Getting to know Mike Flood
Republican Mike Flood is seeking to serve Nebraska’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Because of his strong support for Nebraska agriculture, Flood earned the endorsement of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC) through Nebraska Farm Bureau’s grassroots selection process. This process involves gathering input from county Farm Bureaus across the state. Nebraska Farm Bureau News sat down with Mike Flood to share with Farm Bureau members who he is, what his vision is for Nebraska and why he is running for Congress.
Q 1. Mike, can you tell me about yourself and why you want to be in Congress?
I’m a husband, a father, a job-creator, and a lifelong Nebraska conservative. After I earned my bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame, I came back home to Nebraska for law school and started US92 Radio in Norfolk, my hometown. Focusing on coverage and content that matters to our rural communities, we’ve grown that business into a statewide network of 15 radio stations and seven TV stations. In 2004, I was elected to represent northeast Nebraska in the Nebraska Legislature, and in 2007, I was elected by my colleagues as Speaker of the Legislature. I served two terms, went back home to Norfolk to focus on growing our business, and in 2020, was honored to be elected to the Legislature again.
Throughout my time in public service, I’ve worked to get things done for our state, passing the largest tax cuts in Nebraska’s history, helping to grow rural communities, investing in infrastructure, and advancing our conservative values. I want to do the same thing in Congress, using Nebraska’s common sense and conservative values to get things done and put America back on the right track. That’s why I’m asking for the support of my fellow 1st Congressional District voters on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Q 2. What are some of the top issues you plan to tackle in Washington?
Inflation is at its highest in four decades. Nebraska families, farmers, ranchers, and small business owners are struggling just to keep up. We need to stop the out-of-control spending that has fueled inflation, cut taxes to let Nebraskans keep more of what they earn, and get government out of our way. Every American is feeling the direct impact of out of control prices and reining in inflation will help every Nebraskan. As a member of Congress, I will be a strong voice for the priorities of Nebraska ag producers, job-creators, and families so that they can live the good life and prosper.
Q 3. Congress will soon begin crafting the next Farm Bill, what are your thoughts as we begin that debate?
Agriculture is our state’s leading industry, and when our farmers and ranchers succeed, we all succeed. The Farm Bill is the most significant tool Congress has to create the conditions necessary for ag producers’ success, and making sure Nebraska’s priorities are reflected in the final legislation is critical. Some of my goals are protecting and strengthening federal crop insurance, reducing regulatory burdens, expanding access to capital for producers just getting their start, and keeping the Farm Bill’s conservation provisions focused on providing value to producers and consumers (as opposed to the Biden administration’s climate agenda). Agriculture is the cornerstone of our district, and I look forward to working closely with Nebraska Farm Bureau to support our farmers and ranchers in every way I can.
Q4. From WOTUS to troubles getting pesticides/herbicides approved to potential new regulations for agriculture in the climate space, farmers and ranchers are under constant regulatory pressure from the EPA, Department of the Interior, etc. What are your thoughts on the current regulatory climate that exists under the Biden administration?
Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers are the original conservationists. Producers here know far better than D.C. bureaucrats how best to steward our land, water, and air. The Trump administration made eliminating regulatory burdens on ag producers, like the awful Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Rule, a priority. Now, the Biden administration is hard at work undoing all the progress that was made. In Congress, I will work to eliminate
burdensome, overreaching rules and regulations, like WOTUS, and put real limits on federal agencies’ regulatory
and rulemaking authority. It’s time for Congress to take power back from the unelected bureaucrats and use it for the good of ag producers, small business owners, and families. We need to get government out of the way.
Q5. If you could leave our readers with one message, what would it be?
On Nov. 8, we all need to get out and vote in the general election! This is an important moment for our state and our nation. I would be honored to earn your vote so that, together, we can start getting our country back on the right track. I’m honored to have the support of Nebraska Farm Bureau, and I’m excited to work with its members. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Nov. 8, and make sure your voice is heard at the ballot box.
