BEN NELSON

What does it mean to be an American? While each of us may have our own specific answer to that question, we likely can agree on the basic principles of America: freedom, equal opportunity, and rights accompanied by responsibilities.

If we cannot agree, then at least we ought to move on.

Anytime the president visits Nebraska its good for Nebraska.

For many Americans, including many who are employed, going to the doctor when they fall ill or become injured may not be an option because of the absence of health insurance.

Government spending is not wasteful. The question is, “Is it necessary?”

The heroes who emerged first from the rubble of the September 11 attacks were not politicians or generals and they didnt become household names in the months that followed. They were, instead, public servants who continued to work day in and day out to protect our communities and ensure hometown security.

Somewhere along the line common sense should prevail,.

Some decisions, like opening a fire hydrant to put out a fire, are easy to make. Other decisions, like deciding how to best distribute a drought-limited water supply among urban, rural and recreational uses, require careful deliberation.

When it comes to making decisions, I will come down on the side of Nebraska every time. If I have to choose between the White House and the farmhouse, I choose the farmhouse.

Our first responders risk their lives to help others. The least we can do is make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs.

We cannot erase what has been done. We can apologize for it. We can express our outrage. We can say to the American people and to the people of the world, this is not our way and we do not condone it, but we cannot change it and we cannot erase it.

For many Americans, including many who are employed, going to the doctor when they fall ill or become injured may not be an option because of the absence of health insurance.

When it comes to making decisions, I will come down on the side of Nebraska every time. If I have to choose between the White House and the farmhouse, I choose the farmhouse.

The security of our nation depends on the men and women who are willing to sacrifice their safety, and possibly their lives, to protect the freedoms the rest of us enjoy.

Any time the president talks, you listen.

A democratic and stable Iraq and Afghanistan are essential to our broader efforts to make no place safe for terrorists and to win the War on Terrorism.

I'm not averse to helping Wall Street when it helps Main Street.

We can take full comfort in realizing the continuing strength of our nation. America's lands remain radiantly rich with diversity, and freedom still reigns.

Amending the U.S. Constitution, the document most sacred to those who love freedom and liberty, is a delicate endeavor and should be done only on the basis of the most clear and convincing evidence that a proposed amendment is necessary.

Let me be clear. I support the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

If we cannot agree, then at least we ought to move on.

What does it mean to be an American? While each of us may have our own specific answer to that question, we likely can agree on the basic principles of America: freedom, equal opportunity, and rights accompanied by responsibilities.

I certainly want campaign finance reform. I just wish this would do it in a way that would stand up to a constitutional challenge.

Anytime the president visits Nebraska its good for Nebraska.

I look at ANWR (Artic National Wildlife Refuge) as a poison pill in the energy bill.

When George Washington was elected president, there was no national vote.

You can’t pick your opponent and you can’t predict what the other side is going to do.

Government spending is not wasteful. The question is, “Is it necessary?”

If somebody feels strongly enough to be willing to stop the Senate, he should at least be required to be on the floor and explain why.

The heroes who emerged first from the rubble of the September 11 attacks were not politicians or generals and they didnt become household names in the months that followed. They were, instead, public servants who continued to work day in and day out to protect our communities and ensure hometown security.

Some decisions, like opening a fire hydrant to put out a fire, are easy to make. Other decisions, like deciding how to best distribute a drought-limited water supply among urban, rural and recreational uses, require careful deliberation.

Our first responders risk their lives to help others. The least we can do is make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs.

Somewhere along the line common sense should prevail,.