Smith on House Floor: Honoring the Life of Bob Busch

May 1, 2026 Press Release This week, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) took to the House Floor to pay tribute to Robert “Bob” Busch, charter board member of Western Sugar Cooperative. Image Click the image above to watch a video of Smith’s remarks Click here to download audio Click here to download video Following is a transcript of Smith’s remarks as prepared for delivery: Today, I stand before you to honor the extraordinary life of Robert “Bob” Busch, a devoted Nebraskan whose legacy will live on in our hearts and in the fields of Western Nebraska. Bob epitomized the spirit of hard work from a young age, starting his journey in agriculture by learning to drive a tractor at 12 before mastering the beet harvester at 16. This early dedication blossomed into a lifelong commitment to farming, embodying the values of diligence and perseverance in all he did. He will be remembered not only as a man of faith and deep conviction but also a pillar of strength in the Scottsbluff community, where he farmed the same land that had been in his family for generations. As a respected leader in agriculture, Bob made invaluable contributions to organizations like the Nebraska Sugar Beet Growers Association and the Western Sugar Cooperative, tirelessly advocating for water and farming interests in western Nebraska. His voice will be sorely missed, and his impact will be felt for years to come. Bob Busch was a remarkable individual, and while we mourn his passing, we celebrate the incredible life he lived.