A Representative from Nebraska, born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, on August 16, 1963, has cultivated a diverse educational and professional background. He graduated from Grace Baptist High School in Kankakee, Illinois, in 1980 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Illinois University in 1984. This was followed by a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1996 and a Master of Arts from the National War College in 2004. His career included service in the United States Air Force from 1985 to 2014 and a position as a staff member for U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry from 2014 to 2015. Additionally, he served as an assistant professor at the University of Bellevue in Nebraska from 2014 to 2017. He has been elected as a Republican to the House of Representatives since January 3, 2017.

Throughout his time in Congress, he has taken an active role in various committees, including the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Education and Workforce. His legislative efforts demonstrate a commitment to strengthening veteran affairs, enhancing educational opportunities, and advocating for national security.

One of the significant pieces of legislation he has sponsored is the Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act (HB217), which aims to permanently allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept property donations from non-federal entities, facilitating improvements for veterans. This act reflects his commitment to veteran issues, focusing on enhancing the support systems available to those who served.

In matters pertaining to education, he supported the IDEA Full Funding Act (HB2598), illustrating a focus on ensuring adequate funding for services for students with disabilities. Additionally, his backing of the Unity through Service Act (HB2324) highlights a desire to promote participation in military and public service, encouraging civic engagement among young Americans.

His legislative priorities, as demonstrated in his sponsorship of the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act (HB1851), underscore a focus on enhancing national defense capabilities by increasing the number of fighter aircraft available to the Air Force. He also sponsored the UPRISERS Act (HB2273), aiming to address concerns surrounding international student protests and radicalism, indicating a concern for national security and public safety.

In terms of political leanings, his sponsorship of various defense and security-related legislation indicates a strong pro-defense stance. His support for bills focused on law enforcement, such as the Back the Blue Act (HB355), showcases his commitment to law enforcement issues and public safety. Conversely, his support for legislation aimed at educational funding and veteran affairs reflects a more community-oriented perspective, suggesting balanced priorities between national security and domestic welfare.

As a member of Congress, he has demonstrated a blend of robust advocacy for military and veteran services alongside initiatives that support educational improvement and public safety. His approach indicates a multifaceted understanding of both national and local issues, aiming to address the concerns of his constituents in Nebraska while upholding broader national interests.