Nebraska Panhandle News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-3) have introduced legislation to rename the federal building in North Platte, NE, as the "Virginia Smith Federal Building." The bill has garnered support from Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE-1) and Don Bacon (R-NE-2).

Virginia Smith, the first woman elected to Congress in Nebraska, represented the Third Congressional District from 1975 to 1991. The North Platte Federal Building, located at 300 E. 3rd St. in North Platte, Nebraska, will be renamed in her honor.

"Virginia Smith represented the best of our state," said Senator Ricketts. "She was a trailblazer and tireless champion for rural Nebraska. She fought to ensure farmers and ranchers had a seat at the table in the appropriations process. This bill will ensure this legendary Nebraskan gets the recognition she deserves."

Representative Smith, referring to Virginia Smith as a member of the Greatest Generation, highlighted her determination and commitment to agriculture producers. "In Congress, she fiercely defended the interests of agriculture producers and championed the development of Third District resources throughout the turbulent economic conditions of the 1970s and the Farm Crisis of the 1980s. Her extraordinary life and service, marked by a deep commitment to the people of Nebraska, will be aptly honored by the naming of this building. I thank Senator Ricketts and my fellow members of the delegation for their cooperation on this legislation."

Senator Fischer emphasized that Virginia Smith's life exemplifies Nebraska's pioneer spirit. "Our resolution to designate the North Platte Federal Building in Congresswoman Smith's memory will honor her legacy as a tireless advocate for the people of Nebraska and a trailblazer for women in politics."

Representative Flood acknowledged Virginia Smith's significant contributions to Nebraska. "For sixteen years, she 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. Giving this North Platte facility her name is one small way we can honor her legacy and celebrate her outstanding work to advocate for the Third District in Washington."

Representative Bacon expressed gratitude for Virginia Smith's dedication to Nebraska. "We honor her legacy as the first woman elected to represent Nebraska in Congress. She brought a lifetime of experience in agriculture and used her sixteen years in office to advocate for Nebraska farmers. The resolution will ensure generations to come are reminded of this great Nebraskan."

Virginia Smith, born Virginia Dodd on June 30, 1911, in Randolph, Iowa, earned a B.A. from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1936. Throughout her career, she served in various agricultural and civic groups, including the United States Department of Agriculture's Home Economics Research Advisory Committee, the White House Conference on Children and Youth, and chaired the Presidential Task Force on Rural Development.

Smith became the national chairwoman of the American Farm Bureau Women from 1955 to 1974 before winning election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974. During her tenure in Congress, Smith served on the Appropriations Committee and, prior to that, the Education and Labor Committee. She held the position of Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.

The bill to rename the North Platte Federal Building in honor of Virginia Smith pays tribute to her remarkable legacy as a champion for Nebraska and advocate for agriculture.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/press-releases/ricketts-smith-lead-nebraska-delegation-effort-to-rename-north-platte-federal-building-after-representative-virginia-smith