By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Rep. Adrian Smith on our Kubota Podcast Page.
North Platte, Neb. - Congressman Adrian Smith, representing Nebraska’s Third District, spoke about the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its 35th day and tied for the longest in U.S. history, stressing the effects on Nebraskans and the efficiency of federal programs.
Smith acknowledged that some federal workers have been brought back on a limited basis, including staff at the Farm Service Agency assisting farmers during harvest. “We’ve brought back some employees to make sure farmers have access to technical assistance,” Smith said. However, he added that overall, the shutdown continues to create inefficiencies across government agencies, affecting Social Security, VA services, and federal programs such as SNAP.
“There are concerns that individuals don’t have access to programs they rely on,” Smith said. “It’s bad for the institution of Congress, and ultimately, it’s bad for the American people as a whole.” He noted that addressing long-standing duplications in Medicaid payments and other inefficiencies could improve services without reducing coverage.
Agriculture remains a key focus for Smith. He highlighted components of the July legislative package that addressed elements of the farm bill and expressed hope that remaining work can be completed before the end of the year, ensuring stability for local farmers. “It’s my goal to get that resolved so we can start fresh next year,” he said.
Smith also pointed to local industry developments, citing a new beef plant in North Platte that uses advanced technology to improve efficiency. “Producers themselves are calling the shots, and ultimately consumers benefit when things like this can take place,” he said. He discussed ongoing efforts to allow year-round access to E15 ethanol, which could strengthen corn markets and reduce reliance on federal subsidies.
Despite the political gridlock in Washington, Smith emphasized the resilience of Nebraskans. “Communities are forging ahead every day, making the most of the resources they have,” he said. He noted that local innovation, particularly in agriculture, demonstrates both efficiency and adaptability even amid challenges.
Smith also highlighted bipartisan cooperation in areas such as agriculture trade and rural healthcare, saying that while divisive national issues often dominate headlines, collaborative efforts continue quietly in Congress.
With the shutdown ongoing, Smith said his priorities remain focused on reopening the government and addressing inefficiencies in federal programs while supporting Nebraska families and farmers during this period.