Jeff Fortenberry

“The responsible use of earmarks can have public benefits.”

“I thought incorporating Columbus and Platte County into the 1st District was a good idea.”

“Christianity in the Middle East is shattered. The ancient faith tradition lies beaten, broken, and dying.”

“Simply looking at the status quo and suggesting that the tax code is sacrosanct and can never change, and that decisions made in the '80s and '90s can never change, is absurd.”

“Some states like Nebraska have thus far responsibly managed their budgets, even in tough times, and I could not ask Nebraskans to pay for poor governance elsewhere.”

“Respect and a gentlemanly character - those are marks of a Nebraskan.”

“Shifting loyalties in the Middle East make it difficult to vet supposed moderate groups.”

“What Trump has done is tap into a deep-seated anxiety about where the country is headed. There is an anxiety that is real and sincere. Many people feel helpless.”

“I wanted the opportunity to play for Tom Osborne. Here we are in the locker room at half-time, gathering around Coach Osborne. It grows quiet, and I'll never forget what he said. He said, 'Let's get this over with.'”

“Donald Trump has not yet earned my vote. And I'm not simply going to say 'never,' because I do not want to empower Hillary Clinton.”

“I'm proud to be able to represent Bellevue and the Offutt and StratCom communities.”

“The high-flying rhetoric of 'Making America Great Again' frankly appeals to me. It appeals to many people. But you've got to back that up with substance, and you've got to quit offending people who may not agree with you.”

“The House of Representatives should not be locked down by the decided play of a few in leadership.”

“To simply demand that Assad go, and create a vacuum, could make the circumstances worse. To 'protect' Assad and his brutality is unconscionable. So you have to have a transition period here.”

“Considering community support and cost-benefit analysis, I have supported earmarks for projects of high public purpose involving such areas as higher education, alternative energy, transportation, medical research and military infrastructure.”

“If it comes out of Congress, I think it has traction in America.”

“Government has a rightful role, but not an excessive role, to play.”

“While the agreement provides a level of constraint on Iran's nuclear weapons program, it confers legitimacy on their nuclear threshold status, an unprecedented shift for a country with so many entanglements.”

“Based on my experience, I believe that Ben Sasse has the right policy background, a notable commitment to public service - and, perhaps most importantly, the courage - to help renew our country.”

“It is my belief there is too much concentration of power and spending in Washington.”