Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska’s 2nd District provided an update on his recent activities in Washington, D.C., highlighting meetings with individuals affected by international conflict and local community members recognized for their service.
Bacon described a meeting with Ohad Ben Ami and his wife, Raz, who shared their experiences as former hostages of Hamas. “When we met with Ohad Ben Ami and his wife, Raz, we weren’t prepared to hear what they both endured as former hostages of Hamas. But we were given hope as we witnessed their survival,” Bacon said. He recounted the details of their captivity: “On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists attacked Ohad and Raz’s home, first taking Ohad and then Raz. Raz was released after 54 days as part of the November 23 ceasefire deal. She spent the next year advocating for the release of her husband. After 491 days, he was released; deeply emaciated and starved. He spoke to us about the tunnels he was kept in with two meals consisting of light soup and a spoonful of cheese, no showers, and no medications. He lost 77 pounds in captivity.”
Bacon also met with Ilay and Yeela David, whose brother Evvatar remains captive. “We also met with Ilay and Yeela David, whose brother Evvatar is still being held captive. Last February, he was forced to do a cruel Hamas propaganda video, showing him digging his own grave, and looking emaciated,” Bacon said. He called for action: “We need to bring him and the other hostages home now. No excuses.”
The congressman highlighted a visit from the White family—honored as Angels in Adoption for Nebraska’s 2nd District—for their work supporting foster children through Boys Town’s Foster Family Services program. Bacon shared: “Our office was also blessed this week by a visit from the White Family, the Angels in Adoption Honorees for Nebraska’s 2nd District! Eliza White, daughter of Taylor and Kailah, started making homemade pillows with a note of encouragement attached. For each pillow sold, she donates to Boys Town’s Foster Family Services, offering comfort to children entering foster homes.” The family has adopted multiple children while continuing to foster others.
On legislative matters this week, Bacon addressed his support for the Baltic Security Initiative on the House floor (https://x.com/RepDonBacon/status/1965892731278078196). He also opposed an amendment introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene that would have removed funding for Ukraine’s defense efforts (https://x.com/RepDonBacon/status/1965844448082014274). The amendment was defeated.
Bacon ended his update by addressing recent violence involving Charlie Kirk: “This is not the way I would like to end this newsletter, but I can’t ignore the senseless violence that happened this week when Charlie Kirk was murdered for expressing his first amendment rights and professing his faith.” He added: “Our hearts and prayers are with Charlie’s wife, children, family and friends. He served on the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors with me and will be missed. Our country not only protects but cherishes our freedom of speech, and political violence terribly undermines our Republic. The murderer not only killed Charlie but he also attacked all of our freedom of speech. The murder suspect is now detained, and I hope he is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Don Bacon has represented Nebraska’s 2nd district in Congress since replacing Brad Ashford in 2017 (https://x.com/RepDonBacon/status/1965892731278078196). Born in Momence, Illinois in 1963, Bacon lives in Papillion (https://x.com/RepDonBacon/status/1965844448082014274) and holds degrees from Northern Illinois University (1984) as well as from University of Phoenix.
