator himself, Scott Kleeb understands and appreciates the value of quality education. In an increasingly competitive global economy, Scott believes that America's young people need the skills to compete in the worldwide marketplace. Scott understands that these skills begin at home, and through early encouragement, each child born in the United States can be a part of new developments taking place.
Immigration
An estimated 12 million people are living in the United States illegally. Unsecured borders are compromising our national security. Scott Kleeb believes we must respect the rule of law and will advocate for a three-pronged approach to end illegal immigration: (1) securing our borders, (2) cracking down on businesses that hire illegal immigrants, and (3) penalizing those who break the law.
Iraq
The war in Iraq has cost America and Nebraska dearly. As of July 2008, more than 4,100 Americans had lost their lives during the war in Iraq and more than 30,000 have been wounded. For the American taxpayers, the Iraq war is projected to cost approximately $3 trillion dollars. Scott Kleeb believes that we must bring about a responsible end to the war - one that would bring our troops home while ensuring that Iraq and the rest of the region not spiral into chaos. To do this, Scott firmly believes we must recommit to using a multilateral diplomatic approach.
Foreign Policy
Scott Kleeb knows firsthand the role that American foreign policy plays in both world affairs and world opinion. For that reason, Scott is committed to using diplomacy that fosters international cooperation while advancing American values around the world. Whether it’s dealing with the war in Iraq, the Middle East peace negotiations, or nuclear threats from Iran, Scott believes we must lead the world from a position of strength supported by both military might and our proud principles of democracy and equality.
Defense
Scott Kleeb knows first-hand the important role our military men and women play in keeping this country safe and strong. Scott is committed to ensuring not only that our military has the funding it needs to remain the greatest armed forces in the world, but that our brave men and women in uniform - and their families - are treated with the respect they have earned.
Mental Health
Nebraska's motto is "Equality before the law." Yet too often we see that, when it comes to mental health, there is nothing equal about access to care or coverage by insurance plans. Scott Kleeb understands how our harsh system has left some of our most vulnerable behind. That's why Scott will make closing the gap on mental health care a priority.
Housing
Scott Kleeb believes that home ownership must be an opportunity for every hard-working Nebraskan, but the current economic situation puts that in jeopardy. By March of this year, Nebraska already had more than 3,200 homes in foreclosure. Nebraskans know that when your neighbor is struggling you are struggling too. Washington needs to learn that.
Rural America
We see it too often - we send a representative to Washington and they forget where they came from. But Here in Nebraska, we know that rural communities face specific challenges. Whether it’s because a factory closes and ships good-paying jobs overseas, or whether young people leave their hometowns because they don’t believe they can get a job and start a family there, we’re seeing rural towns in decline. Scott Kleeb believes that rural areas are the backbone of this country and is committed to investing in the preservation of the rural way of life.
Seniors
Scott Kleeb has great admiration for the generations that built this country, defended its freedom, and established its place in the world. Washington has lost sight of its promise to care for those who cared for us. Scott believes a lifetime of hard work must be rewarded by security in one's golden years. That's why Scott is committed to pushing for a no-nonsense plan designed to restore dignity and economic security for our seniors.
Veterans
Growing up on military bases, Scott Kleeb is acutely aware of the important and honorable service our military men and women provide for this country. That’s why he is personally committed to ensuring that these brave soldiers - and their families - are respected and treated fairly by a grateful nation.
