NE-02 Congressional candidate and economic expert James Leuschen penned this op-ed in the Omaha World-Herald on the five year anniversary of January 6, 2021 insurrection. Leuschen reflects on what happened that day as he was barricaded with colleagues in the U.S. Capitol and what’s at stake as President Trump continues to sow chaos in his second term as president. 

Key excerpts: 

“This Tuesday marks five years since the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, when a violent mob stormed the building and attempted to stop Congress from certifying the electoral votes of the 2020 election. I was there, working as policy director for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.”

“It is crystal clear to me that Donald Trump is willing to do anything for power – even if that means resorting to violence and chaos. All of this matters today because Trump’s style of power politics always comes with a bill. When leaders aren’t held accountable, the well-connected get richer and everyone else pays the price.”

“That’s why I’m running for Congress. As someone who experienced January 6 in the Capitol building, I know exactly what is at stake in this election. And as someone who has worked in senior economic policy positions my entire career, I know exactly what it takes to hold this President accountable for his economic chaos, restore certainty, and lower costs.”

“I’m the last person Donald Trump wants in Washington. I understand exactly what he is doing and how – from driving up costs for everyday Nebraskans to subverting government programs to reward his friends and target his perceived enemies. I know inside and out the leverage points in the political and budget processes we can use to stop him.”

“When I get to Washington, I’m going to focus on taking back Congress’s constitutional authority over tariff policies that are driving up costs. I’m going to lower health care costs by extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, restoring Medicaid funding, and keeping our rural hospitals open. I’m going to help get more money in the pockets of working families by restoring the Child Tax Credit and building our child care workforce so more young parents can work and save. I’ll work to pass legislation encouraging housing supply so it's cheaper to buy or rent here in Omaha.”

“Most importantly, I’m going to deliver for Nebraska’s Second Congressional District. Our region has missed out on too much economic opportunity in recent years. We deserve federal representation that fights for us and lays the foundation for economic prosperity for our kids. That means finally leveraging every single federal incentive to compete for new investment and job creation in advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure that will secure the economic miracle we inherited for the next generation - for my three kids and yours. I understand how to use these programs because I helped write them into law while working in Congress.”

“I know what Donald Trump is capable of – from the violence of January 6 to the past year of economic chaos – and it’s time to stop him once and for all. The stakes have never been higher, and I’m ready to do what it takes to meet the moment and ensure Nebraska has the representation it deserves.”