{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"NE\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5F2D6DE5-0C90-4979-ADCB-CF5CEB8DA1B5", "Fischer Statement on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter:\n\n\u201cThroughout his long life, President Carter served his country and his fellow man. He showed his love for others through many actions \u2014 serving in the Navy, as our 39th President, teaching Sunday School, and most memorably as a home builder for Habitat for Humanity. Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to his family,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/12/fischer-statement-on-the-passing-of-former-president-jimmy-carter", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-statement-on-death-of-jimmy-carter/", "Ricketts Statement on Death of Jimmy Carter", "2024-12-29", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) released the following statement on the death of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States:\n\n\u201cJimmy Carter\u2019s life was marked by faith, family, and service. He defended our country as a member of the U.S. Navy. He served as our 39th president. After leaving office, he faithfully taught Sunday school and advocated for human rights around the world. His 77-year marriage to Rosalynn Carter modeled love and dedication. Susanne and I send our condolences to the Carter family as they grieve.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-merry-christmas-nebraska/", "Ricketts: \u201cMerry Christmas, Nebraska!\u201d", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "December 23, 2024\n\nOMAHA, NE \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement in anticipation of Christmas Day:\n\n\u201cChristmas is a season of joy and reflection. As we gather with loved ones, let\u2019s embrace the traditions that make this season special. Let\u2019s celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who brought hope and healing to our broken world. Let\u2019s remember those who will spend the holidays away from their families, especially those in the military. And let\u2019s recommit ourselves to helping those in need.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of my family and my team I wish you a peaceful and joyous Christmas. May you experience the true joy of this season. Merry Christmas, Nebraska!\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-announces-new-committee-assignments/", "Ricketts\u00a0Announces New Committee Assignments", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "December 21, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced his committee assignments for the 119th Congress. Ricketts will serve on four committees. He will continue to serve on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He will also join the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget.\n\n\u201cAfter four years of overregulation, an appeasement-first foreign policy, and reckless spending, it\u2019s time to get our country back on track,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cOn the Environment and Public Works Committee I\u2019ll fight to give Nebraska families relief, not regulation. On the Foreign Relations Committee I\u2019ll help President Trump restore American strength on the world stage. Only through strength can we deter our adversaries and prevent future conflicts.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored by the opportunity to use my business experience on the Budget and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committees,\u201dRicketts continued. \u201cThese committees will play an important role in extending the Trump tax cuts, controlling our spending, and providing regulatory relief to job-creators. I\u2019m excited to work with President Trump and my colleagues to deliver conservative solutions for Nebraskans.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nU.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works is responsible for legislation and oversight of the natural and built environment and for studying matters concerning environmental protection and resource conservation and utilization. This includes oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.\n\nU.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is instrumental in developing, influencing, and overseeing U.S. foreign policy. The Committee considers, debates, and reports important treaties and legislation involving everything from foreign aid to arms sales to international organizations like the United Nations. It overseas the U.S. State Department and holds jurisdiction over all diplomatic nominations, including the U.S. Secretary of State. Ricketts will be the second highest ranking Republican on the Committee.\n\nU.S. Senate Committee on the Budget is responsible for drafting budget plans for Congress. It also monitors and enforces rules surrounding spending, revenue, and the federal budget. The Committee\u2019s primary responsibility is to develop a concurrent resolution on the budget to serve as the framework for congressional action on spending, revenue, and debt-limit legislation. This includes jurisdiction over the budget reconciliation process. The Committee also has oversight of the president\u2019s Office of Management and Budget (OMB).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-comments-on-government-funding-bill/", "Ricketts Comments on Government Funding Bill", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "December 21, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after voting for a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through March 14 and extend the Farm Bill by one year.\n\n\u201cThis bill avoids a government shutdown and supports Nebraska\u2019s farmers and ranchers. It gives them the certainty and assistance they need to make crucial decisions. I\u2019m committed to working with President Trump and my colleagues to pass a comprehensive, five-year farm bill next year.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=978A5288-0DA4-4648-93C1-53E94994913C", "Fischer Announces Committee Assignments for 119th Congress", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced her committee assignments for the 119th Congress. She will continue serving on all six committees from the 118th Congress:\n\nArmed Services\n\nAppropriations\n\nCommerce, Science, and Transportation\n\nAgriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry\n\nRules and Administration\n\nSelect Committee on Ethics", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=CEB9131E-1A9E-4B3D-99F1-6AD72911FA94", "Fischer Celebrates U.S. Victory In USMCA Dispute on GMO Corn", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after a dispute panel announced its finding that Mexico had violated its commitments under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with its ban on GMO corn:\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been clear from the start \u2013the United States would not accept Mexico\u2019s unscientific ban against genetically modified corn. This ruling will hold Mexico accountable and prevent its blatant trade violation under the USMCA. This decision is a victory for family farmers, Mexican consumers, and the future of agricultural technology innovation. I look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to continue to hold Mexico accountable and ensure Nebraska\u2019s farmers have access to the markets they rely on,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\nUnder USMCA rules, Mexico has 45 days from the date of the report to comply with the ruling.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2022, Senator Fischer led 25 of her bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling for the administration to hold Mexico accountable, including by pursuing a dispute settlement process through USMCA.\n\nIn March of 2023, USTR requested and held technical consultations with Mexico. Technical consultations for biotechnology issues are required before any dispute settlement can be pursued.\n\nThat following June, Senator Fischer commended USTR\u2019s decision to formally request dispute settlement consultations with Mexico concerning the country\u2019s ban on genetically modified corn. Under the USMCA, member countries can request dispute settlement consultations to resolve trade compliance issues.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/12/fischer-celebrates-u-s-victory-in-usmca-dispute-on-gmo-corn", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-announces-united-states-military-service-academy-nominations-2/", "Ricketts\u00a0Announces United States Military Service Academy Nominations", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced the names of 30 Nebraskans he is nominating for application to the United States Military Service Academies. The selection of students will have the opportunity to be admitted to our nation\u2019s various service academies for the Class of 2029.\n\n\u201cNebraska has long been a proud supporter of our nation\u2019s military, said Senator Ricketts. \u201cThroughout this process, our team has met with these very talented Nebraskans. All of them have high moral character and are committed to service. I am proud to nominate these young women and men from across Nebraska to attend our United States service academies.\u201d\n\nIn total there are fifteen Air Force Academy, thirteen Naval Academy, thirteen Military Academy, and three Merchant Marine Academy nominations.\n\nThe nominees are as follows:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-slams-epa-for-approving-californias-ban-on-gas-cars-delusional/", "Ricketts Slams EPA for Approving California\u2019s Ban on Gas Cars: \u201cDelusional\u201d", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, slammed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after it approved California\u2019s plan to ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035.\n\n\u201cEPA bureaucrats shouldn\u2019t approve such a reckless mandate in the closing days of this failed administration,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cCalifornia\u2019s mandate restricts freedom and ignores the high cost of EVs. It also disregards supply chain and infrastructure challenges and excludes American biofuels. I expect President Trump to revoke this delusional decision. Congress must pass the Preserving Choice in Vehicles Act to stop EPA bureaucrats from doing this again.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nCalifornia had applied for a waiver to implement its \u201cAdvanced Clean Cars II\u201d regulation. This regulation requires 35% of car sales to be zero-emission vehicles in model year 2026, 68% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. This waiver came under a provision of the Clean Air Act of 1970. Eleven other states and the District of Columbia, representing about 30% of the U.S. car market, are adopting California\u2019s rule.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5D417B10-5511-40FC-8A90-E960F9DB98E7", "Fischer Legislation to Give Tribal Colleges and Universities a Stronger Voice in Education Funding Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Last night, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer\u2019s (R-Neb.) National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives. It now heads to the president\u2019s desk.\n\nThe legislation would give Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE\u2019s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.\n\n\u201cNative voices deserve to be heard in decisions that directly impact their communities, and too often Tribal Colleges and Universities are excluded from the federal funding decision-making process,\u201d said Senator Fischer. \u201cIt\u2019s time TCUs have a seat at the table, and that\u2019s what this legislation delivers\u2014I encourage President Biden to sign it.\u201d\n\n\"Today is a historic moment for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) with the passage of the NACIE Improvement Act. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Fischer of Nebraska for her leadership and vision in championing this cause. We also thank the members of the Senate and House for their bipartisan support in advancing this vital, long-overdue legislation,\u201d said Manoj Patil, President of Little Priest Tribal College.\n\n\u201cRequiring A Tribal College president on the NACIE board was a needed step forward in making sure all of the educational entities that serve Native American learners have a voice on the similar challenges that we all face,\u201d said Dr. Michael Oltrogge, the President of Nebraska Indian Community College. \u201cWorking together we can make Native America stronger!\u201d\n\n\u201cWith great appreciation, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium would like to thank Senator Deb Fischer and her colleagues for sponsoring and ushering the NACIE Improvement Act into law. Now, with the requirement of at least one TCU President appointed to the NACIE council, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) will have a voice on matters related to American Indian and Alaska Native Higher Education,\u201d said AIHEC President & CEO Ahniwake Rose. \u201cThe passage allows our Tribal Colleges and Universities to have greater input on federal funding discussions impacting their students and programs and bolsters the critical role they play in advancing the educational and economic well-being of Native communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a Tribal College graduate, I am extremely grateful for the strong foundation it has provided me as I serve the Winnebago people. By requiring a Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) President to serve on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE), the NACIE Improvement Act ensures that TCU voices are heard during important discussions regarding funding and administration of critical programs that help shape the next generation of Tribal leaders. The Winnebago Tribe would like to thank Senator Fischer for championing this effort, and we look forward to the President signing the bill into law,\u201d said Chairwoman of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Victoria Kitcheyan.\n\nSenator Fischer\u2019s bipartisan, bicameral legislation unanimously passed the Senate last year. It was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mon.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). And it was introduced in the House by Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO-2). The legislation now heads to the president\u2019s desk.\n\nBackground The Department of Education\u2019s Tribal advisory group, the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE), advises the Secretaries of Education and Interior on programs serving Tribes and their members. NACIE releases an annual report, but the Department of Education does not have a process for considering NACIE\u2019s report when developing its budget request.\n\nAdditionally, Department of Education tribal consultation sessions often do not provide the opportunity for TCU leaders to provide direct input.\n\nThe National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act would address these challenges by:\n\nRequiring at least one of NACIE\u2019s members be the president of a Tribal College or University", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=66E57E35-4989-466F-AE60-DBC48FCAB3D7", "Defense Bill Including Fischer Wins Heads to President", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act:\n\n\u201cThis bill is the cornerstone of our defense policy. I\u2019m glad my colleagues finally came together to reaffirm our bipartisan commitment to a strong national defense and give our military service members a pay raise. Our bill includes key elements of my Restoring American Deterrence Act that will overhaul America\u2019s nuclear preparedness by rebuilding our aging nuclear deterrent.\u201d\n\nSenator Fischer secured dozens of defense provisions in the bill, outlined below.\n\nMilitary Pay Raise\n\nSenator Fischer supported a provision authorizing a 4.5 percent pay raise for military members.\n\nMilitary Construction Projects for Nebraska\n\nSenator Fischer secured full authorization of funds for her two Nebraska MILCON requests:\n\nAdditional $158 million for the planning and design of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) facilities at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nAdditional $6 million for the planning and design of a Consolidated Training Complex/Professional Development Center at Offutt\n\nKey Nebraska Priorities\n\nSenator Fischer secured authorization of funds above the President\u2019s budget request for U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) and the 557th Weather Wing, both based at Offutt. The bill authorizes:\n\n$3 million for the NC3 Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub (REACH) program\n\n$5 million for Weather Wing research and development projects\n\nSenator Fischer also secured a provision that:\n\nClarifies the Offutt-based Weather Wing\u2019s authorities to provide weather data to the U.S. Air Force and Army\n\nRestoring American Deterrence\n\nSenator Fischer secured several provisions from her Restoring American Deterrence Act, which she introduced in April to overhaul America\u2019s nuclear preparedness. These provisions:\n\nRequire the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop strategies to respond to growing threats from our adversaries, including an assessment of U.S. nuclear forces necessary to implement that strategy\n\nRequire the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to promote a skilled nuclear manufacturing and vocational trade workforce\n\nRequire the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop a comprehensive integrated air and missile defense architecture for the United States\n\nRequire the Secretary of the Air Force to develop a plan to procure and deploy an additional 50 Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missiles above the current plan of 400\n\nMake significant management and process improvements to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and clarifies that NNSA\u2019s primary responsibility is to maintain and enhance the performance, reliability, security, and safety of nuclear weapons\n\nRequire the Secretary of Energy to conduct an assessment evaluating two to four locations in the United States best suited to host movable, scalable uranium enrichment facilities\n\nEstablish an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs to advise on nuclear deterrence policies, operations, and programs\n\nSLCM-N\n\nSenator Fischer established a program of record for SLCM-N in the FY24 NDAA. The FY25 NDAA authorizes the U.S. Navy and NNSA to explore options that would allow SLCM-N to be fielded on a faster timeline. Senator Fischer also secured the following:\n\nAuthorization of an additional $70 million for NNSA to research and develop the SLCM-N warhead\n\nAuthorization of an additional $252 million for the Navy to research and develop the SLCM-N missile\n\nFencing of 10 percent of the Secretary of the Navy\u2019s travel budget until the Secretary certifies to Congress that the Navy has established a program office for SLCM-N and is taking the required steps to comply with the DOD\u2019s SLCM-N decision acquisition memorandum\n\nChain of Command\n\nSenator Fischer secured a provision mandating that the DOD notify Congress when the Secretary of Defense is unable to perform the functions of the office. Earlier this year, Senator Fischer spoke out against DOD chain of command problems when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin failed to notify Congress of a medical absence.\n\nThe provision requires the Deputy Secretary of Defense to notify Congress 24 hours in advance of any planned transfer of authorities and not later than 24 hours after any unplanned transfer of authorities.\n\nMunitions\n\nSenator Fischer also secured provisions addressing issues within the munitions industrial base, including provisions that:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F7114FAD-BCA0-4C2D-BE11-B31D182270D5", "Fischer Bill Ending Cuts to Railroad Benefits Heads to President", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the U.S. Senate passed U.S. Senator Deb Fischer\u2019s (R-Neb.)Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act. The legislation will protect railroad employees by ending government mandated cuts to their unemployment and sickness benefits once and for all. The bill now heads to the President\u2019s desk.\n\n\u201cToday marks a victory for our nation\u2019s railroad workers. My REEF Act will right the wrong of unfair cuts and ensure that the people who keep our trains moving receive the benefits they\u2019ve earned. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cFor too long, budget sequestration of Railroad Retirement Board benefits has unjustly harmed thousands of Teamsters railroaders who find themselves in the difficult position of trying to support their families following layoffs, illnesses, and injuries. Today\u2019s victory ensures that not one more rail worker will be subjected to these cuts. The Teamsters thank Senator Fischer for her tireless effort over the years to ensure that the REEF Act becomes law,\u201dsaid Teamsters General President Sean M. O\u2019Brien.\n\nWithout the hard work of Senator Fischer and her staff, the REEF Act would not be headed to the President\u2019s desk. This important legislation provides all railroaders and their families with the certainty that they will have access to the full benefits they have earned.\u201dsaid Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies.\n\n\u201cAs America\u2019s largest transportation labor federation, we've seen firsthand how unemployment and sickness benefits are a lifeline for workers in times of need. After more than a decade of waiting, passenger and freight rail workers will finally receive the full value of the benefits they have earned. We thank Senator Fischer, Representative Schakowsky, and our congressional partners who got this bill across the finish line,\" said AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department (TTD) President Greg Regan.\n\n\u201cThe REEF Act is a win for the railroad industry\u2019s workforce, and we were happy to work with both industry and labor partners on it under the leadership of Senator Fischer. The law will ensure that the unemployment and sickness safety nets in the railroad industry will be maintained fairly, while having no negative effect at all on federal finances,\u201d said American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) President Chuck Baker, representing the nation\u2019s 603 short line railroads and their suppliers.\n\nBackground:\n\nRailroad unemployment and sickness benefits are funded solely by railroads\u2019 and railroad workers\u2019 contributions. The Budget Control Act of 2011 and subsequent implementation mandates require railroad unemployment and sickness benefits to be reduced by a certain percentage each year. All other regular unemployment benefits are exempt from sequestration. Without the REEF Act, sequestration will likely result in a 5.7 percent reduction in railroad unemployment and sickness benefits through Fiscal Year (FY) 2030.\n\nWhile a temporary version of the REEF Act was included in the COVID-19 relief bill passed in December 2020, that measure expired on May 10, 2023, 30 days after the expiration of COVID-19 national emergency declaration. Without this legislation, these benefits would be subject to sequestration through FY 2030.\n\nIn the Senate, the REEF Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Jes\u00fas Garc\u00eda (D-Ill.), and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.).\n\nClickhere to view text of the legislation.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/12/fischer-bill-ending-cuts-to-railroad-benefits-heads-to-president", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-celebrates-nebraska-wins-in-defense-bill/", "Ricketts Celebrates Nebraska Wins in Defense Bill", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE)celebrated passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included provisions from his bipartisan BOLSTER Act. Ricketts made the comments on a conference call with Nebraska media.\n\n\u201cWe live in the most dangerous period in our country\u2019s history since World War II,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cThe People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC), Russia, Iran, and North Korea all need to be deterred. This NDAA focuses on deterring aggression and keeping Americans safe. It\u2019s one way we help restore American strength. I\u2019m incredibly grateful to Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Don Bacon for their leadership on the Armed Services Committees. And I will continue to fight to ensure our military has what it needs to keep us safe.\u201d\n\nWins in the NDAA:\n\nAuthorizes $895 billion for national defense next year\n\nGives a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers\n\nGives a 4.5% pay raise to all other servicemembers\n\nAuthorizes critical funding for modernizing our nuclear triad, including the Sentinel ICBM program\n\nIncludes elements of Ricketts\u2019 bipartisan BOLSTER Act, which will strengthen European support for Taiwan\u2019s efforts to deter the People\u2019s Republic of China\n\nNebraska-Specific Wins:\n\nAuthorizes $158 million for facilities to permanently base the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) aircraft fleet at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nAuthorizes $6 million for a Consolidated Training Complex and Professional Development Center at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nAuthorizes $3 million to support the innovative NC3 Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub program, or REACH\n\nAuthorizes $5 million in research and development funding for the 557th Weather Wing\n\nRicketts\u2019 BOLSTER Act:\n\nRequires coordinated plans with the EU and European countries to impose sanctions in response to specific PRC actions against Taiwan\n\nRequires the president to submit a report on the expected economic impact of a PRC blockade or quarantine of Taiwan\n\nPushes European countries to increase their political and economic engagements with Taiwan\n\nCalls on European countries to increase their support for Taiwan\u2019s self-defense\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cOne of the federal government\u2019s most important priorities is to provide for the common defense.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s right there in the preamble to the Constitution.\n\n\u201cThat starts with making sure our women and men in uniform have what they need to keep us safe.\n\n\u201cToday, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act \u2013 or NDAA.\n\n\u201cIt authorizes $895 billion for national defense next year.\n\n\u201cIt gives a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% pay raise to all other servicemembers.\n\n\u201cIt authorizes critical funding for modernizing our nuclear triad.\n\n\u201cThis includes funding for the Sentinel ICBM system, parts of which are in Nebraska.\n\n\u201cAnd it includes elements of my bipartisan BOLSTER Act, which will strengthen European support for Taiwan\u2019s efforts to deter the People\u2019s Republic of China.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m especially pleased that this year\u2019s NDAA supports important missions in Nebraska.\n\n\u201cIt includes authorized funding to plan and design various facilities at Offutt Air Force Base.\n\n\u201c$158 million to permanently base the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, or SAOC, aircraft fleet.\n\n\u201cAnd $6 million for a Consolidated Training Complex and Professional Development Center.\n\n\u201cThe bill authorizes $3 million to support the innovative NC3 Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub program, or REACH.\n\n\u201cAnd it authorizes $5 million in research and development [funding] for the 557th Weather Wing.\n\n\u201cFinally, this NDAA supports our allies as we work together to deter our adversaries.\n\n\u201cIt fully funds our missile defense programs in cooperation with Israel.\n\n\u201cIt authorizes $15.6 billion to strengthen our deterrence against the People\u2019s Republic of China in the Indo-Pacific.\n\n\u201cAnd as I\u2019ve said, it includes provisions of a bill I wrote to increase our allies\u2019 support for Taiwan\u2019s self-defense.\n\n\u201cWe live in the most dangerous period in our country\u2019s history since World War II.\n\n\u201cThe People\u2019s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea all need to be deterred.\n\n\u201cThis NDAA focuses on deterring aggression and keeping Americans safe.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s one way we help restore American strength.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m incredibly grateful to Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Don Bacon for their leadership on the Armed Services Committees.\n\n\u201cAnd I will continue to fight to ensure our military has what it needs to keep us safe.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ll make one other point before I take questions.\n\n\u201cThe Senate Armed Services Committee \u2013 including Senator Fischer \u2013 passed its version of the defense bill six months ago.\n\n\u201cThat vote was overwhelmingly bipartisan. 22 to 3.\n\n\u201cSo why didn\u2019t the Senate take this up immediately?\n\n\u201cBecause Majority Leader Chuck Schumer believed holding show votes and confirming Biden nominees was more important than our national defense.\n\n\u201cNot only did this send the wrong signal to our adversaries, but it also delayed starting critical negotiations with the House on a final bill.\n\n\u201cOur women and men in uniform should be our first priority, not our last.\n\n\u201cWe could and should have passed this bill weeks ago.\n\n\u201cNot the last work week of the year.\n\n\u201cNext year, under Republican leadership, the NDAA won\u2019t be put on the back burner.\n\n\u201cInstead, we\u2019ll ensure that nothing comes before keeping our country safe.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=32F9F104-EF66-4171-A08A-43C36289E3E4", "Fischer Secures Year-Round E-15 in CR", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after securingnationwide, year-round E15in the upcoming continuing resolution:\n\n\u201cMy legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleashing the power of year-round E15. This will once and for all solidify President Trump\u2019s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15\u2014giving America\u2019s producers and consumers the certainty they deserve. This will put an end to years of patchwork regulations and finally make nationwide year-round E15 a reality.\u201d\n\nFischer\u2019s legislation earned support from a historically diverse coalition of stakeholders\u2014including those from the petroleum industry, fuel marketing and retail sector, ethanol industry, agriculture, and consumers\u2014uniting in support of this mutually beneficial solution.\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Fischer has been a steadfast champion for year-round E15 since 2015, when she first co-led a bill to theto allow year-round E15 during the 114th Congress.\n\nIn 2017, during the 115th Congress, she introduced theConsumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Actto amend the Clear Air Act and help make year-round E15 a reality. Later that year, she testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee insupport her bipartisan legislation.\n\nIn 2019, Senator Fischertraveled with President Trump to Nebraska and Iowa whenhe announced regulatory efforts to allow the sale of E15. When President Trump\u2019s efforts were stuck down by courts, Senator Fischer continued to lead by reintroducing this legislation in2021, during the117th Congress.This was followed by Senator Fischer releasing an updated bill in 2022that included unprecedented support.For almost a decade, nationwide year-round E15 has remained one of Senator Fischer\u2019s top legislative priorities. In 2023, she introduced theNationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023 to break down the remaining barriers and unlock the full potential of nationwide year-round E15, further advancing America\u2019s energy independence. In the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03)introduced companion legislation.\n\nList of Stakeholder Support:Senator Fischer gathered support from a diverse group of stakeholders including National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, the America Farm Bureau Federation, Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, American Coalition for Ethanol, American Petroleum Institute, SIGMA, National Association of Truck Stop Operators, and National Association of Convenience Stores.\n\nList of Cosponsors:Cosponsors of the bill include U.S. Senators Shelley Capito (R-W. Va.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).\n\nClickhere to read the text of the bill.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/12/fischer-secures-year-round-e-15-in-cr", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-honors-the-life-and-legacy-of-john-gottschalk/", "Ricketts Honors the Life and Legacy of John Gottschalk", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "December 17, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) spoke on the Senate floor to honor the life and legacy of John Gottschalk, the former chairman and CEO of the Omaha-World Herald, who passed away last month.\n\n\u201cJohn and his wife, Carmen, were extraordinary people,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cJohn led the Omaha World-Herald into the digital age and also spearheaded a number of the efforts to increase the technology. And it spread throughout the state of Nebraska, different communities. He made the Omaha World-Herald a standard for how a newspaper should be run. He himself was known for his integrity and his courage. He was never shy about being direct with a budding politician, to let that politician know when he believed that politician might have erred. And he was one of those people that cared about the community.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cMr. President, I rise today to honor a great Nebraskan and a great American\u2014John Edmund Gottschalk.\n\n\u201cJohn Gottschalk was born in Omaha in 1943, and grew up in a small town in Nebraska called Rushville.\n\n\u201cHe was a Boy Scout, and he went on to attend the University of Nebraska, majoring in political science and journalism.\n\n\u201cHis father started the Sheridan County Star, and John worked there as well, getting his break into journalism and the newspaper business.\n\n\u201cIn 1972, John bought the Sidney Telegraph in Sidney, Nebraska, and became mayor of the town of Sidney.\n\n\u201cAnd then in 1975, he joined the Omaha World-Herald as an assistant to the president.\n\n\u201cHe eventually worked his way up to become the publisher and CEO in 1989, and he remained that until 2009.\n\n\u201cJohn and his wife, Carmen, were extraordinary people.\n\n\u201cJohn led the Omaha World-Herald into the digital age and also spearheaded a number of the efforts to increase the technology. And it spread throughout the state of Nebraska, different communities.\n\n\u201cHe made the Omaha World-Herald a standard for how a newspaper should be run.\n\n\u201cHe himself was known for his integrity and his courage.\n\n\u201cHe was never shy about being direct with a budding politician, to let that politician know when he believed that politician might have erred.\n\n\u201cAnd he was one of those people that cared about the community.\n\n\u201cAs I mentioned, he was a Boy Scout.\n\n\u201cHe served as chairman of our local Mid-America Council of Boy Scouts, but also became national president of the Boy Scouts of America.\n\n\u201cHe served as chairman for the Board of Governors for the USO.\n\n\u201cHe cared about our veterans, wanted to make sure we were serving them.\n\n\u201cHe cared about our military people.\n\n\u201cHe also cared about the arts.\n\n\u201cHe was chairman of the Omaha Performing Arts Center.\n\n\u201cHe and his wife, Carmen, cared about people.\n\n\u201cTogether, they fostered more than 100 infants awaiting adoption.\n\n\u201cJohn was an outdoorsman and a conservationist.\n\n\u201cHe really was one of those people we would describe as a renaissance man.\n\n\u201cRunning a fantastic business, giving back to the community, he was the kind of American that built this country.\n\n\u201cJohn passed away last month, leaving a legacy that is having a lasting imprint on our community of Omaha, the state of Nebraska, and indeed our entire country.\n\n\u201cI greatly admire John Gottschalk for the kind of man he was, the example he set for the rest of us.\n\n\u201cHe will be greatly missed, and I will miss him greatly.\n\n\u201cThank you, Mr. President.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E6CB48C2-3CF7-4662-9D9D-39335604467F", "Bill to Transfer Ownership of Swanson & Red Willow Reservoirs Heads to President", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the Senate passedlegislation to transfer the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County. The bill, introduced by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03), now heads to the President\u2019s desk.\n\n\u201cIn two months, the federal government will force Swanson and Red Willow Reservoir residents to leave, destroying the communities and small businesses these Nebraskans have built over the last 50 years. Thankfully, today Congress has agreed to right this wrong by transferring control of this land back to local officials. For the sake of the residents in both these communities, I encourage the president to sign this bill into law as soon as possible,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cToday is an exciting day for Hitchcock and Frontier Counties. This bill protects Swanson and Red Willow residents and surrounding communities. I\u2019m grateful for the months of diligent engagement from stakeholders that made this day possible. President Biden should sign this bill without delay,\u201dsaid Senator Ricketts.\n\n\u201cYears of extensive collaboration have culminated in the passage of this legislation which empowers local control and maintains public access at no cost to the federal government. Tourism and recreation at the Swanson and Red Willow Reservoirs are critical to economic development in Hitchcock and Frontier Counties. I have been grateful to work closely with Senator Fischer and the entire Nebraska delegation to advance this solution on behalf of the local community, property owners, and visitors,\u201dsaid Congressman Smith.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the commissioners for Hitchcock and Frontier counties and the whole community of Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs, we sincerely thank the U.S. Congress for acting to secure a future for their homes and businesses, which have been part of the community for generations, and preserving the great recreational area for public use. Thanks to the hard work of United States Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Adrian Smith and their Nebraska Congressional colleagues, Senator Pete Ricketts, Congressman Don Bacon, and Congressman Mike Flood this crucial economic hub for local businesses, supporting jobs in outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality will thrive for generations to come,\u201dsaid Hitchcock and Frontier Counties Boards of Commissioners.\n\nBackground:\n\nFollowing disagreement about how the BoR was managing the concession areas at the Swanson and Red Willow Reservoirs, the Nebraska congressional delegation received numerous requests to introduce legislation to transfer the ownership of the areas from the BoR to a local entity.\n\nIn June 2023, members of the Nebraska Congressional delegation wrote a letter stating they would sponsor legislation to authorize a land transfer once they received official documentation from a local, public entity that was willing to accept the land, was cable of managing it for the public, and would take on the associate responsibilities and liabilities.\n\nThe bill was drafted in collaboration with Hitchcock County, Frontier County, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Hitchcock and Frontier Counties have now provided confirmation that they are supportive of the legislation as drafted.\n\nClick hereto view text of the legislation.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/12/bill-to-transfer-ownership-of-swanson-red-willow-reservoirs-heads-to-president", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-cardin-risch-shaheen-statement-on-putins-assault-on-romanias-presidential-election/", "Ricketts, Cardin, Risch, Shaheen Statement on Putin\u2019s Assault on Romania\u2019s Presidential Election", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "December 16, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), four senior members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement in response to Romania\u2019s efforts to address Russian interference in its presidential elections:\n\n\u201cVladimir Putin\u2019s assault on Romania\u2019s elections is yet another example of the hybrid war he is waging on our European allies and partners,\u201d said the Senators. \u201cAs a strong NATO ally, we support Romania as it fights for the integrity of its elections. We condemn Putin\u2019s manipulation of Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-controlled TikTok to undermine Romania\u2019s democratic process. The world must wake up to the serious threat to democracy posed by Russian manipulation of TikTok to undermine our free societies.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Romanian government has uncovered this assault on their democracy, and we appreciate its decision to declassify intelligence related to its investigation and keep the United States and the international community informed. The United States stands in support of Romania as it urgently moves to hold certifiably free and fair presidential elections.\u201d\n\nRicketts and Shaheen are Ranking Member and Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, respectively. Cardin and Risch are the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=79C34588-7EB1-4EB7-AEF1-249FEBBC4B44", "Fischer Secures Defense Wins, Nuclear Preparedness Overhaul", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement in response to the final Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act:\n\n\u201cThis year, Americans voted to make America safe, strong, and prosperous. That starts with our national defense. This year\u2019s defense bill authorizes key military construction projects in Nebraska and authorizes a well-deserved pay raise for our service members. It also includes critical elements from my Restoring American Deterrence Act, landmark legislation that will rebuild our nation\u2019s nuclear forces for the next generation.\u201d\n\nSenator Fischer secured dozens of key defense provisions in the bill, outlined below.\n\nMilitary Pay Raise\n\nSenator Fischer supported a provision authorizing a 4.5 percent pay raise for military members.\n\nMilitary Construction Projects for Nebraska\n\nSenator Fischer secured full authorization of funds for her two Nebraska MILCON requests:\n\nAdditional $158 million for the planning and design of the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) facilities at Offutt Air Force Base\n\nAdditional $6 million for the planning and design of a Consolidated Training Complex/Professional Development Center at Offutt\n\nKey Nebraska Priorities\n\nSenator Fischer secured authorization of funds above the President\u2019s budget request for U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) and the 557th Weather Wing, both based at Offutt. The bill authorizes:\n\n$3 million for the NC3 Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub (REACH) program\n\n$5 million for Weather Wing research and development projects\n\nSenator Fischer also secured a provision that:\n\nClarifies the Offutt-based Weather Wing\u2019s authorities to provide weather data to the U.S. Air Force and Army\n\nRestoring American Deterrence\n\nSenator Fischer secured several provisions from her Restoring American Deterrence Act, which she introduced in April to overhaul America\u2019s nuclear preparedness. These provisions:\n\nRequire the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop strategies to respond to growing threats from our adversaries, including an assessment of U.S. nuclear forces necessary to implement that strategy\n\nRequire the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to promote a skilled nuclear manufacturing and vocational trade workforce\n\nRequire the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop a comprehensive integrated air and missile defense architecture for the United States\n\nRequire the Secretary of the Air Force to develop a plan to procure and deploy an additional 50 Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missiles above the current plan of 400\n\nMake significant management and process improvements to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and clarifies that NNSA\u2019s primary responsibility is to maintain and enhance the performance, reliability, security, and safety of nuclear weapons\n\nRequire the Secretary of Energy to conduct an assessment evaluating two to four locations in the United States best suited to host movable, scalable uranium enrichment facilities\n\nEstablish an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs to advise on nuclear deterrence policies, operations, and programs\n\nSLCM-N\n\nSenator Fischer established a program of record for SLCM-N in the FY24 NDAA. The FY25 NDAA authorizes the U.S. Navy and NNSA to explore options that would allow SLCM-N to be fielded on a faster timeline. Senator Fischer also secured the following::\n\nAuthorization of an additional $70 million for NNSA to research and develop the SLCM-N warhead\n\nAuthorization of an additional $252 million for the Navy to research and develop the SLCM-N missile\n\nFencing of 10 percent of the Secretary of the Navy\u2019s travel budget until the Secretary certifies to Congress that the Navy has established a program office for SLCM-N and is taking the required steps to comply with the DOD\u2019s SLCM-N decision acquisition memorandum\n\nChain of Command\n\nSenator Fischer secured a provision mandating that the DOD notify Congress when the Secretary of Defense is unable to perform the functions of the office. Earlier this year, Senator Fischer spoke out against DOD chain of command problems when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin failed to notify Congress of a medical absence.\n\nThe provision requires the Deputy Secretary of Defense to notify Congress 24 hours in advance of any planned transfer of authorities and not later than 24 hours after any unplanned transfer of authorities.\n\nMunitions\n\nSenator Fischer also secured provisions addressing issues within the munitions industrial base, including provisions that:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-reflects-on-successful-year-fighting-for-nebraska/", "Ricketts Reflects on Successful Year Fighting for Nebraska", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "December 13, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) reflected on the achievements he and his office delivered for Nebraskans over the past year. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud of the work my team and I have done fighting for Nebraskans,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cWhether it\u2019s meeting with Nebraskans or helping them navigate the federal government, my goal remains the same. I will make sure Nebraskans\u2019 voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. My team and I are committed to advancing Nebraska\u2019s priorities in Washington.\u201d\n\nRicketts highlighted his efforts to remain accessible to Nebraskans. Ricketts held 87 public events across Nebraska in 2024, released the \u201cRicketts Review\u201d on abusive and wasteful spending, authored 52 weekly columns, and participated in nearly 150 exclusive interviews seen or heard by Nebraskans. Ricketts also reflected on his team\u2019s commitment to excellent constituent services.\n\n\u201cFinally, I\u2019m proud of our work to help Nebraskans navigate the federal bureaucracy, Ricketts closed. \u201cMy constituent services team held nearly 700 outreach events in Nebraska this year. This includes Mobile Office Hours in all 93 counties \u2013 twice. We helped nearly 800 Nebraskans access federal services. We cut through red tape and recovered almost $5 million owed to them by the federal government.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cToday, I\u2019m going to recap the year we\u2019ve had.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud of the work my team and I have done fighting for Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s meeting with Nebraskans or helping them navigate the federal government, my goal remains the same.\n\n\u201cI will make sure Nebraskans\u2019 voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.\n\n\u201cMy team and I are committed to advancing Nebraska\u2019s priorities in Washington.\n\n\u201cOne of my greatest priorities is remaining accessible to Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cI continue to do what I did as Governor. Get around the state. Talk to people. Listen to their concerns.\n\n\u201cThis year, I held 87 public events across the state.\n\n\u201cFederal Spending Briefings and Border Security Briefings. Community Meetings, and a well-attended, capstone Federal Issues Forum at the Nebraska State Fair.\n\n\u201cI released the \u201cRicketts Review\u201d filled with examples of abusive and wasteful spending. It also highlighted my targeted solutions to get us back on track.\n\n\u201cIn addition, I released 52 weekly columns to keep folks at home informed.\n\n\u201cI did nearly 150 exclusive interviews that were seen or heard across the state.\n\n\u201cI held 23 of these weekly press calls to answer your questions.\n\n\u201cSenator Fischer and I also hosted regular telephone townhalls to answer questions directly from Nebraskans.\n\n\u201cThese events will continue.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m also proud of the legislative successes we\u2019ve achieved this year.\n\n\u201cWe passed landmark legislation to ban foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party from owning apps like TikTok.\n\n\u201cWe passed the ADVANCE Act to expand and support for advanced nuclear energy, including in Nebraska.\n\n\u201cWe passed the Winnebago Land Transfer Act, which returns 1,600 acres of wrongfully seized land by the Army Corps of Engineers back to the Winnebago Tribe.\n\n\u201cWe passed a water bill that included seven of my solutions to increase transparency from the Army Corps of Engineers, expedite permit processing times, mitigate ice jam impacts to critical infrastructure and report on the accuracy of cost estimates.\n\n\u201cAnd this week, we will pass a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that provides critical funding for modernizing our nuclear deterrent.\n\n\u201cAll these wins were bipartisan.\n\n\u201cThe Senate also passed the Kids Online Safety Act, which requires social media platforms to put the well-being of kids first.\n\n\u201cI hope the House will consider it soon.\n\n\u201cDespite Republicans being in the minority, we delivered results for Nebraska.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m also hopeful we will soon pass a Farm Bill that works for Nebraska.\n\n\u201cThe Farm Bill framework proposed by future Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman ensures our farmers and ranchers will have the tools they need.\n\n\u201cIt improves crop insurance and strengthens trade promotion programs.\n\n\u201cIt includes my bills to improve flood protection, make infrastructure more resilient, and assist rural microentrepreneurs.\n\n\u201cIt also includes my bill to give a next step to workers on SNAP.\n\n\u201cWe need to pass it as quickly as possible. Our farmers and ranchers deserve it.\n\n\u201cFinally, I\u2019m proud of our work to help Nebraskans navigate the federal bureaucracy.\n\n\u201cMy constituent services team held nearly 700 outreach events in Nebraska this year.\n\n\u201cThis includes Mobile Office Hours in all 93 counties\u2014twice.\n\n\u201cWe helped nearly 800 Nebraskans access federal services.\n\n\u201cWe cut through red tape and recovered almost $5 million owed to them by the federal government.\n\n\u201cFor example, one constituent had developed leukemia related to his time serving our country.\n\n\u201cDespite this, the VA denied him compensation, inaccurately claiming he was \u201casymptomatic.\u201d\n\n\u201cHis appeal went unheard for months \u2013 until he contacted my office.\n\n\u201cThankfully, the VA soon acknowledged they made an error.\n\n\u201cThey issued him $83,000 as backpay and monthly compensation for continued treatment.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re going to continue delivering excellent customer service for our constituents.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s still much work to do, and I\u2019m just getting started.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to fight for Nebraska in the U.S. Senate.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=45BED9C3-F356-4851-9E81-0A632AE501B4", "Fischer Implores Colleagues Once Again to Pass Land Transfer Act to Save Nebraska Homes", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cNebraskans\u2019 very homes and communities are now on the line in this final hour. They cannot wait. They should not have to pay the price for stalled negotiations.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb) spoke on the Senate floor urging her colleagues, once again, to pass her legislation to transfer control of the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to local officials. She cited the thousands of Nebraskans who petitioned for this legislation, and how the transfer of land would save Nebraska homes from being unnecessarily removed.\n\nThis appeal follows Senator Manchin\u2019s (I-W.V.) block of Fischer\u2019s petition yesterday for her colleagues to pass this bill.\n\nIn her remarks, she emphasized the urgency needed to save these Nebraska homes and the devastation her constituents would endure if this bill were to not pass.\n\nSenator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) blocked the measure, despite his earlier support for it. In her rebuttal, Senator Fischer appealed to the gravity of the situation and implored her colleagues to set politics aside and save Nebraska homes.\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks.\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=8CECC555-F145-452F-8947-17E215C11868", "Fischer Urges Colleagues to Pass Land Transfer Act to Save Nebraska Homes", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cMr. President, it\u2019s time to do what\u2019s right and save these communities.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb) spoke on the Senate floor urging her colleagues to pass her legislation to transfer control of the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to local officials. The bill would make Hitchcock and Frontier Counties responsible for the management of the land.\n\nIn her remarks, Fischer emphasized the thousands of Nebraskans who petitioned for this legislation, and how the transfer of land would save Nebraska homes from being unnecessarily removed.\n\nSenator Joe Manchin (I-WV), blocked the measure, despite his earlier support for it. In her rebuttal, Senator Fischer vowed to keep fighting and urged Senator Manchin to reconsider.\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks.\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery:\n\nM. President,\n\nI come before you today to discuss a grave situation that\u2019s unfolding in the southwestern part of my state.\n\nTwo Nebraska communities\u2014one at Swanson Reservoir and the other at Red Willow\u2014are at risk.\n\nOver the past 50 years, the residents of these two communities have built friendships, started and supported businesses, and enjoyed the recreation that the local area offers.\n\nBut in just two months, these Nebraskans will be forced to leave. They\u2019ll be forced out of their homes over a disagreement between the federal government and local stakeholders on how the land should be managed.\n\nThe good news is that there\u2019s a simple solution to this problem.\n\nWorking with the rest of the Nebraska delegation as well as the Bureau of Reclamation, I\u2019ve introduced legislation that benefits all parties. It transfers ownership of this land from the federal government to local officials.\n\nI want to thank Congressman Adrian Smith especially for introducing companion legislation in the House.\n\nOnce the counties control the land around these reservoirs, the residents of Red Willow and Swanson can work with local authorities to chart a better path forward, one that preserves the communities and improves the recreation areas.\n\nSince I introduced this bill, I\u2019ve heard from over 1,000 Nebraskans about how urgently they need this land transferred. I\u2019ve received numerous letters of support from local communities and businesses.\n\nEveryone involved supports this bill.\n\nThe residents and their local government officials support this bill.\n\nOur colleagues on both sides of the aisle have offered no objection to this bill.\n\nEnergy and Natural Resources Committee passed this bill on a voice vote.\n\nWe also worked with the Bureau of Reclamation on this solution.\n\nEveryone agrees that my bill offers the best future for the hundreds of Nebraskans who call these areas home.\n\nMr. President, it\u2019s time to do what\u2019s right and save these communities.\n\nSenator Fischer\u2019s Rebuttal\n\nM. President,\n\nThis really is outrageous.\n\nMy legislation cannot wait.\n\nAs I\u2019ve said, it passed the Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a voice vote.\n\nLast week, it passed the full House of Representatives unanimously.\n\nThis bill is different than the rest of the package that my colleagues are negotiating. Nebraskans are watching this bill. They are watching my bill. Because Nebraskans will be kicked off this land starting in February\u2014two months from now\u2014if it\u2019s not signed into law.\n\nI have been working with the Chair and his team for over a year on this legislation, incorporating feedback from them and continuously emphasizing the urgency with my legislation.\n\nNone of my colleagues are objecting to policy of the bill. They know it is the right thing to do. In fact, my colleague objecting has already voted in favor of this bill in committee.\n\nRather, objecting to this legislation is choosing to use these people, their homes at the reservoirs, and the small businesses as political leverage for unrelated matters.\n\nI\u2019ve heard from over a thousand constituents in support of this legislation. They know it will chart a better path forward for the local community and the federal government.\n\nThey did not ask to be used as political leverage, and I hope my colleague will reconsider his objection.\n\nOtherwise, I will continue coming to the floor day after day this week and asking for unanimous consent.\n\nAlthough M. President, I have been told by our cloakroom that there is no time available tomorrow for any action like this on the floor.\n\nIt needs to happen now.\n\nThank you M. President. I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F9DDB6C7-8174-4E97-9BE7-E819114B7425", "Fischer Announces University of Nebraska\u2013Lincoln\u2019s University Singers to Perform at the 60th Presidential Inauguration", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, announced today that the University of Nebraska\u2013Lincoln\u2019s University Singers will perform during the 60th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025.\n\nThe University Singers, directed by Dr. Peter Eklund, will perform outdoors during the nationally televised inaugural ceremony. As the flagship choral ensemble of the University of Nebraska\u2013Lincoln, the University Singers perform a wide range of choral music. With a rich history of prestigious performances, including multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall and international tours, the University Singers showcase the finest and most versatile choral talent at the University of Nebraska\u2013Lincoln.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled to announce that the University of Nebraska\u2013Lincoln\u2019s University Singers will take the national stage during the 60th Presidential Inauguration. These incredibly talented students are not only representing our university, but also showcasing the spirit and excellence of Nebraska to the entire country. Their performance will be a proud moment for all Nebraskans, and I\u2019m confident they will leave a lasting impression on the millions of Americans watching the ceremony,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cThis is an incredible opportunity for University of Nebraska\u2013Lincoln choral students to showcase their significant talent to the country. We could not be more pleased to have received the invitation from Senator Fischer and are proud to represent the state of Nebraska at the inauguration of the President of the United States,\u201d said UNL Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/12/fischer-announces-university-of-nebraska-lincoln-s-university-singers-to-perform-at-the-60th-presidential-inauguration", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-election-in-november-ricketts-sworn-in-as-u-s-senator-for-nebraska/", "Following Election in November, Ricketts Sworn in as U.S. Senator for Nebraska", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "December 10, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following his election in November, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) was sworn in yesterday to complete the remaining two years of his term as U.S. Senator for Nebraska.\n\n\u201cI am humbled by the responsibility of representing the great people of Nebraska in the U.S. Senate,\u201dRicketts said. \u201cI am committed to continuing my work of bringing proven Nebraska solutions to Washington, making government work better, and keeping Americans safe.\u201d\n\nRicketts was joined by his wife Susanne Shore and his father Joe Ricketts. Ricketts was appointed by Governor Jim Pillen to serve in the Senate following the departure of Senator Ben Sasse in 2023. Ricketts will now serve the final two years of that term. He will have to run for re-election in 2026 for a full six-year term.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=3BD81E7E-D7DB-421C-92AC-6969813273AE", "Fischer Statement on Howard Hawks", "2024-12-07", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the statement below following the passing of Howard Hawks, the cofounder of Tenaska, philanthropist, and former member of Nebraska Board of Regents:\n\n\u201cHoward Hawks\u2019 leadership will shape Nebraska for decades to come. After finding his success in business, Howard dedicated his time and resources to helping Nebraska\u2019s next generation prepare for their own successes. Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to Rhonda and the Hawks family as they mourn this monumental loss.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/12/fischer-statement-on-howard-hawks", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-comments-on-the-passing-of-howard-l-hawks/", "Ricketts Comments on the Passing of Howard L. Hawks", "2024-12-07", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement on the passing of Howard L. Hawks, co-founder of Tenaska Energy, philanthropist, and longtime member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents:\n\n\u201cNebraskans have benefitted greatly from Howard Hawks\u2019s leadership and generosity. He was a visionary leader in the business and philanthropic community. His historic support for higher education opened countless new doors for Nebraska students. Howard and his wife Rhonda were also great partners and friends during my time as Governor. Susanne and I send our condolences to Rhonda and the Hawks family as they grieve the loss of a great Nebraskan.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-on-the-senate-floor-the-biden-harris-age-of-appeasement-is-ending/", "Ricketts on the Senate Floor: \u201cThe Biden-Harris Age of Appeasement is Ending\u201d", "2024-12-07", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) spoke on the Senate floor, criticizing the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s foreign policy for failing to keep America safe and secure. Ricketts also condemned the administration for their appeasement-first approach and emboldening adversaries.\n\n\u201cAbout a month ago, the American people delivered a message that they were no longer going to stand for a government that was failing to keep them safe,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cThe Biden-Harris appeasement-first foreign policy strategy has made America weaker and less safe. The world that the Biden administration is leaving is a more dangerous place today than it was four years ago, when they took over.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy returning President Trump to the White House, the American people are sending a clear message,\u201d Ricketts closed. \u201cThere\u2019s a new sheriff in town. The Biden-Harris age of appeasement is ending. The resurgence of American strength is about to begin. And I am excited to see what the future holds.\u201d\n\nWatch the video HERE.\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cI\u2019ve always said that keeping people safe is one of the most fundamental roles the government plays. Keeping people safe.\n\n\u201cFor four years, the Biden-Harris administration has failed at this most fundamental mandate the government has.\n\n\u201cAbout a month ago, the American people delivered a message that they were no longer going to stand for a government that was failing to keep them safe.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris appeasement-first foreign policy strategy has made America weaker and less safe.\n\n\u201cThe world that the Biden administration is leaving is a more dangerous place today than it was four years ago, when they took over.\n\n\u201cWeakness and appeasement have defined the current administration, starting with their disastrous pull out of Afghanistan.\n\n\u201cThat pull out in Afghanistan, cost American lives, including a Nebraskan, Marine Corporal Daegan Page.\n\n\u201cWe also left behind Americans, unbelievably, and we also left behind our Afghan security partners \u2013 abandoned them \u2013 in addition to the billions of dollars of American equipment, through this poorly executed debacle.\n\n\u201cSince then, we\u2019ve seen poor foreign policy fumbles and flip flops that have left our allies questioning our commitment. And worse yet, has the bad guys \u2013 Russia, China, Iran, North Korea \u2013 questioning our resolve.\n\n\u201cMost disturbing example of this is Iran.\n\n\u201cUnder the Trump administration, they knew that the way to deal with a dictator like we have in Ali Khamenei in Iran, is through strength and imposing sanctions.\n\n\u201cThe sanctions the Trump administration imposed took Iran\u2019s foreign reserves down from $122.5 billion to less than $14 billion.\n\n\u201cAnd what did that mean? Well, that meant that they couldn\u2019t fund the terrorism around the world that they\u2019ve been doing for the last four years.\n\n\u201cWhen you cut off their money supply, they couldn\u2019t give it to Hamas or Hezbollah. And so those terrorist organizations were going broke.\n\n\u201cThey didn\u2019t have the resources to be able to fund that terrorism. And then came along Joe Biden.\n\n\u201cJoe Biden and his administration relaxed the sanctions on Iran through a naive policy that somehow if we just give them enough money, they\u2019re going to be nice to us.\n\n\u201cBut that\u2019s not the way it works with dictators.\n\n\u201cIt enabled Iran to generate $100 billion in oil money, and that has consequences.\n\n\u201cIt was because of this appeasement-first policy and giving money to Iran that Hamas had the ability to attack our ally Israel on October 7th. And how Hezbollah has then since attacked Israel as well. How the Houthis have been able to shoot at ships in the Red Sea.\n\n\u201cIranian proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis have been emboldened by Biden\u2019s appeasement-first policy.\n\n\u201cThis is what is causing the chaos we are seeing right now in the Middle East.\n\n\u201cAnd while these attacks may seem far away, we must remember that Iran not only chants \u2018Death to Israel,\u2019 they chant \u2018Death to America.\u2019\n\n\u201cOver 40 Americans were killed on October 7th. Three American service members were killed by Iranian proxy drone attacks in January. The Houthis continue to shoot at American ships in the Red Sea.\n\n\u201cIslamic terrorists across have crossed our open border.\n\n\u201cAnd for crying out loud, Iran is trying to kill President Trump.\n\n\u201cAnd what has the Biden administration done? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. There has been no price for Iran to pay for all of this.\n\n\u201cOur adversaries, they see this and understand the weakness.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party has been emboldened. They\u2019ve repeatedly violated our sovereignty. Spy balloons have been allowed to travel across our country spying on our sensitive military installations. We\u2019ve seen espionage operations set up in New York City and fentanyl has been killing Americans across our country. And while it may be coming across the southern border, the precursors are being made in China.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve also seen what Vladimir Putin has done, when Russia invaded Ukraine.\n\n\u201cOur freedoms, our way of life depends on peace. And how do we maintain peace? We maintain peace through strength.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s what the American people chose a month ago when they elected President Donald Trump. Under President Trump\u2019s first administration, we saw the dismantling of the ISIS caliphate and historic peace deals in the Middle East. The Middle East\u2019s first peace agreement in 26 years.\n\nAnd by the way, that should have been cause for a Nobel Prize award to President Trump. But the feckless Nobel Prize committee didn\u2019t see it that way. They couldn\u2019t bring themselves to acknowledge the great work that President Trump did.\n\n\u201cBy returning President Trump to the White House, the American people are sending a clear message. There\u2019s a new sheriff in town. The Biden-Harris age of appeasement is ending. The resurgence of American strength is about to begin. And I am excited to see what the future holds.\n\n\u201cThank you, Madam President.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=A487B24D-33F5-4B1A-A482-8056A5F9B984", "ICYMI: Fischer Joins Fox Business to Talk DOGE, Cutting Spending", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) appeared on \u201cCavuto: Coast to Coast\u201d to discuss President Trump\u2019s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its mandate to reduce wasteful government spending. Senator Fischer emphasized the need to focus on the core responsibilities of the federal government and eliminate spending on unnecessary pet projects.\n\nIn the interview, Senator Fischer also addressed the challenge of working with Senate Democrats, urging the need to find those willing to stand up to wasteful spending and prioritize the interests of their constituents.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nOn working together to reduce wasteful spending:\n\n\u201cI think it\u2019s important that we\u2019re going to partner together to work with the administration. To work with people close to Donald Trump, and also to work together here as Republicans and Democrats, to deliver better results for the American people.\n\nAnd that really ties in with looking at how we\u2019re going to quit wasting taxpayer dollars. Find programs that work, focus on those, and find programs that don\u2019t work, and work to eliminate those.\u201d\n\nOn finding common ground with unlikely allies:\n\n\"I was really happy to see Senator Fetterman, Bernie Sanders. Not folks that I usually work with, but to be able to have a coming together of what we all should be interested in. And that\u2019s being able to prioritize taxpayer dollars on things that really are a duty of the federal government, and that have a true benefit to the American people.\u201d\n\nOn making progress in cutting wasteful spending:\n\n\"We have an administration where President Trump has been very forthright in making his views known, that that\u2019s what he wants to do. He wants to deliver for the American people on a variety of issues, and having a more effective and more efficient government is one of those.\u201d\n\n***", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-after-meeting-with-lee-zeldin-im-excited-to-have-a-change-of-leadership-at-the-epa/", "Ricketts\u00a0After Meeting with Lee Zeldin: \u201cI\u2019m Excited to Have A Change of Leadership at the EPA\u201d", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "December 4, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, reacted to his meeting with former Congressman Lee Zeldin, President-Elect Trump\u2019s nominee for Administrator of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Ricketts was encouraged by Zeldin\u2019s plans to roll back the burdensome regulations of the Biden-Harris administration, provide transparency and certainty, and respect Nebraska priorities. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris EPA\u2019s delusional and expensive regulations caused prices to rise for families and businesses,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cThey wasted millions of taxpayer dollars with grants to far-left, partisan organizations. They issued mandates that limited choice and hindered American innovation. They stonewalled Senators and kept important information from the American people. That\u2019s just wrong.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, I met with former Congressman Lee Zeldin, President-Elect Trump\u2019s nominee to lead the EPA,\u201dRicketts continued. \u201cWe discussed several issues critical to Nebraska and our country. I\u2019m excited to have a change of leadership at the Environmental Protection Agency. Lee and I discussed the need for an EPA that provides relief, not regulation.\u201d\n\n\u201cFormer Congressman Lee Zeldin has a strong record of public service,\u201d Ricketts closed. \u201cI\u2019m hopeful he will lead the EPA in a way that respects Nebraska\u2019s priorities. I look forward to working with him to advance these policies that will benefit Nebraska and all Americans.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cThe Biden-Harris EPA\u2019s delusional and expensive regulations caused prices to rise for families and businesses.\n\n\u201cThey wasted millions of taxpayer dollars with grants to far-left, partisan organizations.\n\n\u201cThey issued mandates that limited choice and hindered American innovation.\n\n\u201cThey stonewalled Senators and kept important information from the American people.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s just wrong.\n\n\u201cToday, I met with former Congressman Lee Zeldin, President-Elect Trump\u2019s nominee to lead the EPA.\n\n\u201cWe discussed several issues critical to Nebraska and our country.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m excited to have a change of leadership at the Environmental Protection Agency.\n\n\u201cLee and I discussed the need for an EPA that provides relief, not regulation.\n\n\u201cThe EPA\u2019s role is to protect our environment without placing unnecessary roadblocks in the way of hardworking Americans.\n\n\u201cI know Lee Zeldin understands how the EPA\u2019s overreach has hurt farmers and businesses.\n\n\u201cI was encouraged to hear his plans for rolling back these burdensome regulations and supporting innovation and economic growth.\n\n\u201cAnother issue we discussed was the need for an EPA that unleashes American energy, instead of attacking it.\n\n\u201cWe need to end regulations like the Clean Power Plan that undermine our energy security and economic growth.\n\n\u201cWe need to streamline permitting processes to save consumers money, support American workers, and boost our economy.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m confident that Lee Zeldin will be a good partner in this effort.\n\n\u201cWe also discussed the need for an EPA that respects proven solutions like Nebraska biofuels.\n\n\u201cBiofuels like ethanol save consumers money at the pump, help clean up our environment, and support our farmers and ranchers.\n\n\u201cI emphasized the importance of strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard.\n\n\u201cI encouraged him to ensure that Renewable Volume Obligations are set at levels that reflect the full capacity and potential of the renewable fuels industry.\n\n\u201cThis is critical for our nation\u2019s energy security.\n\n\u201cFormer Congressman Lee Zeldin has a strong record of public service.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m hopeful he will lead the EPA in a way that respects Nebraska\u2019s priorities.\n\n\u201cI look forward to working with him to advance these policies that will benefit Nebraska and all Americans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-announces-senior-staff-updates-names-amelia-breinig-as-chief-of-staff/", "Ricketts Announces\u00a0Senior Staff Updates, Names Amelia Breinig as Chief of Staff", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "December 4, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced several senior staff updates. Matt Miltenberger is departing for the private sector after 10 years as Ricketts\u2019 Chief of Staff. Amelia Breinig has been promoted to Chief of Staff. Daniel Yarbrough has joined the team as Legislative Director.\n\n\u201cMatt Miltenberger has been an exceptional Chief of Staff, trusted advisor, and friend for over a decade,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cFrom navigating a global pandemic in the governor\u2019s office to managing my transition to the U.S. Senate, Matt has been an essential part of my work fighting for Nebraskans. I\u2019m grateful for his friendship and thankful for all he\u2019s done for me and for Nebraska.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m excited to have Amelia Breinig and Daniel Yarbrough step into their new roles as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director,\u201d Ricketts continued. \u201cAmelia and Daniel bring varied experience across all levels of government, including in the U.S. Senate and the first Trump administration. I\u2019m confident their wisdom and leadership skills will help us continue delivering results for Nebraskans.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s been the honor of a lifetime to serve Pete Ricketts and the state of Nebraska for these past 10 years,\u201d said Miltenberger. \u201cSenator Ricketts represents the best of what public service should be. I\u2019m humbled by all the wonderful Nebraskans we\u2019ve been privileged to serve and I\u2019m incredibly proud of the work we\u2019ve done together.\u201d\n\n\u201cNebraska is and always will be home,\u201d said Breinig. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to take on this important role and excited to work with the entire Nebraska delegation to make government work better and bring positive results to all Nebraskans.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAmelia Breinig, who will serve as Chief of Staff, has experience in the House and Senate, including time with Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), former U.S. Representative Lee Terry (R-NE-02), and the Senate Finance Committee. Breinig worked on trade issues in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative during the first Trump administration. She also served as Deputy Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture under then-Governor Pete Ricketts, helping to oversee agency operations, legislative affairs and agriculture promotion and development for the State of Nebraska. Prior to joining Senator Ricketts\u2019 team earlier this year as Deputy Chief of Staff, Breinig worked in the private sector for Merck Sharpe & Dohme focusing on federal and multilateral affairs. She has a B.A. in broadcast journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. Born and raised in Arapahoe, Nebraska, Breinig is a sixth-generation Nebraskan.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=1961E468-6DCC-4331-9358-A2554407AEC0", "Fischer, Ricketts, Bacon, Flood, Smith Announce Selection of Offutt Air Force Base for New 95th Wing", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts, along with U.S. Representatives Don Bacon, Mike Flood, and Adrian Smith, announced the U.S. Air Force\u2019s selection of Nebraska\u2019s own Offutt Air Force Base as the location of the new 95th Wing.\n\nToday\u2019s announcement confirms the Nebraska delegation\u2019s announcement in August that the Air Force intended to activate the new 95th Wing at Offutt.\n\nThe 95th Wing, whose mission will be to strengthen strategic command and control, will be a subordinate unit of the Air Force Global Strike Command. Through centralizing nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) at Offutt, the Air Force will streamline its planning and administrative forces. The 95th Wing is expected to be fully operational by January, and it is projected to add 70 personnel to Offutt.\n\n\u201cThe Air Force\u2019s choice of Offutt as home to the 95th Wing reinforces Nebraska\u2019s status as the center of gravity for NC3 missions,\u201d said Senator Fischer, Ranking Member and incoming Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee\u2019s Strategic Forces Subcommittee. \u201cNebraska is proud of our leading role in America\u2019s national defense.\u201d\n\n\u201cOffutt Air Force Base will continue to play a critical role in ensuring America\u2019s strategic deterrence against existing and emerging threats posed by adversaries like China and Russia. Nebraska is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cI look forward to welcoming the women and men who will call Omaha, Nebraska home as part of this newly activated unit.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is excellent news for Offutt Air Force Base, the state of Nebraska and the nation,\u201d said Representative Bacon, member of the House Armed Services Committee\u2019s Strategic Forces Subcommittee. \u201cThe decision to base the new 95th Wing at Offutt is the culmination of years of hard work by the Air Force and Nebraska\u2019s Congressional delegation. This new wing will strengthen the command control of America\u2019s strategic nuclear deterrent and provide significant economic benefits for the greater Omaha region in the years ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Offutt Air Force Base begins its second century, the 95th Wing will not only grow the base\u2019s role in serving our Armed Forces, but also its footprint, creating great jobs right here in Nebraska\u2019s First District,\u201d said Representative Flood. \u201cThank you to the Air Force for their ongoing commitment to Offutt and Sarpy County. I am looking forward to welcoming the new 95th Wing to Nebraska as we continue to support the base and the people serving at Offutt and carrying out its critical missions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-fischer-bacon-flood-smith-announce-selection-of-offutt-air-force-base-for-new-95th-wing/", "Ricketts, Fischer, Bacon, Flood, Smith Announce Selection of Offutt Air Force Base for New 95th Wing", "2024-12-03", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer, along with U.S. Representatives Don Bacon, Mike Flood, and Adrian Smith, announced the U.S. Air Force\u2019s selection of Nebraska\u2019s own Offutt Air Force Base as the location of the new 95th Wing.\n\nToday\u2019s announcement confirms the Nebraska delegation\u2019s announcement in August that the Air Force intended to activate the new 95th Wing at Offutt.\n\nThe 95th Wing, whose mission will be to strengthen strategic command and control, will be a subordinate unit of the Air Force Global Strike Command. Through centralizing nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) at Offutt, the Air Force will streamline its planning and administrative forces. The 95th Wing is expected to be fully operational by January, and it is projected to add 70 personnel to Offutt.\n\n\u201cOffutt Air Force Base will continue to play a critical role in ensuring America\u2019s strategic deterrence against existing and emerging threats posed by adversaries like China and Russia. Nebraska is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cI look forward to welcoming the women and men who will call Omaha, Nebraska home as part of this newly activated unit.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Air Force\u2019s choice of Offutt as home to the 95th Wing reinforces Nebraska\u2019s status as the center of gravity for NC3 missions,\u201d said Senator Fischer, Ranking Member and incoming Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee\u2019s Strategic Forces Subcommittee. \u201cNebraska is proud of our leading role in America\u2019s national defense.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is excellent news for Offutt Air Force Base, the state of Nebraska and the nation,\u201d said Representative Bacon, member of the House Armed Services Committee\u2019s Strategic Forces Subcommittee. \u201cThe decision to base the new 95th Wing at Offutt is the culmination of years of hard work by the Air Force and Nebraska\u2019s Congressional delegation. This new wing will strengthen the command control of America\u2019s strategic nuclear deterrent and provide significant economic benefits for the greater Omaha region in the years ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Offutt Air Force Base begins its second century, the 95th Wing will not only grow the base\u2019s role in serving our Armed Forces, but also its footprint, creating great jobs right here in Nebraska\u2019s First District,\u201d said Representative Flood. \u201cThank you to the Air Force for their ongoing commitment to Offutt and Sarpy County. I am looking forward to welcoming the new 95th Wing to Nebraska as we continue to support the base and the people serving at Offutt and carrying out its critical missions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-comments-on-trump-decision-to-appoint-lee-zeldin-as-epa-administrator/", "Ricketts Comments on Trump Decision to Appoint Lee Zeldin as EPA Administrator", "2024-11-11", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "November 11, 2024\n\nOMAHA, NE \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, issued the following statement on President Trump\u2019s selection of Lee Zeldin as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator:\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris EPA\u2019s delusional and expensive regulations have caused prices to rise for families and businesses. They wasted millions of taxpayer dollars with grants to far-left, partisan organizations. Their mandates limited choice and hindered American innovation. As a member of the Committee that oversees the EPA, I look forward to getting Lee confirmed as soon as possible so we can finally give the American people the relief they\u2019ve been calling for.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-statement-on-veterans-day/", "Ricketts Statement on Veterans Day", "2024-11-10", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "November 10, 2024\n\nOMAHA, NE \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement in anticipation of Veterans Day:\n\n\u201cPresident John F. Kennedy once said, \u2018A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.\u2019 Each Veterans Day, we honor the brave women and men who have made great sacrifices to protect our freedoms. We owe these veterans and their families a debt of gratitude that we can never repay. Let\u2019s take the time today to thank them for their service and listen to their stories.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-fischer-urge-biden-harris-administration-to-end-safe-haven-for-hamas-in-qatar/", "Ricketts & Fischer Urge Biden-Harris Administration to End Safe Haven for Hamas in Qatar", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "November 8, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Deb Fischer (R-NE), along with 12 other GOP senators, sent a letter to multiple federal agencies with requests, including that the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of State:\n\nImmediately freeze the assets of Hamas officials living in Qatar.\n\nExtradite senior Hamas officials currently residing in Qatar and other locations, including Khaled Meshal whom the Department of Justice has already indicted, and Khalil Al-Hayya.\n\nAsk Qatar to end its hospitality of Hamas\u2019 senior leadership, as Hamas has exploited its safe haven in Qatar to confer with Iranian officials and reject reasonable negotiations in international media.\n\n\u201cThe defeat of Hamas is within reach, and ending the safe haven that its leadership enjoys abroad is vital to defeating it,\u201dthe senators wrote. \u201cWe urge you to act expediently so that this Iranian-backed terrorist organization is finally held responsible for the horrific terrorist massacre of October 7, 2023, and the war that it deliberately unleashed across the region.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Ricketts and Fischer, other signatories include Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC).\n\nRead the full letter here or below:\n\nDear Secretary Blinken and Attorney General Garland,\n\nThe Israel Defense Forces\u2019 killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar presents a critical opportunity for the United States to compel Hamas\u2019 surrender. This would end the war that Hamas started with its brutal terrorist massacre on October 7, 2023, in which it killed nearly 1200 people, including 46 Americans, and took 250 hostages, including twelve Americans. We therefore urge you to act quickly against Hamas\u2019 remaining leadership, so that the organization is destroyed and defeated.\n\nFirst, we urge you to reverse the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s policy toward the State of Qatar, whereby the administration has permitted Qatar to facilitate negotiations by hosting Hamas\u2019 leadership. Hamas\u2019 Doha-based leaders have exploited this arrangement, and used the relative freedom that Qatar has afforded them to oppose ceasefire negotiations in international media, host Iranian officials at Hamas\u2019 Doha headquarters, and travel abroad. Qatari officials have said repeatedly that they would change their policy towards Hamas if the Biden-Harris administration asked it to do so, and we believe that it is long past time the administration ask Qatar to freeze Hamas leaders\u2019 assets, shut their access to international media, end their ability to host foreign visitors, and prevent them from traveling abroad.\n\nSecond, we urge you to seek the extradition to the United States of Hamas leader Khaled Meshal, who currently resides in Qatar. The Department of Justice unsealed indictments pertaining to multiple Hamas leaders, including Mr. Meshal, on September 3, 20241 , and he should face justice for his leadership of a terrorist group that has American blood and hostages on its hands.\n\nThird, we urge you to seek indictments for Hamas\u2019 other senior officials abroad, foremost among them Khalil Al-Hayya, who resides in Qatar. According to The New York Times, during the year prior to Hamas\u2019 October 7, 2023 terrorist massacre, Mr. Al-Hayya sought Iranian and Hezbollah support for Hamas\u2019 brutal attack, with the goal of assaulting Israel on multiple fronts.2 Mr. Al-Hayya should no longer be permitted to live risk-free in Doha. He should be indicted immediately for his role in killing Americans and taking Americans hostage, and then extradited to the United States to face justice.\n\nThe defeat of Hamas is within reach, and ending the safe haven that its leadership enjoys abroad is vital to defeating it. We urge you to act expediently so this Iranian-backed terrorist organization is finally held responsible for the horrific terrorist massacre of October 7, 2023 and the war that it deliberately unleashed across the region.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-comments-on-the-passing-of-john-gottschalk/", "Ricketts Comments on the Passing of John Gottschalk", "2024-11-04", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement commenting on the passing of Nebraska community leader John Gottschalk:\n\n\u201cJohn guided Nebraska\u2019s largest newspaper into the digital age and fought to preserve downtown Omaha. At the USO, he supported our nation\u2019s military families. As an avid outdoorsman, he fought to conserve Nebraska\u2019s wildlife for future generations. Together with his wife, they fostered over 100 infants awaiting adoption. He did so much for the community and lived a life of good works and service to the state he loved. I will miss him.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:02:12Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-fischer-secure-5-4-million-grant-for-nebraska-agricultural-supply-chain-efficiency-project/", "Ricketts, Fischer Secure $5.4 Million Grant for Nebraska Agricultural Supply Chain Efficiency Project", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 29, 2024\n\nOMAHA, NE \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) announced a $5.4 million federal grant to enhance the Southeastern Nebraska Agricultural Supply Chain Efficiency Project. The grant was awarded to Manning Rail, Inc. to rehabilitate a rail line between Fairmont and Burress in Filmore County.\n\n\u201cFood security is national security so enhancing Nebraska\u2019s agricultural supply chain is an important use of these funds,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cRestoring the rail line will enhance the competitiveness of more than 100 local farmers. This project will not only improve grain transporting efficiency, but also enhance market access for local producers.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvesting in infrastructure keeps rural Nebraska strong,\u201d said Senator Fischer. \u201cRebuilding the rail line between Fairmont and Burress will connect more than 100 producers to the global marketplace and position Fillmore County for future success.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful and excited to have been awarded this grant because of the tremendous opportunity it offers regional producers,\u201d said Kent Manning, President of Manning Rail. \u201cWhen we purchased the line twenty years ago, it had little chance of surviving. Since then, we have worked very hard to restore it. This grant provides the necessary funding for safe and efficient transportation of grain via rail. Once this project is completed, producers for generations to come will have access to 110-car shuttle trains on the BNSF railroad.\u201d\n\nThis project will focus on development, final design, and construction activities to restore the rail line. Manning Rail and Filmore County will contribute the 25 percent non-Federal match. The project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for rural area projects.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-named-friend-of-farm-bureau-by-american-farm-bureau-federation/", "Ricketts Named \u2018Friend of Farm Bureau\u2019 by American Farm Bureau Federation", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 25, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Recently, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) was honored as a 2024 \u201cFriend of Farm Bureau\u201d by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) for his work advancing policies that support America\u2019s farmers and ranchers. The award recognizes lawmakers for their outstanding support of agriculture through legislative action and leadership.\n\n\u201cOur farmers and ranchers feed and fuel the country and beyond,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cI will always fight to ensure Nebraska\u2019s farmers and ranchers have the support they need to navigate current and future challenges.\u201d\n\nSenator Ricketts accepting the award from Mark McHargue, President of Nebraska Farm Bureau", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-cotton-colleagues-to-doj-and-ftc-systemic-weaponized-leaks-violate-ethics-rules/", "Ricketts, Cotton, Colleagues to DOJ and FTC: Systemic, Weaponized Leaks Violate Ethics Rules", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 24, 2024\n\nOMAHA, NE \u2014 Today, Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and three colleagues to demand an investigation into systemic media leaks at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These leaks, all to the same media outlet, resulted in negative headlines about the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s antitrust targets and potentially violated ethics rules.\n\n\u201cThese leaks result in negative headlines about the administration\u2019s targets while the targeted companies have no way to respond, as they haven\u2019t yet seen the potential lawsuits,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cBoth DOJ and FTC have ethics rules that prohibit leaking civil cases before the cases are filed.\u201d\n\nThe letter was sent to Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz and Federal Trade Commissioner Inspector General Andrew Katsaros. In addition to Senators Ricketts and Cotton, the letter was signed by Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA).\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nOctober 24, 2024\n\nThe Honorable Michael Horowitz\n\nUnited States Department of Justice\n\nOffice of the Inspector General\n\n950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nMr. Andrew Katsaros Inspector General\n\nFederal Trade Commission\n\n600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20580\n\nDear Inspectors General Horowitz and Katsaros,\n\nWe write asking you to investigate whether the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have violated their own ethics rules by systematically leaking potential antitrust cases to a specific media outlet.\n\nSince 2023, Bloomberg News has broken the news in at least twelve instances that DOJ or FTC was \u201cpreparing\u201d or \u201cpoised\u201d to take legal action before a lawsuit was filed. Indeed, the same journalist reported on eleven of these cases. This pattern strongly suggests that certain officials at DOJ and FTC are intentionally publicizing legal action days or weeks before filing.\n\nThese leaks result in negative headlines about the administration\u2019s targets while the targeted companies have no way to respond, as they haven\u2019t yet seen the potential lawsuits. Both DOJ and FTC have ethics rules that prohibit leaking civil cases before the cases are filed.[*]\n\nBloomberg News reporting DOJ and FTC antitrust actions before the filing of a lawsuit\n\nJanuary 23, 2023: DOJ Poised to Sue Google Over Digital Ad Market Dominance\n\nFebruary 23, 2023: DOJ Preps Antitrust Suit to Block Adobe\u2019s $20 Billion Figma Deal\n\nMay 15, 2023: Amgen\u2019s $28 Billion Horizon Deal Faces Unexpected FTC Hurdle\n\nJune 29, 2023: Lina Khan Is Coming for Amazon, Armed With an FTC Antitrust Suit\n\nOctober 16, 2023: Real Estate Brokers Pocketing Up to 6% in Fees Draw Antitrust Scrutiny\n\nFebruary 20, 2024: FTC, States to Sue Over Kroger-Albertsons Deal Next Week\n\nMarch 20, 2024: Justice Department to Sue Apple for Antitrust Violations\n\nApril 10, 2024: Nippon Steel Bid to Buy US Steel Gets Extended Antitrust Review\n\nApril 17, 2024: Tapestry\u2019s $8.5 Billion Capri Deal Faces Planned FTC Lawsuit\n\nMay 22, 2024: US Justice Department to Seek Breakup of Live Nation-Ticketmaster\n\nJuly 10, 2024: FTC Preparing Suit Against Drug Middlemen Over Insulin Rebates\n\nSeptember 23, 2024: Visa Faces Justice Department Antitrust Case on Debit Cards\n\nThese leaks aren\u2019t just unethical, but they harm these companies\u2019 employees, shareholders, and others. If the companies have engaged in wrongdoing, by all means the government should try them in a court of law. But the Biden-Harris administration shouldn\u2019t try them in the liberal media. These leaks appear to be simply one more instance of this administration weaponizing the administrative state against politically disfavored opponents and critics, much like DOJ investigating parents at school-board meetings or the FTC targeting Elon Musk and Twitter for insufficient censorship of conservatives.\n\nWe urge you to investigate promptly these systematic, unethical, and potentially illegal leaks.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-fischer-risch-announce-plans-to-introduce-bill-to-end-u-s-funding-for-united-nations/", "Ricketts, Fischer, Risch Announce Plans to Introduce Bill to End U.S. Funding for United Nations", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 23, 2024\n\nOMAHA, NE \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), joined Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of SFRC, to announce their intent to introduce the Stand with Israel Act when the Senate reconvenes in November. This legislation would cut off U.S. funding to the United Nations (UN) and stop support to agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, and restrict the participation of the State of Israel.\n\n\u201cThe United States will not stand by and allow the rampant antisemitism at the United Nations to go unchallenged,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cDowngrading Israel\u2019s membership at the UN should be seen as an attack on an American ally. Should the UN embrace this diplomatic terrorism, the United States will respond accordingly and must end its support for the UN system.\u201d\n\n\u201cDiminishing Israel\u2019s status within the UN would be a slap in the face to democracies across the globe. It is shameful for an organization supposedly promoting international peace and security to punish a democracy fighting for survival,\u201d said Senator Fischer. \u201cThe U.S. should not support any organization that attempts to restrict the participation of the State of Israel.\u201d\n\n\u201cAny attempt to alter Israel\u2019s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic,\u201d said Senator Risch. \u201cThat said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel\u2019s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed and will do all we can to ensure any changes to Israel\u2019s status will come with consequences.\u201d\n\nText of the legislation can be found here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nRecent reports indicate that the Palestinian Authority (PA) will attempt to downgrade Israel\u2019s status at the UN. The PA can do this after the UN General Assembly passed a resolution which enhanced the PA\u2019s status at the United Nations on May 10, 2024. The Stand with Israel Act would cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, and restrict the participation of the State of Israel.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-comments-on-death-of-hamas-terrorist-leader-yahya-sinwar/", "Ricketts Comments on Death of Hamas Terrorist Leader Yahya Sinwar", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 17, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement commenting on the apparent death of Hamas terrorist leader Yahya Sinwar:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-condemns-biden-harris-administration-conditioning-israel-support/", "Ricketts Condemns Biden-Harris Administration Conditioning Israel Support", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 16, 2024\n\nOMAHA, NE \u2013 U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the Biden-Harris administration sent a letter to Israel conditioning further arms support:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m disgusted by the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s continued threats to withhold arms from an American ally fighting for its survival. Their appeasement-first foreign policy is undermining Israel and emboldening Iran and its terrorist proxies. The U.S. should be offering unconditional support to Israel in their fight to end Hamas and Hezbollah\u2019s brutality. Anything less than that pushes peace further out of reach.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-comments-on-sterile-solution-shortages-worsened-by-hurricane-helene/", "Ricketts Comments on Sterile Solution Shortages Worsened by Hurricane Helene", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "OMAHA, NE \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts urged prioritizing domestic manufacturing after hearing from Nebraska hospitals and patients unable to move forward with procedures due to sterile solution shortages. Baxter supplies approximately 60% of the U.S.\u2019 IV fluids and suffered significant damage from Hurricane Helene to their manufacturing facility in North Carolina. I.V. fluids were already experiencing a shortage before the storm.\n\n\u201cNebraska rural hospitals are being forced to cancel surgeries due to IV solution supply-chain issues exasperated by Hurricane Helene\u2019s impact on Baxter facilities in North Carolina,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cWhile the FDA is taking steps to mitigate shortages with temporary importation sources, we should\u2019ve never reached this crisis level. The FDA provided notice on their own website years ago that shortages of these products existed. Yet here we are without an increase to domestic production. Instead, the FDA has Americans relying on other countries, primarily China, to get the critical medical supplies that they need. The pandemic was supposed to be the wake-up call that America can\u2019t be reliant on China for our medical supplies. That we\u2019re back in the same situation a few years later is a direct reflection of the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s failures.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=6A8B539C-D05D-4B85-A726-4C77A079A420", "Fischer Statement on Anniversary of October 7 Attacks", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) released the following statement today on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel:\n\n\u201cOne year ago, Hamas attacked our ally Israel\u2014slaughtering Israelis and Americans alike, abducting hundreds of hostages, and starting a war that still ravages the Middle East. Today, we remember those lost. Their memory strengthens our resolve to bring the remaining hostages home and aid in Israel\u2019s defense.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/10/fischer-statement-on-anniversary-of-october-7-attacks", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=BBEA7FFB-423C-4FE0-92E6-50725C4D7ED9", "Fischer, Ricketts, Colleagues Criticize DOJ for Failing to Protect American Elections", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) joined their colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland criticizing the Department of Justice (DOJ) for failing to protect American elections. In their letter, they demanded an explanation from the DOJ about its failure to prevent illegal aliens from registering to vote in American elections or prosecute those who evidently have done so.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections. As of today, there has been no response from you or your Department regarding the inquiry on July 12, 2024, seeking information on efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce laws prohibiting non-citizen voting. Given that the 2024 Presidential Election is in less than 34 days, your Department\u2019s inaction and refusal to provide any information regarding its efforts to promote public trust and confidence in our elections is especially alarming,\u201d the Members of Congress wrote.\n\nSenator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) led this letter in the Senate. Along with Senators Fischer and Ricketts, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Kennedy (R-La.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.).\n\nIn the House, the letter was led by U.S. Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05). In addition to Representative Biggs, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Andy Harris (R-MD-01), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Gary Palmer (R-AL-06), Matt Rosendale (R-MT-02), Ralph Norman (R-SC-05), Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), Aaron Bean (R-FL-04), Josh Brecheen (R-OK-02), Nancy Mace (R-SC-01), Bob Good (R-VA-05), Eric Burlison (R-MO-07), Mike Ezell (R-MS-04), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Tom Tiffany (R-WI-07), Lauren Boebert (R-CO-03), Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Michael Guest (R-MS-03), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Chip Roy (R-TX-21), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11), Mary Miller (R-IL-15), Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09), Lance Gooden (R-TX-05), Jeff Duncan (R-SC-03), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Barry Moore (R-AL-02), Mike Collins (R-GA-10), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), Greg Lopez (R-CO-04), Keith Self (R-TX-03), Brian Babin (R-TX-36), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Alex Mooney (R-WV-02), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), Rich McCormick (R-GA-06), and Matt Gaetz (R-FL-01).\n\nA copy of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Attorney General Garland:\n\nWe are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections. As of today, there has been no response from you or your Department regarding the inquiry on July 12, 2024, seeking information on efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce laws prohibiting non-citizen voting. Given that the 2024 Presidential Election is in less than 34 days, your Department\u2019s inaction and refusal to provide any information regarding its efforts to promote public trust and confidence in our elections is especially alarming.\n\nSince the initial letter, several more concerning reports have been released by state officials indicating that a large number of non-citizens appear on their voter rolls. For example, the Virginia Attorney General recently announced that 6,303 non-citizens were identified on and removed from Virginia\u2019s voter rolls in 2022 and 2023. In another troubling report released in August, over 6,500 non-citizens registered to vote in Texas were identified and removed from voter rolls. Of the 6,500 non-citizens identified, 1,930 had a voter history.\n\nClearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections, which is not only a serious threat to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process they represent, but also has the potential to reduce Americans\u2019 trust and confidence in election results.\n\nAccordingly, we respectfully reiterate the July 12 request for information on your Department\u2019s enforcement efforts. The initial deadline for providing this information was July 26, 2024, so the response is now 9 weeks overdue.\n\nPlease provide responses to the following no later than October 16, 2024:\n\n1). Please provide the number of aliens who have been charged, tried, or convicted under 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 611 since January 20, 2021, including the status of each case.\n\n2). Please provide the number of aliens who been charged, tried, or convicted under 52 U.S.C. \u00a7 20511 since January 20, 2021, including the status of each case.\n\n3). Please provide the number of aliens who have been prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 911 since 2021, including the status of each case.\n\n4). Please provide the number of referrals received from other government officials or the public in reference to the statutes cited in questions 1 through 3.\n\n5). How does the Department of Justice investigate allegations received of non-citizen voting or voter registration?\n\n6). What affirmative steps have the Department of Justice taken to detect, prevent, and deter illegal aliens and other non-citizens from registering and voting in federal elections?\n\n7). What affirmative steps have the Department taken to obtain relevant information from the Department of Homeland Security on aliens who have registered or voted in elections?\n\n8). What steps have been taken by U.S. Attorneys and the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division, which is responsible for prosecuting election crimes and assisting U.S. Attorneys in prosecuting election crimes, to obtain jury-related information that indicates aliens have unlawfully registered to vote?\n\n9). As the 2024 election nears, what steps will the Department take to detect, investigate, and prosecute non-citizens who violate 18 U.S.C.\u00a7 911, 52 U.S.C. \u00a7 20511, or 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 611 by voting or registering to vote in the 2024 election?\n\n10). What steps have the Department taken to contact Virginia and Texas election officials to obtain information and the voter registration and voter history files on each of the aliens removed from the voter rolls who were unlawfully registered and voting in those states?\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your prompt reply.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-joins-senate-republicans-to-stand-with-israel-condemn-iran-backed-hamas/", "Ricketts Joins Senate Republicans to Stand with Israel, Condemn Iran-Backed Hamas", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 7, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, one year since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack killed dozens of Americans, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined all 48 of his Senate Republican colleagues to fully condemn Iran-backed Hamas for its actions, support the forever survival of Israel, and call for the safe release of American hostages.\n\nThe Senate resolution was led by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), chair of the Republican Policy Committee. Click here to view the full Senate resolution.\n\n\u201cOn October 7th, the world witnessed a heinous terror attack as Hamas murdered innocent women, men and children,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cWe must remain vigilant and unwavering in our commitment to bringing Hamas terrorists to justice. To the people of Israel, we stand with you, we mourn with you, and we will continue to support you until every hostage is brought home and Hamas surrenders.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis time last year, I woke up in the Middle East to the unbearable news that Israel was under attack by Iran-backed terrorists and Americans were being killed and taken hostage,\u201d said Ernst, a combat veteran. \u201cI immediately traveled into Israel to show that our nation\u2019s friendship is unwavering, in good times and bad. Regardless of whether I have been in Jerusalem, Washington, or Iowa, I have worked around the clock to hold the White House accountable to its \u2018ironclad\u2019 commitment, bring our hostages home, and cut off the source of terrorism in Tehran. One year since that day, as Israel remains under attack on all fronts, Senate Republicans stand united with our greatest ally in the Middle East.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nRicketts has been a staunch supporter of Israel\u2019s sovereignty, their right to defend themselves against Iran and its terrorist proxies, and Israel\u2019s efforts to bring home the remaining hostages.\n\nIn the weeks following the October 7th attack, Rickettsintroduced legislation to enact a permanent ban on U.S. funding for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Since October 7th, numerous reports have revealed UNRWA staff was directly involved in Hamas\u2019 attack on Israel. The Stop Support for Hamas Act would:\n\nCut off contributions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which has been described as \u201ceffectively a branch of Hamas;\u201d\n\nFreeze Economic Support Funds (ESF) to Gaza and the West Bank until Israel has verifiably dismantled the terrorist infrastructure of Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza;\n\nStrengthen certification requirements under the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 to ensure that no ministry, agency or instrumentality of the Palestinian Authority (PA) employs members, agents or affiliates of Hamas;\n\nEnsure any U.S. assistance to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Gaza and the West Bank does not benefit Hamas or any other terrorist organization; and\n\nStrengthen Taylor Force Act provisions to prevent any U.S. funding that directly or indirectly benefits the PA until it ends its \u201cpay for slay\u201d program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-hagerty-urge-biden-harris-administration-to-protect-u-s-economic-interests-from-eu-regulatory-overreach/", "Ricketts, Hagerty Urge Biden-Harris Administration to Protect U.S. Economic Interests from EU Regulatory Overreach", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 3, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Recently, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and other Biden-Harris administration officials urging them to defend U.S. economic interests against the European Union regulatory encroachment.\n\nThe European Union (EU) recently adopted its Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which forces U.S. businesses to comply with European policies, or face severe penalties. CSDDD\u2019s implementation raises serious concerns, including extraterritorial regulatory overreach, adverse impacts on supply chains, litigation risks, and unfeasible climate transition requirements.\n\n\u201cThe CSDDD\u2019s extraterritorial scope amounts to a serious breach of U.S. sovereignty and a direct threat to the global competitiveness of American companies,\u201d the members of Congress wrote. \u201cWe are deeply concerned that the [Biden-Harris] Administration is surrendering its regulatory responsibilities to European officials, allowing them to dictate draconian social and climate policies to American companies.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe EU is attempting to mitigate the relative damage of its onerous regulatory framework by forcing Americans to bear the burden as well,\u201d the members of Congress continued. \u201cAny policies impacting U.S. businesses should be debated and determined by the elected representatives of the American people, not overseas bureaucrats advancing their own agendas.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Ricketts and Hagerty, the letter was co-signed by 64 other members of Congress.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nSecretary Yellen,\n\nThe European Union (EU) has long been known for implementing vague, broadly scoped, and complex regulations that hinder business growth and raise consumer costs. The EU\u2019s longstanding regulatory overreach has had deleterious effects on its member states\u2019 economies and diminished the competitiveness of their firms on the global stage. According to the International Monetary Fund, the Eurozone economy grew only 6% in the 15-year period ending in 2023, compared to 82% growth for the United States. European companies have been quick to identify overregulation as an impediment to growth; in one study, more than 60% of EU companies deemed regulation to be a barrier to investment, while 55% of small and medium-sized enterprises cited regulatory obstacles and administrative burdens as their greatest challenge.\n\nNow, the EU is attempting to impose its debilitating regulatory agenda on American companies through its Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (also known as \u201cCSDDD\u201d or \u201cCS3D\u201d). Formally adopted by the Council of the EU on May 24, 2024, the CSDDD will impose significant legal obligations on U.S. businesses. The directive effectively converts the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights\u2014and the provisions of three international human rights conventions, eight conventions of the International Labour Organization, eleven environmental law conventions, and the climate mitigation targets of the Paris Agreement\u2014into binding laws. CSDDD will include governmental enforcement mechanisms, including the possibility of substantial monetary penalties, and will also create private rights of action for those adversely affected by violations. EU member states must implement regulations and administrative procedures required by the directive within two years. Many U.S. companies will be harmed by this enormous compliance burden. After EU member states incorporate the European Parliament\u2019s broad legislation into their own national laws, the CSDDD will ultimately apply to U.S. multinational businesses with annual EU market revenue of more than \u20ac450 million, regardless of their corporate \u201cfootprint\u201d in the EU. While the full effect of CSDDD may not be clear until the member states begin to transpose the regulations into their own laws and the EU provides additional guidance, it is clear that \u201cin-scope\u201d U.S. businesses will be forced to ensure that their supply chains and other business partners are compliant. Companies will need to \u201cidentify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address actual and potential impacts in their operations, supply chains and other business relationships.\u201d That is neither practical nor realistic\u2014nor does it genuinely constitute \u201cdue diligence,\u201d which is generally defined as review and analysis prior to actions being taken (e.g., \u201cprevent\u201d and \u201cmitigate\u201d). Notably, American companies will be required to comply with CSDDD even though the U.S. has not ratified many of the international conventions underlying the directive.\n\nThe CSDDD\u2019s extraterritorial scope amounts to a serious breach of U.S. sovereignty and a direct threat to the global competitiveness of American companies. Given this, the Biden-Harris Administration must meaningfully respond. Although you acknowledged the issue in your testimony before the House Financial Services Committee, there has been little evidence that the Administration has an effective strategy for engaging with European officials on the issue. To date, no other senior officials in the Biden-Harris Administration have expressed opposition to CSDDD despite the threat it poses to U.S. interests.\n\nWe are deeply concerned that the Administration is surrendering its regulatory responsibilities to European officials, allowing them to dictate draconian social and climate policies to American companies. The EU is attempting to mitigate the relative damage of its onerous regulatory framework by forcing Americans to bear the burden as well. If implemented in any manner substantially similar to its current form, the CSDDD could force companies to divest or reduce ties with European businesses, causing significant economic harm to both the U.S. and EU.\n\nAny policies impacting U.S. businesses should be debated and determined by the elected representatives of the American people, not overseas bureaucrats advancing their own agendas. Accordingly, we strongly encourage you and your colleagues at the relevant federal agencies to actively and publicly engage with your counterparts in Brussels and EU member-state capitals to delay implementation of CSDDD and work with the new European Parliament to repeal or substantially modify the directive. Such action is necessary to preserve U.S. sovereignty and sustain America\u2019s economic competitiveness.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=2D001C4E-BDEE-494E-A3FF-D932BD7DE0C0", "Fischer Bill Signed into Law: Expands Vets\u2019 Access to CDL Schools", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer\u2019s (R-Neb.) Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act was signed into law.\n\nThe legislation, which passed the Senate in November 2023 and the House last week, expands veterans\u2019 training opportunities in the trucking industry.\n\nCurrent laws prevent new trucking school locations from accepting GI Bill benefits for two years after opening, including new locations opened by schools that are already established. Senator Fischer\u2019s legislation allows new facilities to accept GI Bill benefits if their primary institutions have already received regulatory approval.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-ernst-introduce-bill-to-deport-illegal-immigrants-convicted-of-sex-crimes/", "Ricketts, Ernst Introduce Bill to Deport Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Sex Crimes", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 2, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to introduce the Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants (BE GONE) Act. The bill, led by Ernst, would allow the U.S. to deport sexual offenders currently in the country and block those seeking to enter.\n\nThe introduction comes after a shocking Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) report revealed that 16,320 illegal immigrants with sexual assault convictions are in the U.S. This legislation would also amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence as crimes that are defined as \u201caggravated felonies.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris administration\u2019s open borders policies have allowed violent sexual offenders to cross our border illegally then roam undeterred across America,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cThey should have never set foot in our country. Our bill will make sure these criminals are deported or stopped from ever crossing our border.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese violent criminals never would have entered America in the first place if we had real border security, but now that they\u2019re in our communities, they need to BE GONE,\u201d said Senator Ernst. \u201cSince Border Czar Kamala Harris won\u2019t protect this country, then I will. My legislation will combat sexual violence by ensuring predators are identified, stopped, and deported.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am honored to amplify and support the incredible efforts of Senator Joni Ernst on this bill. Senator Ernst has been the tip of the spear when it comes to enhancing our public safety,\u201d said Retired Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan. \u201cThis bill will hold accountable those who commit the most heinous crimes and ensure they are dealt consequences. That is something this country not only demands but expects from our representatives and as always Joni Ernst comes through for America.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are grateful to Senator Ernst for introducing the BE GONE Act which will deport immigrants who have committed heinous acts,\u201d said NumbersUSA Director of Federal Affairs Michael Hough. \u201cThis is common sense legislation that Congress must pass, so criminals are identified and stopped to protect Americans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=84D327E7-15E2-4A22-9820-848428E63081", "Fischer Statement on Iran\u2019s Missile Attacks", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the statement below following Iran\u2019s ballistic missile attack on Israel:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s attack should be the final lesson for those who believe leniency will do anything other than strengthen Iran. The Biden-Harris administration should stop fence-sitting and unequivocally back Israel against our shared enemies. Nebraskans hope and pray for the safety of our friends in Israel, which is fighting for its right to live in peace.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/10/fischer-statement-on-iran-s-missile-attacks", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-recognized-for-championing-second-amendment-in-congress/", "Ricketts Recognized for Championing Second Amendment in Congress", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 1, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) was named to the 2024 National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Congressional Dean\u2019s List for his unwavering support of the Second Amendment.\n\n\u201cI will always champion the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners across Nebraska,\u201d Senator Ricketts said. \u201cStanding up for our Second Amendment is central to the work I am doing in Washington. I\u2019m fighting for law-abiding gun owners\u2019 privacy, hunters\u2019 access to public lands, and our domestic supply chain for ammunition. I appreciate this recognition from the National Shooting Sports Foundation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe 2024 NSSF Congressional Report Card is a comprehensive analysis of our elected representatives\u2019 positions on firearm and ammunition industry priorities in the 118th Congress. The Report Card\u2019s grades are based on key votes, co-sponsorships, committee activity, floor speeches, and other official actions by Senators and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of our industry are grateful to have so many strong allies in the Halls of Congress,\u201d NSSF Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane said. \u201cNSSF is proud to especially recognize Senator Ricketts as a member of the new NSSF Congressional Dean\u2019s List for his exemplary leadership in supporting the firearm and ammunition industry and the nearly 400,000 hardworking Americans employed in the industry. Making the Dean\u2019s List is special recognition that Senator Ricketts has gone above and beyond to protect and preserve the Second Amendment rights of his constituents and the industry that makes the exercise of those rights possible. We applaud Senator Ricketts for his exemplary level of support.\u201d\n\nRicketts was among the 8 U.S. Senators and 24 U.S. Representatives to earn the new NSSF Dean\u2019s List distinction. To earn this special recognition, members needed to have a 100% voting and co-sponsorship record.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-statement-on-irans-attack-on-israel/", "Ricketts Statement on Iran\u2019s Attack on Israel", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "October 1, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after Iran launched hundreds of missiles in a direct attack against Israel:\n\n\u201cFor three and a half years, the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s appeasement-first foreign policy has emboldened adversaries and invited aggression. Today\u2019s attack on an American ally by Iran is a direct result of that weakness. Iran doesn\u2019t just chant \u2018death to Israel,\u2019 they chant \u2018death to America\u2019 as well. It\u2019s time for this administration to put up or shut up. America must stand unequivocally with Israel.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:55:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photo-ricketts-named-guardian-of-small-business-by-national-federation-of-independent-business/", "PHOTO: Ricketts Named \u2018Guardian of Small Business\u2019 by National Federation of Independent Business", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "September 30, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Recently, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) was honored as a 2024 \u201cGuardian of Small Business\u201d by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his work advancing policies that support America\u2019s small and independent business owners. The award recognized lawmakers for their support of small business owners through legislative action and leadership.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses are critical to the economic vitality of communities across Nebraska,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cI will always fight to protect rural Main Street, Nebraska\u2019s other small businesses, and all small business workers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=FFE46F7F-8FE9-4D38-87E2-B8870975394A", "Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Support Rural Hospitals", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), along with U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01) and Adrian Smith (NE-03), introduced legislation to support rural hospitals. The Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2024 grants rural hospitals flexibility when choosing reimbursement models so they have greater financial sustainability.\n\nCurrently, hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) receive cost-based reimbursement for all services to address the needs of their rural communities. Hospitals in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program only receive cost-based reimbursement for some services, while maintaining a higher number of beds.\n\nOur legislation grants RCHD hospitals an optional, one-time election period to designate themselves as a CAH and meet the necessary eligibility requirements. This bill gives these essential hospitals the opportunity to choose between these two beneficial federal programs and enables them to continue serving their communities.\n\n\u201cAcross Nebraska, rural community hospitals have an essential role \u2014 providing health care services to those in need. Our legislation ensures that rural hospitals remain sustainable by giving them the option to choose the program that best suits their current needs. I look forward to working with my fellow Nebraska colleagues as we champion this legislation in both the House and the Senate,\u201d said Senator Fischer. \u201cRural community hospitals are the backbone of healthcare across vast areas of Nebraska and the country. By giving these hospitals the ability to determine their future in the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program, these facilities will be able to better meet their needs and the needs of the communities they serve, while also still delivering quality care to patients. Providing this option to hospitals currently in the RCHD program has the potential to unlock additional funding, empowering hospitals to expand and improve the services they provide. I am grateful to my fellow Nebraska colleagues, Congressman Smith and Senator Fischer, for their willingness to help lead this effort,\u201d said Representative Flood.\n\n\u201cMedicare hospital designations are intended to optimize healthcare access for patients and provide community hospitals appropriate flexibility to meet the unique needs of the regions they serve. This bill would provide an opportunity for certain rural community hospitals to re-align their designation in order to best meet the needs of their communities long into the future. I appreciate the opportunity to work with Rep. Flood to ensure Columbus Community Hospital remains best-situated to continue serving patients from Nebraska\u2019s First and Third Districts and thank Sen. Fischer for her efforts to bring like legislation in the Senate,\u201d said Representative Smith.\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be viewed here.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/9/fischer-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-support-rural-hospitals", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=2B2B34ED-308F-4377-B2EC-2C0AB1A68B3C", "Fischer Bill Expanding Vets\u2019 Access to CDL Schools Heads to President", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer\u2019s (R-Neb.) Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, which passed the Senate in November 2023, will expand veterans\u2019 training opportunities in the trucking industry. The bill now awaits the president\u2019s signature.\n\nCurrent laws prevent new trucking school locations from accepting GI Bill benefits for two years after opening, including new locations opened by schools that are already established. Senator Fischer\u2019s legislation will allow new facilities to accept GI Bill benefits if their primary institutions have already received regulatory approval.\n\n\u201cOur veterans deserve every opportunity to participate in the American dream they\u2019ve fought to protect. But when their service is over, many veterans face unfair roadblocks when they look for jobs,\u201d said Senator Fischer. \u201cMy legislation makes it easier for veterans to get their CDL licenses and earn a good living.\u201d\n\nSenator Fischer introduced this bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) in March 2023. It was introduced in the House by Representatives Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.).\n\nThe bill has received endorsements from:\n\nVeteran Service Organizations: American Legion, Moving Veterans Forward, Student Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Great Plains Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Nebraska Military Officers Association of America.\n\nLabor Organizations: International Brotherhood of Teamsters.\n\nTrucking Industry Groups: Werner Trucking, American Trucking Association, Commercial Vehicle Training Association, and Nebraska Trucking Association.\n\nClick here to read the text of the bill.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/9/fischer-bill-expanding-vets-access-to-cdl-schools-heads-to-president", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=7C4F72EB-B1CE-4334-9BAD-597B9CA3CC62", "Fischer Statement on Continuing Resolution Vote", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the following statement after voting no on a three-month continuing resolution:\n\n\u201cRepublicans insisted for weeks that the Senate needed to accomplish what we were elected to do: support our national defense and pass our funding bills in regular order. Instead, Senator Schumer chose to spend his time on partisan show votes he knew would fail. I can\u2019t support his decision to force a last minute vote.\u201d\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/9/fischer-statement-on-continuing-resolution-vote", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-introduces-five-bills-to-combat-chinese-communist-party-influence/", "Ricketts Introduces\u00a0Five Bills to Combat Chinese Communist Party Influence", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "September 25, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, introduced five pieces of legislation aimed at combatting the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in America\u2019s agriculture and financial sectors.\n\n\u201cThe CCP is the single greatest threat to America\u2019s national security and financial independence,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cA CCP-led world would mean coercion instead of choice, tyranny instead of liberty, and dictatorship instead of democracy. The only way to combat this threat is with a strong, strategic, all-of-government approach. These bills move us closer to that.\u201d\n\nThe Securing American Agriculture Act bolsters and protects our domestic food and agriculture supply chains and reduces America\u2019s reliance on foreign adversaries.\n\nThe Protecting Endowments from our Adversaries Act disincentivizes endowments from investing in adversarial entities flagged by the U.S. Government as threatening to our national security.\n\nThe No Capital Gains Allowance for American Adversaries Act eliminates tax breaks for investments made in companies based in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Belarus.\n\nThe PRC Military and Human Rights Capital Markets Sanctions Act prevents Wall Street firms from using Americans\u2019 investment dollars to effectively underwrite the CCP\u2019s human rights abuses and aggression.\n\nThe No China in Index Funds Act prevents index mutual funds from holding Chinese stocks.\n\nThe bills were first covered by Fox News here.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSecuring American Agriculture Act \u2013 The PRC\u2019s strategic control over crucial sectors of our food and agricultural supply chain poses a serious national security threat. In recent years, the PRC gained significant market share in the production of essential agricultural inputs like vitamins, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and crop protection tools. China now controls over 90% of vitamin C and vitamin B6 production and up to 85% of amino acids used in animal feed.\n\nLosing access to these key inputs could drastically reduce agricultural productivity, increase food prices, and undermine domestic food security. A University of Wisconsin-Whitewater study found that, if left unchecked, the PRC\u2019s domination of the amino acids market would destroy 30,000 U.S. jobs and reduce economic activity by $15 billion per year. The Securing American Agriculture Act bolsters and protects our food production supply chain.\n\nSpecifically, the bipartisan bill:\n\nRequires the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce, to conduct an annual threat assessment of critical food and agricultural supply chains.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide recommendations to mitigate potential threats from the PRC and for legislative and regulatory actions to reduce barriers to domestic critical input production.\n\nU.S. Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-07) haveintroduced companion legislation in the House. The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Cornyn (R-TX), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Eric Schmitt (R-MI).\n\nA one-pager on the bill can be found here. Bill text is available here.\n\nProtecting Endowments from Our Adversaries Act (PEOAA) \u2013 U.S. University endowment dollars have helped fund technology behind the CCP\u2019s surveillance of Uyghur Muslims in China. Many endowment fund portfolios own Chinese stocks listed on American exchanges, either directly or indirectly. Tax-advantaged endowment dollars are supposed to be used to lower tuition costs and improve education, not to fund our adversaries.\n\nSpecifically, the bill:\n\nImposes a 50% excise tax on initial investments in adversarial entities on the Entity List, Military End User List, Unverified List, or FCC Covered List.\n\nImposes a 100% excise tax on the realized gains derived from listed investments one year after an entity is listed.\n\nApplies to private college and university endowments over $1 billion.\n\nU.S. Representative Greg Murphy (R-NC-3) has introduced companion legislation in the House. The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) And Deb Fischer (R-NE).\n\nOne-pager can be found here. Bill text is available here.\n\nNo Capital Gains Allowance for American Adversaries Act \u2013 According to a comparative analysis of capital gains tax rates by the Law Library of Congress, many countries have investment incentives not applicable to some foreign investments. For example, China provides investment incentives through its tax code, but foreign investments are eligible only with the pre-approval of the Chinese government. The No Capital Gains Allowance for American Adversaries Act stops subsidizing our adversaries\u2019 investments in the United States.\n\nSpecifically, the bipartisan bill:\n\nEliminates the capital gains tax break for investments in companies based in China, Russia, Belarus, Iran, and North Korea.\n\nEliminates a related tax break, the \u201cstep-up in basis\u201d at death, for investments in such companies.\n\nRequires disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that no tax breaks are available for these stocks.\n\nU.S. Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA-32) and Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05) haveintroduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nOne-pager can be found here. Bill text is available here.\n\nPeople\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) Military and Human Rights Capital Markets Sanctions Act \u2013 A recent report identified 144 Chinese companies, or their affiliates, whose practices were so adverse to U.S. interests that it is illegal for Americans to buy their products. Most of these companies have been found to violate human rights. Others play an integral role in the CCP\u2019s military-industrial complex. While buying the products of these companies is illegal, it is still legal to buy their stock. The PRC Military and Human Rights Capital Markets Sanctions Act fixes this problem.\n\nSpecifically, the bipartisan bill:\n\nProhibits Americans from purchasing, selling, or holding publicly-traded securities of companies that appear on sanctions lists or have an affiliate on the sanctions list.\n\nProhibits Americans from purchasing, selling, or holding publicly-traded securities that are derivatives of securities issued by a sanctioned company.\n\nProhibits Americans from purchasing, selling, or holding securities that provides investment exposure to a publicly-traded security issued by a sanctioned company or affiliate.\n\nRequires divestment from the prohibited securities within 180 days.\n\nU.S. Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA-32) and Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05) haveintroduced companion legislation in the House.\n\nOne-pager can be found here. Bill text is available here.\n\nNo China in Index Funds Act \u2013 Index mutual funds minimize their expenses by simply investing in all the companies in a certain market sector, without looking closely at the individual companies. There are unique difficulties in evaluating the risks of investing in Chinese companies. Americans should not invest in these companies without carefully evaluating the risk. The No China in Index Funds Act will keep these hard-to-evaluate Chinese stocks out of index mutual funds.\n\nSpecifically, the bipartisan bill:\n\nProhibits index funds from investing in Chinese companies.\n\nRequires index funds to divest from such investments within 180 days.\n\nU.S. Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA-32) and Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05) haveintroduced companion legislation in the House.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-on-irans-threats-against-president-trump-these-provocations-demand-a-strong-response/", "Ricketts on Iran\u2019s Threats Against President Trump: \u201cThese Provocations Demand a Strong Response\u201d", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "September 25, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement in response to news that the Trump campaign had been briefed on \u201creal and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile Iran\u2019s President and Foreign Minister spew lies at the United Nations, the Iranian regime works to assassinate former President Trump and meddle in our election. They chant \u2018death to America\u2019 and fund global terrorism. These provocations demand a strong response, but the Biden-Harris administration has done nothing. They have an appeasement-first policy. We need strong leadership, not weakness.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-statement-on-government-funding-vote-2/", "Ricketts Statement on Government Funding Vote", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after voting against another bloated government spending bill:\n\n\u201cThis Continuing Resolution continues a broken process. It extends the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s reckless spending. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer should be embarrassed that he refused to call for even a single vote on an appropriations bill before yet another shutdown faceoff. We must return to regular order and get this runaway spending under control.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=C68942AA-7B23-4FDE-85BA-4765B07A057B", "Fischer Announces Advancement of Nearly Half Billion in NE Broadband Funding", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has accepted Nebraska\u2019s proposal for $405,281,070 in broadband deployment funding through the BEAD program.\n\nThe funding for this program was initially provided by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, which Senator Fischer supported. However, the Biden-Harris administration rejected Nebraska\u2019s earlier proposals to access this funding due to its own agency rules, which deviated from the law Congress passed. Those rejections, combined with a slow rollout at NTIA, delayed funding delivery.\n\nSenator Fischer has worked with NTIA and Nebraska\u2019s Broadband Office to facilitate better communication from the federal agency and ensure acceptance of the State\u2019s proposal, which was finally announced on Wednesday.\n\nUltimate release of funding to the state still depends on a final proposal that will detail the funding distribution process.\n\n\u201cAll Nebraskans need internet access, so I\u2019m very pleased that Nebraska\u2019s proposal for this broadband buildout funding has finally been accepted. I\u2019d like to thank Patrick Haggerty and the Nebraska Broadband Office for their hard work in reaching this milestone. I will continue to support the advancement of Nebraska\u2019s final proposal in the upcoming year so that we can finally bring this funding home,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cThis is a historic federal investment for our state, and the Nebraska Broadband Office carefully gathered feedback statewide to draft this proposal. We are grateful for Senator Fischer\u2019s dedication to expanding broadband access for every Nebraskan, and we are confident that this proposal will achieve that shared goal,\u201d said Patrick Haggerty, State Broadband Director, Nebraska Broadband Office.\n\nBackground:\n\nDuring a Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing in May, Senator Fischer pressed Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo on NTIA\u2019s misguided rate regulation efforts, which caused the proposal rejections.\n\nSenator Fischer also joined her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Vice President Kamala Harrisregarding her mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives, which President Biden specifically tasked her to manage.\n\nSenator Fischer also sent letters to NTIAand the Commerce Department voicing concerns with the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s additional barriers and hurdles to federal broadband deployment programs. The additional requirements not only went beyond Congress\u2019 direction, but also delayed internet services to unserved and underserved Americans.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/9/fischer-announces-advancement-of-nearly-half-billion-in-ne-broadband-funding", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-risch-push-europe-to-hold-iran-accountable-for-aggression/", "Ricketts, Risch Push Europe to Hold Iran Accountable for Aggression", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "September 18, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe, and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urged European leaders to increase their efforts against Iran and align their sanctions with those that the U.S. has imposed to date. The letter comes after Iran transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in their war against Ukraine.\n\n\u201cSpecifically, we call on the EU to mirror efforts recently announced by the E3 to impose restrictions on Iranian airlines and other entities that have facilitated these ballistic missile and other weapons transfers to Russia,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cHowever, these actions should represent the floor, and not the ceiling, of any European response. Additionally, we strongly advocate for the EU and UK to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Finally, the E3, with EU support, should initiate the snapback of sanctions on Iran under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which would restore the global UN arms embargo and other restrictions on Iran\u2019s missile program.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, Iran poses the greatest direct threat to European and global security that it ever has,\u201d the senators closed. \u201cThis threat will only grow unless it faces real consequences for its aggression. Collective U.S.-European pressure should reflect this grim reality. We hope you will take this perspective into consideration as you weigh further action on Iran in the near future.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear High Representative Borrell, Secretary Lammy, Minister Baerbock, and Minister S\u00e9journ\u00e9,\n\nWith the recent confirmation that Iran has transferred short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, we write to implore the United Kingdom (UK), France, and Germany (E3), and the European Union (EU) to take bold action to hold Iran accountable for this escalation. We believe the EU\u2019s Iran policies are undercutting our mutual aims in Ukraine. The United States and our allies must come together to more effectively isolate Russia and nations that materially support Putin\u2019s war in Ukraine.\n\nSpecifically, we call on the EU to mirror efforts recently announced by the E3 to impose restrictions on Iranian airlines and other entities that have facilitated these ballistic missile and other weapons transfers to Russia. However, these actions should represent the floor, and not the ceiling, of any European response. Additionally, we strongly advocate for the EU and UK to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Finally, the E3, with EU support, should initiate the snapback of sanctions on Iran under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which would restore the global UN arms embargo and other restrictions on Iran\u2019s missile program.\n\nIran is inextricably linked to Vladmir Putin\u2019s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Since February 2022, Iran has supplied Russia with thousands of weaponized drones that have been used to attack Ukrainian cities, exhaust Ukrainian air defenses, and kill Ukrainian civilians. It has also supplied Russian forces with hundreds of thousands of artillery shells, along with over a million rounds of other types of ammunition. In return, Russia has launched multiple Iranian satellites into space, sent Tehran captured Western weapons for Iranian specialists to reverse engineer, and has reportedly finalized a deal to sell Iran advanced military equipment, including Su-35 fighter jets. Iran continues to use revenues from its military relationship with Russia to dramatically increase support for its terror proxies in the Middle East.\n\nConcerningly, this partnership has now expanded further. For a year now, there have been clear indications that Russia intended to purchase short-range ballistic missiles from Iran. In response, on March 15, 2024, the Group of Seven (G7) threatened \u201cwere Iran to proceed with providing ballistic missiles or related technology to Russia, we are prepared to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner including with new and significant measures against Iran.\u201d However, despite the G7\u2019s red line, Iran remained undeterred. On September 6, the Wall Street Journal revealed that Iran had proceeded with the missile transfer, which was later confirmed by Secretary of State Blinken.\n\nToday, Iran poses the greatest direct threat to European and global security that it ever has. This threat will only grow unless it faces real consequences for its aggression. Collective U.S.-European pressure should reflect this grim reality. We hope you will take this perspective into consideration as you weigh further action on Iran in the near future.\n\nSincerely,\n\nPete Ricketts\n\nJames E. Risch", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-rubio-28-gop-colleagues-condemn-palestinian-effort-targeting-israel-at-un/", "Ricketts, Rubio, 28 GOP Colleagues Condemn Palestinian Effort Targeting Israel at UN", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "September 18, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and 28 other GOP colleagues condemned a resolution introduced by the Palestinian Mission to the United Nations (UN) that disgracefully targets Israel. The resolution could be voted on as early as this week when the UN General Assembly meets.\n\n\u201cThis proposal introduced by the Palestinian delegation, ahead of the United Nations\u2019 General Assembly, is an absolute disgrace that rewards terrorism. It is a clear insult to the Jewish people and anyone who understands history.\n\n\u201cAs we approach the one-year anniversary of the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas and affiliated Palestinian terrorist groups against innocent Israeli civilians, which involved murder, mutilation, and sexual violence, the international community must unequivocally unite against this evil, one-sided effort to delegitimize Israel. Instead of proposing biased and counter-productive initiatives, which will do nothing to advance a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the international community must focus its energy and resources on ensuring Hamas and other terrorist groups are completely destroyed. We must remain firm to ensure every single hostage held by these terrorists is safely returned to their loved ones.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Ricketts and Rubio, the statement was also joined by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY),Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jim Risch (R-ID), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Hoeven (R-ND), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), J.D. Vance (R-OH), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Josh Hawley (R-MO), James Lankford (R-OK), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Braun (R-IN), John Thune (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-ricketts-fischer-backed-bill-to-make-catch-and-release-data-public/", "Senate Passes Ricketts, Fischer-Backed Bill to Make Catch-and-Release Data Public", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "September 18, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statements after their Southern Border Transparency Act passed the Senate unanimously last night. The bill would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide accurate reports on migrant encounters and releases into the United States along with their country origin.\n\n\u201cThe American people deserve to know the truth about the border crisis,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThe Biden-Harris administration has refused to be transparent about their flagrant abuse of the parole program. This bill will hold them accountable for the millions of illegal aliens they\u2019ve released into the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris administration has tried to hide their immigration failures by abusing immigration programs and outright lying,\u201d said Fischer. \u201cAs bad as the border situation is, we still don\u2019t have a full accounting of how many migrants this administration has imported into our country. This bill will force them to tell the truth.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris administration has gone to great lengths to hide the ball when it comes to levels of illegal immigration, but the American people deserve to know exactly how many migrants are being released into the country and exactly on what terms,\u201d said Cornyn. \u201cThis is the most basic of transparency measures \u2013 just the facts, that\u2019s all we\u2019re looking for.\u201d\n\nThis legislation is also cosponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), James Lankford (R-OK), Ted Budd (R-NC), Todd Young (R-IN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Marshall (R-KS), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Katie Britt (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration has implemented policies to manage the influx of migrants at the border, including funneling them into \u201cparole\u201d or unlawful release programs. These programs include the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan parole program, an expanded American Minors program that now includes adults, and the widespread use of parole at Ports of Entry (POEs). These migrants can get work authorization, but there is limited information on whether they can stay or leave the United States.\n\nThe Southern Border Transparency Act would require DHS to fully report on how it is handling migrants encountered at the border. This would include migrant parole numbers, migrant apprehensions, parole petitions, and release information.\n\nLast year, the Biden-Harris administration created programs allowing thousands of migrants to enter the United States annually. One allows migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to legally remain the U.S. for two years and offers work authorizations to up to 360,000 people a year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-ricketts-responds-to-second-trump-assassination-attempt-settle-our-disagreements-with-ballots-not-bullets/", "VIDEO: Ricketts Responds to Second Trump Assassination Attempt: \u201cSettle Our Disagreements with Ballots, Not Bullets\u201d", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "September 18, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) responded to the second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump in as many months. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.\n\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve said repeatedly, political violence is anti-American,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cAny attempted political assassination is an attack against our very values. It\u2019s an attack on our republic. In our great country, we settle our disagreements with ballots, not bullets. We need to make sure it always stays that way.\u201d\n\nRicketts criticized the Secret Service for repeatedly refusing to answer questions about the assassination attempts. He called for a complete, swift, and transparent investigation.\n\n\u201cAny information gathered about either attempt must also be shared with the American people as soon as possible,\u201d Ricketts closed. \u201cEvery Nebraskan and Americans across the country should be confident that all presidential nominees will be protected equally. I\u2019ll do all I can to make sure the Secret Service follows through.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cOn Sunday, our country faced the second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump in just as many months.\n\n\u201cFirst, I\u2019m incredibly grateful for President Trump\u2019s safety.\n\n\u201cI also appreciate the law enforcement officers who quickly apprehended the suspect.\n\n\u201cAs I\u2019ve said repeatedly, political violence is anti-American.\n\n\u201cAn attempted political assassination is an attack against our very values.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s an attack on our republic.\n\n\u201cIn our great country, we settle our disagreements with ballots, not bullets.\n\n\u201cWe need to make sure it always stays that way.\n\n\u201cAs U.S. Senator, I\u2019m demanding a complete, swift, and transparent investigation into the assassination attempts.\n\n\u201cWe still haven\u2019t gotten clarity on the first assassination attempt!\n\n\u201cIn fact, the Secret Service has repeatedly refused to answer simple, specific, direct questions.\n\n\u201cAny information gathered about either attempt must also be shared with the American people as soon as possible.\n\n\u201cEvery Nebraskan and Americans across the country should be confident that all presidential nominees will be protected equally.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ll do all I can to make sure the Secret Service follows through.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ll say one more thing: Democrats need to stop the violent rhetoric they\u2019ve used against Donald Trump.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden said: \u2018it\u2019s time to put Trump in a bullseye.\u2019\n\n\u201cHe also called Donald Trump the \u2018one existential threat\u2019 our country faces.\n\n\u201cKamala Harris once joked about killing Trump or a member of his Cabinet.\n\n\u201cThis rhetoric has no place in America. Each of us should condemn it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=B1B0451C-85A7-46B1-BDE6-431F6F87E3C7", "Fischer Supports IVF, Not Democratic Show Votes", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) issued the following statement in response to the Democrats\u2019 in vitro fertilization (IVF) show vote:\n\n\u201cI unequivocally support IVF, but today\u2019s exercise was political theater disguised as legislating. Nothing has changed since last time the Democrats\u2019 bill failed\u2014IVF is legal and accessible in Nebraska and every other state in this country,\u201d said Senator Fischer. \u201cThis bill is a dishonest attempt to paint Republicans as anti-IVF ahead of the November elections,\u201d she continued.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/9/fischer-supports-ivf-not-democratic-show-votes", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F560B82C-43A1-4C5E-A6D3-E301551B7D20", "Fischer Joins \u201cMornings With Maria\u201d To Discuss Assassination Attempt Against President Trump, Vice President Harris\u2019 Policy Flip-Flops", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business today to discuss the second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump in just over two months. Senator Fischer condemned Vice President Kamala Harris\u2019 incendiary rhetoric against President Trump and called for tighter security around the former president.\n\nSenator Fischer also discussed securing America\u2019s elections through the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act and Vice President Harris\u2019 backtrack on a fracking ban.\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video\n\nOn Vice President Harris\u2019 Policy Flip-Flops:\n\n\u201cI think it\u2019s very plain that Vice President Harris has always been in favor of banning fracking. That was her position when she was a United States Senator. If you recall, she has the most liberal voting record during her time in the Senate. She was very clear on that during the debates when she ran for president, that she would ban fracking. She didn't back away from that.\n\n\u201cShe\u2019s not listening to anybody in Pennsylvania on it, like the Governor of Pennsylvania said. What she\u2019s listening to are the polls, and that\u2019s why she flip-flops on every single issue. Whether it\u2019s fracking, whether it\u2019s EVs, whether it\u2019s government-run health insurance, she\u2019s backed away from that. She wants to defund the police, she backs away from that.\n\n\u201cSo, she just is trying to get elected and fool the American people, and that just isn\u2019t going to happen.\u201d\n\nOn Mainstream Media\u2019s Failure to Hold Vice President Harris Accountable:\n\n\u201cBut the issue is, Maria, the mainstream media. They don\u2019t pressure her. She doesn\u2019t speak to them, she doesn\u2019t give interviews.\n\n\u201cBut when she did have a debate, it was never followed up by the moderators of that debate, just where she really, really stood on issues. They let her get away with a lot of stuff.\u201d\n\nOn Protecting President Trump from Further Assassination Attempts:\n\n\u201cWell, first of all, we have to get to the root of the problem. And we haven\u2019t seen that investigation yet from the first attempt on the president\u2019s life. We have to make sure that he does have the security that he needs.\n\n\u201cHe is a candidate for president. He is a former president, and it really bears investigating how these attempts\u2014in 64 days, two attempts\u2014can happen on his life. To be able to protect a person who is trying to run again, trying to be elected as president, is extremely important. And we need to make sure that he has the protection that he needs.\u201d\n\nOn Democrats\u2019 Incendiary Rhetoric:\n\n\u201cHe does need more protection, especially when we see folks on the other side of the aisle. For example, the vice president, in the debate, made the comment about how President Trump is a threat to democracy\u2014the biggest threat to democracy since the Civil War.\n\n\u201cWhat kind of rhetoric is that, for anyone, but especially for the sitting Vice President, to attack a person like that and increase the threat to his safety?\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got to tone down this rhetoric and make sure, as I said again, we\u2019ve got to tone it down. We\u2019ve got to make sure that he has the protection that he needs, right?\u201d\n\nOn Securing America\u2019s Elections:\n\n\u201cYou know, it\u2019s just common sense. We need to vote on the SAVE Act. How can anybody be against that? It is the law that only citizens vote in this country. So, we should have to be able to show that we\u2019re a citizen of this country in order to vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-reminds-students-about-upcoming-u-s-military-service-academy-nominations-deadline/", "Ricketts Reminds\u00a0Students\u00a0about Upcoming\u00a0U.S.\u00a0Military Service Academy Nominations\u00a0Deadline", "2024-09-16", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "September 16, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) is reminding students of the approaching United State Military Service Academy Nominations deadline of October 15th Nominations from a Congressional representative are required for the United States Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Military Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy.\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s Service Academies push students to achieve excellence, embrace the values of leadership and service, and contribute to the defense of our nation,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cI\u2019m proud to honor Nebraska\u2019s tradition of military service by nominating talented Nebraskans to attend. I encourage all eligible candidates to apply to our nation\u2019s prestigious Service Academies before the deadline of October 15.\u201d\n\nCandidates interested in receiving a Service Academy Nomination should take the following steps to submit a complete application prior to Tuesday, October 15, 2024.\n\nSet up an account to complete an application here.\n\nComplete the questionnaire portion of the application.\n\nSubmit reference materials including ACT/SAT scores, high school transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and proof of application to your selected service academy/academies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=5091BCD4-9CDA-465C-8825-76F3E1226E0F", "Fischer Recaps Nebraska Travels on Senate Floor", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "During a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb) recapped her travels across Nebraska during the August work period.\n\nIn her remarks, Fischer celebrated the work Nebraskans are doing in their local communities. She discussed her visits to schools where educators are training our next generation, hospitals and healthcare facilities where medical teams are fighting to save lives, and law enforcement departments where officers and sheriffs are keeping Nebraskans safe.\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=60633A67-A736-4BCA-BAE2-FD6268AF6452", "House Passes Fischer-Backed Bill Protecting American Sovereignty Against World Health Organization", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, cosponsored the Senate version of the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday by a bipartisan vote of 219-199.\n\nThe bill would protect American sovereignty against the World Health Organization\u2019s (WHO) intergovernmental negotiating body. It would require that any convention or agreement by the negotiating body related to pandemic prevention or response is deemed a treaty. A treaty requires the advice and consent of a supermajority of the Senate.\n\n\u201cThe American people never agreed to be governed by an intergovernmental body headquartered an ocean away\u2014so we must protect America\u2019s sovereignty against overreach by the World Health Organization. Our legislation will prevent future attempts by WHO to unilaterally determine what our country can and cannot do during a pandemic,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nSenator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) led the introduction of the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act in the Senate, and U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) led its introduction in the House of Representatives. In addition to Senators Fischer and Johnson, the legislation is cosponsored by all 47 of their Republican colleagues.\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be viewed here.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/9/house-passes-fischer-backed-bill-protecting-american-sovereignty-against-world-health-organization", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=C878875C-CE16-44A8-B4C2-0AEDF2A5A5E7", "House Passes Fischer-Backed Legislation to Protect American Agriculture", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, cosponsored the Senate version of the bicameral, bipartisan Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 269-149 yesterday.\n\nThe Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 will make the Secretary of Agriculture a permanent member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The Secretary\u2019s inclusion in the committee adds another layer of scrutiny onto foreign acquisitions of U.S. farmland and agricultural businesses.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation will also flag farmland purchases by foreign adversaries like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran for CFIUS. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), over 43.4 million acres of U.S. agricultural land are foreign-owned.\n\n\u201cAllowing our adversaries to have any form of control over our food supply is a dangerous game, and one we should never play. Our commonsense legislation will protect America\u2019s interests by ensuring that any foreign investments in the agricultural sector are thoroughly vetted,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nSenator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) led the introduction of the bill in the U.S. Senate, and U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) led the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition to Senators Fischer and Braun, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).\n\nThe full text of the legislation can be viewed here.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 would:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=87C357D0-F940-4A4D-94D5-F8A59BCBD974", "Fischer Commends Nebraska Reservoirs Legislation at Senate Hearing", "2024-09-11", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "At a hearing today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) pushed for her Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Conveyances Act, which would give Nebraskans more control over their communities by transferring reservoir land from the federal government to local counties. The hearing was held by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee\u2019s Water and Power Subcommittee. Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on a companion bill introduced by U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03).\n\nSenator Fischer and Representative Smith introduced this legislation at the request of Swanson and Red Willow residents and Hitchcock and Frontier County commissioners. If passed, the legislation will transfer the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) Swanson Reservoir land to Hitchcock County and the BoR Red Willow Reservoir land to Frontier County. The Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Conveyances Act is cosponsored by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).\n\n\u201cSwanson and Red Willow residents want to enjoy local reservoirs and preserve local small businesses. But to keep doing that, they need control over their communities and the land around them. My bill will do that by transferring land from the federal government to Hitchcock and Frontier Counties. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and the House to pass this legislation,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cThis bill is very important to residents of the Swanson and Red Willow reservoirs. Our delegation has acted quickly to find a solution that worked for the community, protected homes, and supported local businesses. This week\u2019s hearings bring us one step closer to passage of this legislation in both the House and Senate,\u201d said Senator Ricketts.\n\n\u201cThis week\u2019s hearings are a significant step forward after years of hard work by community members, Hitchcock and Frontier County leaders, and our delegation to find a solution for the reservoir communities. I am pleased to see this progress made to ensure the communities are not harmed by arbitrary bureaucratic decisions and local economies can thrive. I appreciate Sen. Fischer\u2019s work to advance companion legislation in the Senate, and I will continue fighting for appropriate local control as the legislative process continues,\u201d said Rep. Smith.\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-the-federal-government-needs-leaders-that-will-keep-americans-safe-2/", "Ricketts: \u201cThe Federal Government Needs Leaders That Will Keep Americans Safe\u201d", "2024-09-11", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "September 11, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) paid tribute to the 2,996 people who were killed on September 11th, 2001. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.\n\n\u201cThe Americans we lost on 9/11 were mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, daughters and sons,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cMany were heroes who risked their lives to save others. Each year on Patriot\u2019s Day, we recommit as a nation to honoring their memories. It is also a sobering reminder of the dangers Americans continue to face at home and around the world.\u201d\n\nRicketts criticized the Biden-Harris administration for policies that make Americans less safe at home and project weakness abroad. Instead, America needs a policy of peace through strength.\n\n\u201cThe federal government\u2019s most fundamental responsibility is to keep the American people safe,\u201d Ricketts closed. \u201cInstead, we\u2019ve seen three years of open border policies and an appeasement-first foreign policy. It\u2019s created a national security catastrophe at our southern border and emboldened our adversaries around the world. Today, we must recommit to do better. The federal government needs leaders that will keep Americans safe.\u201d\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cToday marks 23 years since radical Islamic terrorists murdered nearly 3,000 Americans on September 11th.\n\n\u201cThe Americans we lost on 9/11 were mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, daughters and sons. Many were heroes who risked their lives to save others.\n\n\u201cEach year on Patriot\u2019s Day, we recommit as a nation to honoring their memories.\n\n\u201cIt is also a sobering reminder of the dangers Americans continue to face at home and around the world.\n\n\u201cIn the past year, we\u2019ve been reminded of that all too many times.\n\n\u201cHamas\u2019 October 7th attack on Israel killed 1,195 innocent women and men, including over 40 Americans.\n\n\u201cHamas also took over 200 people hostage. 11 months later, at least 97 people, including 7 Americans, have yet to be returned. We fear many of them have already been killed.\n\n\u201cSadly, those who wish to do us harm aren\u2019t just overseas.\n\n\u201cWhen asked last year about the terrorist threats facing us at home, the FBI Director said: \u201cI see blinking lights everywhere.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris administration\u2019s open borders policy and appeasement-first approach to foreign policy has left us less safe.\n\n\u201cLast Fiscal Year, there were 169 encounters with individuals on the terror watchlist at the Southern border between ports of entry.\n\n\u201cUnder President Trump, that annual number was repeatedly in the single digits.\n\n\u201cWhile these individuals were not granted entry, we\u2019ve repeatedly seen others with ties to radical terror groups slip through the cracks.\n\n\u201cLast year, a man on the terrorist watch list from Afghanistan was released by Border Patrol after crossing our border illegally.\n\n\u201cAfter spending nearly a year roaming around the U.S. freely, he was arrested this past April.\n\n\u201cHe was released again after the Biden-Harris administration failed to tell the judge in his case about his ties to terrorism. Only to be arrested again 24 hours later when media reported about his second release.\n\n\u201cThe incompetence doesn\u2019t end there.\n\n\u201cIn June of this year, 8 foreign nationals with ties to ISIS were arrested because of concerns they were plotting a terrorist attack on U.S. soil.\n\n\u201cThe men from Tajikistan illegally crossed our southern border, then applied for asylum. Under the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s abuse of parole, they were released into the U.S.\n\n\u201cThe federal government\u2019s most fundamental responsibility is to keep the American people safe.\n\n\u201cInstead, we\u2019ve seen three years of open border policies and an appeasement-first foreign policy that\u2019s created a national security catastrophe at our southern border and emboldened our adversaries around the world.\n\n\u201cToday, we must recommit to do better. The federal government needs leaders that will keep Americans safe.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=8E11BEF8-E37C-4FE4-9725-6E2CB1F9D16F", "Nebraska Delegation Echoes Governor\u2019s Request for Major Disaster Declaration Following Summer Storms", "2024-09-05", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) sent a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Governor Jim Pillen\u2019s (R-Neb.) request for a major disaster declaration for areas impacted by severe storms from July 31 to August 1, 2024.\n\nDuring that time period, severe thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy rain caused extensive damage across the state. Overall, the storms inflicted over $34.6 million in damage to public infrastructure in impacted counties.\n\nSpecifically, Governor Pillen\u2019s request follows storms that affected Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Saunders, and Sarpy counties.\n\nA copy of the delegation\u2019s letter to President Biden is below and a signed copy is available here.\n\nPresident Joe Biden\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write in support of Governor Jim Pillen's request for a major disaster declaration, which followed the storms occurring on July 31 and August 1, 2024, for the Nebraska counties of Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Saunders, and Sarpy.\n\nSevere thunderstorms, straight-line winds, and heavy rain caused extensive damage across the state. Overall, the storms inflicted over $34.6 million in damages to Nebraska's electrical distribution infrastructure, businesses, and homes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-slams-clear-disconnect-across-the-biden-administration-on-ukraine-policy/", "Ricketts Slams \u201cClear Disconnect Across the Biden Administration\u201d on Ukraine Policy", "2024-09-05", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "September 4, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, slammed the \u201cclear disconnect across the Biden administration\u201d on Ukraine policy following public comments that conflicted with testimony given to Ricketts during a Subcommittee hearing.\n\nAt a Subcommittee hearing in July, James C. O\u2019Brien, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, said fears of Russian escalation had nothing to do with the administration\u2019s decision to limit weapons available to Ukraine. Since then, public comments from Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh and National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby have contradicted O\u2019Brien\u2019s testimony. Ricketts\u2019 letter was also sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.\n\n\u201cEscalation fears should not form the foundation of our efforts to defend our allies and partners,\u201dwrote Ricketts in the letter. \u201cNeither should the false hope of normalizing future relations with autocratic dictators who have proven they will never share our values or act responsibly. Yet, from Russia, to Iran, to the People\u2019s Republic of China, fear and appeasement have defined this administration\u2019s policy.\u201d\n\n\u201cStill, this administration seems committed to repeating instead of learning from its mistakes over the past two and half years,\u201d closed Ricketts. \u201cIt appears determined to let fear of escalation preserve the status quo instead of allowing Ukraine the best path to victory. And, as its decision to send long-range missiles to Germany hypocritically illustrates, it expects Ukraine to fight this war in a manner that both the United States and our NATO allies would deem ineffective.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nSeptember 3, 2024\n\nThe Honorable James C. O\u2019Brien\n\nAssistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs\n\nU.S. Department of State\n\n2201 C Street, NW\n\nWashington DC, 20520\n\nDear Assistant Secretary O\u2019Brien,\n\nI write to express my profound frustration regarding the clear disconnect across the Biden administration concerning its continued prohibition on Ukraine\u2019s ability to strike military targets deep into Russian territory with U.S.-provided weaponry.\n\nOn July 30, you testified before the Senate Europe and Regional Security Cooperation Subcommittee on \u201cThe Future of Europe.\u201d At the hearing, you agreed that the Biden administration\u2019s decision to deploy future long-range missiles in Germany capable of threatening military targets deep into Russia strengthens NATO\u2019s defense posture by complicating Russian planning efforts. However, when I asked how the administration can defend this decision while simultaneously limiting Ukraine\u2019s ability to use ATACMS for the same purpose, you explained the discrepancy comes down to ensuring Ukraine utilizes weapons efficiently. You were clear that the administration\u2019s current limitation on Ukrainian long-range strikes has nothing to do with a fear of Russian escalation, despite President Biden\u2019s comments at the NATO summit indicating otherwise. In fact, you said, \u201cI know some people talk about escalation ladder concern. I have got to say, inside the government, the conversation is about where can these things be effective.\u201d\n\nIt has become clear this is not the case. At a press briefing on August 15, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh was similarly asked about the reasoning for the administration\u2019s restrictive policy. However, in her response, while initially echoing your answer regarding effectiveness, she also said, \u201cAnd of course, we\u2019re worried about escalation. So just because Russia hasn\u2019t responded to something doesn\u2019t mean that they can\u2019t or won\u2019t in the future. And that\u2019s something that the administration is always weighing.\u201d Similarly, on August 23, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby, when asked whether Ukraine\u2019s incursion into Kursk has changed considerations about escalation risks or so-called Russian red lines, responded, \u201cWe\u2019ve been watching escalation risks since the beginning of this conflict, and that ain\u2019t gonna change.\u201d\n\nEscalation fears should not form the foundation of our efforts to defend our allies and partners; neither should the false hope of normalizing future relations with autocratic dictators who have proven they will never share our values or act responsibly. Yet, from Russia, to Iran, to the People\u2019s Republic of China, fear and appeasement have defined this administration\u2019s policy. Since Russia\u2019s full-scale, illegal invasion, time and again, the Biden administration has argued against providing Ukraine some weapon or capability only to change course after months of public and congressional pressure. Even today, we have seen no dramatic escalation by Russia despite the Ukrainian military\u2019s ongoing operation inside Russian territory.\n\nStill, this administration seems committed to repeating instead of learning from its mistakes over the past two and half years. It appears determined to let fear of escalation preserve the status quo instead of allowing Ukraine the best path to victory. And, as its decision to send long-range missiles to Germany hypocritically illustrates, it expects Ukraine to fight this war in a manner that both the United States and our NATO allies would deem ineffective.\n\nI encourage you to urgently discuss reversing this short-sighted policy with your colleagues in the White House and across the interagency. Let\u2019s stop slow rolling this decision and give Ukraine the best opportunity to win.\n\nSincerely,\n\nPete Ricketts\n\nRanking Member\n\nSenate Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation\n\nCC: Secretary Antony Blinken\n\nDepartment of State", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:46:43Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-video-ricketts-first-ever-federal-issues-forum-highlighted-opportunities-challenges-facing-nebraska-agriculture/", "ICYMI: VIDEO: Ricketts\u2019 First-Ever Federal Issues Forum Highlighted Opportunities & Challenges Facing Nebraska Agriculture", "2024-08-30", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "GRAND ISLAND, NE \u2013 Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) hosted his first-ever Federal Issues Forum at the Nebraska State Fair.\n\n\u201cAgriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to the panelists who shared their expertise about the challenges and opportunities our agriculture industry is facing. I\u2019m committed to cutting regulation and getting our farmers and ranchers what they need to prosper for generations to come.\u201d\n\nWatch the full Federal Issues Forum here.\n\nMonday\u2019s event took place in the Raising Nebraska Building and included three panel discussions on Nebraska\u2019s agriculture industry. Panels at the forum included:\n\n\u201cEnvironmental Overregulation: A Conversation on Government Overreach, Electric Vehicles & More\u201d hosted By Senator Pete Ricketts. Panelists included Senator Shelley Moore-Capito (R-WV), the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, and Former EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.\n\n\u201cFood Security Is National Security: A Panel On The Importance Of Trade To The U.S.\u201d hosted by Congressman Adrian Smith. Panelists included Former USTR Chief Agriculture Negotiator Gregg Doud and Former United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture Ambassador Kip Tom\n\n\u201cNavigating The Process: A Panel On Agribusiness And The Federal Government\u201d hosted by Senator Pete Ricketts. Panelists included President-Elect of the National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association Buck Wehrbein, Sustainable Beef\u2019s Rusty Kemp, and KAPPA Ethanol\u2019s Chuck Woodside.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-coons-resolution-celebrates-the-73rd-anniversary-of-our-mutual-defense-treaty-with-the-philippines/", "Ricketts, Coons Resolution Celebrates the 73rd Anniversary of Our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines", "2024-08-30", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Christopher Coons (D-DE) announced a resolution celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the mutual defense treaty (MDT) between the United States and Philippines. The resolution reaffirms the United States\u2019 commitment to the defense of the Philippines under the MDT, particularly in the wake of persistent and escalating aggression by the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea. Ricketts and Coons are both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.\n\n\u201cFor 73 years, the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty has served as the foundation of our alliance and steadfast commitment to each other\u2019s security,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThis commitment is more important than ever given the PRC\u2019s increased harassment and intimidation of our allies and partners in the South China Sea. We must continue to send a clear message to Beijing that the United States stands with the Philippines and will act to retore deterrence and ensure our ally can defend itself.\u201d\n\n\u201cChinese harassment against Filipinos simply trying to uphold their territorial sovereignty threatens global trade and security and could result in wider conflict,\u201d said Coons. \u201cAs we celebrate the 73rd Anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Philippines alliance and pledge to stand with our Filipino partners in their efforts to defend their territorial sovereignty and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.\u201c\n\nThe resolution:\n\n1. Celebrates the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines and the longstanding alliance between our two nations;\n\n2. Appreciates the trust of the Philippine people in the bilateral alliance, and their support for increased defense cooperation and U.S. military presence in the Philippines;\n\n3. Acknowledges the determination of the Philippine people and their armed forces to resist PRC coercion;\n\n4. Condemns the PRC\u2019s persistent and unprovoked aggression in the South China Sea to enforce its unlawful territorial and sovereignty claims;\n\n5. Reaffirms that Article IV of the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on the Armed Forces, public vessels, or aircraft of the Philippines, including the Philippine Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea;\n\n6. Considers PRC aggression in the Philippines\u2019 internationally-recognized exclusive economic zone to be direct assaults on its sovereignty and territorial integrity;\n\n7. Urges the President to take appropriate and necessary actions in response to escalatory PRC behavior to restore deterrence and help the Philippines defend itself;\n\n8. Supports the unwavering commitment of the United States to deepening security cooperation with the Philippines, including advancing its defense modernization and enhancing interoperability through military exercises, training, joint patrols, and increased information sharing;\n\n9. Supports other nations growing their political and security partnerships with the Philippines;\n\n10. Commits to advance cooperation among the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia;\n\n11. Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, respecting maritime rights under international law, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=243674AD-5EE8-4475-BE02-23833762F246", "Fischer, Ricketts, Bacon, Flood and Smith Announce Activation of New Wing at Offutt", "2024-08-28", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and U.S. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Mike Flood (R-NE-01) and Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) announced that the U.S. Air Force intends to activate a new wing at Offutt Air Force Base, as part of the Air Force\u2019s reorganization effort to prepare for emerging security challenges faced by the United States.\n\nThis new organization will be designated the 95th Wing and will be a subordinate unit of the Air Force Global Strike Command. The mission of the 95th Wing will focus on strategic command and control and will be comprised of the 595th Command & Control Group (595 CACG) at Offutt AFB, NE; the (Air Force Reserve Command) 610th Command & Control Squadron (610 CACS) at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ; and the (Air National Guard) 253 Command & Control Group (253 CACG) at Wyoming ANGB, WY. With the establishment of the new wing, Offutt AFB is projected to gain an additional 70 personnel in the near term.\n\n\u201cIt speaks volumes that Offutt is the Air Force\u2019s installation of choice for the new 95th Wing. Nebraska is the center of gravity for nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) missions, and we are proud of our indispensable role in America\u2019s national defense,\u201d said Sen. Fischer.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s decision reinforces the critical role Offutt Air Force Base plays in ensuring a credible strategic deterrent against existing and emerging threats posed by adversaries like the PRC and Russia. I look forward to welcoming the women and men who will call Omaha, Nebraska home as part of this newly activated unit,\u201d said Sen. Ricketts.\n\n\u201cThis decision represents the culmination of years of work by the Air Force and the congressional defense committees to ensure the United States is fully prepared to deter and defeat any adversary who threatens our national security,\u201d said Rep. Bacon, member of the HASC Strategic Forces Subcommittee. \u201cOmaha Nebraska is the right location for this new capability, and we will be prepared to do everything necessary to ensure the success of these Airmen in defending the nation. Nuclear command and control is our competitive advantage and a natural mission for Offutt Air Force Base.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor a century, Offutt Air Force Base has been a pivotal part of our Armed Forces and their mission to protect the safety and security of America. The decision to activate the 95th Wing at Offutt is great news. This will not only add a mission to the base but will also continue to create more opportunities in Bellevue and the greater Omaha area. Thank you to the Air Force for their ongoing commitment to Offutt and Sarpy County, and we look forward to continuing to grow together in the years to come,\u201d said Rep. Flood.\n\n\u201cThis expansion of capabilities at Offutt affirms Nebraska\u2019s leadership in national security and air defense,\u201d said Rep. Smith. \u201cModern war technologies make defense readiness and command efficiencies more critical than ever before. The activation of the 95th Wing will serve to strengthen American military effectiveness and is aligned with the standout record of service in our state.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-vp-harris-is-lying-about-her-supposed-opposition-to-an-ev-mandate/", "Ricketts: \u201cVP Harris is Lying About Her Supposed Opposition to an EV Mandate\u201d", "2024-08-28", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "OMAHA, NE \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, issued the following statement after a spokesman for Vice President Harris claimed she \u201cdoes not support an electric vehicle mandate.\u201d\n\n\u201cVice President Harris is lying about her supposed opposition to an EV mandate. As Senator, she co-led the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, which would require all new car sales be zero emission vehicles by 2040. As a presidential candidate, she supported a bill to ban non-zero-emission vehicles by 2035. This sudden reversal just months before the election is a pathetic and transparent attempt to distance herself from the unpopular EV mandates already being pushed by the Biden-Harris EPA.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-congratulates-chief-justice-heavican-on-his-retirement/", "Ricketts Congratulates Chief Justice Heavican on His Retirement", "2024-08-22", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "August 22, 2024\n\nOMAHA, NE \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement after Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican announced he would retire, effective October 31st:\n\n\u201cFor decades, Chief Justice Heavican worked to uphold justice and to protect equality under the law. He gave everyone a fair shake and led on behalf of the entire Judiciary. The Nebraska Supreme Court and our state are better off because of his service. Congratulations, Chief Heavican!\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/media-advisory-ricketts-to-host-federal-spending-briefings-across-nebraska/", "MEDIA ADVISORY:\u00a0Ricketts\u00a0To Host Federal Spending Briefings Across Nebraska", "2024-08-16", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "August 16, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced he will be hosting a series of Federal Spending Briefings across the state of Nebraska in the coming weeks. These briefings will focus on Washington\u2019s wasteful spending habits and provide an opportunity for Nebraskans to engage in discussions on fiscal responsibility and government accountability.\n\nThe briefings are open to the public, but Nebraskans attending are encouraged to RSVP to Eric_Maher@ricketts.senate.gov. All times below are local.\n\n*** Media interested in attending must RSVP to Ian_Swanson@ricketts.senate.gov to receive detailed media guidance at a later date. ***\n\nTuesday, August 20, 2024\n\nGrand Island\n\nThe Chocolate Bar\n\n10:30 a.m.\n\n116 West 3rd Street\n\nGrand Island, NE 68801\n\nWednesday, August21, 2024\n\nScottsbluff/Gering\n\nLegacy of The Plains Museum\n\n9:30 a.m.\n\n2930 Old Oregon Trail\n\nGering, NE 69361\n\nNorth Platte\n\nNebraskaLand Bank\n\n1:30 p.m.\n\n1400 South Dewey Street\n\nNorth Platte, NE 69101\n\nMonday, August 26, 2024\n\nKearney\n\nKearney Public Library\n\n4:00 p.m.\n\n2020 1st Avenue\n\nKearney, NE 68847\n\nTuesday, September 3, 2024\n\nWahoo\n\nThe Shed\n\n9:30 a.m.\n\n570 North Elm Street\n\nWahoo, NE 68066\n\nBeatrice\n\n402 Sports Bar and Grill\n\n1:00 p.m.\n\n2317 North 6th Street\n\nBeatrice, NE 68310\n\nNebraska City\n\nValentino\u2019s Grand Italian Buffet\n\n3:00 p.m.\n\n1710 South 11th Street\n\nNebraska City, NE 68410\n\nPlattsmouth\n\nFirst State Bank Nebraska\n\n4:30 p.m.\n\n446 Main Street\n\nPlattsmouth, NE 68048", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=3E244E02-7292-4300-BB7B-39F34679F108", "Fischer & Ricketts Join Bipartisan Effort to Modernize Process for Disclosing Foreign-Owned Land", "2024-08-13", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) joined a bipartisan effort urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modernize and improve the accuracy of its foreign land ownership disclosure process. In the letter, the senators note alleged inaccuracies in information publicly posted by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the problems that arise when this information is inaccurate.\n\n\u201cThe current practice of manual data entry, including the re-typing of paper-filed reports into FSA systems, can lead to the publication of problematic and inaccurate information,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re told there have been instances where energy developers have been incorrectly identified as having ownership interests from sanctioned nations, when in reality the investment originates from U.S. allies. If true, such errors not only create confusion but also undermine the credibility of the data published by the FSA.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Fischer and Ricketts, other signatories include Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).\n\nRead the full letter here or below:\n\nDear Secretary Vilsack,\n\nAugust 12, 2024\n\nWe write regarding alleged inaccuracies in information publicly posted by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) on its website, specifically related to disclosures made under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) Reports (FSA\u2013153s).\n\nThe Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 mandated the establishment of a streamlined process for electronic submission and retention of AFIDA disclosures, including an internet database. At the beginning of the year, the Government Accountability Office also recommended the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) analyze its ability to create an AFIDA online submission system and public database within its expected budget. However, we are concerned about the accuracy of information contained in these disclosures, which are still completed by hand on physical paper.\n\nThe current practice of manual data entry, including the re-typing of paper-filed reports into FSA systems, can lead to the publication of problematic and inaccurate information. We\u2019re told there have been instances where energy developers have been incorrectly identified as having ownership interests from sanctioned nations, when in reality the investment originates from U.S. allies. If true, such errors not only create confusion but also undermine the credibility of the data published by the FSA.\n\nWith these specific concerns in mind, we have the following questions:\n\nWhat measures is USDA taking to identify and correct inaccuracies in the publicly accessible database of AFIDA reports under current (i.e., handwritten submissions) submission requirements?\n\nHow frequently is the FSA reviewing the information posted on its website for accuracy?\n\nWhat process does the FSA have in place for stakeholders to report inaccuracies in the published information, and how are these reports addressed?\n\nAre there plans to improve the accuracy of data entry to prevent future inaccuracies?\n\nWhat further direction from Congress\u2014as specifically as possible\u2014would the FSA need to transition to an online submission system?\n\nAre there opportunities for the online system to save the FSA staffing resources in the long-run?\n\nWe believe it is essential for the USDA to ensure that the information published on its website is accurate and reliable. Inaccurate information can have significant implications for various stakeholders and erodes public trust in the integrity of the reporting process. We hope to work with you to modernize FSA operations.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/8/fischer-ricketts-join-bipartisan-effort-to-modernize-process-for-disclosing-foreign-owned-land", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-fischer-join-bipartisan-effort-to-modernize-process-for-disclosing-foreign-owned-land/", "Ricketts & Fischer Join Bipartisan Effort to Modernize Process for Disclosing Foreign-Owned Land", "2024-08-13", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "August 13, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) joined a bipartisan effort urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modernize and improve the accuracy of its foreign land ownership disclosure process. In the letter, the senators note alleged inaccuracies in information publicly posted by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the problems that arise when this information is inaccurate.\n\n\u201cThe current practice of manual data entry, including the re-typing of paper-filed reports into FSA systems, can lead to the publication of problematic and inaccurate information,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cWe\u2019re told there have been instances where energy developers have been incorrectly identified as having ownership interests from sanctioned nations, when in reality the investment originates from U.S. allies. If true, such errors not only create confusion but also undermine the credibility of the data published by the FSA.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Ricketts and Fischer, other signatories include Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Braun (R-IN), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).\n\nRead the full letter here or below:\n\nDear Secretary Vilsack,\n\nAugust 12, 2024\n\nWe write regarding alleged inaccuracies in information publicly posted by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) on its website, specifically related to disclosures made under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) Reports (FSA\u2013153s).\n\nThe Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 mandated the establishment of a streamlined process for electronic submission and retention of AFIDA disclosures, including an internet database. At the beginning of the year, the Government Accountability Office also recommended the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) analyze its ability to create an AFIDA online submission system and public database within its expected budget. However, we are concerned about the accuracy of information contained in these disclosures, which are still completed by hand on physical paper.\n\nThe current practice of manual data entry, including the re-typing of paper-filed reports into FSA systems, can lead to the publication of problematic and inaccurate information. We\u2019re told there have been instances where energy developers have been incorrectly identified as having ownership interests from sanctioned nations, when in reality the investment originates from U.S. allies. If true, such errors not only create confusion but also undermine the credibility of the data published by the FSA.\n\nWith these specific concerns in mind, we have the following questions:\n\n\u00b7 What measures is USDA taking to identify and correct inaccuracies in the publicly accessible database of AFIDA reports under current (i.e., handwritten submissions) submission requirements?\n\n\u00b7 How frequently is the FSA reviewing the information posted on its website for accuracy?\n\n\u00b7 What process does the FSA have in place for stakeholders to report inaccuracies in the\n\npublished information, and how are these reports addressed?\n\n\u00b7 Are there plans to improve the accuracy of data entry to prevent future inaccuracies?\n\n\u00b7 What further direction from Congress\u2014as specifically as possible\u2014would the FSA need\n\nto transition to an online submission system?\n\n\u00b7 Are there opportunities for the online system to save the FSA staffing resources in the\n\nlong-run?\n\nWe believe it is essential for the USDA to ensure that the information published on its website is accurate and reliable. Inaccurate information can have significant implications for various stakeholders and erodes public trust in the integrity of the reporting process. We hope to work with you to modernize FSA operations.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=E9236C36-7169-4493-8404-6F46AE8DF2A7", "Fischer Secures $384 Million for Key Defense Programs", "2024-08-07", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill Secures Funding for STRATCOM Projects and Other National Security Priorities\n\nU.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured over $384 million for key U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), 55th Wing, 557th Weather Wing, and other national security priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Defense Appropriations Bill.\n\nThe legislation, which must still be reconciled with legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and voted upon by the U.S. Senate, was unanimously approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u201cThis legislation will provide funding for our military and help us stay prepared for any future conflicts. In a world where global threats are constantly evolving, we need to modernize our forces and leverage cutting-edge technologies to stay ahead. Nebraska is at the forefront of that mission,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\nProvisions secured by Senator Fischer in the funding legislation include:\n\n$252 million in research funding for the development of a nuclear-armed, submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM)\n\n$10 million for STRATCOM\u2019s NC3 Enterprise Center\u2019s network sensor demonstration\n\n$10 million for STRATCOM\u2019s NC3 Enterprise Center\u2019s rapid engineering architecture collaboration hub (REACH) program\n\n$7.5 million for research on the development of Mark 41 Vertical Launching System\u2019s hatches\n\n$1 million in research funding for a test range for Department of Defense cyber programs\n\n$2 million in research funding for improving the Weather Wing\u2019s sensing and modeling capabilities in the stratosphere\n\n$4 million in research funding for the Weather Wing\u2019s flood mapping and forecasting tool\n\n$19.1 million for RC-135 sensor modernization\n\n$3 million in research funding for onshoring a niobium mine-to-oxide supply chain for aerospace critical superalloys\n\n$2.5 million in research funding for shaping metallic surfaces for thermal system management\n\n$1.5 million in research funding for advanced energetics\n\n$2.5 million in research funding for enhancing musculoskeletal performance (specifically in cold weather)\n\n$1 million in research funding for the Weather Wing\u2019s data migration\n\n$3 million in research funding to help the Department of Defense prepare for potential extreme health crises\n\n$15 million for the Joint Civilian-Military Medical Surge Pilot Program\n\nAn increase of $47.5 million for collaborative defense technology projects with Israel", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=FC9279B8-295E-43B4-9A3F-36BC0CC2B90B", "Fischer Advances Over $4 Million for Nebraska Law Enforcement Projects", "2024-08-07", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, securedover $4 millionforcritical Nebraska safety priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations (CJS) Act. All of Senator Fischer\u2019s Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) project proposals to support Nebraska law enforcement and first responders received funding in the Senate\u2019s FY25 CJS bill.\n\nThe bill, which must still be votedon by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, was unanimously approved by the Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u201cLaw enforcement and first responders are critical for our safety and wellbeing, especially during life-threatening emergencies. Securing this funding for five key projects to upgrade equipment and support front line personnel will enable these communities across the state to improve communications technologies, coordinate efforts to confront crime and drug trafficking, and continue to protect Nebraskans,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\nThe Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Act funds critical law enforcement and emergency needs to keep our communities, law enforcement officers, and other first responders safe.\n\nFunding projects secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:\n\nOmaha Police Department Public Safety Equipment\n\nProject Description:Upgrades public safety radio communications equipment.\n\nProject Location: Omaha\n\nAppropriated Amount:$1,750,000\n\nLancaster County Sheriff\u2019s Office Body Cameras\n\nProject Description:Acquires body-worn cameras.Project Location: Lancaster CountyAppropriated Amount:$1,091,000\n\nSoutheast Communications 911 Center Equipment Upgrades\n\nProject Description:Upgrades emergency communications equipment.\n\nProject Location: Beatrice\n\nAppropriated Amount:$782,000\n\nMinden Police Department Communications and Radio Update\n\nProject Description:Upgrades radio communications equipment.\n\nProject Location: Minden\n\nAppropriated Amount:$292,000\n\nWestern Nebraska Intelligence and Narcotics Groups\n\nProject Description:Supports a drug and violent crime multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force.\n\nProject Location: Scotts Bluff County\n\nAppropriated Amount:$150,000\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/8/fischer-advances-over-4-million-for-nebraska-law-enforcement-projects", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-blackburn-21-gop-colleagues-demand-ncaa-protect-womens-sports/", "Ricketts, Blackburn, 21 GOP Colleagues Demand NCAA Protect Women\u2019s Sports", "2024-08-07", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "August 7, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and 21 other GOP colleagues urged National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President Charlie Baker to update their student-athlete policy to ensure only biologically female students can participate in women\u2019s sports.\n\n\u201cAmid the Biden\u2014Harris administration\u2019s unprecedented assault on Title IX, we write to urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to update your student-athlete participation policy to require that only biologically female students participate in women\u2019s sports,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cThe 2024 Summer Olympics are upon us, and the NCAA has boasted about its athletes\u2019 participation. Yet the NCAA has still taken no steps to protecting a critical portion of these athletes.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe science is clear. Males have inherent athletic advantages over females due to their anatomy and biology\u2014including through having larger hearts, higher red blood count, greater lung capacity, longer endurance, larger muscle mass, differences in bone density and geometry, and lower body fat,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cConsistently, when adult males\u2019 athletic performance is contrasted with adult females\u2019 athletic performance in sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males dominate, outperforming females by 10 to 30 percent.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Ricketts and Blackburn, other signatories include Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Katie Britt (R-AL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), James Lankford (R-OK), John Thune (R-SD), James Risch (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ted Budd (R-NC), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Braun (R-IN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Marshall (R-KS), andRick Scott (R-FL).\n\nRead the full letter here or below:\n\nDear President Baker:\n\nAmid the Biden\u2014Harris administration\u2019s unprecedented assault on Title IX, we write to urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to update your student-athlete participation policy to require that only biologically female students participate in women\u2019s sports. The 2024 Summer Olympics are upon us, and the NCAA has boasted about its athletes\u2019 participation. Yet the NCAA has still taken no steps to protecting a critical portion of these athletes. Several organizations\u2014including the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Court of Arbitration for Sport\u2014in addition to more than 20 states, have acted recently to protect women\u2019s sports. We urge the NCAA to follow suit and take similar action to promote fair play.\n\nThe science is clear. Males have inherent athletic advantages over females due to their anatomy and biology\u2014including through having larger hearts, higher red blood count, greater lung capacity, longer endurance, larger muscle mass, differences in bone density and geometry, and lower body fat. Consistently, when adult males\u2019 athletic performance is contrasted with adult females\u2019 athletic performance in sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males dominate, outperforming females by 10 to 30 percent.\n\nNotably, similar trends are seen among trans-identifying athletes undergoing treatment, such as hormone therapy. When examining the effects of hormone therapy, studies show that muscular strength of men can be well preserved, even after three years on such a regimen. Moreover, data shows that estrogen therapy does not reverse the majority of athletic performance parameters, and biological males continue to have innate advantages. Regardless of whether a trans-identifying athlete is receiving treatment, dominance over women is still clearly visible. This reality is reflected in the international anti-doping community\u2019s stance on testosterone supplementation. According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency, \u201ctestosterone is prohibited in sport at all times.\u201d This is because there is an understanding that male hormones give athletes a material and competitive advantage in sports. To allow biological men to compete in women\u2019s sports, while considering testosterone a performance enhancer, is intellectually dishonest. These facts cannot continue to be ignored by the NCAA.\n\nOther athletics associations are beginning to recognize this scientific fact. In April of this year, the NAIA Council of Presidents unanimously approved a new policy prohibiting the participation of males in women\u2019s sports. Similarly, in June of this year, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Lia Thomas lacked standing to challenge World Aquatic\u2019s policy barring Thomas from competing in the women\u2019s category for the Olympics. These decisions are rooted in the fundamental knowledge that\u2014while each individual should have access to sports\u2014men and women have biological differences that must be respected.\n\nWhile men may have inherent athletic advantages, they have no advantage over women in their level of passion, drive, or desire to compete. The very bedrock of sport is the exhibition of a commitment to excellence, grace under pressure, and fair play among competitors\u2014all of which is threatened absent an even playing field. Women deserve that even playing field and chance to compete, one that can only be achieved by ensuring that only females compete in women\u2019s sports. We urge you to follow the lead of the NAIA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport and adopt policies that protect women\u2019s sports.\n\nWe look forward to working with you to support girls and women in sports.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-praises-pesticide-petition-by-attorneys-general-hilgers-bird/", "Ricketts Praises Pesticide Petition by Attorneys General Hilgers & Bird", "2024-08-07", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "August 7, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued the following statement praising the announcement from Attorneys General Mike Hilgers of Nebraska and Brenna Bird of Iowa that the states are leading a petition to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the regulation of commonly-used pesticides:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=3E44AF8B-A595-4CF5-AC11-2617C5634981", "Fischer Advances $4 Million for Nebraska Water Resource Improvement Projects", "2024-08-02", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill Secures Funding for Flood Control and Water Resource Projects in Nebraska\n\nU.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, yesterday secured over $2 million for critical Nebraska water priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act.\n\nThe bill, which must still be voted on by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, was unanimously approved yesterday by the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u201cOur water infrastructure keeps our communities safe, healthy, and thriving. These appropriations will maintain and modernize those systems so Nebraska is prepared for any extreme weather that comes our way,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\nThe Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act funds critical water projects that help communities become more resilient in the face of extreme weather events. It makes crucial investments in irrigation and flood control projects across the country.\n\nFunding projects secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska are listed below:\n\nFort Laramie Canal Tunnel Restoration\n\nProject Description: This funding will go towards permanent repairs at the Gering-Fort Laramie irrigation tunnel following its collapse in 2019.\n\nAppropriated Amount: $2,300,000\n\nHarlan County Dredge Equipment\n\nProject Description: This new dredge equipment will allow recreational access and maintain cove access to the Harlan County Lake.\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,700,000\n\nOffutt Ditch Pump Station\n\nProject Description: This study is for a vital pump station that will collect runoff to allow for landside protection of levees and reduce flood risk.\n\nAppropriated Amount: $300,000\n\nLower Missouri Basin-Nemaha and Atchison Counties Feasibility Study\n\nProject Description: This study will develop flood risk reduction measures.\n\nAppropriated Amount: $600,000\n\nPapillion Creek Basin\n\nProject Description: This study will identify projects to reduce flood risk along the Papillion Creek.\n\nAppropriated Amount: $15,000", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=40BEF0E0-0387-4B9C-8B6A-34CAF808B230", "Fischer Urges Democrats to Bring Defense Legislation to Senate Floor", "2024-08-02", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cOur defense is not something we can deal with in five years, in 10 years. It\u2019s something that we must address now.\u201d\n\nDuring a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to prioritize our national defense by bringing the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) up for a vote.\n\nLast month, the Armed Services Committee voted to approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 NDAA, which included several key provisions from Senator Fischer\u2019s Restoring American Deterrence Act. Schumer has not yet brought the legislation to the floor for a vote of the full Senate.\n\nIn her remarks, Fischer emphasized that our national defense is a bipartisan problem to address and a bipartisan duty to secure. Fischer urged Schumer to recognize the importance of the NDAA by bringing it up for a vote as soon as possible.\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks.\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-ricketts-announces-federal-issues-forum-at-state-fair-on-nebraska-tv/", "ICYMI:\u00a0Ricketts\u00a0Announces Federal Issues Forum at State Fair on Nebraska TV", "2024-08-02", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "August 2, 2024\n\nGRAND ISLAND, NE \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced he will be hosting his first-ever \u201cFederal Issues Forum\u201d at the Nebraska State Fair on August 26, 2024 from 10AM-1PM CT. The event will include three panel discussions on Nebraska\u2019s agriculture industry.\n\n\u201cServing Nebraskans will always be my first priority and it\u2019s important that we do everything we can to protect our number one industry in the state which is agriculture,\u201d Ricketts said in an interview with Nebraska TV\u2019s Steve White. \u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019re doing this Federal Issues Forum at the Nebraska State Fair. I want to make sure that Washington knows what challenges agriculture is facing in states like Nebraska.\u201d\n\nWatch Ricketts\u2019 interview with Nebraska TV HERE.\n\nThe panels will be open to the public and include a moderated question and answer portion. Panels include:\n\n\u201cEnvironmental Overregulation: A Conversation on Government Overreach, Electric Vehicles & More\u201d hosted By Senator Pete Ricketts. Panelists will be Senator Shelley Moore-Capito (R-WV), the Ranking Member of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, and Former EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.\n\n\u201cFood Security Is National Security: A Panel On The Importance Of Trade To The U.S.\u201d hosted by Congressman Adrian Smith. Panelists will include Former USTR Chief Agriculture Negotiator Gregg Doud and Former United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture Ambassador Kip Tom\n\n\u201cNavigating The Process: A Panel On Agribusiness And The Federal Government\u201d hosted by Senator Pete Ricketts. Panelists include President-Elect of the National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association Buck Wehrbein, Sustainable Beef\u2019s Rusty Kemp, and KAPPA Ethanol\u2019s Chuck Woodside.\n\n*** Media interested in attending must RSVP to Ian_Swanson@ricketts.senate.gov to receive detailed media guidance at a later date. ***", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=38F30FFA-78BA-4C5C-9F57-E3C21B150006", "Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Working Families\u2019 Access to Quality Child Care", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), led Senate colleagues in introducing legislation to increase working families\u2019 access to quality, affordable child care. The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act of 2024 strengthens child care services, increases the supply of child care providers, and improves the program to support families and providers in the pursuit of quality, affordable child care.\n\nIn addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\n\n\u201cNebraska families deserve safe, reliable, and affordable child care. Unfortunately, high-quality child care is not always easy to come by, especially for those in rural areas. Our commonsense legislation will provide America\u2019s working families with the options they need to prioritize their children,\u201d said Senator Fischer.\n\n\u201cImproving access to quality, affordable child care helps promote financial stability for families while benefiting small businesses and local economies. Child care alleviates stress on working parents because they know that their children are in a safe, structured environment where they can play and learn,\u201d said Senator Collins. \u201cThis bill will help increase the availability of reliable care for children, providing parents with a greater ability to work or attend classes to improve their own skills and education.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe CCDBG has worked as a bipartisan solution for decades, providing families with flexible child care options \u2013 including in rural areas. Our legislation will expand eligibility for CCDBG while keeping costs low for hardworking families. I\u2019m proud to back this pro-family, pro-worker proposal,\u201d said Senator Grassley.\n\n\u201cI am proud to support working families across North Carolina by co-sponsoring this bill that enhances parental choice, improves access to affordable care, and strengthens our child care infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cThe CCDBG reauthorization is commonsense legislation channeling federal child care assistance through a program with a proven track record of success and is a critical step forward in ensuring that every family has the quality child care they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cChild care is a critical need for working families. Increasing their access to quality, affordable child care will help families and workers across the country. This common sense bill will strengthen child care services and bring more providers to rural areas in Nebraska,\u201d said Senator Ricketts.\n\n\u201cHoosier and American families rely on affordable, quality, accessible child care and preschool options. Our bill would empower parents to decide what child care and preschool providers best suit the needs of their families and strengthens child care capacity,\u201d said Senator Young.\n\nThe bill has been endorsed by the First Five Years Fund, Save the Children, First Five Nebraska, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Early Care and Education Consortium, and Buffett Early Childhood Institute.\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senator Fischer for her leadership in modernizing the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which will help our nation\u2019s primary child care program evolve to meet the needs of families today and for years to come. Congress has repeatedly demonstrated strong, bipartisan support for CCDBG, ensuring support for hundreds of thousands of children, but we still have significant work to do to ensure the program can reach all of the families who need it. The Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2024 provides a critical opportunity to make much-needed improvements to CCDBG, allowing it to help more families access and afford the child care they rely on. First Five Years Fund looks forward to working with child care champions in Congress in the weeks and months ahead to ensure more working families and their children have access to the quality child care they need to be successful,\u201d said First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling.\n\n\u201cHigh-quality child care is essential to ensuring every child has a strong start in life, and the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program is critical to making high-quality care affordable and accessible for millions of families. That's why Save the Children supports the efforts of Senators Fischer and Collins in the Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2024. It would strengthen CCDBG by raising reimbursement rates to providers to better match the true cost of care, increasing the supply of child care and quality of facilities, and supporting affordable child care in rural America,\u201d said Save the Children Managing Director Domestic Policy Roy Chrobocinski. \u201cNebraska puts a high degree of value on localized decision making, especially with respect to the services and supports available to working parents with young children. Those same principles are evident in the 2024 Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act. This legislation enables state lawmakers and residents to tailor a more flexible and efficient child care infrastructure so parents can choose the early childhood supports that make the most sense for their families. It also introduces important efficiencies to the regulatory environment in which child care programs operate, ensuring that providers are better positioned to deliver the services our families, communities and state need to thrive,\u201d said First Five Nebraska Deputy Director and Public Policy Manager Elizabeth Everett.\n\n\u201cAcross the state, Nebraska\u2019s employers are struggling to secure affordable child care for their employees and the communities they serve. Senator Fischer\u2019s CCBDG Reauthorization Act will help reduce regulatory burdens that hinder child care providers, ensure communities have the flexibility they need to make child care funds work for them, and ensure families, employers, and providers have a seat at the table as state plans are crafted. Nebraska\u2019s business community is grateful for Senator Fischer\u2019s leadership on such a key issue,\u201d said Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Vice President of Policy and Legislation Alex Reuss.\n\n\u201cThe Lincoln Chamber thanks Senator Fischer for her leadership to modernize and reauthorize the Child Care Block Development Grant. Limited access to child care has contributed to Nebraska\u2019s workforce challenges. The CCBDG will help Lincoln business recruit and retain workforce by providing working families access to quality child care and support early childhood professionals,\u201dsaid Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Jason Ball.\n\n\u201cCCDBG is a vital program that helps ensure low-income families have access to high-quality child care. CCDBG reauthorization is long overdue to modernize and make much-needed updates to the program. This bill will help increase access for more low-income families by providing states with greater flexibility, help ensure more providers will be reimbursed for the true cost of providing care, and help address widespread supply shortages. We applaud Sens. Fischer and Collins for their commitment to young children,\u201d said Early Care and Education Consortium Executive Director Radha Mohan.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe CCDBG Reauthorization Act of 2024 builds on the historically bipartisan CCDBG program which has assisted working families with their child care needs for over 30 years.\n\nSpecifically, the reauthorization:\n\nEnsures parental choice by supporting working parents as they choose the child care services that best suit their family\u2019s needs.\n\nStrengthens child care services by moving states to a statistically valid and reliable cost estimation model for setting provider rates.\n\nProvides funding to states to expand the supply and capacity of child care providers, as well as to ensure that child care facilities are designed and equipped to keep children healthy and safe.\n\nAssists in-home and rural child care providers by providing them with technical assistance, while also directing the Department of Agriculture to remove regulatory burdens that restrict the presence of home-based child care providers.\n\nBroadens community input in state child care plan development.\n\nReduces duplicative regulatory burdens on child care providers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=F8569134-ED87-4F61-9A23-13817964721B", "Nebraska Delegation Echoes Governor\u2019s Request for Major Disaster Declaration for Areas Affected by Late Spring Storms", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) sent a letter to President Joe Biden in support of Governor Jim Pillen\u2019s (R-Neb.) request for a major disaster declaration for areas impacted by severe storms from May 20 to June 3, 2024.During that time period, severe tornadoes, thunderstorms, high winds, and flooding caused extensive damage across the state. Overall, the storms inflicted over $11.5 million in damage to public infrastructure in impacted counties.Specifically, Governor Pillen\u2019s request follows storms that affectedBurt, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Hamilton, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Keith, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Saunders and Washington counties.\n\nA copy of the delegation\u2019s letter to President Biden is below and a signed copy isavailable here.\n\nPresident Joe Biden\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write in support of Governor Jim Pillen\u2019s request for a major disaster declaration, which followed the storms occurring between May 20 \u2013 June 3, 2024, for the Nebraska counties of Burt, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Hamilton, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Keith, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Saunders and Washington.\n\nSevere storms caused extensive damage across the state due to the combination of tornadoes, thunderstorms, high winds, and flooding. Overall, the storms inflicted over $11.5 million in damages to public infrastructure in impacted counties.\n\nOnce again, the people of Nebraska must face the difficult process of recovering from damaging thunderstorms and tornadoes. As they have time and time again, Nebraskans will demonstrate their resilience in the face of disaster. We encourage the federal government to join with the state in these restoration efforts.\n\nWe stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.\n\nPermalink: https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/8/nebraska-delegation-echoes-governor-s-request-for-major-disaster-declaration-for-areas-affected-by-late-spring-storms", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-applauds-passage-of-water-resources-bill-with-major-conservative-nebraska-wins/", "Ricketts Applauds Passage of Water Resources Bill with Major Conservative & Nebraska Wins", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "August 1, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, released the following statement on Senate passage of the bipartisan Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024.\n\n\u201cThis bill has so many wins for the state of Nebraska,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cI appreciate that this bill outlines priorities for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that will improve customer service, help our state build more resiliently, reduce flood risks, and promote economic growth.\u201d\n\nThe WRDA 2024 grants the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) authorization to proceed with projects and studies aimed at addressing water resource challenges in communities nationwide, including several in Nebraska.\n\nFull text of legislation can be found here.\n\nRicketts\u2019 WRDA Wins for Nebraska\n\nDemand Better Customer Service:\n\nSec. 106 would require the USACE to update the Permit Finder Dashboard within 30 days of the end of the fiscal year and reflect the current processing timelines. This would ensure users are being given the most updated estimates for processing timelines.\n\nSec. 233(c) would direct the Government Accountability Office to review and issue a report on trends, public resources, and opportunities to expedite the review of applications for permits under the Section 408 program, including the use of categorical permissions.\n\nImprove Ice Jam Management\n\nSec. 221 would require USACE to submit a report to Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works the on ice jam prevention and mitigation, as well as plans for engagement with state and local stakeholders regarding impacts to critical infrastructure.\n\nSec. 313 increases funding levels for the existing removal of obstructions fund and includes ice jams as a covered obstruction.\n\nRequire More Transparency", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-capito-expose-epas-reckless-spending-on-radical-groups/", "Ricketts, Capito Expose EPA\u2019s Reckless Spending on Radical Groups", "2024-08-01", "2024", "2024-08", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a press conference to discuss the alarming trend of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funneling funds to extremist organizations through the Democrats\u2019 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).\n\nRicketts expressed concerns about the EPA\u2019s funding of radical groups, including the Climate Justice Alliance and NDN Collective, which hold anti-American positions such as abolishing military, police, and border security. He emphasized that Americans don\u2019t want their hard-earned tax dollars used to support organizations with such radical views.\n\n\u201cWhen you\u2019re giving money to organizations, like the Climate Justice Alliance, and they are funding the March on Washington, and they are waving the free Palestinian flags and so forth, we\u2019re paying them to lobby our government,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cI got to tell you. Everyday Nebraskans don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea \u2013 that our tax dollars should go to radical organizations to lobby our own government.\u201d\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s not how they want their money spent. They want their money spent here in Washington, D.C. wisely,\u201d Ricketts continued. \u201cAnd when you see the frustration that people have for Washington DC, this is a prime example of why they have that frustration.\u201d\n\nThe funding continues to flow from the Inflation Reduction Act\u2019s $3 billion in Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant program.\n\nTRANSCRIPT\n\nSenator Pete Ricketts: \u201cWell, thank you Senator Capito, for highlighting this and showing some transparency and some sunlight on what\u2019s going on here with regard to these grants through the Inflation Reduction Act.\n\n\u201cBut as you all more aptly named it, the Investment In Radical Activists Act, because that\u2019s exactly what we\u2019re doing here. When you\u2019re giving money to organizations, like the Climate Justice Alliance, and they are funding the March on Washington, and they are waving the free Palestinian flags and so forth, we\u2019re paying them to lobby our government.\n\n\u201cI got to tell you. Everyday Nebraskans don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea \u2013 that our tax dollars should go to radical organizations to lobby our own government.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s just crazy. And you\u2019re talking about the NDN Collective and the things they want to do like abolishing the military, abolishing the police, abolishing Customs and Border Protection, abolishing Immigration Customs Enforcement.\n\n\u201cAgain, everyday Americans think those organizations are important organizations. And we want to keep them to keep us safe. They are way out of step with what every day Americans want to see. This is really, really radical stuff that they\u2019re promoting.\n\n\u201cAnd then we have organizations like the, Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs who are spreading climate alarmism and again, funding left wing groups.\n\n\u201cThis is not what our tax dollars are supposed to go for, and to your point about the EPA, because all this money is going through the EPA, I was just talking to a company yesterday who said, \u2018hey, we need more help with getting permits done. We can\u2019t get permits fast enough, frankly, for some of these environmental projects, even.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd it\u2019s because the money is going to fund these radical organizations. And nobody\u2019s paying attention to how many people they\u2019ve got working in their different regions to be able to help get these permits processed.\n\n\u201cSo on the one hand, the EPA has got legitimate business they\u2019re not getting done. On the other hand, they\u2019re funding these radical environmentalists and other sorts of organizations. And again, just gets back to everyday Americans. That\u2019s not how they want their money spent. They want their money spent here in Washington, D.C. wisely.\u201d\n\n\u201cAnd when you see the frustration that people have for Washington DC, this is a prime example of why they have that frustration.\n\n\u201cSo I want to again thank Senator Capito for highlighting this, for shining some sunshine on this, so that we can get some changes made.\n\n\u201cWe are now sitting at $35 trillion in debt. We have got to get our spending under control and spending on this kind of radical activism is not the way we should be spending our tax dollars.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:41:32Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=522985BF-6C29-4544-9BB8-9B52ABD6569D", "ICYMI: Fischer Calls for Urgency on Modernizing America\u2019s Nuclear Deterrent", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cIf we invest now in our future safety, the United States can face the threats of Russia, China, and North Korea with confidence. If we do not, the United States will stumble, unprepared and unguarded, into an uncertain future.\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered a keynote address on America\u2019s nuclear posture at The Heritage Foundation.\n\nIn her remarks, Senator Fischer underscored the urgency of modernizing our nuclear deterrent in light of threats posed by China and Russia. Senator Fischer highlighted provisions included in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act from her bipartisan Restoring American Deterrence Act, which would overhaul America\u2019s nuclear preparedness.\n\nClick the image above to watch video of Senator Fischer\u2019s remarks\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=CEEB15C6-9AE7-4BF2-A94E-C0D5C572CAC9", "Fischer Presses Defense Experts on Nuclear Workforce Challenges", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 At a hearing yesterday, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, pressed defense experts on nuclear modernization and workforce challenges.\n\nSenator Fischer questioned Commission on the National Defense Strategy (NDS) Chair Jane M. Harman and Vice Chair Eric S. Edelman on the Commission\u2019s 2024 report, which evaluated the Biden administration\u2019s 2022 National Defense Strategy. The report found that the federal government has not integrated national security priorities across departments, fully informed the American people about the threats we face or made sufficient progress in reforming acquisition and research practices.\n\nDuring the hearing, Senator Fischer referenced her provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would require the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy promoting a skilled manufacturing and vocational trade workforce. The provision was introduced as part of Senator Fischer\u2019s bipartisan Restoring American Deterrence Act, a bill to overhaul America\u2019s nuclear preparedness.\n\nClick the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer\u2019s questions.\n\nClick here to download audio\n\nClick here to download video", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-celebrates-senate-passage-of-historic-online-child-safety-legislation/", "Ricketts\u00a0Celebrates Senate Passage of Historic Online Child Safety Legislation", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "July 31, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) celebrated Senate passage of historic online child safety legislation. The Kids Online Safety Act and Children and Teens\u2019 Online Privacy Protection Act passed together in a bipartisan vote of 91-3. Ricketts made the comments while on a conference call with Nebraska media.\n\n\u201cSocial media has also created dangers to our young people. Predators target kids online. Videos promote self-harm and eating disorders. Content fosters body image issues. Bullies destroy the mental health of our kids,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cThis week, the Senate took an important step to fix that. We passed two bills that better protect children and teenagers online. They also give parents new tools, safeguards, and needed transparency. When it comes to kids, safety should be the default.\u201d\n\n\u201cCompanies in every other industry must take steps to prevent users from being hurt. Social media companies should do the same,\u201d Ricketts continued. \u201cSocial media companies should do the same. Our bill makes that a reality.\u201d\n\nWatch the video HERE.\n\nTRANSCRIPT:\n\nSenator Ricketts: \u201cOver the past 20 years, social media platforms have connected people and communities.\n\n\u201cThat connectivity is often positive. Yet, we can\u2019t ignore the dangers.\n\n\u201cIn recent court filings, the Justice Department claims China has used TikTok to try to undermine American values, push their communist agenda, and spy on Americans.\n\n\u201cWe took action to ban China\u2019s ownership of TikTok earlier this year.\n\n\u201cI also banned it entirely on state devices when I was Governor.\n\n\u201cSocial media has also created dangers to our young people. Predators target kids online. Videos promote self-harm and eating disorders. Content fosters body image issues. Bullies destroy the mental health of our kids.\n\n\u201cThis week, the Senate took an important step to fix that.\n\n\u201cWe passed two bills that better protect children and teenagers online. They also give parents new tools, safeguards, and needed transparency.\n\n\u201cWhen it comes to kids, safety should be the default.\n\n\u201cI co-led the Kids Online Safety Act with Senators Blackburn and Blumenthal. The bill requires social media platforms to put the well-being of children first.\n\n\u201cIt requires platforms to provide minors with options to protect their information.\n\n\u201cIt gives an option to disable addictive product features and an opt-out of personalized algorithmic recommendations.\n\n\u201cIt also creates a duty for online platforms to prevent and mitigate specific dangers to minors.\n\n\u201cThis includes content that promotes suicide, eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and illegal products like alcohol.\n\n\u201cCompanies in every other industry must take steps to prevent users from being hurt. Social media companies should do the same. Our bill makes that a reality.\n\n\u201cWe also passed an updated version of the Children and Teens\u2019 Online Privacy Protection Act.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s called COPPA 2.0 from Senator Cassidy. The current online privacy laws for children hadn\u2019t been updated in twenty-five years.\n\n\u201cThis update was long overdue. It expands the age protections to include teenagers under the age of seventeen.\n\n\u201cIt bans targeted advertising toward minors. It limits data collection and strengthen parental controls.\n\n\u201cI encourage the House to pass both these bills and send them to the president\u2019s desk.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-welcomes-trumps-support-for-cutting-taxes-on-social-security-benefits/", "Ricketts Welcomes Trump\u2019s Support for Cutting Taxes on Social Security Benefits", "2024-07-31", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "July 31, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), who last year introduced legislation to end federal taxes on Social Security benefits, issued the following statement after former President Donald Trump called for the elimination of these taxes:\n\n\u201cI couldn\u2019t agree more with President Trump that our seniors shouldn\u2019t be taxed on Social Security. That\u2019s why I introduced the Social Security Check Tax Cut Act to end federal taxes on Social Security. We did it in Nebraska when I was Governor. Washington should do the same!\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nRicketts\u2019 Social Security Check Tax Cut Act begins a total phase out of federal taxes on Social Security benefits. The bill was modeled after a successful effort to eliminate state taxes on Social Security benefits initiated when Ricketts was Governor of Nebraska.\n\nAs Governor in 2022, Ricketts signed LB873 into law to phase in the elimination of state taxes on Social Security benefits over a period of years. The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act would similarly phase out federal taxes on Social Security benefits, beginning with a 10% cut in year one and increasing to 20% in year two. Congress can continue phasing out the tax by 10% a year and make all Social Security income tax free by 2033.\n\nFrom its creation in 1935, Social Security has been the backbone of most Americans\u2019 retirement plans. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly nine out of ten people aged 65 and older received a Social Security benefit as of June 30 of this year. From 1935 until 1983, Social Security benefits were untaxed, recognizing that workers already paid into Social Security via the payroll tax each pay period. In 1983, 50% of Social Security benefits became taxable. In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed a bill into law making 85% of benefits taxable.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=6D0E0CAF-A7E2-4159-99CC-40F70775B234", "Fischer Advances Over $46 Million for Critical Nebraska Transportation Priorities in Funding Bill\u2019s First Key Step", "2024-07-29", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured over $46 million for critical Nebraska transportation priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.\n\nThe bill, which must still be voted upon by the Senate and House, was advanced Thursday by the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u201cOur state's communities need modern infrastructure to thrive. This year's bill includes millions in crucial updates for roads and runways, as well as public health and safety infrastructure. I remain committed to building a better Nebraska for the next generation, and I look forward to this bill's final passage,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\nThe Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) legislation works to maintain our roads and bridges. It also includes provisions appropriated for fire safety equipment in communities like Plattsmouth, South Sioux City, Friend, and Clatonia.\n\nFunding secured by Senator Fischer for Nebraska projects is listed below:\n\nTransportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:\n\nNebraska Department of Transportation\n\nProject Name: Chadron North on Highway 385/Rural Improvement\n\nProject Description: The improvements on this project consist of resurfacing the roadway with asphalt, roadway widening, replacing guardrails, intersection reconstruction, and bridge repairs.\n\nProject Location: Chadron, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $5,000,000\n\nProject Name: Fairbury on Highway 136/Urban Improvement\n\nProject Description: The improvements on this project consist of pavement reconstruction, joint and crack sealing, concrete repairs, culvert work, lighting upgrades, sidewalk construction, and sanitary/storm sewer upgrades.\n\nProject Location: Fairbury, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $4,000,000\n\nProject Name: Red Cloud on Highway 281/Urban Improvement\n\nProject Description: The improvements on this project consist of removing and replacing pavement. New pedestrian facilities will be constructed. Roadway lighting will also be updated with this project.\n\nProject Location: Webster, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $4,000,000\n\nCity of Stromsburg\n\nProject Name: 9th Street Reconstruction\n\nAppropriated Amount: $2,000,000\n\nBlair Airport Authority\n\nProject Name: Blair Executive Airport Runway Improvements\n\nProject Location: Washington County, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $5,000,000\n\nNebraska City\n\nProject Name: Nebraska City Municipal Airport Improvements\n\nAppropriated Amount: $3,000,000\n\nCity of Alliance\n\nProject Name: Alliance Municipal Airport Electrical Improvements\n\nAppropriated Amount: $5,000,000\n\nGarfield County\n\nProject Name: Cedar River Road Asphalt Project\n\nAppropriated Amount: $3,000,000\n\nCity of Plattsmouth\n\nProject Name: Plattsmouth Aerial Fire Truck\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,800,000\n\nSouth Sioux City\n\nProject Name: Aerial Fire Truck and Fire Equipment\n\nAppropriated Amount: $2,500,000\n\nCity of Columbus\n\nProject Name: Columbus Municipal Airfield Lighting\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,000,000\n\nVillage of Exeter\n\nProject Name: Nebraska Paving Project\n\nAppropriated Amount: $700,000\n\nCheyenne County\n\nProject Name: Cheyenne County CR 17A Shoulders Project (A Critical Rural Freight Corridor)\n\nAppropriated Amount: $900,000\n\nCity of Hastings\n\nProject Name: Hastings Municipal Airport Electrical Improvements\n\nAppropriated Amount: $4,000,000\n\nVillage of Clatonia\n\nProject Name: Clatonia Fire Hall\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,310,000\n\nCity of Friend\n\nProject Name: Friend Volunteer Fire and Rescue Dept\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,310,000\n\nCity of Fremont\n\nProject Name: Fremont Municipal Airport Parallel Taxiway", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=C3BD2340-FDA6-40BA-8F06-F9FADC4EE0F2", "Fischer Advances Over $13 Million for Nebraska Water Infrastructure Projects", "2024-07-29", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", "fischer", "https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured over $13 million for critical Nebraska water infrastructure priorities in the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.\n\nThe bill, which must still be voted upon by the Senate and House, was advanced Thursday by the Senate Appropriations Committee.\n\n\u201cWater infrastructure is absolutely essential to modern life. This funding will help update aging water infrastructure in Nebraska's communities and improve their water treatment capabilities. I will continue to support this bill through to final passage to bring this critical funding home to Nebraska,\u201dsaid Senator Fischer.\n\nAdditional details on the provisions secured by Senator Fischer are listed below:\n\nInterior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:\n\nNebraska Bill Highlights\n\nSantee Sioux Nation\n\nProject Name: Santee Sioux Nation Water System Capacity and Infrastructure Improvements\n\nProject Description: The improvements would address the tribe\u2019s concerns about the quality of their drinking water.\n\nProject Location: Santee, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $8,250,000\n\nMiddle Niobrara NRD\n\nProject Name: Long Pine Creek Watershed (LPCW) Watershed & Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Plan-EA Project Design and Implementation\n\nProject Location: Valentine, NE\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,400,000\n\nCity of McCook\n\nProject Name: McCook WTP Media Replacement and Vessel Repair\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,000,000\n\nVillage of Valparaiso\n\nProject Name: Valparaiso Sewer Rehabilitation\n\nProject Description: This project would decrease wastewater flowing through the sewer lines.\n\nAppropriated Amount: $225,000\n\nCity of Genoa\n\nProject Name: New Well & Transmission Line\n\nAppropriated Amount: $350,000\n\nVillage of Ong\n\nProject Name: Lagoon System Replacement\n\nAppropriated Amount: $100,000\n\nVillage of Oakdale\n\nProject Name: Oakdale Well and water system improvements\n\nAppropriated Amount: $150,000\n\nVillage of Greeley\n\nProject Name: Greeley Wastewater Improvements\n\nProject Description: The improvements consist of constructing a retention lagoon, lift station, and sanitary sewer extensions.\n\nAppropriated Amount: $1,300,000\n\nVillage of Shelby\n\nProject Name: Shelby Lagoon Improvements\n\nProject Description: The improvements consist of constructing an additional lagoon cell and repairing existing lagoons.\n\nAppropriated Amount: $600,000\n\nVillage of Farwell\n\nProject Name: Farwell Municipal Water System Improvements\n\nProject Description: The improvements consist of constructing a sanitary water storage facility and replacing an aging well.\n\nAppropriated Amount: $508,000\n\nAdditional Measures:\n\nSenator Fischer also secured language in the FY25 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to:\n\n\u2022 Direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide additional economic analysis of the impact of their wastewater rule for meat and poultry processors.\n\n\u2022 Limit the EPA\u2019s authority to require reporting of greenhouse gases from livestock emissions.\n\n\u2022 Increase funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs\u2019 criminal investigations and police services account.\n\n\u2022 Increase funding for the Bureau of Indian Education Construction Account.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photo-ricketts-named-hero-of-main-street-by-national-retail-federation/", "PHOTO: Ricketts Named \u2018Hero of Main Street\u2019 By National Retail Federation", "2024-07-29", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "July 29, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced hewas named a 2024 \u201cHero of Main Street\u201d by the National Retail Federation (NRF) for his work advancing public policy that encourages a vibrant and healthy retail sector. The award recognized a bipartisan group of lawmakers for their support of the retail industry through legislative action and leadership.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to be recognized as a Hero of Main Street,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cSmall businesses are critical to the economic vitality of communities across Nebraska. I\u2019m committed to pro-growth policies that will enable Nebraska retailers and their teammates to thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe retail industry directly impacts every congressional district in the United States, providing goods, services and American jobs,\u201d NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French said. \u201cNRF is honored to recognize Senator Ricketts as a \u2018Hero of Main Street\u2019 for his continued support of the retail industry through legislative action and leadership.\u201d\n\nRetail is the nation\u2019s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs \u2014 55 million working Americans. In Nebraska, retail supports more than 342,000 jobs with a $30.1 Billion impact on GDP. The overwhelming majority of retailers are small businesses. More than 98% of all retail companies employ fewer than 50 people.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"], ["https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ricketts-congratulates-nebraska-athletes-competing-on-team-usa-at-the-2024-olympics/", "Ricketts Congratulates Nebraska Athletes Competing\u202fon Team USA at\u202fthe 2024 Olympics", "2024-07-26", "2024", "2024-07", "Republican", "Senate", "NE", "Pete Ricketts", "R000618", "www.ricketts.senate.gov", "ricketts", "https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list&pagenum=", "scraper", "July 26, 2024\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) extended his congratulations to the four Nebraska athletes competing on Team U.S.A. in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The athletes include Jordan Larson of Hooper, Dylan Travis of Omaha, Duncan McGuire of Omaha, and Maggie Malone-Hardin of Geneva. The Summer Olympics kick off with the Opening Ceremony tonight July 26 and will end on August 11.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to all the Nebraskans representing Team U.S.A. at the Olympics,\u201d Ricketts said. \u201cIt takes a tremendous amount of grit, commitment, and sacrifice to compete at the Olympic level. I encourage all Nebraskans to cheer on Jordan, Dylan, Duncan and Maggie. We\u2019ll be praying for your safe return \u2013 hopefully with medals around your necks!\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nJordan Larson is competing in volleyball. A Hooper native, she set various records at Logan View High School and was named the Gatorade High School Player of the Year. During her college years, she led the Huskers to a top five finish each season she competed, earning herself All-American honors. She was awarded the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2008, becoming the first athlete to hold both accomplishments in the same season. Jordan led the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she was additionally awarded Most Valuable Player. She is now a full-time assistant coach for Husker volleyball. This is Jordan\u2019s fourth Olympic competition.\n\nDylan Travis is competing in 3\u00d73 basketball. He graduated from Omaha Gross High School and continued competing at several colleges, eventually leading his team at Florida Southern College to a national championship during his junior season. He has since played for various teams internationally, winning gold medals at the 2023 Pan American Games 3\u00d73 as well as the 2022 FIBA 3\u00d73 AmeriCup. Dylan now teaches special education and coaches boys\u2019 basketball at Westside High School in Omaha.\n\nDuncan McGuire is competing in soccer. He attended Creighton Prep and was selected for the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska High School First Team in both 2018 and 2019. He played for Elkhorn Soccer Club as well. Duncan\u2019s soccer career amplified during his time at Creighton University, where he scored 23 goals in his 2022 season, the most in the nation and the new Creighton single season record. This performance earned him the Big East Offensive Player of the Year honor as well as the Hermann Trophy in 2022. Duncan now plays for the Orlando City Major League Soccer team.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 286, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "NE", "p2": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 286, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2024&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 286, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NE&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "NE", "label": "NE", "count": 286, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 286, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-07-26,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ericketts~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fricketts-congratulates-nebraska-athletes-competing-on-team-usa-at-the-2024-olympics~2F", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=NE&year=2024&_next=2024-07-26%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ericketts~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fricketts-congratulates-nebraska-athletes-competing-on-team-usa-at-the-2024-olympics~2F&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 150.89395409449935, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}