Congressman Bacon has been awarded the 2026 Nebraska Champion for Engineering Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies Nebraska (ACEC NE) for his leadership and support to the state’s engineering industry.
“I’m grateful to receive the 2026 Nebraska Engineering Champion Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Nebraska. Nebraska’s engineers play a vital role in building safe, reliable infrastructure that strengthens our economy and improves quality of life across the state. I’m pleased to support policies that invest in these priorities and appreciate ACEC Nebraska’s leadership and collaboration in advancing smart, long-term infrastructure investment,” said Congressman Bacon.
Congressman Don Bacon represents Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. A retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General, he served nearly 30 years on active duty and draws on that experience in his work on national security, veterans’ issues, agriculture, and cybersecurity. Congressman Bacon serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Agriculture Committee and currently chairs the Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation. He has been a strong advocate for investing in infrastructure that strengthens Nebraska’s economy and improves quality of life, supporting projects that enhance transportation, water systems, broadband access, and military installations across the state.
“Congressman Don Bacon puts Nebraska and the country ahead of party politics. He was one of only 13 Republicans to support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which delivered funding for critical road, bridge, broadband, and water system improvement projects to Nebraska. That decision is already making a difference here at home and strengthening our economy nationwide. Additionally, he is consistently available locally and in D.C., willing to listen, learn, and share, all in his best effort to support his constituents, sound policy, and good legislation,” says Rob Brigham, Chief Executive Officer at JEO Consulting Group.
Following the 2019 Midwest floods, which devastated Offutt Air Force Base and Camp Ashland, Congressman Bacon quickly organized the effort in the House to secure more than $1.6 billion in emergency federal funding to clean up, rebuild, and modernize both installations, which are critical to our national defense and Nebraska’s economy. Following his support for the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Eppley Airfield has received more than $70 million to modernize this significant regional transportation hub, making it more accessible for international flights. Most recently, this legislation has provided more than $25 million to the cities of Omaha and Wahoo for sewer and gas pipeline replacement projects.
“Congressman Bacon’s commitment to funding the nation’s infrastructure has remained resolute. His partnership with ACEC has been consistent and made him a trusted champion for the engineering community. His bipartisan leadership, willingness to listen, and commitment to infrastructure investment have made a meaningful difference for the people and communities we serve,” says Jeanne McClure, Executive Director, ACEC Nebraska.
ACEC Nebraska established the Nebraska Champion for Engineering Award to recognize outstanding individuals and teams who have collaborated with the association to support the state’s engineering profession. The organization represents consulting engineering firms in Nebraska, and its mission is to improve the quality of life in the state by strengthening the business environment for the consulting engineering profession.