Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE), along with Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Mike Flood (R-NE-01), released the following statements after legislation to designate the Post Office in Lexington, NE, in honor of former Congressman Bill Barrett and his wife Elsie and the North Platte Federal Building in honor of former Congresswoman Virginia Smith was signed into law by President Biden.
“Virginia Smith spent her life applying an exemplary work ethic to advancing agriculture and Nebraska priorities. For 16 years she served Nebraskans in Congress with brilliance and integrity,” said Rep. Smith. “As a veteran, educator, and legislator, Bill Barrett left his mark by thoughtfully promoting the interests of his fellow Americans. His wife Elsie improved the lives of countless children through charitable work. The legacies of these great Nebraskans are aptly memorialized with the naming of these buildings. I thank Sen. Ricketts for his leadership to champion these bills in the Senate and Sen. Fischer and Reps. Bacon and Flood for their collaboration to get these bills across the finish line.”
“Virginia Smith and Bill Barrett dedicated their lives to serving Nebraskans,” said Sen. Ricketts. “As Nebraska’s first Congresswoman, Virginia Smith tirelessly advocated for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers. As Speaker of the Legislature and as Congressman, Bill Barrett always put his constituents first. Bill was also a friend and advisor to me and so many other leaders. I appreciate President Biden for joining my Nebraska colleagues and me in honoring the legacy of two great public servants.”
“As an agriculture advocate and political trailblazer, Virginia Smith’s legacy will live on in Nebraska’s history books. And we will remember Bill Barrett for his dedication to serving our nation as a member of the U.S. Navy, Speaker of the Unicameral, and U.S. Congressman—feats he could not have achieved without his wife Elsie. I am pleased to see that these Nebraskan visionaries will be recognized for their many contributions to our great state,” said Sen. Fischer.
“Bill Barrett and Virginia Smith are deserving of this honor because of their unwavering service to Nebraska,” said Rep. Bacon. “Bill Barrett faithfully served the Great State of Nebraska first in the Navy, then in the Unicameral where he rose to be Speaker of the Legislature and finally as a Member of Congress. As a Member of the Agriculture Committee, he helped to write the Freedom to Farm Act of 1996, which revised and simplified direct payment programs for crops and eliminated milk price supports through direct government purchases. Virginia Smith was Nebraska’s first, and to date only, woman to serve in the House. An advocate for farmers and ranchers, her mission was to empower rural residents in dealing with overwhelming government regulations and red tape.”
“Throughout her time in the House, Virginia Smith was a voice for agriculture in Congress who built a deep connection with the four corners of her large district by visiting each county annually,” said Rep Flood. “From the Navy to the Unicameral to the halls of Congress, Bill Barrett’s life was devoted to public service. Naming these facilities is one small way we can honor their legacies and celebrate their outstanding work for the Third District in Washington. Thank you to the delegation for coming together to honor two of our greatest former members in this special way.”